cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initiation of proliferative events by human α‐thrombin requires both receptor binding and enzymic activity

To determine the role of thrombin high-affinity receptor occupancy and enzymic activity in thrombin initiation of cell proliferation, we have utilized thrombin derivatives which separate these functions. We previously showed that enzymically active γ-thrombin stimulates ion fluxes without binding to high-affinity sites, whereas proteolytically inhibited DIP-α-thrombin which binds to high-affinity receptors does not. Since neither derivative initiates DNA synthesis by itself, this suggested that two separate sequences of events might be necessary for a complete initiation signal. We now report that the combination of DIP-α-thrombin and γ-thrombin initiate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation to levels approaching the maximal initiation by native α-thrombin. This combinatory effect is dose-dependent for both γ-thrombin and DIP-α-thrombin in the same concentration range as α-thrombin alone. Thus, these same concentrations of α-thrombin alone may be required to initiate each sequence of events. The combinatory stimulation could be achieved even if the derivatives were added individually up to 8 hr apart. Moreover, preincubation with either derivative shortened the lag period for initiation of DNA synthesis by native α-thrombin. These results indicate that both receptor occupancy and enzymic activity are necessary for thrombin initiation of cell proliferation and that each action initiates a sequence of early events which moves the cell forward toward entry into a proliferative cycle.
Justice as therapy: The victim rights clarification act

The Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997 was passed on behalf of the victims and family members of the Oklahoma City bombing. This essay uses narrative analysis to examine the debate for the law, arguing that legislation enacted in response to tragedy contributes to harmful misperceptions about crime victims and alleviation of their suffering.
Myocardial beta adrenoceptor and voltage sensitive calcium channel changes in a canine model of chronic heart failure.

Abstract Effects of chronic heart failure upon receptor binding and cardiac function were studied in mongrel dogs. Heart failure was induced by three to seven, graded, sequential, intracoronary microembolizations performed 1 to 3 weeks apart. Depressed systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, increased plasma norepinephrine concentration, left ventricular hypertrophy, and dilation were associated with the development of heart failure in this model. Three months after the last embolization, the density and affinity of myocardial beta adrenoceptors and voltage sensitive calcium channels were quantified by analyzing saturation isotherms of specific radioligand binding. [ 3 H]Dihydroalprenolol and [ 3 H]nitrendipine bound specifically and with high affinity to cardiac beta adrenoceptors and calcium channels, respectively. Scatchard transformation of the specific binding of these radioligands in membranes prepared following intracoronary embolization demonstrated a 47% decrease in the density of [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites (605 ± 20 fmol/mg, normal, vs. 323 ± 18 fmol/mg, failed; P 3 H]nitredipine binding sites (371 ± 11 fmol/mg, normal, vs. 298 ± 17 fmol/mg, failed; P 3 H]dihydroalprenolol and [ 3 H]nitrendipine were not significantly different between normal and failed myocardium. There was no difference in the sialic acid content in the sarcolemmal membranes prepared from normal and failed dog hearts (31.07 ± 0.76 nmol/mg, normal, vs. 30.58 ± 5.25 nmol/mg, failed). This is inconsistent with the selective purification of membranes utilized in these radioligand binding studies. These data indicate that with left ventricular failure resulting from graded, sequential, intracoronary microembolization in dogs, there is an associated down-regulation of cardiac beta adrenoceptors and voltage sensitive calcium channels. Changes in beta adrenoceptors in this canine model of left ventricular failure parallel those reported in patients suffering from end-stage heart failure.
Application of Unbiased Stereology on Archival Human Temporal Bone

Objective The current report presents unbiased stereological sampling and counting strategies for estimating the total number of neurons in the spiral and vestibular ganglia of the archival human temporal bone. Study Design Application of unbiased stereology using archival human temporal specimens. Observational study. Methods The practical sampling and counting strategies for estimating the number of neurons are presented. To illustrate the method described, the total number of neurons in spiral and vestibular ganglia from archival human temporal bone was estimated. Results The study found, on average, 41,643 (coefficient of variation = 0.12) spiral ganglion neurons in the subjects with an average age of 35.6 years (age range, 22–60 y) and, on average, 27,635 (coefficient of variation = 0.10) vestibular ganglion neurons in the subjects with an average age of 28.6 years (age range, 2–58 y). Conclusions The total number of primary auditory and vestibular ganglion neurons from the current study differs significantly from the previously published data using assumption-based methods. The unbiased stereological technique presented in the current report thus would be invaluable for future studies on such specimens, including the study of the changes of neurons during aging and various pathological conditions.
A genetic algorithm heuristic for solving the quay crane scheduling problem with time windows

