cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A continuum approach to phoretic motions: Thermophoresis

Abstract A purely continuum theory for the thermophoretic velocity of aerosol and hydrosol particles in the zero Knudsen number, near continuum limit, Kn = 0 + , valid for both gases and liquids, is proposed. This theoretical result is based upon a fundamentally modified version of the traditional equations governing continuum fluid motion, one which accounts for an intrinsic difference in a fluid's barycentric (mass-based) velocity and its kinematic velocity of volume, this difference arising during molecular transport processes in fluids within which a mass density gradient exists. Our continuum-scale approach contains no free parameters, nor does it rely upon any sub-continuum, molecular concepts, such as Maxwell's thermally-induced velocity-slip condition. The resulting expression for the thermophoretic velocity of a non-Brownian, spherical particle agrees both constitutively and phenomenologically with available correlations of such velocity data in gases, as well as with the more limited data for liquids. Furthermore, the effect of shape and orientation is discussed for the case of non-spherical particles, with specific results furnished for effectively non-conducting particles. Agreement of the theory with the data furnishes explicit experimental support of the non-traditional fluid-mechanical equations utilized herein.
Stem cell factor and stromal cell co-culture prevent apoptosis in a subculture of the megakaryoblastic cell line, UT-7

The megakaryoblastic cell line, UT-7, is dependent for its growth upon interleukin-3 (IL-3), erythropoietin, or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). A subculture of this line can be maintained in recombinant human c-kit ligand [stem cell factor (SCF)] at 100 ng/ml without requirement for other growth factors. Removal of this subculture from SCF results in rapid loss of viability and decreased proliferation. Cells grown in SCF also can be maintained in GM-CSF but not vice versa. In this work, we have characterized the SCF dependence of this UT-7 subculture. Stem cell factor removal results in apoptosis and a decline in viability which can be restored partially by re-addition of SCF, GM-CSF, or co-culture with adherent marrow stromal cells. Apoptosis in the factor-starved UT-7 population has been documented by light microscopy, electron microscopy and DNA analysis, showing the typical 180 base pair laddering characteristic of apoptosis. To quantitate the degree of apoptosis in the cell populations, and to assess whether apoptosis decreased with re-exposure of starved cells to growth factors or stroma, we utilized flow cytometry. This confirmed that exposure of previously factor-starved cells to stroma decreased the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. Co-culture with an SCF-deficient murine stromal cell line was also able to prevent apoptosis, suggesting contribution of other stromal cell factors. Experiments performed using trans-well inserts which do not allow cell passage, showed greatest viability of cells in contact with stroma, but viability was also improved in cells cultured in the presence of, but not in contact with, stromal cells compared to those cultured above plastic, suggesting a role for soluble stroma-produced substances. These data demonstrate that SCF alone can prevent apoptosis in cells dependent upon its presence for proliferation. Also, marrow stromal cells can serve as a partial substitute for growth factor in the prevention of apoptosis in these cells, probably due to constitutive presentation of SCF and other hematopoietic growth factors in both soluble and surface-bound forms.
Metabolic effects of fructose as a natural sweetener in the physiologic meals of ambulatory obese patients with type II diabetes

The long-term effects of fructose as a natural sweetener in the physiologic meals of ambulatory obese patients with type II diabetes remain uncertain. An outpatient 12-week study was therefore conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of crystalline fructose (60 g) supplementation of the diet of nine patients with type II diabetes (Group A, mean age 57 +/- 2 years, seven women and two men). Their results were compared with age-, sex-, and weight-matched patients with type II diabetes who were similarly studied but without fructose supplementation of their usual meals (Group B). The mean +/- SEM fasting serum glucose (224 +/- 24 versus 204 +/- 14 mg/dl) and glycosylated hemoglobin (11.57 +/- 0.49 versus 10.20 +/- 0.60 percent) values progressively decreased (p less than 0.05, week 12 versus week 0) in Group A. In contrast, both parameters increased in Group B when compared with the week 0 values, but differences were not statistically significant. Levels of fasting serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unchanged at week 12 compared with week 0 in Group A. However, the mean apoprotein A1 concentrations increased significantly at weeks 4 and 12 in Group A, whereas only transient changes occurred in apoprotein B100 values. Levels of mean fasting serum triglycerides increased at weeks 4 (15 percent) and 12 (38 percent) in Group B; however, no significant changes occurred in the rest of the lipid, lipoprotein, and apoprotein A1 and B100 levels. Metabolic by-products of fructose such as serum lactic acid and uric acid levels remained essentially unchanged in both groups at the end of the study. In addition, no significant weight changes were observed in either group. The fructose supplementation was well tolerated without significant adverse effects. Thus, this study demonstrates that addition of moderate amounts of fructose as a natural sweetener in the physiologic mixed meal does not appear to have deleterious effects on glycemic control and lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in ambulatory obese patients with type II diabetes and poor metabolic control. Rather, a slight improvement in glycemic control and alterations in the apoprotein compositions in favor of decreased risk for coronary artery disease may occur.
Some thoughts on fine-grained sediment transport and deposition

