cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The arginine-dependent cytolytic mechanism plays a role in destruction of Naegleria fowleri amoebae by activated macrophages.

Abstract Mouse peritoneal macrophages activated by different immunomodulators (Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin or Propionibacterium acnes) destroy Naegleria fowleri amoebae by a contact-dependent process and by soluble cytolytic molecules secreted by macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide. The goal of this study was to determine whether the arginine-dependent cytolytic mechanism which results in the production of nitric oxide from arginine by activated macrophages destroys the amoebae. Amoebicidal activity of activated macrophages was determined by coculturing macrophages with N. fowleri amoebae radiolabeled with 3H-uridine. The percent specific release of radiolabel was used as an index of cytolysis of the amoebae. The inhibitors NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and arginase were used to determine whether the arginine pathway was a major effector mechanism responsible for amoebicidal activity of activated macrophages. Both the arginine analog NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and arginase, which breaks down arginine, decreased macrophage amoebicidal activity. Addition of arginine to arginine-free medium restores amoebicidal activity to activated macrophage cultures. These results demonstrate that the arginine pathway is an important mechanism for the destruction of susceptible N. fowleri amoebae.
MRI FEATURES OF METACARPO(TARSO)PHALANGEAL REGION LAMENESS IN 40 HORSES

Lameness originating from the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal (MP) joint has a significant effect on the use and athletic competitiveness of a horse. The identification of the cause of lameness originating from the MP joint can be challenging, given the limitations of radiography, ultrasonography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Our purpose was to describe the injury types and incidence in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies from 40 horses with lameness attributable to the MP joint region where it was not possible to reach a clinically plausible diagnosis using other imaging modalities. Horses were examined in a 1.5 T magnet (Siemens Medical Solutions) under general anesthesia. The frequency of occurrence of MR lesions was subchondral bone injury (19), straight or oblique distal sesamoidean desmitis (13), articular cartilage injury and osteoarthritis (eight), suspensory branch desmitis (seven), osteochondral fragmentation (seven), proximal sesamoid bone injury (seven), inter-sesamoidean desmitis (four), deep digital flexor tendonitis (four), collateral desmitis (three), superficial digital flexor tendonitis (two), enostosis-like lesions of the proximal phalanx or MCIII (two), desmitis of the palmar annular ligament (one), desmitis of the proximal digital annular ligament (one), and dystrophic calcification of the lateral digital extensor tendon (one). Twenty-five horses had multiple MR abnormalities. MRI provided information that was complementary to radiography, ultrasonography, and nuclear scintigraphy and that allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of all structures in the MP joint region and a diagnosis in all 40 horses.
The use of deslorelin implants for the synchronization of estrous in diestrous bitches

A novel approach to estrous induction in diestrous bitches is described. Twelve spontaneously cycling anestrous bitches served as controls. Thirteen anestrous and 15 diestrous bitches were induced to come into synchronous estrous using prostaglandin (diestrous bitches only) and deslorelin implants (Ovuplant). Implants contained either 2.1 or 1.05 mg deslorelin and were administered beneath the vestibular submucosa. All treated bitches came into estrous, regardless of implant size. Whereas all anestrous bitches ovulated, one of six diestrous bitches treated with the larger implant and three of nine treated with the smaller implant failed to ovulate. Induced bitches generally produced fewer corpora lutea than controls. Sixty-seven percent of control bitches became pregnant, with 0.63 fetuses per corpus luteum, whereas the pregnancy rate and fetuses per corpus luteum were 67 and 70% and 0.42 and 0.55 in the anestrous bitches induced with 1.05 and 2.1 mg deslorelin implants, respectively (not different from controls). Only 2 of 15 induced diestrous bitches conceived a detectable pregnancy, one of which was resorbed. In conclusion, although ovulatory estrous can be induced in bitches that had their most recent ovulation 40-100 days ago, these bitches are very unlikely to become pregnant during the induced estrous. The reason for the poor fertility in these diestrous bitches requires further study.
Roentgenographic manifestations of osseous changes in the jaws.

Abstract 1. 1. Bone tissue, under physiologic conditions, is the result of an interplay of two mechanisms: (a) bone formation and (b) bone resorption. 2. 2. Bone formation actually occurs in two phases: (a) the formation of an osteoid matrix and (b) matrix mineralization. 3. 3. Bone resorption is an all-or-none phenomenon characterized by removal of both the organic and the inorganic components of bone. 4. 4. Pathologic bone tissue is the result of a disturbance in either bone formation or bone resorption. 5. 5. Roentgenolucent shadows are due to (a) decreased osteoid matrix formation, (b) decreased mineralization of the osteoid frame, or (3) increased bone resorption. 6. 6. Osteoporosis may be defined as a roengenolucent shadow due to a decrease in osteoid matrix formation. 7. 7. Osteomalacia is defined as a roentgenolucent shadow, the result of an interference with physiologic mineralization. 8. 8. Osteitis fibrosa is defined as a roentgenolucent shadow caused by an increase in bone resorption. 9. 9. Roentgenopaque shadows, referred to as osteosclerosis, are caused by an increase in the formation of osteoid matrix or a decrease in bone resorption. 10. 10. Many disorders are characterized by a basic process of increased bone resorption with superimposed secondary and compensatory bone formation. 11. 11. Roentgenolucent, roentgenopaque, and roentgenolucent-roentgenopaque shadows may be part of generalized skeletal disease, confined to a single bone, or restricted to only a small portion of one bone.
Early complete hydatidiform moles contain inner cell mass derivatives.