One of the most important operations in marine container terminals is quay crane scheduling. The quay crane scheduling problem (QCSP) involves scheduling groups of containers to be loaded and unloaded by each quay crane. It also requires addressing practical issues such as minimum spacing between quay cranes and precedence relationships between container groups. This study addresses the QCSP with one additional consideration: time availability of quay cranes. This problem is referred to as QCSP with time windows (QCSPTW) in the literature. This article discusses the genetic algorithm (GA) developed to solve the QCSPTW. It builds on a previously developed GA to solve the QCSP by the authors. The results of a large set of numerical experiments using benchmark instances highlight several key characteristics of the proposed solution approach: (i) the developed GA can provide near optimal solutions in a faster time for medium and large-sized instances (overall average gap is less than 3 per cent), and (ii) the developed GA leads to an improvement in the solution quality (lower vessel turnaround time) for instances with fragmented time windows (time windows that are broken up into two or more non-contiguous segments).
Daily Energy Expenditure Is Related to Plasma Leptin Concentrations in Older African-American Women but Not Men

Recent research suggests that leptin may control body weight by regulating energy expenditure and energy intake in mice. To explore the possible role of leptin in the regulation of energy expenditure in humans, we used doubly-labeled water methodology to determine whether fasting plasma leptin concentrations were related to total daily energy expenditure (TEE) and its components, resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), in free-living older African-American men ( n = 21) and women ( n = 25). Plasma leptin concentrations were higher in women than men, even after the adjustment for differences in fat mass (28 ± 3 ng/ml for women vs. 17 ± 3 ng/ml for men; P r = 0.80) and men ( r = 0.78) ( P P P = 0.08) toward lower PAEE, compared with men. After controlling for the effects of fat-free mass on energy expenditure, plasma leptin concentrations were related to REE ( r = 0.68, P r = 0.37, P = 0.07) in African-American women but not men ( r = 0.18 and −0.03, respectively). Plasma leptin concentrations were not related to PAEE in either men or women. These results suggest that leptin may contribute to the regulation of TEE in older African-American women through its effects on resting energy metabolism, but the role of leptin in the regulation of energy expenditure is less apparent in older African-American men.
Construct validity for the LAPSIM laparoscopic surgical simulator

The skills required for laparoscopic surgery are amenable to simulator-based training. Several computerized devices are now available. We hypothesized that the LAPSIM simulator can be shown to distinguish novice from experienced laparoscopic surgeons, thus establishing construct validity. We tested residents of all levels and attending laparoscopic surgeons. The subjects were tested on eight software modules. Pass/fail (P/F), time (T), maximum level achieved (MLA), tissue damage (TD), motion, and error scores were compared using the t-test and analysis of variance. A total of 54 subjects were tested. The most significant difference was found when we compared the most (seven attending surgeons) and least experienced (10 interns) subjects. Grasping showed significance at P/F and MLA (p < 0.03). Clip applying was significant for P/F, MLA, motion, and errors (p < 0.02). Laparoscopic suturing was significant for P/F, MLA, T, TD, as was knot error (p < 0.05). This finding held for novice, intermediate, and expert subjects (p < 0.05) and for suturing time between attending surgeons and residents (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-4) (p < 0.05). LAPSIM has construct validity to distinguish between expert and novice laparoscopists. Suture simulation can be used to discriminate between individuals at different levels of residency and expert surgeons.
Development of Eimeria callospermophili and E. bilamellata from the Uinta Ground Squirrel Spermophilus armatus in Cultured Cells

SYNOPSIS. Cell lines or established cell lines of bovine, ovine or human origin and primary cells from whole embryos of groundsquirrels were used in a study of the in vitro development of Eimeria callospermophili and E. bilamellata from the Uinta ground squirrel, Spermophilus armatus. Monolayers in Leighton tube cultures were inoculated with sporozoites of either of these 2 species and examined with phase-contrast microscopy at various intervals. After such examination, coverslips were fixed in Schaudinn's or Zenker's fluid and variously stained. E. callospermophi sporozoites penetrated cells and underwent development to mature 1st generation schizonts in most cell types. At different times after inoculation, both species formed sporozoite-shaped schizonts, which later became spheroidal. Intracellular movements of sporo zoite-shaped schizonts of E. callospermophili were observed and such schizonts penetrated cells when freed by mechanical disintegration of the host cells. Merozoites were formed at the periphery of the schizont in both species. Mature 1st generation schizonts of E. callospermophili, with 6–14 merozoites, were first seen 15 hr after inoculation; the corresponding values for E. bilamellata were 12–27 merozoites and 4 days. Merozoites of both had anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Exposure to a trypsin-bile solution stimulated motility in merozoites of E. callospermophili. Second generation trophozoites and immature schizonts of E. callospermophili were seen in cultures of primary cells of whole ground-squirrel embryos 20–24 hr and 44–48 hr, respectively, after inoculation of sporozoites.
Diffusion in fluid-bearing and slightly-melted rocks: experimental and numerical approaches illustrated by iron transport in dunite