Abstract Fine sediments are receiving greater emphasis due to economic significance as source rocks for petroleum, the often nearly continuous record of depositional histories, and the volumetric importance in the geologic record. Distribution of these particulates is driven primarily by ocean circulation. Deposition is primarily controlled by planktic biologic filtering, aggregation, and reworking; early diagenesis is controlled by bacterial processes with consequent changes in bulk and chemical properties. Most fine particulates are initially deposited in the continental margins and then move to deep-ocean floors by mass wasting and high-concentration flows. Stability of these fine deposits even on slopes of gentle gradient is controlled primarily by water content which, in turn, is a function of sedimentation rate and texture of the supply. Mass transport can occur in a variety of forms from slow creep to catastrophic failures of large scale. A sequence of morphologies can result from the various forms of movement. Most of the fine-grained stratigraphic record urgently needs reevaluation and restudy. Models of paleogeographic reconstructions on a large scale need to include the results of physical and biological oceanographers since the older simpler scenarios of locations of zones of high bioproductivity and of the patterns of major ocean currents have been greatly modified in recent years. Biological oceanographers have contributed models for contemporary upwelling systems that have changed the thinking of paleobiologists and biostratigraphers working with biogenically dominated fine sedimentary rocks.
Global Promotion of Alternative Internal Exon Usage by mRNA 3′ End Formation Factors

The mechanisms that regulate alternative precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing are largely unknown. Here, we perform an RNAi screen to identify factors required for alternative splicing regulation by RBFOX2, an RNA-binding protein that promotes either exon inclusion or exclusion. Unexpectedly, we find that two mRNA 3' end formation factors, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) and SYMPK, are RBFOX2 cofactors for both inclusion and exclusion of internal exons. RBFOX2 interacts with CPSF/SYMPK and recruits it to the pre-mRNA. RBFOX2 and CPSF/SYMPK then function together to regulate binding of the early intron recognition factors U2AF and U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP). Genome-wide analysis reveals that CPSF also mediates alternative splicing of many internal exons in the absence of RBFOX2. Accordingly, we show that CPSF/SYMPK is also a cofactor of NOVA2 and heterologous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1), RNA-binding proteins that also regulate alternative splicing. Collectively, our results reveal an unanticipated role for mRNA 3' end formation factors in global promotion of alternative splicing.
Antitumor cell activity in vitro by myristoylated-peptide

Abstract New anticancer drugs are needed to support cancer treatment. Cancer involves the uncontrolled proliferation of tumor cells, and many anticancer drugs are agents that inhibit tumor cell growth. The antitumor cell N-myristoylated-peptide is a natural product purified from Heliothis virescens insect hemolymph with essentially no cytotoxicity against human foreskin fibroblast cells. A synthesized structure of six amino acids (Myristoyl-Cys-Ala-Val-Ala-Tyr-[3 methyl]His-OMe; M.W. 902.2 Da) was screened at 10 μM for in vitro antitumor activity against 56 human tumor cell lines by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI found that 34 of the 56 tumor cell lines (representing eight major tumor types) were sensitive (> 50% growth inhibition of tumor cells) to the myristoylated-peptide. The best overall antitumor activities (> 60% average growth inhibition) were seen against 17 tumor cell lines for non-small cell lung cancer, leukemia and melanoma and for eight other tumor cell lines. The NCI finds that their in vitro screen is an effective selector of compounds with in vivo antitumor activity.
Disease Severity and Yield of Sweet Corn Hybrids with Resistance to Northern Leaf Blight.

Pataky, J. K., Raid, R. N., du Toit, L. J., and Schueneman, T. J. 1998. Disease severity and yield of sweet corn hybrids with resistance to northern leaf blight. Plant Dis. 82:57-63. Reactions of supersweet (sh2) sweet corn to northern leaf blight (NLB) and associated yields were evaluated in Belle Glade, Florida and Urbana, Illinois in yield-loss trials, hybrid evaluations, and evaluations of breeding materials. Hybrids differed significantly for NLB in all trials. Severity of NLB ranged from 0 to 66% on 35 sh2 hybrids in yield-loss trials, and from 0 to 60% on 80 sh2 hybrids in hybrid evaluations. NLB ratings ranged from 1 to 9 (approximately 0 to 80% severity) on 375 hybrids and 186 inbred lines in evaluations of breeding materials. Various methods of rating NLB and ratings from multiple dates were highly correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.76 to 0.98. Yield, measured as weight of ears and number of marketable ears from inoculated plots as a percentage of that from control plots, decreased as disease severity increased. Linear or quadratic regression models explained 31 to 70% of the variation in percent yield as a function of disease severity at harvest. The effects of NLB on yield were limited by NLB-resistance in several hybrids, including CCO 3268, Chieftain, Crisp N Sweet 710A, Day Star, Envy, Forever, GSS 1526, Jupiter, Midship, Prime Plus, Sch 5005, and SummerSweet 7630. Although high levels of partial resistance to NLB were prevalent among 375 new experimental sh2 hybrids and 186 sh2 inbred lines evaluated in 1995, use of the gene HtN may increase in the near future as breeders are incorporating this resistance into new inbreds and hybrids. Breeders and plant pathologists would be wise to continue improving partial resistance to NLB without using the gene HtN in genotypes with adequate levels of partial resistance, because the widespread use of the gene HtN will select for virulent races of Exserohilum turcicum which occur in Florida, or for races with new combinations of virulence.
The Commodification and Exchange of Knowledge in the Case of Transnational Commercial Yoga

