cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequences associated with the mouse Sμ switch region are important for immunoglobulin heavy chain transgene expression in B cell development

Analyses of H-chain transgenes have indicated that sequences situated between the μ intronic enhancer and the Cμ exons are important for μ gene expression. We have analyzed several variant μ transgenes and find that a sequence element located within or just upstream of Sμ is important for μ transgene expression in both immature and mature B cells. This Sμ -associated element appears to be required for functional μ expression in small, resting pre-B cells but not in proliferating pre-B cells. Our results also indicate that this element is responsible for previously reported differential transgene expression in resting and activated/proliferating mature B cells. However, our studies of knockout mice show that deletion of the Sμ -associated element from the endogenous IgH locus does not alter early B cell maturation. This indicates that other elements within the H-chain locus can replace the function of the Sμ -associated element at least to the mature B cell stage. Surprisingly, we also find that Sμ deletion in the IgH locus does not affect levels of the sterile germ-line μ transcripts that are involved in B cell class switching, even though S-region sequences have been indicated to be important for the production of analogous germ-line transcripts for other isotypes.
High-Volume Electrical Submersible Pumping In The Sulphate-Scaling Environment Of The Piper Field

Electric submersible pumping is currently one of only 3 artificial-lift methods practicable in the North Sea production environment. The pump installations from multi-well platforms involve operating deep-set units in highly deviated wells with high rates of oil and water production. The majority of the fields in the North Sea employ de-aerated seawater injection as a means of reservoir-pressure support. The resultant breakthrough of injection water in the producing well creates an environment for potential scale formation. This study presents the original design concepts and experience gained from the initial installation in Piper field well PO7. The use of a soft-start facility and the scale-inhibitor squeeze technique to extend pump life is discussed and conclusions drawn for future installations, which will total 12 units by 1986.
Liquid Nanodroplets on Thin Film Magnetic Recording Disks

As magnetic recording slider size and flying height evolve to smaller dimensions, previously insignificant levels of contamination begin to play a role in slider media tribology. This article describes a new type of contamination. Liquid nanodroplets on disks originate with electrostatic deposition of hygroscopic ultrafine particles, also referred to as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). On lubricated disks, the CCN equilibrate with atmospheric moisture and become partially overcoated with disk lubricant, which acts as a fluorocarbon surfactant. Dark-field microscopy measured deposition rates of 0.001 to 0.006 #/mm 2 /sec on initially clean disks exposed to ambient air in nonconductive cassettes. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy determined that the sites were deformable nanodroplets 70 to 300 nm in diameter and up to 150 nm high. From AFM profiles, the contact angle of the spherical capped nanodroplets with the disk was between 40 and 90 degrees. Nanodroplet contamination is characterized, and its effec...
The naked truth: Positive, arousing distractors impair rapid target perception

Emotional stimuli tend to capture and hold attention more than non-emotional stimuli do. Aversive pictures have been found to impair perception of visual targets even after the emotional informatio...
Dancing partners at the synapse: auxiliary subunits that shape kainate receptor function

Kainate receptors are a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors whose physiological roles differ from those of other subtypes of glutamate receptors in that they predominantly serve as modulators, rather than mediators, of synaptic transmission. Neuronal kainate receptors exhibit unusually slow kinetic properties that have been difficult to reconcile with the behaviour of recombinant kainate receptors. Recently, however, the neuropilin and tolloid-like 1 (NETO1) and NETO2 proteins were identified as auxiliary kainate receptor subunits that shape both the biophysical properties and synaptic localization of these receptors.
Using Buzz Marketing to Promote Ideas, Services, and Products

ABSTRACT Objective To (1) discuss buzz marketing, contrast it with traditional forms of promotional communications, and provide guidelines for use and (2) describe a successful buzz-marketing program used by Sentara Healthcare to decrease overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotic medications. Data Sources An English-language-only literature search of ABI Inform, Lexus-Nexus, InfoTrac, and university library databases from 1980 to the present using the keywords buzz, word of mouth, opinion leader, and thought leader. Articles and books were cross referenced for other works of interest. Study Selection Performed by the author for their contribution to an exploratory analysis of this topic. Data Extraction Performed by the author. Data Synthesis Buzz marketing is an indirect communications method that has been used successfully in the promotion of a wide variety of products, services, and ideas. By identifying and cultivating nonmedia opinion leaders, the technique generates word-of-mouth communications between these early adopters of products and services and the early and late majority of people who tend to follow their lead. Opinion leaders can be categorized as ordinary or extraordinary, technical or social, and specialist or generalist, depending on the nature of their communications, expertise, and range of knowledge. Buzz marketing is most useful for ideas that are memorable, produce small changes in behavior that have big effects over time, and have the potential to reach a "tipping point" in terms of momentum among a target population. Pharmacists can use buzz marketing for promoting innovative services such as pharmaceutical care. A case study is presented on the use of buzz marketing by a health system for decreasing antibiotic resistance through lessening of public demand for antibiotics and support of physicians in prescribing the agents appropriately. Conclusion Buzz marketing is a potent force in the promotion of pharmaceuticals and can be used by pharmacists. It works best when patients perceive the benefits of innovations. Providing samples and demonstrations of the innovation will foster positive perceptions. Innovations also spread better when they are compatible with the needs, desires, and preferences of individuals and can be adapted to the unique situation of the adopter.
Treatment of parking lot stormwater using a StormTreat system.