Bulk diffusion of iron in synthetic dunites containing 1–6 vol.% fluid or melt at 10 kbar (1 GPa) and 900°–1300° C was examined by encapsulating the samples in platinum, which served as a sink for iron. The rate of iron loss from the dunite was found to depend strongly upon the identity of the fluid, which was varied from CO2 and H2O to melts of basaltic and sodium carbonate composition. Carbon dioxide in amounts up to 4 vol.% has no effect upon bulk iron diffusion because it exists in the dunite are isolated pores. The interconnected nature of H2O, basaltic melt, and carbonate melt, on the other hand, results in marked enhancement of bulk-rock Fe diffusion that is correlated with the diffusivity and solubility of olivine components in the fluid. At 1300° C, 4–5 vol.% of either water or basaltic melt increases the effective bulk diffusivity from the fluidabsent value of ≈10-10 cm2/s to ≈10-8 cm2/s. A single experiment involving a similar volume fraction of carbonate melt yielded a minimum bulk diffusivity of 10-7–10-6 cm2/s. This remarkably high value is attributable to the concurrent high diffusivity and high solubility of olivine components in molten carbonate H2O has a high diffusivity, estimated at ≈10-4 cm2/s in this study, and basaltic melt can dissolve large amounts of olivine, but neither possesses these two qualities in combination. Bulk transport of Fe in dunite containing <2 vol.% of pure H2O is independent of olivine grain size for samples having an average grain diameter of <10 μm to ≈60 μm. This is probably because bulk diffusion specifically in these H2O-bearing samples is ratelimited by the flux (which is proportional to concentration) of olivine components in the fluid. Given a constant fluid volume fraction, the effect of reducing the grain size is to increase the number of fluid-filled channels, but at the same time to decrease their average aperture, thus keeping constant the cross-sectional area through which the diffusional flux occurs. (Independence of bulk diffusivity from grain size is not anticipated for rocks containing melt, in which the silicate components are much more soluble.) In numerical (finite difference) simulations of selected laboratory experiments, the bulk Fe transport process was modeled as diffusion in fluid-filled tubules of triangular cross-section that are supplied by volume diffusion from contacting olivine grains with which they are in surface equilibrium. Applying a tortuosity factor of 1.7 brings the numerically computed diffusional loss profiles for experiments containing basaltic melt into near-coincidence with the experimentally-determined curves. This success in reproducing the experimental results lends credence to the interpretation of the bulk diffusional loss profiles as composites of gradients due to volume, grain-boundary and fluid-phase diffusion.
An experimental and numerical study on the adequacy of CH as a flame marker in premixed methane flames

Abstract The CH radical is frequently used as a flame marker because it is relatively short-lived and is present over a narrow region in flames. Discontinuities in the CH field are thus often interpreted as localized extinction of the flame. Recently, however, the adequacy of CH laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) as a flame marker was questioned by an experimental study of flame–vortex interactions in highly N 2 -diluted premixed methane flames. We demonstrate both experimentally and numerically that anomalies in the transient response of CH in this earlier study were due to reactant composition variations in the vortex. In addition, we evaluate the adequacy of CH LIF as a flame marker over a much broader range of conditions. Previous numerical studies showed that heat release rate correlates reasonably well with peak [HCO] and the concentration product [OH][CH 2 O], but poorly with [CH], in highly N 2 -diluted premixed methane flames. Here, the correlation between heat release rate and CH is investigated both experimentally, by performing simultaneous measurements of CH, OH, and CH 2 O LIF, and numerically. We consider undiluted and N 2 -diluted premixed methane flames over a range of strain rates and stoichiometries. Results are reported for flames subjected to unsteady stretch and reactant composition variations. For all N 2 -dilution levels considered, the peak CH LIF signal correlates poorly with heat release rate when the stoichiometry of the reactant mixture changes from rich to lean. However, when flames are subjected to stretch, the correlation between CH and heat release rate improves as the N 2 -dilution level decreases. The correlation is reasonably good for undiluted flames with equivalence ratios of 0.8 Φ
Imputation of Binary Treatment Variables With Measurement Error in Administrative Data

Administrative systems—specifically, cancer registries—can be a valuable data source for studies of health care; however, provision of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy is often underreported in such databases. In a study of colorectal cancer in California, a relatively small physician follow-back survey allowed us to model the probability of underreporting. We then wished to model the relationship of true treatment status to covariates in the full database. We developed hierarchical models for imputation of corrected data using data recorded with error in the administrative system and the “validation sample” from the survey. The model includes a model for the probability of receipt of chemotherapy and a model for the probability of reporting given that chemotherapy was received. This factorization of the joint distribution of the true status and reported data is designed to permit generalization from the validation sample to a larger population in which the reporting process is similar but the p...
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF COLLISIONAL DRIFT WAVES BY MODULATED PARALLEL-ELECTRON- CURRENT SINK-EXPERIMENT AND INTERPRETATION.

By modulating a parallel-electron-current sink, the collisional drift wave is stabilized with negative feedback in the unstable regime and destabilized with positive feedback in the stable regime. Upon stabilization, improved plasma confinement is measured.
Light-chain nephropathy.