The practice of yoga outside India and for commercial exchange (transnational commercial yoga) is a multibillion-dollar industry that has been the site of increasing formal regulation. The primary questions these regulations are meant to resolve include the following: (1) What is yoga? (2) What is its proprietary nature? and (3) Who has the right to manage its expression? Two recent U.S. federal district court cases involving the Bikram Yoga College of India, a yoga franchise based in Los Angeles, have drawn international attention to the debate on whether yogic knowledge or practice resides in the public or private domain. This article asks, if given the monetary value at stake, did the global market for transnational commercial yoga set the stage for claims to individual IPRs? Furthermore, this article analyzes how yoga, due to its unique characteristics as an embodied practice and intangible form, serves as a platform for experimentation from which new meanings of open source, IPRs, and information management strategies emerge.
Remote sensing of fuel moisture content from the ratios of canopy water indices with a foliar dry matter index

Fuel moisture content (FMC) is an important variable for predicting the occurrence and spread of wildfire. Foliar FMC was calculated as the ratio of leaf foliar water content (Cw) and dry matter content (Cm). Recently, the normalized dry matter index (NDMI) was developed for the remote sensing of Cm using high-spectral resolution data. This study explored the potential for remote sensing of FMC using the ratio of various vegetation water indices with NDMI. For leaf-scale simulations, all index ratios were significantly related to FMC. For canopy-scale simulations, ratio indices of the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) with NDMI predicted FMC with R2 values of 0.900 and 0.864, respectively. NDII/NDMI determined from leaf reflectance data had the highest correlation with FMC. Further investigation needs to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach at canopy scales with airborne remote sensing data.
Forecast skill of the tropical intraseasonal oscillation in the NCEP GFS dynamical extended range forecasts

This study examines the forecast performance of tropical intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) in recent dynamical extended range forecast (DERF) experiments conducted with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecasting System (GFS) model. The present study extends earlier work by comparing prediction skill of the northern winter ISO (Madden-Julian Oscillation) between the current and earlier experiments. Prediction skill for the northern summer ISO is also investigated. Since the boreal summer ISO exhibits northward propagation as well as eastward propagation along the equator, forecast skill for both components is computed. For the 5-year period from 1 January, 1998 through 31 December, 2002, 30-day forecasts were made once a day. Compared to the previous DERF experiment, the current model has shown some improvements in forecasting the ISO during winter season so that the skillful forecasts (anomaly correlation>0.6) for upper-level zonal wind anomaly extend from the previous shorter-than 5 days out to 7 days lead-time. A similar level of skill is seen for both northward and eastward propagation components during the summer season as in the winter case. Results also show that forecasts from extreme initial states are more skillful than those from null phases for both seasons, extending the skillful range by 3–6 days. For strong ISO convection phases, the GFS model performs better during the summer season than during the winter season. In summer forecasts, large-scale circulation and convection anomalies exhibit northward propagation during the peak phase. In contrast, the GFS model still has difficulties in sustaining ISO variability during the northern winter as in the previous DERF run. That is, the forecast does not maintain the observed eastward propagating signals associated with large-scale circulation; rather the forecast anomalies appear to be stationary at their initial location and decay with time. The NCEP Coupled Forecast System produces daily operational forecasts and its predication skill of the MJO will be reported in the future.
Environmental Certification of Forests: The Evolution of Environmental Governance in a Commodity Network.

Abstract Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) influence social and environmental aspects of commodity production through certification schemes like organic and forest certification. As these become mainstream, however, they are often compromised by the interests of more powerful agents. Utilizing the concept of governance in global commodity networks, this article examines the mainstreaming of forest certification. By working with retailers, forest certification expanded rapidly. The retailer focus, however, limits the spread of forest certification among medium-sized, small, and community forest management operations. It also raises questions of fairness because it imposes costs on forest managers without providing compensation through higher prices. NGOs now implement programs to make Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification more accessible and more useful to forest managers, but these do not resolve the imbalance of power between the big retailers demanding certification and the small forest managers who must absorb increased costs. The dominance of big retailers in commodity networks provides an attractive route to rapidly mainstream certification schemes, but it also limits their reach and compromises their equity.
Neurod1 suppresses hair cell differentiation in ear ganglia and regulates hair cell subtype development in the cochlea