The effectiveness of a StormTreat system in treating stormwater from a commercial parking lot in Connecticut was evaluated. Flow-weighted composite samples were collected from StormTreat inflow and outflow during a 2-yr study. Bypass flow was not monitored. The StormTreat significantly (P 0.05) affect the treatment of other monitored water quality variables. The StormTreat system reduced the concentrations of stormwater pollutants commonly found in parking lot runoff.
Translational research in sustainability and mechanics

Sustainability includes all aspects of the society, such as civil infrastructural systems, energy, environment, health, safety, life-cycle analyses, etc. New technologies like nano technology, simulation and smart materials play key roles in achieving sustainability. Nuclear energy is a viable source of clean energy. The historical perspective, R&D, challenges and barriers for sustainability are presented. Key elements include mechanics, life-cycle performance, smart materials, durability, nano and other new technologies. Many complex materials require multi-scale and/or multi-physics research to connect structure to properties and ultimately to function. The amalgamation of the discrete multiple length spectrum and its multiple physics principles creates a unprecedented area whose evolution can only be unveiled through the marriage of advancement of theoretical studies, use of computational methods, and experimental validation. Here we introduce a concurrent multiscale simulation method, aiming at a seamless transition from the atomistic to the continuum description of multi-element crystalline solids. We adopt a cluster-based summation rule for atomic force calculations in the FE formulations.
Mechanisms of displacement discrimination with and without perceived movement.

A nearby visual reference point improves displacement discrimination. This effect occurs regardless of the delay between successive displays. The delay can be varied from short delays (50 ms), where observers report perceived movement, to long delays (2,000 ms), where observers report no movement. The similarity of reference effects for such different delay conditions was investigated by testing the independence of reference and delay effects. The critical independence property is whether the spatial variables (displacement and separation from the visual reference) combine independently of the temporal variable (delay). This kind of independence did not hold for displacement discrimination at delays of 50 ms and 2,000 ms. A further experiment tested for the independence property at delays of 500 ms and 4,000 ms, where observers reported no perceived movement. For these longer delays, the property was satisfied. These results are discussed using the general concept of a psychophysical mechanism. Such a mechanism combines the effects of several stimulus variables into a single mediating representation. By this analysis, at least two mechanisms must mediate the reference effect on displacement discrimination, one for delays of 200 ms and less and another for delays of 500 ms and more. Language: en
Some notes on the relation of ground‐water levels to pond levels in limestone sinks of southwestern Georgia

Records of water levels in limesink ponds in southwestern Georgia and of water-table levels in the vicinity of these ponds are used to demonstrate: (1) some ponds with highly impermeable beds are virtually unaffected by water-table levels, except when water-table levels are above the rim of the impervious materials; (2) interchange of water between pond and water table occurs when beds are relatively permeable. Three phases in the relation between pond level and water-table level are recognized: (1) water-table level higher than pond level causing ground-water flow into the pond; (2) ground-water level below pond level but in direct contact with it and measurably controlling rate of seepage from the pond; (3) ground-water level below pond level but not in direct contact with it and not appreciably controlling rate of seepage from the pond. In phase (3) the water table has a perceptible mound at a point underneath the pond.
Random distribution of centromere regions at mitosis in cultured cells of Muntiacus muntjak.

The manner in which centromere regions of mitotic chromosomes are distributed with respect to the age of their DNA was studied. Cells of the Indian deer, Muntiacus muntjak, were grown in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for two generations and stained with the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258. Chromatids containing “granddaughter DNA” appear dim when compared with those containing “grandparental DNA”. The frequencies of the various anaphase patterns of bright and dim centromere regions were binomially distributed, indicating random distribution of chromatids with respect to the age of their DNA templates.
Ultrasonic Integrated Backscatter Two-dimensional Imaging: Evaluation of M-Mode Guided Acquisition and Immediate Analysis in 5S Consecutive Patients

