cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk estimates for starting tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use in the United States: male-female differences and the possibility that 'limiting time with friends' is protective.

Abstract Background A specific facet of parental monitoring is known as ‘limiting time with friends’ (LTF). Here, we aim to learn whether LTF-associated differences in adolescent risk of starting to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs now might be as large as observed male–female risk differences. Methods Data are from the US National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, with annual large scale nationally representative samples of community-dwelling civilian age 12 years and older, conducted 2002–2009. Focus is on 12–17-year-old participants, assessed via computerized self-interviews. Risk differences are estimated for all 12–17 year olds, males and females separately, and in relation to the LTF facet of parenting. Results Contingency table analyses disclose a female excess risk of initiating use of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and EMIRD, with male–female risk differences ranging from 0.1% (cocaine) to 1.6% (alcohol). LTF-associated risk differences were of similar magnitude for young people whose parents ‘always’ limit time with friends versus those with parents who are more relaxed about the LTF facet of parenting [e.g., RD = 0.4% (cocaine); 1.5% (alcohol)]. Conclusions Not just for tobacco, but also for other drugs, there now is female excess risk of extra-medical drug use. Drug-by-drug, observed LTF-associated risk differences are about the same size as the female excess risk. This evidence provides a rationale to sustain focus on the LTF facet of parenting if the goal is to enhance prevention of precocious drug involvement and to delay its onset until later in the adolescent or adult years.
A mathematical theory of enamel solubility and the onset of dental caries: III. Development and computer simulation of a model of caries formation

Part III attempts to develop a diffusion controlled model of caries in the intact enamel employing the kinetic results of the previous two parts. A model of the enamel as a granular bed with a diffusible organic matrix filling the interstices is considered. The basic equations of diffusion and simultaneous reaction are developed under the assumption that all the reactions are so rapid as compared with the diffusion rate, that they are in a quasi-equilibrium state. The resultant system of seven coupled, non-linear parabolic partial differential equations is of such complexity that only numerical solutions could be attempted. Stability restrictions inherent in the problem dictated the use of the DuFort-Frankel numerical solution for parabolic boundary problems. Numerical solutions giving the concentration of all reactants, the rate of mineral loss, and the enamel porosity were obtained for a variety of boundary conditions. It is found that departure from the equilibrium condition expressed in part II is necessary for the occurrence of an attack on the enamel. The rate and pattern of penetration is then determined primarily by the concentrations of undissociated buffer, and salts, together with the rate of diffusion in the surrounding medium. The possibility of a relatively intact surface layer persisting over a demineralized subsurface region due solely to the composition of the demineralizing medium is noted. Remineralization behavior in portions of the carious lesion occurs in the model under certain boundary conditions.
PrPSc detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue by ELISA.

Background Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is regularly employed in the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), the standard by which all other TSE diagnostic protocols are judged. While IHC affords advantages over diagnostic approaches that typically utilize fresh or frozen tissue, such as Western blot and ELISA, the process of fixing, staining, and analyzing individual sections by hand does not allow for rapid or high throughput screening. However, preservation of tissues in formalin is not dependent upon the availability of refrigeration.
Cognitive predictors of functional decline in vascular dementia

Background This study examined changes in cognitive-functional relationships in vascular dementia (VaD) over the course of one year. Methods Twenty-four patients with probable VaD were administered the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). Caregivers completed an informant-based measure of instrumental (IADL) and basic activities of daily living (BADL). Follow-up assessment was conducted one-year post-baseline. Results Logistic regression revealed that changes in the DRS Initiation/Perseveration and DRS Memory subscales were significantly associated with declines in IADLs and BADLs, respectively. Conclusions Among patients with VaD, longitudinal changes in IADLs and BADLs are most strongly associated with changes in executive functioning and memory abilities, respectively. Findings suggest that different cognitive functions subserve complex instrumental and rote, habituated basic functional activities, and neuropsychological screening measures are useful in the prediction of such functional changes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling mediates regranulation of rat nasal goblet cells.