In four cases of early complete hydatidiform moles, confirmed to be androgenetic in origin by DNA studies, we have identified nonchorionic inner cell mass derived structures which are not commonly observed in specimens of later gestational age. These structures include nucleated red blood cells, endothelial cells, stromal macrophages, amnion and yolk sac. The latter four structures were confirmed by specific immunocytochemical stains. Recognition that such structures can accompany complete hydatidiform moles has both theoretical and practical significance. From a theoretical perspective, it demonstrates that the maternal genome is not required for the initiation of amniogenesis, development of the yolk sac, vasculogenesis, or hematopoiesis. From a practical perspective it emphasizes that complete hydatidiform moles, with their markedly increased risk of subsequent choriocarcinoma, cannot be excluded based on the finding of "fetal structures."
System FC with explicit kind equality

System FC, the core language of the Glasgow Haskell Compiler, is an explicitly-typed variant of System F with first-class type equality proofs called coercions. This extensible proof system forms the foundation for type system extensions such as type families (type-level functions) and Generalized Algebraic Datatypes (GADTs). Such features, in conjunction with kind polymorphism and datatype promotion, support expressive compile-time reasoning. However, the core language lacks explicit kind equality proofs. As a result, type-level computation does not have access to kind-level functions or promoted GADTs, the type-level analogues to expression-level features that have been so useful. In this paper, we eliminate such discrepancies by introducing kind equalities to System FC. Our approach is based on dependent type systems with heterogeneous equality and the "Type-in-Type" axiom, yet it preserves the metatheoretic properties of FC. In particular, type checking is simple, decidable and syntax directed. We prove the preservation and progress theorems for the extended language.
Iterative Diffraction Calculations of Transverse Mode Distributions in Confocal Unstable Laser Resonators

A theoretical investigation has been undertaken to study the transverse modes of two-dimensional positive branch, confocal unstable resonators. Mode amplitude and phase information is obtained from a numerical-iterative type calculation that uses the Fresnel integral for propagating the cavity radiation back and forth between resonator mirrors. Near- and far-field distributions for empty cavity resonators are presented for various resonator Fresnel numbers and magnifications, along with results of resonator mode stability and diffraction losses when cavity perturbations such as mirror misalignment and/or a uniformly saturable gain medium are included. In addition, the diffractive calculations are compared with results obtained from geometric models.
Cardiac rhythm precipitating automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge in outpatients as detected from transtelephonic electrocardiographs recordings

Abstract The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) has become a mainstay in the nonpharmacologic management of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. 1 One of the most significant management problems for the AICD population is that of AICD discharge for cardiac rhythms other than sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias, the rhythms that the AICD was designed to sense and terminate. 2–5 This type of AICD discharge has been termed “inappropriate,” “spurious,” or “false positive,” can be due to a variety of cardiac rhythms, and, if recurrent, may be associated with deleterious medical or psychological consequences. 1 Although the problem clearly exists, the occurrence of inappropriate AICD discharges is difficult to define in clinical practice because the current AICD system has no internal memory or telemetry functions to document the rhythms that precipitated the AICD discharge. There is little published information that documents the cause of AICD discharges in an outpatient population. The objective of this study was to survey the records of all AICD outpatients enrolled in a transtelephonic electrocardiogram monitoring service, and to review the records for (1) the cardiac rhythms responsible for the AICD discharges, and (2) the patients' symptoms preceding the AICD discharge.
Identification of a point mutation in the para-type sodium channel gene from a pyrethroid-resistant cattle tick.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of resistance to pyrethroids in the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, we have obtained and sequenced a partial para-homologous sodium channel cDNA from susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant tick strains. A point mutation that results in an amino acid change from Phe to Ile was identified in the highly conserved domain IIIS6 of the homologous sodium channel from ticks that are highly resistant to pyrethroid acaricides. This mutation is at a location different from those reported in the same gene in pyrethroid-resistant insects.
Molecular Simulation of ab Initio Protein Folding for a Millisecond Folder NTL9(1-39)