We have shown previously that cardiac cycle-dependent integrated backscatter characterizes the physical state of myocardium in patients with ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy. In the present study the clinical applicability of M-mode guided two-dimensional integrated backscatter imaging was defined in evaluation of 55 nonselected patients. The mean amplitude of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter in normal segments (long-axis view) was as follows: basal septum, 4.2 ± 1.3 dB (mean ± SD; n = 27), mid-septum, 4.5 ± 1.0 dB ( n = 26), basal posterior, 4.8 ± 1.0 dB ( n = 30), and mid-posterior, 4.8 ± 1.2 decibels ( n = 27). The respective mean delay values (R wave to nadir) were as follows: 0.89 ± 0.09, 0.84 ± 0.09, 0.86 ± 0.09, and 0.85 ± 0.12. At least one cardiac cycle could be analyzed fully in 62% of patients. Limitations included technically difficult two-dimensional echocardiography, inadequate M-line orientation, technically remediable errors, or poor quality integrated backscatter images. In abnormal segments ( n = 13) cyclic variation was reduced and delay was prolonged (1.2 ± 1.1 dB and 1.21 ± 1.1, respectively). Intraobserver and interobserver variability for amplitude measurements were modest, with respective correlation coefficients of r = 0.93; r = 0.72. The findings demonstrate that M-mode-assisted integrated backscatter is a practical approach for characterization of regional myocardial properties promptly and at the bedside in a large portion of patients with cardiac disease.
Comparative Analysis of Two Nramp Loci from Rainbow Trout

Innate resistance to intracellular parasites is controlled in part by Nramp1 (Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1) in mammals and birds. To isolate Nramp homologs from rainbow trout,...
Modulation of AV junctional rhythm by subthreshold stimulation: The role of posterior nodal extension

Dispersion of action potential duration (APD) produced by the nonuniform release of acetylcholine (ACh) during vagal stimulation (VS) has been proposed as a mechanism promoting the breakdown of atrial flutter into fibrillation. However, the spatial distribution of ACh in the atria remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to quantify the local heterogeneity introduced by vagal innervation in the atria. Methods: A plaque of 192 electrodes was sewn on to the epicardial surface of canine LA and RA. The RA appendage was paced and unipolar electrograms were recorded at 1 kHz. The procedure was repeated under conditions of only right and only left vagal branch stimulation (1.5ms, 15Hz, 1mA) to document the change in electrograms due to vagal innervation. To estimate APD dispersion from the electrograms, we compared them to electrograms computed from a morphologically realistic model of the canine atria that included a detailed ionic representation; islands of ACh release were introduced into the model to mimic vagal effects. The metrics to assess APD changes in experiment and simulation included the area under the Ta wave and electrogram duration. Results: VS resulted in a heterogeneous APD decrease (see fig.); the ipsilateral average decrease was similar for RA and LA ( 45 ms) but contralaterally, the RA was markedly more affected (45 vs. 30 ms). In experiments and simulations, the P wave at each site was unaffected by VS while repolarization was clearly altered. The simulation results demonstrated that Ta waves inside ACh islands were positive while negative ones were recorded outside; increases in island [ACh] increased the amplitude of Ta waves in and around the island. Conclusion: VS was found to result in large regional heterogeneity. Comparison between the simulations and experiments provides a method to estimate regional differences in APD as well as how APD and [ACh] are altered by nonuniform vagal innervation.
Endogenous growth and obsolescence

Abstract This paper presents a model of intentional industrial innovation that features the endogenous obsolescence of existing capital goods as a result of the introduction of new capital goods of higher quality. In contrast to existing models of endogenous obsolescence, the introduction of new capital goods in this model does not immediately result in the displacement of older capital goods. Instead, many old capital goods remain in use, albeit less intensively than the newer machines. In addition, since the rate at which new capital goods become obsolete depends on expectations of the rate at which new higher quality capital goods are expected to be introduced in the future, this creates the possibility of multiple equilibria, one with high growth rates, in which capital goods quickly become obsolete and another with low growth rates, in which capital goods are used for a long time.
Epicardial fat and its association with cardiovascular risk: a cross-sectional observational study.

Background: The association between visceral obesity and cardiovascular risk has been well described. Some studies show a proportional relationship between the presence of visceral obesity and epicardial fat. Measuring the amount of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can be a novel parameter that is inexpensive and easy to obtain and may be helpful in cardiovascular risk stratification. However, the relationship between epicardial fat and cardiac function and that between epicardial fat and cardiac risk factors is less well described. Objectives: To evaluate the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat and the morphologic and physiologic changes observed at echocardiography and to evaluate the association between epicardial fat and cardiac risk factors. A cross-sectional study of 97 echocardiographic studies (females, n = 42) was conducted. Two groups were identified: epicardial fat ≥ 5 mm (group I) and Results: Epicardial fat >5 mm was associated with LA enlargement, with lower ejection fraction, increased left ventricular mass, and abnormal diastolic function. On a multivariable regression analysis, all these parameters also correlated individually with EAT thickness independent of age. Hyperglycemia (DM), systolic hypertension, and lipid parameters for metabolic syndrome showed a trend for positive association, but this was not statistically significant. The association was not significant even for higher cutoff limits of EAT thickness. Conclusion: Epicardial fat >5 mm is associated with cardiac abnormalities on echocardiography. This is a sensitive assessment of body fat distribution, is easily available at echocardiography, and is simple to acquire at no added cost. Further studies looking at the appropriate cut-off thickness of EAT and the sites of measurement to be used are needed. Comparison of this simple and inexpensive measure with other measures of obesity, such as waist-hip ratio, body mass index, Dexa scan of visceral fat, and magnetic resonance imaging of visceral, are needed.
Metall-π-Komplexe des 2, 5-Diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiens

The preparation of 2.5-diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadienes and their reaction with iron carbonyls and π-cyclopentadienyl-dicarbonylcobalt yielding metal-π-silole complexes is described. Mass spectral data indicate the existence of an ‘aromatic’ silacyclopentadienyl species.
The analysis of 25-hydroxycholesterol in plasma and cholesterol-containing foods by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A method for the analysis of 25-hydroxycholesterol by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a wide range of materials is described. Lipid extracts were initially purified on octadecyl silicic acid cartridges and by reversed-phase HPLC before quantitation by HPLC on a silicic acid column. The reproducibility of the method was confirmed by the analysis of plasma from rats fed 25-hydroxycholesterol. 25-Hydroxycholesterol was not detected in lard, cream, fresh egg yolk or spray-dried egg yolk powder. It was detected in egg yolk powder after heating at 110°C for 4 days and its authenticity was confirmed by mass spectrometry.
The need for vigilance in the pathologic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes: a report of two illustrative cases.

: The advent of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer has had a considerable impact on clinical oncology. The SLN procedure has been widely adopted, but major clinical issues remain unresolved pending the outcome of randomized trials. Pathologic handling of SLNs is less controversial; however, significant pitfalls in their handling have been reported. Herein we report two additional uncommon situations that demonstrate the need for the utmost vigilance in both the macroscopic examination (i.e., trimming of “positive” nodal tissue) and microscopic examination (i.e., presence of nevus cell aggregates mimicking metastatic carcinoma) of SLN specimens.
Stereocontrolled Formation of β-Glucosides and Related Linkages in the Absence of Neighboring Group Participation: Influence of a trans-Fused 2,3-O-Carbonate Group

[reaction: see text] Phenyl 4,6-di-O-benzyl-2,3-O-carbonyl-beta-D-glucothiopyranoside and the regiosiomeric phenyl 2,6-di-O-benzyl-3,4-O-carbonyl-beta-D-glucothiopyranoside were prepared and studied as glucosyl donors at -60 degrees C in dichloromethane with preactivation by 1-benzenesulfinyl piperidine before addition of the acceptor alcohol. The 2,3-O-carbonate protected donor showed moderate to excellent beta-selectivity under these conditions depending on the acceptor employed, thereby providing a means for 1,2-trans-equatorial glycosidic bonds without recourse to neighboring group participation and its associated problem of ortho ester formation. In contrast, the 3,4-O-carbonate protected donor showed moderate to no beta-selectivity under the conditions employed. The results obtained in this study with carbonate protected glucopyranosyl donors are contrasted with those obtained previously in the manno- and rhamnopyranosyl series when the 2,3-O-carbonate protected is alpha-selective and the 3,4-O-carbonate is beta-selective.
Metabolism studies in the albino rat. The effect of hypophysectomy on the percentage of body weight present as muscle.

JACKSON AND LOWREY (i) have determined the percentage of the net weight, (gross weight minus the weight of the stomach, intestines and bladder) com' prising skeletal muscle in the albino rat. In males over 70 days of age this value was found to be above 42%. Phillips and Robb (2) found lower glycogen values in skeletal muscle in hypo' physectomized rats than in their litter'mate controls. This finding would lose much significance if, after hypophysectomy, the percentage of the body weight present as skeletal muscle was increased. Because of the diminished activity following hypo' physectomy (3) this seemed quite unlikely. However, the point was important enough to warrant direct study. METHODS Male, Wistar'Strain rats were used throughout. They were killed by massive injections of Na amytal intraperitoneally. After removal of skin, viscera, subcutane ous fat and lymph nodes, the carcass was weighed, dropped into 1% NaOH and heated, just below boiling, for about 5 minutes.
A Corollary to Bernstein’s Theorem and Whittaker Functionals on the Metaplectic Group

This is a preprint of an article first published in Mathematical Research Letters, 5 (1998), pp.781-790, published by International Press.
Negative and Doubly Charged Positive Ions in Argon

IN letters to NATURE (June 16, 1923, and July 26, 1924), and elsewhere (Proc. Roy. Soc. A, vols. 102, 104, 105), Dr. H. D. Smyth has described investigations he has made of the ionisation of several diatomic gases. By using positive ray analysis he was able to correlate different ionisation potentials with the production of ions of different ratio of mass to charge. I have now used the same apparatus to study the ionisation of argon, chiefly to explain, if possible, the “blue” spectrum of this element.
Determination of plume capture by the building wake