Abstract Background: Mucus hypersecretion is a common response to inflammation in the lower airways and is a hallmark of chronic rhinitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of regranulation (mucus production) of goblet cells in nasal epithelium. Methods: Because neutrophils induce an epidermal growth factor (EGFR) cascade, we induced degranulation of goblet cells in rat nasal respiratory epithelium by means of intranasal inhalation of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), and we examined regranulation of the goblet cells and the role of EGFR inhibitors and neutrophils in the regranulation process. Results: In the control state Alcian blue/periodic acid–Schiff and mucin MUC5AC staining was present. Degranulation was induced in the nasal septal epithelium 4 hours after intranasal inhalation of fMLP (10 –7 mol/L); 48 hours later, goblet-cell regranulation was complete. In the control state EGFR protein staining was absent in the epithelium, but after fMLP-induced degranulation, EGFR protein was expressed. After pretreatment with BIBX1522, a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, fMLP-induced degranulation was unaffected, but goblet-cell regranulation was prevented completely. Conclusion: These data suggest a role for the EGFR cascade in neutrophil-dependent production of goblet-cell mucins. Proving this theory will require the use of selective EGFR inhibitors in clinical studies of nasal hypersecretory states. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107:1046-50.)
Developing skills for evidence-based surgery: ensuring that patients make informed decisions.

Ensuring that the surgical decisions made by and with patients are fully informed is a challenge. Doctors and patients must work together, and to be successful they need support in the form of knowledge management and decision aids. This article emphasizes the importance of eliciting and honoring patients' personal valuations of alternative future health states, their attitudes to the specific risks and risk differences that are central to surgical decisions, and their attitudes to time trade-offs. The skills and habits necessary to accomplish this critical objective begin with nothing less than a genuine concern for patients and an ability to relate to the unique meaning that the present illness and its treatment have in their lives.
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Publishing Activity and Internal Knowledge Development

Previous research has explored the value of using patent citations, versus simple patent counts, as indicators of innovative value. However, little work has delved into whether a company's patent citations are to its own patents or to external ones. This study examines the relationship between publishing and patenting using patent citation analysis that is separated into internal and external cites, with self-citations as a measure of internal knowledge development. Its results are that publishing patterns and internal knowledge development are correlated, which may provide a different view of Cohen and Levinthal's absorptive capacity model. In addition, these findings' plausibility was confirmed through an interview with a practising research manager.
Biomedical systems research-New perspectives opened by quantitative medical imaging

Abstract Recent advances in quantitative imaging allow unprecedented views into cellular chemistry of whole organisms in vivo. These novel imaging modalities enable the quantitative investigation of spatio-temporal reaction and transport phenomena in the living animal or the human body. This article will highlight the significant role that rigorous systems engineering methods can play for interpreting the wealth of in vivo measurements. A methodology to integrate medical imaging modalities with rigorous computational fluid dynamics entitled image-based computational fluid dynamics (iCFD) will be introduced. The quantitative analysis of biological systems with rigorous mathematical methods is expected to accelerate the introduction of novel drugs by providing a rational foundation for the systematic development of new medical therapies. Rigorous engineering methods not only advance biomedical research, but also aid the translation of laboratory research results into the bedside practice.
Potential anti-inflammatory phenolic glycosides from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera fruits

Bioassay-guided isolation and purification of the ethyl acetate extract of Moringa oleifera fruits yielded three new phenolic glycosides; 4-[(2'-O-acetyl-alpha-l-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl]isothiocyanate (1), 4-[(3'-O-acetyl-alpha-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate (2), and S-methyl-N-{4-[(alpha-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]}thiocarbamate (3), together with five known phenolic glycosides (4-8). The structures of the new metabolites were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of isolated compounds was investigated with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. It was found that 4-[(2'-O-acetyl-alpha-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate (1) possessed potent NO-inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 1.67 microM, followed by 2 (IC(50)=2.66 microM), 4 (IC(50)=2.71 microM), and 5 (IC(50)=14.4 microM), respectively. Western blots demonstrated these compounds reduced LPS-mediated iNOS expression. In the concentration range of the IC(50) values, no significant cytotoxicity was noted. Structure-activity relationships following NO-release indicated: (1) the isothiocyanate group was essential for activity, (2) acetylation of the isothiocyanate derivatives at C-2' or at C-3' of rhamnose led to higher activity, (3) un-acetylated isothiocyanate derivatives displayed eight times less activity than the acetylated derivatives, and (4) acetylation of the thiocarbamate derivatives enhanced activity. These data indicate compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 are responsible for the reported NO-inhibitory effect of Moringa oleifera fruits, and further studies are warranted.
Metastatic breast lump: A rare presentation of squamous cell lung cancer