To date, the slowest-folding proteins folded ab initio by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations have had folding times in the range of nanoseconds to microseconds. We report simulations of several folding trajectories of NTL9(1−39), a protein which has a folding time of ∼1.5 ms. Distributed molecular dynamics simulations in implicit solvent on GPU processors were used to generate ensembles of trajectories out to ∼40 μs for several temperatures and starting states. At a temperature less than the melting point of the force field, we observe a small number of productive folding events, consistent with predictions from a model of parallel uncoupled two-state simulations. The posterior distribution of the folding rate predicted from the data agrees well with the experimental folding rate (∼640/s). Markov State Models (MSMs) built from the data show a gap in the implied time scales indicative of two-state folding and heterogeneous pathways connecting diffuse mesoscopic substates. Structural analysis of the 14...
Isolated fetal choroid plexus cysts and trisomy 18: A review and meta-analysis

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Risk of trisomy 18 in a fetus with ultrasonographic diagnosis of choroid plexus cysts and no other anomalies is controversial. Using our data and current literature, we performed a meta-analysis and estimated the positive predictive value of isolated choroid plexus cysts fot risomy 18. STUDY DESIGN: Between Jan. 1, 1989, and Dec. 31, 1992, all women undergoing ultrasonographic examination at our institution were prospectively evaluated for fetal choroid plexus cysts and cytogenetic outcome. In addition, all reports dealing with fetal choroid plexus cysts obtained from MEDLINE (1983 through 1992) were assessed. Only prospective studies with > 10 cases of choroid plexus cysts were further evaluated to determine the total number of fetuses with choroid plexus cysts and otherwise normal sonograms. Frequency of aneuploidy was determined by analysis of our data and the included studies. To estimate the positive predictive value of choroid plexus cysts from trisomy 18, a theoretic 2 × 2 table was constructed with values available from the literature. RESULTS: Eighty fetuses with choroid plexus cysts were identified in our unit. Of 74 fetuses with isolated choroid plexus cysts, there were no cases of trisomy 18. Meta-analysis identified 2 cases of trisomy 18 among 748 fetuses with isolated cysts (1374). To derive a positive predictive value of isolated choroid plexus cysts for trisomy 18, we reviewed the literature and found a total of 50 fetuses with trisomy 18 who underwent ultrasonographic examination in the midtrimester. There were 3 cases of isolated choroid plexus cysts, and 12 of 50 (24%) had otherwise normal ultrasonographic results. Using a midtrimester incidence of 1 in 2461 for trisomy 18 (Hsu LYF. In: Milunsky A, ed. Genetic disorders of the fetus. 3rd ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992:155–210; Hook et al. Am J Hum Genet 1989;1945:855–861 and a prenatal prevalence of 0.95% for choroid plexus cysts (based on a review of the literature), we obtained a positive predictive value of 1 in 390. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the risk for trisomy 18 obtained from our meta-analysis (1374) and its close approximation to the estimated positive predictive value (1390), our data do not support the routine offering of invasive prenatal cytogenetic testing in cases of isolated choroid plexus cysts.
Normal Stress Distribution of Notched 2D Triaxial Braided Textile Composites and Tape Equivalents under Tension

A theory developed to predict the normal stress distribution near an open hole for tape laminated composites is evaluated for its applicability to 2D triaxial braided textile composite materials. Four different textile architectures are considered ; braid angle, yarn and braider size and percentage of longitudinal yarns varied. Tape laminates equivalent to these textile composites were also constructed for comparison. Compliance calculated using the measured normal stress distribution from notched coupons with three different open hole sizes were compared to compliance calculated from the normal stress distribution predicted using the extended isotropic solution [1]. Results indicated that correlations between measured and predicted compliances were stronger for the tape equivalents and at smaller braid angles, however no statistically significant differences between measured and predicted compliances for textile and tape equivalents were detected. The method developed to predict the normal stress distribution was equally effective for all materials, architectures, specimen widths and strain gage locations. Our results validate the use of approximate theory to predict near-notch stress distribution in 2D braided textiles tested in this study and suggest that the textiles behave as orthotropic material.
Phase Shifts of the Static Screened Coulomb Potential

Phase shifts and their weighted sums over angular momentum states have been obtained for the static screened Coulomb potential (SSCP). Results are given for both an attractive and a repulsive SSCP. A procedure is given for obtaining the phase shifts which uses direct numerical integration near the origin and the first- and second-order WKB approximation at larger distances. At high energy a simple asymptotic fit to the weighted phase-shift sums is obtained. The results are applied to the calculation of the second virial coefficient of plasmas that have no bound states and of those that do have bound states. Very good agreement with the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion is found for a Boltzmann gas interacting through a repulsive SSCP, except that at high temperature, in agreement with DeWitt, the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion is shown to diverge for the SSCP.
Linking JNK signaling to NF-κB: a key to survival