Flow and dispersion about a cubical building were computed using a fourth-order accurate finite elements scheme. The time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations were closed with the standard k−ϵ turbulence model as well as with a k−ϵ turbulence model modified to allow production of turbulent kinetic energy to depend on the product of the strain rate and vorticity. The computed flow agreed with the wind tunnel measurements. Releases from a stack located at various positions within the recirculation zone behind the building were simulated. The effect of stack velocity on the concentration in the recirculation cavity was quantified by comparing the mass of pollutant in the recirculation cavity at very low stack exit velocities with the mass of pollutant in the recirculation cavity for higher stack exit velocities. The mass of pollutant in the recirculation zone decreased considerably at the higher stack velocities. The results of this work can be used to help develop and improve the modeling of pollutant transport in recirculation zones and wakes.
Episodic growth in infancy: A preliminary report on length, head circumference, and behavior

Contrary to the traditional portrait of physical growth as a gradual, continuous process, infants seem to grow in episodic spurts. Their behavior tends to develop in a similar discontinuous manner, with biobehavioral shifts occurring at 2 and 8 months of age.
Interferon-γ down-regulates membrane adenylate cyclase activity of a murine macrophage-like cell line (P388D1)

Abstract Effects of recombinant murine interferon-γ (rIFN-γ) on the membrane adenylate cyclase of a murine macrophage cell line (P388D 1 ) were investigated in order to explore the nature of a signal transmitted by IFN-γ receptor. Following the incubation of P388D 1 cells with 40 U/ml of rIFN-γ, the intracellular level of cAMP gradually increased about twofold over the control level within 60 min, and then began to gradually decline to about half the control level by 24 h incubation. The initial rise in cAMP level appeared to be due to the modest activation of adenylate cyclase and not due to the inhibition of cAMP-phosphodiesterase. Later decrease of intracellular cAMP may be due to quantitative down-regulation of the adenylate cyclase system. The basal enzymatic activity of the membrane prepared from P388D 1 cells exposed to IFN-γ for 24 h was found to be reduced to about 20% of that of the control membrane. However, the quality of the adenylate cyclase system appeared unchanged, because the relative degree of the response of the down-regulated membrane adenylate cyclase to prostaglandin PGE 2 , NaF, guanylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp), cholera toxin (CT), or forskolin was found to remain unchanged. This quantitative down-regulation of adenylate cyclase must be due to the action of rIFN-γ, since the prior treatment of rIFN-γ with either acid ( p H 2) or monoclonal anti-IFN-γ antibody inhibited the ability of IFN-γ to induce the down-regulation. The rIFN-γ-induced down-regulation is a reversible process, since the adenylate cyclase activity of the membrane was found to be restored when the rIFN-γ-exposed cells were cultured for 72 h in the absence of rIFN-γ. In addition, the 48 h-incubation of P388D 1 cells with rIFN-β or IFN-α was found not to significantly affect the membrane adenylate cyclase system.
BILIRUBIN EQUILIBRATION DURING EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION IN HEMOLYTIC DISEASE OF THE NEWBORN.

Tracer dilution techniques were used to study bilirubin equilibration and removal during equivalent volume, iso-osmolar exchange transfusion. The exchange rate of the circulating blood volume could be accurately expressed by a simple exponential equation. The equilibration rate of extravascular bilirubin was a constant, proportional to the initial bilirubin level and the infant's plasma volume per kilogram. Equations for predicting final plasma bilirubin concentration and total bilirubin removal for an exchange of any given volume were derived from these rates. There is evidence suggesting that extravascular bilirubin is in two compartments, one equilibrating during exchange transfusion and the other being largely responsible for postexchange rebound.
Utilizing the R-index measure for threshold testing in model soy isoflavone solutions

Twenty-eight untrained panelists used the signal detection rating method to determine thresholds for daidzein and genistein. Five concentrations of genistein and daidzein were suspended in starch solutions. The starch solution represented the noise, and isoflavone suspensions represented the sinal. Blindfolded panelists received 15 replicates of noise and signal. To determine group detection thresholds, the concentration at an R-index of 75% was calculated. The group thresholds for genistein and daidzein were 4.006 x 10 -3 M and 2.921 x 10 -3 M, respectively. These results indicate a much higher threshold value than reported in the literature and in soymilks. This strongly suggests that daidzein and genistein individually do not contribute to bitterness or astringency in soy food products.
Misintermediation and macroeconomic fluctuations

Abstract Individuals plan consumption and production for different point in the future, using interest rates of various maturities as a guide. However, the financial intermediaries individuals work through traditionally do not match the maturity structure of their assets and liabilities. As a result, aggregate production plans and aggregate consumption plans for each period in the future need not coincide. The resulting discrepancy will eventually appear as a recession or boom, involving an unanticipated change in interest rates and production inside the original intertemporal production possibilities frontier. Maturity transformation is therefore not an essential function of financial intermediation, but rather a misfunction, one which we call ‘misintermediation’.
Body sodium, potassium and water in peritoneal dialysis-associated hyponatremia.