Background At least five bHLH genes regulate cell fate determination and differentiation of sensory neurons, hair cells and supporting cells in the mammalian inner ear. Cross-regulation of Atoh1 and Neurog1 results in hair cell changes in Neurog1 null mice although the nature and mechanism of the cross-regulation has not yet been determined. Neurod1, regulated by both Neurog1 and Atoh1, could be the mediator of this cross-regulation. Methodology/Principal Findings We used Tg(Pax2-Cre) to conditionally delete Neurod1 in the inner ear. Our data demonstrate for the first time that the absence of Neurod1 results in formation of hair cells within the inner ear sensory ganglia. Three cell types, neural crest derived Schwann cells and mesenchyme derived fibroblasts (neither expresses Neurod1) and inner ear derived neurons (which express Neurod1) constitute inner ear ganglia. The most parsimonious explanation is that Neurod1 suppresses the alternative fate of sensory neurons to develop as hair cells. In the absence of Neurod1, Atoh1 is expressed and differentiates cells within the ganglion into hair cells. We followed up on this effect in ganglia by demonstrating that Neurod1 also regulates differentiation of subtypes of hair cells in the organ of Corti. We show that in Neurod1 conditional null mice there is a premature expression of several genes in the apex of the developing cochlea and outer hair cells are transformed into inner hair cells. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that the long noted cross-regulation of Atoh1 expression by Neurog1 might actually be mediated in large part by Neurod1. We suggest that Neurod1 is regulated by both Neurog1 and Atoh1 and provides a negative feedback for either gene. Through this and other feedback, Neurod1 suppresses alternate fates of neurons to differentiate as hair cells and regulates hair cell subtypes.
Effects of idazoxan on alcohol pharmacokinetics and intoxication: a preliminary human laboratory study.

Background Preliminary basic and human studies suggest that the α2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan may represent a novel medication for alcohol dependence (AD). The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the co-administration of idazoxan with alcohol and explore whether pharmacokinetics (PK) and biobehavioral (Pharmacodynamics, PD) mechanisms of idazoxan may alter alcohol's effects.
The influence of dead load on fracture energy measurements using the RILEM method

A procedure for testing concrete beams in three-point bending to determine the fracture energy GF has been proposed by RILEM Technical Committee 50—Fracture Mechanics of Concrete. In the evaluation of the test data the proposal presents a formula for GF in which beam and carried fixture weights are included. Herein it is demonstrated that the effects of these dead-weight forces are presented correctly only (and approximately) for a testing arrangement in which load and beam deformation are both downward. A formula for the case of upward load and deformation is proposed.
The well-modulated lobster: The roles of serotonin, octopamine, and proctolin in the lobster nervous system☆☆☆

Abstract Two amines, serotonin and octopamine, and a pentapeptide, proctolin, function as neurohormones in the lobster nervous system. This review article summarizes findings from this laboratory on: (i) the biosynthesis and further metabolism of the amines; (ii) the localization of amines at a cellular level using immunocytochemical methods; (iii) the physiological effects of the amines and proctolin on exoskeletal muscles and preliminary studies of the molecular basis of these effects; and (iv) explorations on the actions of amines on motoneurons of the ventral nerve cord that show that amines direct the readout of central motor programs for flexion and extension.
Is obstructive sleep apnea a cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

To the Editor.—We read with pleasure Dr Leslie’s thoughtful article describing a potential role for peripheral tractional lung injury in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 1 Mechanical stretch is a well-known cause of acute lung injury during positive-pressure ventilation, 2 and the author makes a strong case for the role of alveolar stretch as a cause of alveolar injury in IPF. Notably missing from the paper, however, are postulated causes of tractional stress in the lung that could lead to IPF in susceptible individuals. Work from our group 3 and others 4 suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might be a cause of subclinical lung injury, as evidenced by elevated circulating markers of alveolar injury. In addition, animal work suggests that inspiratory resistive loading (similar obstructive hypopnea) can cause alveolar injury. 5 OSA is charac
Thermo-mechanical stability of forged Ti-25Al-11Nb (at.%)

Abstract Dynamic material modeling (DMM) has been applied to the analysis of the mechanical behavior of a (Widmanstatten + primary α2 + β) Ti-25Al-11Nb alloy to establish the flow stress-strain rate-temperature-strain criteria for stable flow. Unstable and stable flow regimes predicted by DMM were correlated to microstructural observations. Unstable flow zones were related to transformation of orthorhombic O → α2, kinking of the α2 lamellae, shear band formation and coarsening of the dynamically recrystallized grain structure; stable flow regimes were shown to be associated with dissolution of the Widmanstatten α2, coarsening of primary α2 and dynamic spheroidization of the lamellar α2 microconstituents.
Adventure Counseling as an Adjunct to Group Counseling in Hospital and Clinical Settings

Adventure counseling has been thought of as a highly specialized application of group counseling skills in a wilderness environment. In fact, adventure counseling is based on a developmental theory of group, can be useful for a variety of clients, and can be thoughtfully integrated into clinical and hospital settings. This article describes the overlap between group counseling and adventure counseling, the stages and characteristics of adventure counseling, research supporting the efficacy of adventure counseling, and suggestions for implementing strategies of adventure counseling into clinical and hospital group counseling.
Comparison of Three Blood Pressure Methods Used for Determining Ankle/Brachial Index in Patients with Intermittent Claudication:

The standard noninvasive test to assess the severity of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is the ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure index (ABI). While ankle systolic blood pressure is obtained by the Doppler ultrasound technique, brachial systolic blood pressure can be obtained by the Doppler, auscultatory, or oscillometric (Dinamap 1846 SX) methods. The purpose was to determine whether the three methods yielded similar brachial systolic blood pressure values, and consequently similar ABI values, in PAOD patients with intermittent claudication. Fifty patients who had a history of intermittent claudication of 2.3 +/- 2.0 blocks for a duration of 5.7 +/- 5.8 years were recruited. Following 10 minutes of supine rest, brachial systolic blood pressure was measured in the right arm by the three techniques in a randomized order, and ankle systolic blood pressure (87.3 +/- 28.9 mmHg) was measured in the more symptomatic leg with the Doppler technique. Brachial systolic blood pressure was not significantly different (p=0.954) among the Doppler (128.5 +/- 18.4 mmHg), auscultatory (128.4 +/- 17.4 mmHg), and oscillometric (128.2 +/- 17.1 mmHg) methods. Corresponding ABI values also were similar (p=0.922) among the three respective methods (0.68 +/- 0.22, 0.68 +/- 0.22, and 0.68 +/- 0.21), indicating that ABI did not vary according to the technique used to obtain brachial systolic blood pressure. It is concluded that the accuracy of determining ABI in PAOD patients with intermittent claudication was minimally affected by the method chosen to obtain brachial systolic blood pressure.
Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) on the Development of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C mRNA expression in Fetal Rabbit Lung 244

Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) on the Development of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C mRNA expression in Fetal Rabbit Lung 244
A necessary and sufficient condition for the strong consistency of a family of estimators of the common odds ratio

A family of easily computable estimators of the odds ratio of a number of two-by-two contingency tables is proposed. It includes the well-known Mantel-Haenszel estimator as a special case. A necessary and sufficient condition is given for the strong consistency of the estimators for the case when the tables are sparse and the number of tables becomes large. The condition also ensures the asymptotic normality of this family of estimators. A family of consistent estimators is proposed for the variances of the asymptotic distributions. In the case of the Mantel-Haenszel estimator, the validity of Breslow's (1981, Biometrika) condition for the consistency and asymptotic normality is questioned. Examples are given to demonstrate that it is neither necessary nor sufficient for the consistency of the Mantel-Haenszel estimator. Cet article propose une famille d'estimateurs faciles a calculer du rapport-chance d'un certain nombre de tableaux de contingences deux par deux. Elle comprend le fameux estimateur de Mantel-Haenszel, comme cas particulier. Une condition necessaire et suffisante pour la convergence forte des estimateurs est donnee, dans le cas ou les tableaux sont clairsemes et le nombre de tableaux devient eleve. Cette condition garantit egalement la normalite asymptotique de cette famille d'estimateurs. Une famille d'estimateurs convergents est proposee pour les variances des distributions aymptotiques. Dans le cas de l'estimateur de Mantel-Haenszel, la validite de la condition de Breslow (1981, Biometrika) pour la convergence et la normalite asymptotique est remise en cause. Des examples sont fournis, demontrant qu'elle n'est ni necessaire ni suffisante pour la convergence de l'estimateur de Mantel-Haenszel.
Size analysis of phospholipid vesicle preparations.

Gel exclusion chromatography based on the use of Sephacryl S-1000 provides a quick and convenient method for determining the average diameter of phospholipid vesicles and an approximate measure of size heterogeneity.
Nerve Growth Factor Enhances Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Expression in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) expression is markedly reduced in dorsal root ganglia neurons in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). This decrease in such a potent vasodilator may contribute to the elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether stimulation of neuronal CGRP expression in SHR, by means of the administration of nerve growth factor, would lower the blood pressure. Nerve growth factor (10 nmol/L per kg/d, IP) was given to 12-week SHR (n=8 to 11/group) once a day for 1, 3, and 7 days. Control SHR received vehicle only. All rats were instrumented for CGRP receptor antagonist (CGRP 8–37 ) administration (intravenous) and mean arterial pressure recording. Both the 1- and 3-day NGF treatments lowered the mean arterial pressure to 147±5 and 147±3 mm Hg, respectively, compared with controls (166±3 mm Hg). However, by day 7, the mean arterial pressure had returned to control levels (169±5 mm Hg). CGRP 8–37 administration produced a significant mean arterial pressure increase in all 3 nerve growth factor–treated groups (14±2, 10±2, and 13±2 mm Hg). CGRP mRNA levels in dorsal root ganglia were increased in the 3 neurotrophin-treated groups, whereas CGRP peptide content was higher at days 3 and 7. Therefore, nerve growth factor treatment of SHR can enhance neuronal CGRP expression. At days 1 and 3, nerve growth factor produces a depressor response that is primarily mediated by CGRP as evidenced by the pressor effect of CGRP 8–37. At day 7, CGRP also plays a counterregulatory role, even though the mean arterial pressure has returned to control levels. This finding may result from a nerve growth factor–mediated upregulation of a pressor system that counteracts the hypotensive actions of CGRP. Thus, these data suggest that the decreased production of CGRP in SHR could contribute to the hypertension.
Executions and Apologies: The U.S., International Law and Right to Consular Notification