In addition to marshalling immune and inflammatory responses, transcription factors of the NF-κB family control cell survival. This control is crucial to a wide range of biological processes, including B and T lymphopoiesis, adaptive immunity, oncogenesis and cancer chemoresistance. During an inflammatory response, NF-κB activation antagonizes apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a protective activity that involves suppression of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade. This suppression can involve upregulation of the Gadd45-family member Gadd45β/Myd118, which associates with the JNK kinase MKK7/JNKK2 and blocks its catalytic activity. Upregulation of XIAP, A20 and blockers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to be important additional means by which NF-κB blunts JNK signaling. These recent findings might open up entirely new avenues for therapeutic intervention in chronic inflammatory diseases and certain cancers; indeed, the Gadd45β-MKK7 interaction might be a key target for such intervention.
Pentoxifylline reduces coronary leukocyte accumulation early in reperfusion after cold ischemia

Abstract Background . Ischemia/reperfusion injury can complicate recovery in cardiac operations. Ischemia induces endothelial dysfunction, which may contribute to leukocyte accumulation during reperfusion. Leukocyte-mediated injury may then occur. Using intravital microscopy we previously reported increased leukocyte retention in coronary capillaries and venules during early reperfusion during warm ischemia/reperfusion. In this study we investigated whether cold cardioplegic protection would limit leukocyte sequestration in coronary microvessels early in reperfusion. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has antiinflammatory effects and may limit endothelial dysfunction during ischemia/reperfusion. The effect of cardioplegia modification with PTX was also examined. Methods . Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 90 minutes of 4°C ischemia after arrest with cardioplegia. Hearts were reperfused with diluted whole blood containing fluorescent-labeled leukocytes. Leukocyte retention in coronary microvessels was observed with intravital microscopy. Three groups were studied, nonischemic control, cold ischemia, and PTX-modified cold ischemia. Results . In coronary capillaries, leukocyte trapping was nearly doubled in unmodified cold ischemia versus control. PTX modification significantly reduced leukocyte accumulation. In coronary venules, greater leukocyte adhesion was observed in unmodified cold ischemia compared to nonischemic controls. PTX modification significantly reduced leukocyte adhesion. Conclusions . Cold cardioplegia did not prevent leukocyte retention in the coronary microcirculation early in reperfusion. PTX modification of cardioplegia significantly reduced leukocyte sequestration in coronary capillaries and venules. Preserving endothelial function during ischemia may limit leukocyte accumulation and ischemia/reperfusion injury after cardiac operation.
‘La potencia de lo falso’ en Todo sobre mi madre (1999) de Pedro Almodóvar

Este ensayo analiza la pelicula de Pedro Almodovar, Todo sobre mi madre (1999), a la luz de las teorias filosoficas de Gilles Deleuze y Felix Guattari asi como el estudio sobre cine de Deleuze, para mostrar el potencial de esta obra para promover un acercamiento a la realidad que va mas alla de las categorias epistemologicas tradicionales. Esta fuerza ‘desterritorizadora’ radica, por un lado, en la naturaleza especular del film, y, por otro, en la creencia expuesta por Almodovar de la capacidad innata de las mujeres para la actuacion. El enfasis del director en el potencial de algunas personas no de mentir sino de devenir en otros reivindica ‘la potencia de lo falso’ como una fuerza creadora. La especularidad visual y argumental de esta obra convierte lo virtual y lo actual en indiscernibles a la vez que establece una narracion ‘esencialmente falsificante’ donde la verdad no puede ser alcanzada, solo puede ser creada.
A resonance ionization spectroscopy/resonance ionization mass spectrometry data service. I—Data sheets for As, B, Cd, C, Ge, Au, Fe, Pb, Si and Zn

Abstract A data service is being established at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide the necessary information to apply the techniques of resonance ionization spectroscopy (RIS) and resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) to routine use in analytical chemistry. This service will collect and calculate the relevant atomic data, choose appropriate resonance ionization schemes, and indicate pertinent operating details of successful RIMS studies. The first group of data sheets is included, covering the elements As, B, Cd, C, Ge, Au, Fe, Pb, Si and Zn. Others will be published periodically. Reprints of RIS/RIMS work are solicited so that those efforts may be included in future data sheets.
Characters of finite quasigroups VI: critical examples and doubletons

Examples of association schemes coming from symmetric group actions on doubletons are shown to have character tables which are not character tables of quasigroups. The examples are critical in separating the character theory of quasigroups from the general theory of association schemes.
Effects of commissurotomy on the processing of increasing visual information

Two normal and two split-brain monkeys were trained to respond to increasing amounts of flashed visual information distributed equally in each half visual field. It was found that the brainbisected animals were able to perceive and respond correctly to more information in a given period of time than were the normal controls.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Fermentation and Anaerobic Growth of Baker’s Yeast