Case presentation A 65-year-old woman, first evaluated at New England Medical Center approximately 4 years ago for hypertension, was found to have glycosuria with a concomitant serum glucose level of 95 mg/dl. Serum uric acid was 2.1 mg/dl, the serum phosphorus was 1.8 mg/dl, and the patient had a hyperchioremic metabolic acidosis; the serum bicarbonate was 16 mEq/liter. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a small monoclonal spike determined by immunoelectrophoresis to be a kappa light chain. Urinary protein electrophoresis revealed the same monoclonal light chain. Bone marrow biopsy and rectal biopsy were normal. Four months after first being seen, the patient was admitted for a percutaneous renal biopsy. Hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelet count all were within normal limits. Creatinine clearance was 59 cc/mm. Plain films of the skull, pelvis, and spine revealed no evidence of myeloma. At the time of admission for the renal biopsy, she was treated only with neutral phosphate, 2 tablets orally 4 times daily. Physical examination revealed an elderly woman in no acute distress. Blood pressure was 150/90 mm Hg. The pulse was 72 and regular. Funduscopic examination was not performed. The question arose of slight enlargement of the right lobe of the thyroid. No breast masses were found. The lungs were clear. Cardiac examination was unremarkable. There were 2+ pulses throughout without bruits. Neurologic examination disclosed mild numbness to pinprick in the tips of all fingers, but no other abnormalities. Urinalysis revealed a specific gravity of 1.022; pH, 6; albumin, greater than 100 mg/dl; a trace of sugar; and 10 to 15 white blood cells, 0 to 2 red blood cells, and 4 to 6 epithelial cells per high-power field. Electrocardiogram was unremarkable save for nonspecific ST-T wave changes. Chest x-ray was within normal limits. Sodium was 145 mEq/Iiter; potassium, 4.2 mEq/liter;
Parenteral Nutrition in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Merging Perspectives From the Patient and Healthcare Provider

The decision to utilize parenteral nutrition in patients with advanced cancer is difficult. There are variable opinions in the literature. Those who routinely care for cancer patients often confront the challenges of discussing these interventions with patients and their families. We review results from previous randomized controlled trials, published guidelines, and recent work that describes the emotional challenges patients and families face as they make such decisions with their healthcare providers.
Thermal desorption of organic solids

Abstract The emergence of a number of 'desorption' methods, which enable the production of gas phase ions directly from the condensed phase, has greatly extended the range of applications of mass spectrometry.
Site-Dependent Tension Properties of Inertia Friction-Welded Joints Made From Dissimilar Ni-based Superalloys

Microstructure, tensile properties, and fracture behavior of the inertia friction weld joints of dissimilar superalloys, cast Mar-M247 and wrought LSHR, were studied to assess the weld quality. Tensile tests were conducted at 23 and 704 °C on the samples containing different areas of the weld interface of the same welded material. The stress-strain curves were registered at different axial distances from the weld interface. In all tested samples, plastic deformation was localized on Mar-M247 side, outside the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and the resistance to plastic deformation of Mar-M247 increased with a decrease in the distance from the weld interface inside HAZ. Only elastic deformation occurred on the LSHR side. Fracture occurred on the Mar-M247 side, outside HAZ, or at the weld interface. In the latter case, welding defects in the form of clusters of nanometer-sized oxide and carbide particles were observed at the fracture surfaces. These results revealed that the IFW process is capable of producing the weld joints between Mar-M247 and LSHR with the fracture strength higher than that of Mar-M247. However, optimization of the IFW processing parameters is required to minimize clustering of oxide/carbide particles at the weld interface in this alloy pair.
Democratic Commitments: Legislatures and International Cooperation. By Lisa L. Martin. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2000. 225p. $49.50 cloth, $18.95 paper.

One of the sharpest and most consequential divisions in international relations lies between those who believe that international politics is a realm unto its own and those who see the lines between domestic and international politics as both permeable and pertinent. For the former group, the consequences of anarchy swamp any potential for politics to be ordered at the international level as it is within states. In this view, the dynamics of domestic political life, such as the rule of law, norms of trust, or the independent effects of institutions, are foreign to the international system.
The bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 as a potential target of a novel mechanism-based treatment strategy for neonatal seizures

Seizures that occur during the neonatal period do so with a greater frequency than at any other age, have profound consequences for cognitive and motor development, and are difficult to treat with the existing series of antiepileptic drugs. During development, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission undergoes a switch from excitatory to inhibitory due to a reversal of neuronal chloride (Cl()) gradients. The intracellular level of chloride ([Cl()](i)) in immature neonatal neurons, compared with mature adult neurons, is about 20-40 mM higher due to robust activity of the chloride-importing Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1, such that the binding of GABA to ligand-gated GABA(A) receptor-associated Cl() channels triggers Cl() efflux and depolarizing excitation. In adults, NKCC1 expression decreases and the expression of the genetically related chloride-extruding K-Cl cotransporter KCC2 increases, lowering [Cl()](i) to a level such that activation of GABA(A) receptors triggers Cl() influx and inhibitory hyperpolarization. The excitatory action of GABA in neonates, while playing an important role in neuronal development and synaptogenesis, accounts for the decreased seizure threshold, increased seizure propensity, and poor efficacy of GABAergic anticonvulsants in this age group. Bumetanide, a furosemide-related diuretic already used to treat volume overload in neonates, is a specific inhibitor of NKCC1 at low doses, can switch the GABA equilibrium potential of immature neurons from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing, and has recently been shown to inhibit epileptic activity in vitro and in vivo in animal models of neonatal seizures. The fundamental role of NKCC1 in establishing excitatory GABAergic neurotransmission in the neonate makes it a tempting target of a novel mechanism-based anticonvulsant strategy that could utilize the well-known pharmacology of bumetanide to help treat neonatal seizures.
Making Keywords Work: Connecting Patrons to Resources Through Enhanced Bibliographic Records