ObjectiveThis report presents a method quantitatively analyzing abnormalities of body water and monovalent cations (sodium plus potassium) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with true hyponatr...
New Concepts in Ovarian Regulation: An Immune Insight

: The purpose of the ovary is to produce eggs. In the human, oocyte production occurs cyclically at monthly intervals. The control of egg production is provided by both the endocrine and immune systems. Successful oocyte production is the result of sophisticated communication between the two systems. These interactions allow adaptive processes necessary for continuation of the species.
Quality of HMO Vaccination Databases Used to Monitor Childhood Vaccine Safety

The availability of large, population-based, automated, medical care databases provides unique opportunities for monitoring the safety of childhood vaccines. The authors assessed the quality of automated vaccination databases by comparing them with vaccinations documented in paper-based medical records at three large US West Coast health maintenance organizations (HMOs) participating in the Vaccine Safety DataLink (VSD) study, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborative study of childhood vaccine safety. The authors randomly selected 1% or 2% samples of VSD study populations (n = 1,224-2,577) for data quality analyses. Agreement between automated and abstracted vaccinations required identical triads of child identification number, vaccination date, and vaccine type. Separate analyses were conducted for each HMO and for each vaccine type administered between 1991 and 1995. Agreement was measured by three matching proportions: 1) the proportion of automated vaccinations present in the abstracted source, 2) the proportion of abstracted vaccinations present in the automated source, and 3) the proportion of vaccinations from either source present in both sources. Overall, for common childhood vaccines, proportion 1 ranged from 83% to 99%, proportion 2 ranged from 82% to 98%, and proportion 3 ranged from 70% to 97%. Lack of automated data was the most frequent type of discrepancy, followed by date mismatches and vaccine type mismatches. Vaccination exposure classification errors in the range reported here were found by mathematical modeling to only modestly bias measured medical outcome rate ratios toward the null hypothesis. The results of the data quality analyses support the usefulness of vaccination exposure data derived from these automated HMO vaccination databases.
The ultrastructure and innervation of rat vibrissae.

The innervation of rat vibrissae has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Nerve fibers enter the external root sheath and become associated with Merkel cells. Merkel cells are specialized sheath cells containing many secretory granules apposed to the neurite. These secretory granules are PAS-positive and diastase-resistant in light microscopic preparations. The neurite at the level of the Merkel cell is expanded and contains masses of mitochondria. As contrasted to nerve fibers in glabrous skin, the neurite does not penetrate deeply into the external root sheath but appears to terminate at the level of the Merkel cells. The neurite-Merkel cell complex is interpreted as representing a mechanoreceptor.
Suppression of autonomic-mediated triggered firing in pulmonary vein preparations, 24 hours postcoronary artery ligation in dogs.

Autonomic Nerves and Pulmonary Vein Firing. Introduction: Rapid arrhythmia originating within pulmonary veins (PVs) precipitates atrial fibrillation (AF) in man. To determine a possible basis for an increased incidence of AF observed peri-myocardial infarction in man, we compared AF induction in vivo and triggered arrhythmia formation within isolated PVs in vitro in normal dogs and dogs studied 24 hours postcoronary artery ligation. Methods and Results: The incidence of AF initiated by atrial premature stimuli was increased in dogs postcoronary artery ligation (6/9) versus normal (2/12) (P = 0.03).In isolated PVs from normal hearts, pause-dependent early afterdepolarizations (EADs) were enhanced by catecholamines. Rapid arrhythmia (1,182 ± 213 beats/min) was triggered during isoproterenol/norepinephrine (32 nM) + acetylcholine (100 nM) (N = 16/23) using the same pacing pauses eliciting EADs. Rapid arrhythmia (802 ± 161 beats/min) was also triggered by local autonomic nerve stimulation (ANS; N = 18/23). Despite equivalent pause-dependent afterdepolarization formation in PVs from infarcted hearts, a rightward 45-fold and 28-fold shift in the dose-response curve for afterdepolarization enhancement was observed for isoproterenol and norepinephrine, respectively (P <0.02). ANS (N = 1/19) and isoproterenol/norepinephrine (32 nM) + acetylcholine (100 nM) (N = 0/9 and 0/12, respectively) (P = 0.0001) failed to elicit arrhythmia formation. Beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in PV beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (ARK). Conclusion: The data demonstrate decreased susceptibility of isolated canine PVs for arrhythmia triggered by local ANS, or pacing pauses in the presence of a catecholamine + acetylcholine, postmyocardial infarction, despite a greater susceptibility of the intact heart to AF. The decreased arrhythmia susceptibility was observed coincident with an increase in beta-ARK and a decreased responsiveness to beta-adrenergic receptor agonists.
Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectrum of protonated bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether obtained with a tunable CO2 laser