Thermodynamic concepts have been used in the past to predict microbial cell yield under various growth conditions. Cell yield may be the key consideration in some industrial biotechnology applications. It is not the case, however, in the context of biofuel production. In this paper, we examine the thermodynamics of fermentation and concomitant growth of baker’s yeast in continuous culture experiments under anaerobic, glucose-limited conditions, with emphasis on the yield and efficiency of ethanol production. We find that anaerobic metabolism of baker’s yeast is very efficient; the process destroys less than 7% of the total chemical exergy supplied to the fermentation reactor. However, the exergy of ethanol secreted constitutes less than 60% of the in-flowing exergy, or 75% that of glucose fed to the continuous culture. Effects of varying the specific adenosine 5′ -triphosphate (ATP) consumption rate, which is the fundamental parameter that quantifies the energetic requirements for cell growth and maintenance, are also examined.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Micromechanics modeling of plastic yielding in a solid containing mode III cohesive cracks

A new micromechanics damage model is proposed by averaging distributed microcracks with cohesive zones in a two dimensional representative volume element. The cohesive microcracks are mode-III Dugdale-Bilby-Cottrell-Swinden (Dugdale-BCS) crack. The damage model may be used to construct plasticity potentials that take into account the presence of such microcracks.
Optical parametric amplification of weak signals for imaging of scattering biological tissue

Optical amplification of weak signals coming from scattering biological tissue is demonstrated by using the optical parametric amplification technology. Up to one thousand fold amplification of back-scattered signals enables fast imaging of biological samples.
Information theoretic approach for assessing image fidelity in photon-counting arrays.

The method of photon-counting integral imaging has been introduced recently for three-dimensional object sensing, visualization, recognition and classification of scenes under photon-starved conditions. This paper presents an information-theoretic model for the photon-counting imaging (PCI) method, thereby providing a rigorous foundation for the merits of PCI in terms of image fidelity. This, in turn, can facilitate our understanding of the demonstrated success of photon-counting integral imaging in compressive imaging and classification. The mutual information between the source and photon-counted images is derived in a Markov random field setting and normalized by the source-image’s entropy, yielding a fidelity metric that is between zero and unity, which respectively corresponds to complete loss of information and full preservation of information. Calculations suggest that the PCI fidelity metric increases with spatial correlation in source image, from which we infer that the PCI method is particularly effective for source images with high spatial correlation; the metric also increases with the reduction in photon-number uncertainty. As an application to the theory, an image-classification problem is considered showing a congruous relationship between the fidelity metric and classifier’s performance.
Plasma Protein Binding by Monosodium Urate Crystals

Using 2-dimensional O'Farrell gel electrophoresis, we have mapped the proteins from undiluted plasma and serum which bind to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. More than 30 crystal-associated polypeptides were visualized, including anionic and cationic species. Proteins increased on the crystals relative to plasma included C1q, C1-r, C1-s, fibronectin, fibrinogen, and kininogen. Crystal-bound polypeptides derived from IgG, albumin, and transferrin were recovered in decreased amounts relative to plasma. Direct evidence for activation of the complement and coagulation systems in plasma was provided by the identification of crystal-associated activation fragments of C1 and kininogen. Plasmas deficient in selected proteins (e.g., C1q and IgG) were used to define the role of these proteins in such activation events and confirmed activation of C1 in immunoglobulin-deficient plasma by MSU crystals. In summary, we have described a high resolution, semiquantitative approach to analyze protein binding to crystals, have documented the complexity of crystal-plasma protein interaction, and have provided direct evidence for the binding of coagulation system proteins and binding and activation of complement by MSU crystals, in whole plasma and IgG-deficient plasma.
Hormesis and high-risk groups.

The concept of hormesis (i.e., biological phenomena characterized by dose-response relationships displaying low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition) has important implications for current risk assessment practices because of its generalizability with respect to experimental model, agent, and endpoint measured. This paper addresses the question of whether hormesis is present in high-risk subpopulations and highly susceptible species. Evaluation of published data revealed that hormetic dose-response relationships occur with similar quantitative characteristics among species and individuals that display widely differing susceptibility to various toxicants. This observation suggests that the cause of the differential susceptibility in the more susceptible organisms is not due to the absence of the hormetic response but to some other factor(s). However, despite the recognition that hormetic responses are common and similar in susceptible and resistant organisms there are sufficient examples indicating that some strains/individuals may lack the capacity to produce the low-dose stimulatory response. Thus, the capacity to display hormetic effects is one of a variety of factors affecting differential susceptibility to xenobiotics and needs to be addressed within the hazard assessment process.
The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership: A Partial Test and Suggested Refinement

Hypotheses derived from the path-goal theory of leadership were tested. Data were obtained from military officers. Civil Service personnel, and project engineers. Results supported the theory with ...
The free energy of angular position of the fab arms of IgG antibody