Libraries seek methods of maximizing users' discovery of relevant resources. One of these methods is to enhance bibliographic records with tables of contents. Limited previous research has shown a positive correlation between record enhancement and circulation, but the costs for enhancement can vary widely. The authors present their research in which they examined circulation statistics after retrospectively enhancing records for anthologies of literature with low prior circulation. Results indicate that circulation increased for some subject areas, but not others. The authors conclude that this service is of value to our users, and discuss the issues of costs and selection of items for this kind of project.
Navigating in the Storm: Using Astrolabe to Adaptively Configure Web Services and Their Clients

The dramatic growth of distributed computing applications is creating both an opportunity and a daunting challenge for users seeking to build applications that will play critical roles in their organization. Here, we discuss the use of a new system, Astrolabe, to automate self-configuration, monitoring, and to control adaptation. Astrolabe operates by creating a virtual system-wide hierarchical database, which evolves as the underlying information changes. Astrolabe is secure, robust under a wide range of failure and attack scenarios, and imposes low loads even under stress. To focus the discussion, we structure it around a hypothetical Web Services scenario. One of the major opportunities created by Astrolabe is to allow Web Services client systems to autonomically adapt when a data center becomes slow or unreachable.
Matrix isolation study of the products of the interaction between metastable Ar and Kr atoms and chloroform. Photodecomposition of HCCl+2 and HCCl−2

Abstract The emission spectrum of a microwave discharge through argon and the infrared and ultraviolet spectra of the products of the interaction of HCCl3 with the periphery of such a discharge, observed after radpid quenching in an argon matrix at 14 K, indicate that metastable argon atoms play an important role in matrix isolation experiments using such a discharge configuration to produce free radicals and molecular ions. Exceptionally high yields of HCCL+2 and HCCl−2 and a significant concentration of CCl+3 were stabilized in these experiments. The observations support the assignment of the 1037 cm−1 peak to “isolated” CCl+3. Upon exposure of the sample to 370-280 nm radiation, a prominent, slightly perturbed absorption of ClHCl− appeared at 705 cm−1. This absorption was destroyed by 280-260 nm radiation. The relative stability of both HCCl+2 and CCl+3 upon exposure of the sample to radiation of wavelength longer than 280 nm is attributed to electron scavenging by the HCCl3 in the matrix; this species is present in considerably greater concentration than are the ion products. Evidence is presented for the photodecomposition of HCCl+2 at wavelengths shorter than about 280 nm. A marked increase in the concentration of HAr+n when HCCl+2 was photolyzed by radiation of wavelength shorter than 260 nm is consistent with the calculated threshold energy for proton transfer from HCCl+2 to Ar. The results of krypton matrix experiments are also consistent with this mechanism. Unstructured absorption bands near 285 and 250 nm are tentatively attributed to ClHCl− and HCCl+2, respectively. An increase in the concentration of “nonrotating” H2O, compared to H2O molecules free to undergo rotational transitions, when ions are present in the matrix can be attributed to the electric field producted by ionic interactions.
Characterization of Rock Populations on Planetary Surfaces - Techniques and a Preliminary Analysis of Mars and Venus

A data collection and analysis scheme developed for the interpretation of rock morphology from lander images is reviewed with emphasis on rock population characterization techniques. Data analysis techniques are also discussed in the context of identifying key characteristics of a rock that place it in a single category with similar rocks. Actual rock characteristics observed from Viking and Venera lander imagery are summarized. Finally, some speculations regarding the block fields on Mars and Venus are presented.
Analysis of End Milling Surface Error Considering Tool Compliance

An analytical model of surface height error in end milling due to the elastic compliance of cutting tool is presented. Based on the relationship of local cutting forces and chip thickness, the shear loading and bending moment on tool cross section are presented in terms of cutter angular position. The tool deflection responding to the bending moment is then established including the consideration of workpiece and machine tool structural deflection. The expression for surface error is derived as a closed-form function of the machining parameters, cutting configuration, material characteristics, and machine receptance.
Early postnatal administration of growth hormone increases tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuron numbers in Ames dwarf mice.

Hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons secrete dopamine, which inhibits pituitary prolactin (PRL) secretion. PRL has demonstrated neurotrophic effects on TIDA neuron development in PRL-, GH-, and TSH-deficient Ames (df/df) and Snell (dw/dw) dwarf mice. However, both PRL and PRL receptor knockout mice exhibit normal-sized TIDA neuron numbers, implying GH and/or TSH influence TIDA neuron development. The current study investigated the effect of porcine (p) GH on TIDA neuron development in Ames dwarf hypothalamus. Normal (DF/df) and dwarf mice were treated daily with pGH or saline beginning at 3 d of age for a period of 42 d. After treatment, brains were analyzed using catecholamine histofluorescence, tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry to detect BrdU incorporation. DF/df males and df/df treated with pGH experienced increased (P ≤ 0.01) weight gain compared with those treated with saline. DF/df had greater (P ≤ 0.01) TIDA neuron numbers than df/df, regardless of treatment. TIDA neuron number in pGH-treated df/df was greater (P ≤ 0.01) than in saline-treated df/df. Zona incerta and periventricular dopamine neurons were not affected by treatment or genotype. There was no effect of genotype or treatment on BrdU incorporation in the arcuate nucleus, median eminence, or periventricular region surrounding the third ventricle. Saline-treated df/df experienced decreased (P ≤ 0.05) dentate gyrus BrdU incorporation compared with saline-treated DF/df. In the lateral ventricle, pGH-treated males had greater BrdU immunoreactivity than pGH-treated females. The results show an effect of pGH on TIDA neuron development, although this effect is less potent than that of PRL, and likely GH-induced preservation of TIDA neurons rather than generation of new TIDA neurons via neurogenesis.
Silicon Based Photonic Crystal Electro-optic Modulator Utilizing the Plasma Dispersion Effect

We present developments in the design and fabrication of a photonic crystal based electro-optic modulator which operates using the plasma dispersion effect of free carriers injected from a PIN diode.
Echoes of Sophocles's Antigone in Auster's Invisible

In her article "Echoes of Sophocles's Antigone in Auster's Invisible" Kathleen Waller discusses Paul Auster's Invisible, a novel that explores Deleuze's and Guattari's ontological idea of becoming in a virtual world versus merely living in the actual, physical world. Sexual and immortal desires in the protagonist's virtual world show a near achieved nothingness, or "a space which is unlimited" and filled with the being's energy, and a being who is becoming, a "univocal being" as a "free spirit" of energy. However, because these desires are only realized through a repression, Auster asks us not to go as far as Deleuze's and Guatarri's "Anti-Oedipus" argument that negates a being dependent on experience: instead of merely dealing with the actual world to reach a state of "nomadic ... distribution" of the energy particles that create a "univocal ... Being," we should become only as participating members of families and relationships in which love is truly realized in both the virtual and actual. The novel is in essence a retelling of Antigone, which exposes the desires for immortality and incest as a connection to a preservation of the family or its uniqueness. Auster retells the story through a more explicit ontological approach that asks us to consider not only the definition of being but also the impact of bio-political acts on society. Kathleen Waller, "Echoes of Sophocles's Antigone in Paul Auster's Invisible" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 13.1 (2011):
Phase stability of the Hf-Nb system: From first-principles to CALPHAD

Hf-Nb is representative of a large number of alloy systems where the phase diagram is known but experimentally measured thermodynamic data is unavailable. This motivated us to investigate solid-state phase stability of this system employing ab-initio techniques based on electronic density functional theory (DFT). The total energy calculations are performed at the generalized gradient approximation level to account for non-locality of the exchange-correlation functional within DFT. The zero-temperature heat of formation of bcc-, hcp-and fcc-based ordered phases (virtual) and the finite temperature heat of mixing of bcc, hcp and fcc solid solutions are calculated. The latter properties are obtained by the cluster expansion technique coupled with Monte-Carlo simulations. In an effort to build multicomponent thermodynamic and kinetic databases containing Hf and Nb, we demonstrate a hybrid approach to integrate the ab-initio results with CALPHAD formalism to obtain thermodynamic data for the Hf-Nb system. The similarities and differences between previous CALPHAD assessment and our results are discussed.
LIFE-II: A COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF FAST-REACTOR FUEL-ELEMENT BEHAVIOR AS A FUNCTION OF REACTOR OPERATING HISTORY.

Abstract The LIFE-II computer code provides a detailed thermal, radiation, and mechanical analysis of cylindrical fast-reactor fuel-element behavior as a function of the actual reactor operating history. Materials behavior models of the effects of fuel restructuring, fuel cracking and hot pressing, migration of fuel constituents, fuel swelling due to solid and gaseous fission products, fission-gas release, fuel-cladding interactions, and cladding swelling due to void nucleation and growth, are included in a generalized plane-strain iterative procedure. As a result, LIFE-II predicts the thermo-elastic, creep, and swelling deformations of the fuel element as a function of the reactor power and coolant temperature history. Comparison of LIFE-II calculations with results from actual fuel-element irradiations in the EBR-II reactor demonstrate the sensitivity of fuel-element performance to reactor operating cycles. Sensitivity analyses are also being performed to indicate the most critical areas in which improved fuel-element material and performance data are needed. The LIFE-II code is a realistic and versatile design tool for the prediction of fast-reactor fuel-element behavior.
Dibenz[a,h]anthracenes : studies between HMO theoretical reactivity indices and carcinogenicity