A moderate-resolution infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectrum of protonated bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (diglyme) was obtained using a grating-tuned CO2 laser. The experimental spectrum compares well with one calculated theoretically at the MP2 level and exhibits defined peaks over the span of the CO2 laser output lines as opposed to a relatively featureless spectrum over this wavelength range obtained using free electron laser infrared radiation. The lowest energy structure corresponding to the calculated vibrational spectrum is consistent with structures previously calculated at the same level of theory. Alternative structures were calculated at lower levels of theory for comparison and investigation of the energetics of proton-heteroatom interactions. Broadening of the IRMPD action spectrum due to energetic phenomena characteristic of proton bridges was not observed and thus did not obscure the correlation between theoretical calculations and experimentally determined spectra as it may have in previous studies.
Rate-limiting steps in retrovirus production and gene transfer

We undertook studies to understand the rate limiting steps of production of recombinant retrovirus and develop strategies to increase the titer and purity of retroviral preparations for gene therapy. We found that synthesis and encapsidation of viral mRNA is a limiting step in production of infectious retrovirus. Moreover, increasing the level of mRNA expression increased the potency of retroviral preparations. In addition, we obtained highly purified retrovirus by immobilizing retroviral particles on recombinant fibronectin or poly-L-lysine. After dialysis and ultrafiltration, the titer and transduction efficiency of the purified virus increased by 20 and 10 times, respectively. Our results provide an insight into the limiting step of virus assembly and suggest ways to improve the titer and purity of retroviral preparations for gene therapy.
A Vision Based Inspection Method for Wood Veneer Classification

An automatic inspection method based on rough set theory, fuzzy set and an improved BP algorithm is presented. The rough set method is used to remove redundant features for its data analysis and procession ability. The reduced data is fuzzified to represent the feature data in a more suitable form as input data of a BP network classifier. By the experimental research, the hybrid method shows good classification accuracy and short running time, which are better than the results using BP network and neural network with fuzzy input.
Dopamine, locus of control, and the exploration-exploitation tradeoff.

Whether to continue to exploit a source of reward, or to search for a new one of potentially greater value, is a fundamental and underconstrained decision. Recent computational studies of this exploration-exploitation tradeoff have found that variability in exploration across individuals is influenced by a functional polymorphism (Val158Met) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, whose protein product degrades synaptically released dopamine. However, these and other genotype–phenotype associations have rarely been causally tested. To directly test this association and to evaluate additional behavioral characteristics, including perceived locus of control (LOC), here we used the COMT inhibitor tolcapone in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, within-subject study of 66 subjects genotyped for the Val158Met allele to assess the hypothesis that reducing COMT enzymatic activity interacts with genotype to increase uncertainty-driven exploration. In keeping with our initial hypothesis, tolcapone led to an increase in exploratory, but not exploitative, behavior in Met/Met rather than Val/Val subjects. Independent of genotype, those subjects with a more external LOC also showed increases in uncertainty-driven exploration on tolcapone relative to placebo. However, we did not replicate our previous finding that Met/Met subjects show greater exploration at baseline. Together these findings support a model in which exploration is hypothesized to have a dopaminergic basis. Moreover, in keeping with findings in other behavioral and cognitive domains, the response to an increase in presumptively frontal dopamine is dependent upon baseline dopamine tone.
Techniques for performing multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography.

The introduction of multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) scanners has substantially improved the quality and ease of performing CT angiography. CT angiography is a robust method of volumetric vascular imaging that offers benefits over conventional angiography. As CT angiography has become a mainstream examination in many radiology departments, a discussion of techniques toward optimizing CT angiography performed with multidetector-row CT scanners is important. Key principles for optimizing spiral CT acquisition are discussed, and an explanation of multidetector-row CT principles germane to peripheral vascular imaging is presented. A discussion of contrast medium administration strategies ensues, with attention toward injection protocol and bolus timing. An overview of 3-dimensional visualization techniques is subsequently presented, followed by some general rules for CT angiographic interpretation. The article concludes with anatomically directed protocol considerations for the carotid and intracranial circulation, thoracic aorta, pulmonary arteries, abdominal aortoiliac system, renal arteries, and lower extremity arterial inflow and run-off.
Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis and Progressive Massive Fibrosis Related to Smoking Methamphetamine With Talc as Filler

We present a case of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis accompanied by radiographic evidence of progressive massive fibrosis in a patient who had a 15–20 year history of almost daily recreational inhalation of methamphetamine. Mineralogical analysis confirmed the presence of talc on biopsy of the area of progressive massive fibrosis. The coexistence of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and progressive massive fibrosis suggests that prolonged recreational inhalation of methamphetamine that has been “cut” with talc can result in sufficient amount of talc being inhaled to result in interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and progressive massive fibrosis in the absence of other causes.
Twentieth Century Temperature Trends in Colorado's San Juan Mountains

Abstract We examine trends in surface air temperature for the San Juan Mountain region in southwestern Colorado from 1895 to 2005. Observations from both National Weather Service (NWS) and Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) sites are analyzed. Results show a net warming of 1 °C between 1895 and 2005. Most of this warming occurred between 1990 and 2005, when the region experienced rapid and secular increases in temperature. Between 1950 and 1985, there was a cooling trend in the region during which there were significant decreases in the maximum temperature (Tmax) and almost no trend in the minimum temperature (Tmin). This cooling trend appears to be, in part, associated with increases in atmospheric aerosols. Between 1990 and 2005, the large increases in temperature anomalies are strongly correlated at the NWS and SNOTEL sites. Annual increases in Tmax and Tmin are similar between 1990 and 2005; however, they generally show greater increases during summer and winter, respectively. Spatially, there are similar increa...
Theories for Teacher Selection: Objective, Subjective, and Critical Contact.