Abstract From the observed distribution of ring-shaped complexes formed with bivalent antibody and bivalent hapten, we have calculated the free energies of angular position of the Fab arms at different angles about the hinge region. These positional energies are found to be small, less than RT, except for the case of complete closure of the hinge angle. When complete closure occurs with the formation of a dimeric complex, we calculate that the strain energy is approximately 700 cal/dimer.
Seismicity and faulting attributable to fluid extraction

The association between fluid injection and seismicity has been well documented and widely publicized. Less well known, but probably equally widespread are faulting and shallow seismicity attributable solely to fluid extraction, particularly in association with petroleum production. Two unequivocable examples of seismicity and faulting associated with fluid extraction in the United States are: The Goose Creek, Texas oil field event of 1925 (involving surface rupture); and the Wilmington, California oil field events (involving subsurface rupture) of 1947, 1949, 1951 (2), 1955, and 1961. Six additional cases of intensity I–VII earthquakes (M < 4.6) without reported faulting may be attributable to shallow production from other large oil and gas fields. In addition to these examples are thirteen cases of apparently aseismic surface rupture associated with production from California and Texas oil fields. Small earthquakes in the Eloy—Picacho area of Arizona may be attributable to withdrawal of groundwater, but their relation to widespread fissuring is enigmatic. The clearest example of extraction-induced seismicity outside of North America is the 1951 series of earthquakes associated with gas production from the Po River delta near Caviga, Italy. Faulting and seismicity associated with fluid extraction are attributed to differential compaction at depth caused by reduction of reservoir fluid pressure and attendant increase in effective stress. Surface and subsurface measurements and theoretical and model studies show that differential compaction leads not only to differential subsidence and centripetally-directed horizontal displacements, but to changes in both vertical- and horizontal-strain regimes. Study of well-documented examples indicates that the occurrence and nature of faulting and seismicity associated with compaction are functions chiefly of: (1) the pre-exploitation strain regime, and (2) the magnitude of contractional horizontal strain centered over the compacting materials relative to that of the surrounding annulus of extensional horizontal strain. The examples cited include natural systems strained only by extraction of fluids, as well as some subsequently subjected to injection. Faulting and seismicity have accompanied both decrease and subsequent increase of fluid pressures; reversal of fluid-pressure decline by injection may enhance the likelihood of subsurface faulting and seismicity due chiefly to earlier fluid pressure reduction. A consistent common denominator appears to be continuing compaction at depth; the relative effects of fluid extraction followed by injection are not easily separated.
Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA PCR To Examine Epidemiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans have been increasingly recognized as a cause of respiratory tract colonization in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although both organisms have been associated with progressive deterioration of pulmonary function, demonstration of causality is lacking. To examine the molecular epidemiology of S. maltophilia and A. xylosoxidans in CF, isolates from patients monitored for up to 2 years were fingerprinted using a PCR-based randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) method. Sixty-one of 69 CF centers screened had 183 S. maltophilia culture-positive patients, and 46 centers had 92 A. xylosoxidans-positive patients. At least one isolate from each patient was genotyped, and patients with ≥10 positive cultures (12 S. maltophilia cultures, 15 A. xylosoxidans cultures) had serial isolates genotyped. In addition, centers with multiple culture-positive patients were examined for evidence of shared clones. There were no instances of shared genotypes among different CF centers. Some patients demonstrated isolates with a single genotype throughout the observation period, and others had intervening or sequential genotypes. At the six centers with multiple S. maltophilia culture-positive patients and the seven centers with multiple A. xylosoxidans-positive patients, there were three and five instances of shared genotypes, respectively. The majority of shared isolates were from pairs who were siblings or otherwise epidemiologically linked. These findings suggest RAPD-PCR typing can distinguish unique CF isolates of S. maltophilia and A. xylosoxidans, person-to-person transmission may occur, there are not a small number of clones infecting CF airways, and patients with long-term colonization may either have a persistent organism or may acquire additional organisms over time.
Designing effective sound-based aquarium exhibit interpretation for visitors with vision impairments

Sound-based exhibit interpretation at aquariums has the potential to more effectively mediate visitor-exhibit interaction and support participation for visitors with vision impairments. However, existing interpretation strategies do not adequately convey dynamic animal information to visitors with vision impairments. In an effort to improve access, we are developing research-based guidelines for sound-based exhibit interpretation including audio tours, interpretive staff presentations, and a real-time information delivery system. This poster reports on proposed and completed user-centered design activities.
Pyruvate mitigates oxidative stress during reperfusion of cardioplegia-arrested myocardium.