Following the execution of two German nationals in the United States in 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found the U.S. in violation of international law stating that foreign nationals must be notified of their right to contact their embassy. When they learned of this right ten years after their arrest, they were barred from raising the claim; and after exhausting available avenues in American courts, the German consulate took the case to the International Court of Justice. The U.S. executed the two men while the case was still before the ICJ, in spite of its request to stay the execution and German objections that “violations of Article 36 followed by death sentences and executions cannot be remedied by apologies or the distribution of leaflets”. This paper discusses the importance of consular notification to the fairness of prosecutions. Cases reviewed indicate the U.S. still frequently does not provide notification and is at times oblivious to the ICJ's ruling. The paper discusses reasons the U.S. should honor notification, including reciprocity for Americans traveling abroad and the larger development of international law. A final section provides several mechanisms for bringing U.S. practices into compliance that could be easily implemented.
Gastrointestinal tract ulcers in pediatric intestinal transplantation patients: Etiology and management

One of the observed complications in patients after intestinal transplantation is the occurrence of ulcers in the native or transplanted gastrointestinal tract. Previous reports have described the appearance of ulcers but have not described any systemic approach to accurately diagnose the etiology of the ulcer. We evaluated 112 intestinal transplantation patients at our institution, in which endoscopic examination identified ulcer formation in 11 patients. No common or defining demographic or clinical variables were found in the patients with ulcers. Biopsies were obtained from the ulcer edge as well as the intervening mucosa. The most common changes in the ulcers were compatible with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), acute rejection, and viral infections. These changes could occur simultaneously and retrospective analysis showed that ulcers could have concomitant etiologies. Endoscopically directed biopsies of ulcer edges often displayed morphologic changes compatible with acute rejection of the graft. Some patients were treated for rejection based on the changes within the mucosa outside the ulcer bed, and they responded with resolution of the ulcers. Our findings demonstrate that PTLD and acute rejection are the most common causes of chronic ulcer formation and reinforce the concept that biopsy samples should be collected simultaneously from both the ulcer edge and intervening mucosa.
Post-release information privacy protection: A framework and next-generation privacy-enhanced operating system

In today's digital world, privacy issues have received widespread public attention. Current research on information privacy protection focuses on release control and subject identity obscurity. Little work has been done, however, to prevent a piece of private information from being misused after that information has been released to external entities. This paper focuses on information privacy protection in a post-release phase. Without entirely depending on the information collector, an information owner is provided with powerful means to control and audit how his/her released information will be used, by whom, and when. The goal is to minimize the asymmetry of information flow between an information owner and an information collector. A set of innovative owner-controlled privacy protection and violation detection techniques has been proposed: Self-destroying File, Mutation Engine System, Automatic Receipt Collection, and Honey Token-based Privacy Violation Detection. Next generation privacy-enhanced operating system, which supports the proposed mechanisms, is introduced. Such a privacy-enhanced operating system stands for a technical breakthrough, which offers new features to existing operating systems. We discuss the functionalities of such an operating system and the design guidelines. To our best knowledge, no similar technical work has been found to provide post-release information privacy protection.
Niching genetic algorithms-based characterization of geocentric orbits in the 3D elliptic restricted three-body problem

Abstract This paper investigates the application of niching genetic algorithms to the characterization of families of geocentric orbits in the Sun–Earth spatial elliptic restricted three-body problem (ER3BP). The niching method used is deterministic crowding, which renders global optimization while permitting for several optimal and sub-optimal solutions to co-exist. This novel approach yields diverse probing of the state-space of the ER3BP. From the practical standpoint, the orbits found remain within a bounded distance from Earth, thus allowing high data-rate communication while ensuring safe operational environment far from thermal perturbations and visual occultations as well as Earth’s magnetic and radiation fields.
Forest Structure Under Different Management Regimes in the Western Lowlands of Nepal

ABSTRACT For landscape level conservation and rural sustenance, forests outside of protected areas are becoming increasingly important. Since most outside forests in the lowlands of Nepal are under government control and utilized as open access resources, their feasibility to achieve these objectives is questionable. We compared forests inside (with three decades of strict protection) and outside of protected areas (under government control and proposed as community forests) to assess the ecological sustainability of outside forests and to provide baseline data on structure of outside forests so that effectiveness of community forestry (after implementation) can be evaluated in the future. Our results indicate that outside forests were in a degraded condition with low tree, sapling and seedling densities and lower species diversity. Trees in lower dbh (diameter at breast height) classes were absent in these forests. Although the canopy layer was not significantly different, the ordination of plots and spe...
Dihydrogen Activation by Titanium Sulfide Complexes