Abstract Methyl substitution in dibenz[a,h]anthracene leads to isomeric derivatives with distinctly different carcinogenic potencies. Using the elements of Bay Region carbonium ions and the Seybold‐Smith reactivity theory, these differences in carcinogenic activity will be examined using theoretical Huckel molecular orbital reactivity indices.
Active Fault Protection for High Power IGBTs

An active fault protection method is proposed to prevent the IGBTs from being damaged should they be under over-current and short circuit fault conditions. A closed-loop gate drive method is used to effectively control the IGBT turn-off switching speed independent of the fault type or resultant over-current level. Compared with conventional solutions, the proposed method can limit fault current level, minimize energy loss with fast shut down transient, and control voltage overshoot. Also, no additional hardware circuit or soft shut down process is need. Even if an over-current fault condition can not be effectively detected, the automatically controlled IGBT turn-off switching speed can avoid a dangerous voltage overshoot across the power device. This new feature can significantly improve the robustness of the power system and cannot be achieved with the conventional approaches.
Age-dependent regulation of isoproterenol-stimulated DNA synthesis in rat salivary gland in vivo.

Abstract In an attempt to determine the initial isoproterenol-stimulated response on which the age-dependent delay in DNA synthesis is based, the time course and magnitude of several previously documented biochemical events within this sequence were examined. An increase in activity of thymidine kinase, and perhaps deoxythymidylate synthesis, is initiated at 12 hr following treatment with isoproterenol, and is delayed nearly 5 hr as rats age from 2 to 12 months. Incorporation of [ 3 H]-uridine into total cellular RNA following isoproterenol injection is initiated at 7 hr in 2-month old rats and occurs as early as 2 hr in 12-month old rats. However, this age-dependent acceleration of apparent RNA synthesis probably is not essential to subsequent synthesis of DNA. The appearance of RNA species required for DNA synthesis, as determined by the time of insensitivity to inhibition by Actinomycin D, occurs at 10 hr following isoproterenol treatment of 2-month old rats, and is delayed nearly 12 hr in 12-month old rats. The possible appearance of protein species required for DNA synthesis, as determined by the time of diminished sensitivity to inhibition by cycloheximide, occurs at 5 hr following isoproterenol treatment of both 2- and 12-month old rats. It is proposed that the initial age dependent modification relates to either the stimulated appearance of crucial RNA species between 5 and 10 hr following isoproterenol treatment, or an early biochemical action of the drug, distinct from its membrane receptor binding which enhances secretion of α-amylase.
Systemic antimicrobial therapy in skin and skin structure infections: Comparison of temafloxacin and ciprofloxacin

Abstract Temafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with in vitro activity against common skin pathogens and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was conducted in 492 patients to compare the safety and efficacy of temafloxacin 600 mg with ciprofloxacin 750 mg for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin or skin structure. Both drugs were given twice daily for 7–28 days. The most common diagnoses were abscess and superficial skin infection, which were usually caused by staphylococci. In evaluable patients, clinical success (cure plus improvement) rates were 96% in the temafloxacin group and 99% in the ciprofloxacin group. Bacteriologic eradication rates were 95% and 93% in the temafloxacin and ciprofloxacin groups, respectively. Both regimens were well tolerated. Temafloxacin appears to be safe and effective for the management of bacterial infections of the skin and skin structure.
Low dose total body irradiation followed by allogeneic lymphocyte infusion for refractory hematologic malignancy: an updated review

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is curative for certain cancers, but the high doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy used in conventional myeloablative conditioning regimens may lead to severe toxicity. In our initial study, we treated 25 patients with refractory cancers with 100 cGy total body irradiation (TBI) followed by allogeneic, non mobilized peripheral blood cells. Eighteen patients received sibling and 7 patients received unrelated cord blood stem cells. None of the 13 patients with solid tumors achieved donor chimerism or had a sustained response. Twelve patients with hematologic malignancies were treated, 1 received a cord blood transplant and 11 received sibling donor cells. Nine of these 11 patients achieved donor chimerism, ranging from 5% to 100%. Four patients had sustained complete remission of their cancers, and 2 are long-term survivors. The development of chimerism correlated with total previous myelotoxic chemotherapy (p < 0.001). This technique is now being extended into the haploidentical setting.
Psychological Distress and Smoking Behavior: The Nature of the Relation Differs by Race/Ethnicity

Objective: We explored how the relation between psychological distress and smoking behavior differed as a function of race/ethnicity of respondents to a representative national survey.
Towards closing the capacity gap on multiple antenna channels

In recent years, soft iterative decoding techniques have been shown to greatly improve the bit error rate performance of various communication systems. For multiple antenna systems, however, it is not clear what is the best way to obtain the soft-information required of the iterative scheme with low complexity. In this paper, we propose a modification of the Fincke-Pohst (sphere decoder) algorithm to estimate the MAP probability of the received symbol sequence. The new algorithm solves a nonlinear integer leasts-quares problem and, over a wide range of rates and SNRs, has polynomial-time (often cubic) complexity. The performance of the algorithm, combined with convolutional, turbo, and LDPC codes is demonstrated on several multiple antenna channels.
Seeing and Thinking in the Mist