Background Cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion of the myocardium imposes oxidative stress that could potentially inactivate metabolic enzymes and compromise energy production. This study determined the impact of cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion on activities of several oxidant-sensitive enzymes, and tested whether pyruvate, a natural metabolic fuel and antioxidant, mitigates oxidant stress, protects enzymes, and bolsters myocardial energy state after reperfusion. Methods In situ swine hearts were arrested for 60 minutes with 4:1 blood:crystalloid cardioplegia, and then reperfused for 3 minutes with cardioplegia-free blood with or without approximately 12 mM pyruvate. Tissue metabolites and enzyme activities were measured in left ventricular myocardium snap frozen at 45 minutes of arrest and 3 minutes of reperfusion. Results The 8-isoprostane content, a measure of lipid peroxidation, sharply increased upon reperfusion, coincident with a 70% decline in redox state of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Aconitase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities fell during arrest; creatine kinase and phosphofructokinase were inactivated upon reperfusion. Pyruvate suppressed 8-isoprostane formation, maintained glutathione redox state, and enhanced phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential, a measure of myocardial energy state, during reperfusion. Pyruvate reactivated creatine kinase and aconitase, which are at least partially mitochondrial enzymes, but did not protect the cytosolic enzymes glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase. Conclusions Administration of pyruvate upon reperfusion after cardioplegic arrest mitigates oxidative stress, protects mitochondrial enzymes and increases myocardial energy state. These results support therapeutic application of pyruvate-enhanced reperfusion to prevent cardiac injury after cardioplegic arrest.
IC-P2-157: fMRI activation in medial temporal lobe correlates with monthly decline rate of memory function in mild cognitive impairment patients

Background: This study is aimed to assess the relationship between BOLD fMRI memory task activation and cognition decline rate in nondemented older adults as well as in mild cognitive impairment amnestic (MCI) patients who are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Twenty-nine cognitively normal middleage controls (55-60y), 14 MCI patients (65-75y) and 9 cognitively normal elder controls (65-75y) participated this longitudinal study. All subjects had their first neuropsychological assessment with a full set of cognitive battery test when they also performed a memory-encoding fMRI scan. The MCI and elderly control subjects had a two-year follow-up while the middle-aged controls had a 4-year follow-up. The same set of cognitive battery test was given during the follow-up visit. The monthly decline rates of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) score were calculated for each subject after adjusting for their first-visit age, gender, year of education. A voxel-based multiple linear regression model was used to exam the relationship between first-time visit fMRI activation and decline rate of RAVLT scores. Results: During their first visit, the MCI patients exhibited less activity in the right hippocampus during encoding of novel items, despite comparable task performance to the controls. The monthly decline rate of RAVLT trial7 score was found significantly correlated with the right insular cortex BOLD activation signal during the first-visit. Such a correlation is not significant among the elderly and middle-age controls. Conclusions: Reduced fMRI signal change in the MTL supports prior studies implicating the hippocampus for encoding new information. The close correlation between MTL BOLD signal and the longitudinal cognitive decline rate in MCI subjects suggests the predicative value of fMRI signal in AD.
Primary sources of health information: comparisons in the domain of health attitudes, health cognitions, and health behaviors

The recent growth in consumer autonomy in health care accompanied by the surge in the use of new media for health information gathering has led to an increasing scholarly interest in understanding the consumer health information search construct. This article explores consumer health information seeking in the realm of the primary sources of health information used by consumers. Based on an analysis of the 1999 HealthStyles data, the paper demonstrates that active communication channels such as interpersonal communication, print readership, and Internet communication serve as primary health information sources for health-conscious, health-information oriented individuals with strong health beliefs, and commitment to healthy activities. On the other hand, passive consumption channels such as television and radio serve as primary health information resources for individuals who are not health-oriented. Media planning implications are drawn from the results, suggesting that broadcast outlets with an entertainment orientation are better suited for prevention campaigns. Such channels provide suitable sites for entertainment-education. On the other hand, print media, interpersonal networks, and the Internet are better suited for communicating about health issues to the health-active consumer segment.
Editing with Contextual and Screen-Oriented Cursors:

This paper describes a study which was done during development of the word processing application of the System/23 Datamaster system to evaluate the use of contextual and screen-oriented cursor designs. Subjects were required to add and replace characters in existing text and add characters to the ends of lines and pages.Results of this study indicate that the screen-oriented cursor design is a better interface for first-time users. All subjects using this design interface performed faster, made fewer assistance calls and committed fewer errors. Further, the untrained subjects using the screen-oriented cursor performed better than the trained subjects who used the contextual cursor.
Continuing care in the treatment of addictive disorders