The titanocene sulfido complex Cp*2Ti(S)py (1, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; py = pyridine) is synthesized by addition of a suspension of S8 to a toluene solution of Cp*2Ti(CH2CH2) (2) and py. The rate of rotation of the pyridine ligand in solution was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 reacts reversibly with dihydrogen to give Cp*2Ti(H)SH (6) and py. Reaction of 1 with HD gives an equilibrium mixture of Cp*2Ti(D)SH and Cp*2Ti(H)SD; H2 and D2 are not formed in this reaction. 1D 1H NMR magnetization transfer spectra and 2D EXSY 1H NMR spectra of 6 in the presence of H2 show that in solution the H2, hydride, and hydrosulfido hydrogen atoms exchange. A four-center mechanism for this exchange is proposed. The EXSY studies show that the Ti−H and S−H hydrogens exchange with each other more rapidly than either of those hydrogens exchanges with external H2. A transient dihydrogen complex intermediate is proposed to explain this observa...
The Day of the Monkey, Japan, 10 July 645

(1996). The Day of the Monkey, Japan, 10 July 645. The Historian: Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 19-37.
A note on the median of a distribution

LetF be a distribution function over the real line. DefineRp(y)=∫|x−y|pdF(x) forp≧1. Forp>1 there is a unique minimizer ofRp(·), sayγp. Under mild conditions onF it is shown that\(\mathop {\lim }\limits_{p \to 1} \gamma _p \) exists and that the limit is a median. Thus, one could use this limit as a definition of a unique median. Also it is shown that\(\mathop {\lim }\limits_{p \to 1} \gamma _p = {{\left( {R + L} \right)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\left( {R + L} \right)} 2}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}\) whereR is the right extremity ofF andL is the left extremity ofF provided that −∞<L≦R<∞. A similar result is available ifL=−∞,R=∞, yetF has symmetric tails.
The hoarding dimension of OCD: Psychological comorbidity and the five-factor personality model

Although hoarding has been associated with several psychological disorders, it is most frequently linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study assessed hoarding obsessions and compulsions in 204 individuals with OCD, and evaluated how hoarding was related to obsessive-compulsive symptom severity, psychological comorbidity, and personality as measured by the five-factor model. Results indicated that hoarding in OCD is a dimensional variable that is positively associated with dysphoria, total number of lifetime Axis I disorders, and lifetime histories of bipolar I, PTSD, and body dysmorphic disorder. Hoarding was negatively correlated with the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R) factor of Conscientiousness and positively associated with the NEO-PI-R factor of Neuroticism. When all personality and psychopathology variables were entered into a regression equation, dysphoria, bipolar II disorder, Conscientiousness, age, and Extraversion emerged as significant predictors of hoarding severity. Recommendations are made for clinicians and for future research.
Disorders of Serum Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Chloride

Summary Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are frequently encountered in a variety of medical and surgical disorders therefore requiring the clinician's astute evaluation of his/her patient's fluid and electrolyte status. Disorders involving the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and endocrine organs will frequently cause abnormalities in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride balance. An accurate initial assessment of serum electrolyte concentrations and monitoring during the treatment is essential in order to maintain electrolyte homeostasis. Failure to do so can lead to severe clinical consequences for the patient and change a diagnostic triumph into a therapeutic failure. This presentation provides an overview of the etiologies, clinical signs, and therapeutic approaches to electrolyte disorders in the critically ill animal. (Vet. Emerg. & Crit. Care, 9:209–217, 1999)
CH3NH2 decomposition and oxidation on polycrystalline platinum: Steady-state kinetics and oscillations

Abstract Steady-state rates of decomposition and oxidation of methylamine on polycrystalline platinum between 600 and 1500 K have been studied in a mixed reactor with methylamine and oxygen partial pressures from 0.2 to 6 Torr. HCN and H 2 are the dominant products (>98%) in excess methylamine. In excess oxygen, CO, N 2 O, NO, and H 2 O increase but HCN remains the major product up to a twofold excess of oxygen. Less than 2% of CH 4 , NH 3 , CO 2 , or C 2 N 2 is produced under any conditions. Reaction rates rise rapidly up to ~950 K, and most reactions appear to become flux limited by ~1100 K. The reaction probability of methylamine at high temperature varies from 0.025 in a 4 1 methylamine excess to 0.010 in 2 1 oxygen excess. The reaction probabilities of oxygen are ~0.003 and are independent of methylamine pressure. These results suggest that CH 3 NH 2 → HCN is the dominant reaction channel even in excess oxygen and that oxygen mostly reacts with atomic hydrogen but does not significantly affect the CN bond in CH 3 NH 2 . Oscillations of wire temperature and reactor pressure occur at excess methylamine, while multiple steady states are observed in excess oxygen. These are caused by heat effects of the endothermic decomposition reaction and the exothermic oxidation reaction.
Carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen isotope ratios in creekside trees in western Kansas