Writing for nonspecialists, Chabris and Simon draw from research on attention, perception, memory, and reasoning to discuss how everyday illusions can lead us astray.
Stress echocardiography: abnormal response of tissue Doppler-derived indices to dobutamine in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND Abnormal tissue Doppler (TD)-derived indices during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) can predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with normal renal function. These indices include a reduction in annular systolic velocity (S'), a decrease in early diastolic annular velocity (E'), and prolongation of the time to E'. However, the ability of these indices to detect or exclude CAD in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) is unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the ability of TD-derived indices to detect or exclude the presence of CAD in patients with CRF. METHODS We evaluated a total of 30 patients (13 males, mean age 57 +/- 15 years) using both DSE and coronary angiography. This cohort consisted of 12 control patients with normal renal function (mean creatinine 0.5 mg/dL) and 18 patient with CRF (mean creatinine 2.5 mg/dL). At each stage of the DSE, left ventricular (LV) diastolic function was assessed using conventional (peak early (E) and late (A) transmitral, E/A ratio, E-wave deceleration time (DT), and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT)) and TD-derived indices (lateral annular systolic (S'), early diastolic (E'), and late atrial velocities (A'), time to E' and E/E'). RESULTS All 30 patients had a normal DSE based on systolic regional function and a normal coronary angiogram. There was no difference in E, A, E/A, DT or IVRT between the two groups at each stage. Despite normal coronaries, patients with CRF demonstrated lower S' and E' velocities at peak stress compared to the control patients (8.0 +/- 2.2 cm/sec vs 15.1 +/- 2.6, P < 0.05 and 6.7 +/- 1.6 cm/sec vs 13.3 +/- 3.1, P < 0.05, respectively). During DSE, the time to E' at peak stress in CRF patients was also prolonged compared to control (400 +/- 44 ms vs 329 +/- 51, P < 0.05). Patients with CRF also had increased filling pressures (as estimated by E/E') as compared to controls at peak stress (14.7 +/- 5.2 vs 7.4 +/- 1.5, P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION In patients with CRF, a reduction in TD derived indices does not predict the presence of obstructive CAD.
Novel evidence in support of the bilingual advantage: Influences of task demands and experience on cognitive control and working memory

The bilingual advantage—enhanced cognitive con- trol relative to monolinguals—possibly occurs due to experi- ence engaging general cognitive mechanisms in order to man- agetwolanguages.Supportingthishypothesisisevidencethat bimodal (signed language-spokenlanguage) bilingualsdonot demonstrate such an advantage, presumably because the dis- tinct language modalities reduce conflict and control de- mands. We hypothesized that the mechanism responsible for the bilingual advantage is the interplay between (a) the mag- nitude of bilingual management demands and (b) the amount of experience managing those demands. We recruited adult bimodal bilinguals with high bilingual management demands and examined cognitive control and working memory capac- ity longitudinally. After gaining experience managing high bilingual management demands, participants outperformed themselves from 2 years earlier on cognitive abilities associ- ated with managing the bilingual demands. These results suggest that cognitive control outcomes for bilinguals vary as a function of the mechanisms recruited during bilingual management and the amount of experience managing the bilingual demands.
Linkages Between Riparian Characteristics, Ungulate Grazing, and Geomorphology and Nutrient Cycling in Montane Grassland Streams

Abstract Catchment characteristics and disturbances control the conditions and processes found in stream ecosystems. We examined nutrient cycling linkages between riparian soils and adjacent streams and the impacts of the removal of ungulate grazing on these ecosystems and processes at six grazing exclosure sites in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, NM, USA. The exclusion of native and domestic ungulate grazers for 3 yr significantly increased the riparian aboveground biomass of standing vegetation (273 ± 155 in grazed vs. 400 ± 178 g . m -2 in exclosures) and litter (58 ± 75 in grazed vs. 110 ± 76 g . m -2 in exclosures) ( P = 0.003 and 0.006, respectively). Except for an increase in total soil phosphorous (P) at three of the six sites, soil nutrient values were minimally affected by grazing after five growing seasons. Within the six sites studied, no connection was found between 0–15-cm depth soils, which were P-limited based on stoichiometric ratios, and stream nutrient availability or limitation, which were nitrogen limited. Stream geomorphology was not significantly altered by 5 yr of grazing exclusion. The elimination of grazing suppressed instream nutrient processing with significantly longer NH 4 uptake lengths ( P = 0.003). These results suggest the exclusion of ungulate grazing impacts terrestrial characteristics (increased standing vegetative biomass) that are linked to ecosystem services provided by adjacent aquatic ecosystems (reduced N-uptake). Management plans should carefully balance the positive effect of grazing on stream nutrient processing and retention reported here with the well-documented grazing-related loss of other ecosystem services such as decreased fish and aquatic invertebrate habitat and effects on water-quality parameters such as turbidity and water temperature.