Newer models of continuing care in the addictions are designed to improve the long-term management of substance use disorders by engaging patients into flexible, or “adaptive,” treatment algorithms that change in focus and intensity as symptoms wax and wane over time. This article describes some of these newer approaches to the management of substance use disorders and presents recent research on their effectiveness. Findings suggest the following: 1) Continuing care interventions of a year or longer are more likely to show significant positive effects; 2) Continuing care treatments that are less burdensome to patients appear to promote higher rates of sustained engagement; 3) More structured and intensive continuing care may be more effective for patients with severe substance dependence and associated problems and for those who fail to achieve reasonable progress while in the initial phase of treatment; and 4) Use of medications as part of continuing care is increasing.
Acute and Hyperacute Humoral Rejection in Kidney Allograft Recipients Treated with Anti-Human Thymocyte Antibodies

Equine and rabbit antihuman thymocyte globulins (ATGs) have been used in renal transplantation for prevention and treatment of acute rejection. We now report that hyperacute and acute antibody-mediated rejection of renal allografts occurred in three newly transplanted patients who received ATG for induction therapy. Antibody studies performed using complement-dependent cytotoxicity, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Luminex yielded negative results for antilymphocytic and antiendothelial cell antibodies in the pretransplant sera obtained from these patients. ATG treatment was initiated at the time of transplantation. One of the patients experienced hyperacute rejection and required transplant nephrectomy within 24 h of transplantation. The other two patients developed acute antibody-mediated rejection within 14 days after transplantation. None of the patients developed antihuman leukocyte antigen antibodies when humoral rejection occurred. However, xenoantibodies that strongly bound to human lymphocytes and, importantly, to activated endothelial cells, were identified in the sera obtained at the time of humoral rejection. Hence, our results strongly implicate ATG in the induction of antibody-mediated rejection of kidney allografts. Flow cytometry testing of ATG reactivity to endothelial cells may be useful in identifying and discarding the ATG lots containing xenoantibodies that can bind to activated endothelial cells of the transplant.
Cure kinetics of several epoxy–amine systems at ambient and high temperatures

Epoxy-crosslinker curing reactions and the extent of the reactions are critical parameters that influence the performance of each epoxy system. The curing of an epoxy prepolymer with an amine functional group may be accompanied by side reactions such as etherification. Commercial epoxy prepolymers were cured with different commercial amines at ambient as well as at elevated temperatures. Singularly, only epoxy–amine reactions were observed with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)-based epoxides in our research even upon post-curing at 200°C. Etherification side reaction was found to occur at a cure temperature of 200°C in epoxides possessing a tertiary amine moiety. A combined goal of our research was to understand the effect of tougheners on the cure of epoxy–amine blend. To discern the effect of tougheners on the cure, core–shell rubber (CSR) particles were incorporated into the epoxy–amine blend. It was observed that CSR particles did not restrict the system from proceeding to complete reaction of epoxy moieties. Besides, CSR particles were found to accelerate the epoxy-amine reaction at a lower level of epoxy conversion. The lower activation energy of epoxy–amine reaction of CSR incorporated system compared to control supported the catalytic effect of CSR particles on the epoxy-amine reaction of epoxy prepolymer and amine blends.
A Double-Edged Sword: Volatile Anesthetic Effects on the Neonatal Brain

The use of volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics, is an exceedingly common practice. These anesthetics may have neuroprotective effects. Over the last decade, anesthetic induced neurotoxicity in pediatric populations has gained a certain notoriety based on pre-clinical cell and animal studies demonstrating that general anesthetics may induce neurotoxicity, including neuroapoptosis, neurodegeneration, and long-term neurocognitive and behavioral deficits. With hundreds of millions of people having surgery under general anesthesia worldwide, and roughly six million children annually in the U.S. alone, the importance of clearly defining toxic or protective effects of general anesthetics cannot be overstated. Yet, with our expanding body of knowledge, we have come to learn that perhaps not all volatile anesthetics have the same pharmacological profiles; certain ones may have a more favorable neurotoxic profile and may actually exhibit neuroprotection in specific populations and situations. Thus far, very few clinical studies exist, and have not yet been convincing enough to alter our practice. This review will provide an update on current data regarding volatile anesthetic induced neurotoxicity and neuroprotection in neonatal and infant populations. In addition, this paper will discuss ongoing studies and the trajectory of further research over the coming years.
Shock Wave Emission at Miller’s Position 1 in the Cygnus Loop

We present the far-UV spectrum (900-1800 A) of the bright filament known as Miller's (1974) position 1 in the Cygnus Loop obtained with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope during the Astro-2 space shuttle mission. Longer wavelength IUE and ground-based spectra of adjoining regions were scaled to produce a combined spectrum ranging from 900 to 7500 A. We compare this spectrum with models of radiative shock waves to infer shock velocities and elemental abundances. A power-law distribution of shock velocities within the spectrograph apertures can reproduce the observed spectrum. We consider the question of whether a simpler shock structure, thermally unstable cooling, or a mixing layer could produce a similar spectrum. We also discuss the elemental abundances with particular attention to C and Si, whose lines are only available in the UV.