Abstract Three species of creekside trees were monitored weekly during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. The 2007 growing season was wet early, but became drier as the season progressed. In contrast, the 2008 growing season was dry early, but became wetter as the season progressed. Creekside trees were measured to determine effects of changing water regimes on leaf-level processes. Lonicera tatarica plants were compared to Morus alba and Celtis occidentalis trees. Leaves were monitored for changes in stomatal conductance, transpiration, δ13C, δ15N, δD, leaf temperature, and heat losses via latent, sensible, and radiative pathways. δD of creek water was more similar to ground water than to rain water, but the creek was partially influenced by summer rains. δD of bulk leaf material was significantly higher in individuals of C. occidentalis compared to the other species, consistent with source water coming from shallower soil layers. Despite decreasing water levels, none of these tree species showed signs of water stress. There were no significant differences between species in stomatal conductance or transpiration. Leaf δ13C was significantly lower in individuals of L. tatarica compared to the other species. Differences in δ13C were attributed to a lower carboxylation capacity, consistent with lower leaf nitrogen content in L. tatarica plants. Leaf δ15N was significantly lower in individuals of L. tatarica compared to the other species, consistent with uptake of a different N source. Two of the three sites appeared to be affected by inorganic N from fertilizer run-off. Evidence is presented that these species acquired water and nitrogen from different sources, resulting from differences in root uptake patterns.
Hepatic Arterial Embolization with Doxorubicin-Loaded Superabsorbent Polymer Microspheres in a Rabbit Liver Tumor Model

The pharmacokinetic profile after hepatic arterial embolization with superabsorbent microspheres (QuadraSpheres) loaded with doxorubicin was studied. Rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were treated with intra-arterial administration of QuadraSpheres loaded with doxorubicin, or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using doxorubicin, Lipiodol and Embospheres, or hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of doxorubicin. Tumor specimens were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, and plasma and tumor concentrations of doxorubicin were measured. The peak plasma concentration of doxorubicin was lower in the QuadraSphere group (309.9 ng/ml) than in the HAI (673.4 ng/ml) or TACE (360.5 ng/ml) groups, suggesting higher tumor retention in the QuadraSphere group. Intratumoral doxorubicin levels declined to negligible levels at 1 and 3 days after treatment, respectively, in the HAI and TACE groups. In the QuadraSphere groups, intratumoral doxorubicin level declined after day 1, but was still detectable at 14 days after treatment and was higher than that in the other groups at 1, 3, and 7 days. Intratumoral doxorubicin fluorescence was detected at all time points in the QuadraSphere group, but only at 1 day after treatment in the TACE group. Hepatic arterial administration of doxorubicin-loaded QuadraSpheres enables the sustained release of doxorubicin to hepatic tumors.
Rheological stability of a procaine penicillin G suspension.

The rheology of a 58.6 percent procaine penicillin G suspension was followed for a 24-month period. Samples stored as recommended (5°) were unchanged after 2 years. Samples stored at 26 and 37° increased in viscosity, yield value, and thixotropy with time.
Multi-ingredient polyamides

Multi-ingredient polymeric amides have been prepared by the condensation, under amide-forming conditions of various combinations and ratios of components comprising hexamethylenediammonium adipate, hexamethylenediammonium sebacate, and ϵ-aminocaproic acid or ϵ-caprolactam. The physical properties of the investigated linear polymeric amides range, depending upon the polymer components and the proportions employed, from high-softening, stiff, and difficulty soluble compositions to relatively low-softening, pliable, and easily soluble polymers.
Regulation of monoamine transporters: influence of psychostimulants and therapeutic antidepressants.

Synaptic neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS) requires the precise control of the duration and the magnitude of neurotransmitter action at specific molecular targets. At the molecular level, neurotransmitter signaling is dynamically regulated by a diverse set of macromolecules including biosynthetic enzymes, secretory proteins, ion channels, pre- and postsynaptic receptors and transporters. Monoamines, 5-hydroxytryptamine or serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) play an important modulatory role in the CNS and are involved in numerous physiological functions and pathological conditions. Presynaptic plasma membrane transporters for 5-HT (SERT), NE (NET), and DA (DAT), respectively, control synaptic actions of these monoamines by rapidly clearing the released amine. Monoamine transporters are the sites of action for widely used antidepressants and are high affinity molecular targets for drugs of abuse including cocaine, amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) “Ecstasy”. Monoamine transporters also serve as molecular gateways for neurotoxins. Emerging evidence indicates that regulation of transporter function and surface expression can be rapidly modulated by “intrinsic” transporter activity itself, and antidepressant and psychostimulant drugs that block monoamine transport have a profound effect on transporter regulation. Therefore, disregulations in the functioning of monoamine transporters may underlie many disorders of transmitter imbalance such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. This review integrates recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of monoamine transporter regulation, in particular, posttranscriptional regulation by phosphorylation and trafficking linked to cellular protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and transporter interacting proteins. The review also discusses the possible role of psychostimulants and antidepressants in influencing monoamine transport regulation.