Abstract Decisions made by applicants for teaching positions have generally been ignored by most teacher selection research. The purpose of this study is to obtain additional information about the teacher as a decision-maker. Contents of recruitment interviews were varied via video tape to reflect the salient factors associated with the objective, subjective, and critical contact theories. The reactions of teachers to these manipulations were assessed in a laboratory study. Teachers were more positive when the recruitment interview stressed nonpecuniary aspects of the work environment (subjective theory) than when the recruitment interview stressed either economic incentives offered by a local school district (objective theory) or specific information about the work itself (critical contact theory).
Maximum entropy fracture model and fatigue fracture of mixed SnPb/Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder alloys

During the transition from Pb-containing solders to Pb-free solders, joints composed of a mixture of SnPb and SnAgCu often result from either mixed assemblies or rework. Comprehensive characterization of the constitutive and fatigue fracture behavior of these mixed solder alloys is necessary to predict the life of mixed alloy solder joints. Three alloys of 1, 5 and 20 weight percent Pb were selected so as to represent reasonable ranges of Pb contamination expected from different 63Sn37Pb components mixed with Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu alloy. In recent, related, work we developed constitutive relations for these alloys; this work focuses on the fatigue failure behavior. One recent approach to modeling fatigue fracture in ductile solids is the maximum entropy fracture model. The maximum entropy fracture model is a thermodynamically consistent and information theory inspired (non-empirical) damage accumulation theory for ductile solids, validated on both area array and peripheral array packages. The model uses a single damage accumulation parameter to relate the probability of fracture to accumulated entropic dissipation. A custom-built microscale mechanical tester capable of submicron displacement resolution was utilized to carryout isothermal cyclic fatigue tests on specially designed assemblies using the three mixed alloys. The resultant relationship between load drop and accumulated entropic dissipation was used to extract the temperature and geometry-independent damage accumulation parameter of the information theoretic model for each alloy. Combining our knowledge of the constitutive behavior with the damage accumulation behavior, life predictions can be made for a wide variety of package types and mixed metallurgical conditions.
Hydration of short DNA, RNA and 2′‐OMe oligonucleotides determined by osmotic stressing

Studies on hydration are important for better understanding of structure and function of nucleic acids. We compared the hydration of self-complementary DNA, RNA and 2'-O-methyl (2'-OMe) oligonucleotides GCGAAUUCGC, (UA)6 and (CG)3 using the osmotic stressing method. The number of water molecules released upon melting of oligonucleotide duplexes, Delta(n)W, was calculated from the dependence of melting temperature on water activity and the enthalpy, both measured with UV thermal melting experiments. The water activity was changed by addition of ethylene glycol, glycerol and acetamide as small organic co-solutes. The Delta(n)W was 3-4 for RNA duplexes and 2-3 for DNA and 2'-OMe duplexes. Thus, the RNA duplexes were hydrated more than the DNA and the 2'-OMe oligonucleotide duplexes by approximately one to two water molecules depending on the sequence. Consistent with previous studies, GC base pairs were hydrated more than AU pairs in RNA, whereas in DNA and 2'-OMe oligonucleotides the difference in hydration between these two base pairs was relatively small. Our data suggest that the better hydration of RNA contributes to the increased enthalpic stability of RNA duplexes compared with DNA duplexes.
Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Central America and the Caribbean: Review of Debates and Conceptual Reformulation

Tourism is one of the world's largest economic sectors. Ecotourism is its fastest growing component (United Nations World Tourism Organization 2007), and a promising strategy for sustainable development. Rural Central America and the Caribbean are in need of sustainable development and contain promising ecotourism sites. Despite their empirical importance and potential, tourism and ecotourism as research topics present several difficulties. This article surveys recent tourism and ecotourism scholarship and pays special attention to other recent literature reviews that contribute to that scholarship. It offers a three-dimensional view of sustainable ecotourism development based on ecological integrity, economic viability, and social justice. Our common conception of ecotourism needs to broaden. It is typically presented as one of many distinct alternatives to mass tourism such as cultural, historical, and agro-tourism. It is more fruitful to view alternative tourisms as synergistic components of a sustainable tourism ensemble. The article explores consequences of neglecting any of the three sustainability dimensions. It concludes by summarizing the article's contributions to the practice and analysis of sustainable ecotourism development.