Breast metastases from extramammary neoplasm are uncommon with an incidence of 0.5% to 3% of patients with extramammary malignancy. We reported an extremely rare case of breast metastasis from squamous cell lung carcinoma. A 60-year-old woman suffered from dry cough with shortness breath for one month with simultaneous development of breast lump. The histological diagnosis, achieved by bronchoscopic lung biopsy with the aid of immunohistochemistry was squamous cell lung carcinoma. Breast lump was a metastasis from lung, confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry after core needle biopsy. Secondary malignancy metastatic to the breast is uncommon, yet this entity does exist. In view of the therapeutic implication, a metastatic breast lesion should not be mistaken for a primary breast carcinoma. Only with the awareness of such a possibility can prompt diagnosis and optimal treatment be achieved.
Markov processes in single molecule fluorescence

This article examines the current status of Markov processes in single molecule fluorescence. For molecular dynamics to be described by a Markov process, the Markov process must include all states involved in the dynamics and the first-passage time (FPT) distributions out of those states must be describable by a simple exponential law. The observation of non-exponential FPT distributions or other evidence of non-Markovian dynamics is common in single molecule studies and offers an opportunity to expand the Markov model to include new dynamics or states that improve understanding of the system.
A data-based agenda for doctoral nursing education reform.

Background: Continuing concerns over the diverse degree names and the quality and quantity of doctoral nursing programs make it essential that nursing leadership take consensus-driven action on the basis of today's educational realities. Purpose: To explore the state of US doctoral nursing education to determine what leadership initiatives are needed in program definition, scope, and resources. Method: The researchers used a mailed survey (63.4% response rate) and Web site review (all remaining progress) to gather data on all US doctoral nursing education programs (n = 87). The survey included 12 items pertaining to each degree program and 11 institutional environmental questions. Discussion: The doctor of philosophy was the most common degree title (n = 71). Degree title was not consistently associated with requirements (eg, dissertation and practica requirements) or stated degree purposes. Reports of program resources, as defined by faculty rank and research experience, indicated fiscal and educational threats to program integrity in many schools. Conclusions: Although individual schools should continue efforts to increase educational quality, consensus and action by all doctoral programs is needed. Five recommendations for immediate action are proposed. Nurs Outlook 2002;50:24-9.
Excitation and hedonic valence in the effect of erotica on motivated Intermale aggression

The excitatory potential (low, high), the hedonic valence (negative, positive), and the type of content (erotic, non-erotic) of visual stimuli were varied in a factorial design. Male subjects were provoked by a same-sex peer, exposed to communication or, in a no-exposure control, made to wait for a period of time equal to that of communication exposure, and then provided with an opportunity to retaliate against their annoyer. High excitatory potential and negative hedonic valence were found to combine additively in a facilitative effect on retaliatory aggression. No appreciable differences were found in the effect of excitationally and hedonically matched erotica and non-erotica. Exposure to either arousing and displeasing erotica or non-erotica produced levels of aggression significantly above the level associated with the no-exposure control. Exposure to comparatively non-arousing and pleasing erotica or non-erotica failed to reduce aggression, however. The findings were considered to support a model that projects the effect of erotica on retaliatory aggression as a joint function of their excitatory potential and their hedonic valence.
An analytical expression for base transit time in an exponentially doped base bipolar transistor

Abstract An analytical expression of base transit time for exponentially doped base, which is applicable to both homojunction and heterojunction bipolar transistors, is developed. The present treatment includes dopant dependent mobility variation, bandgap narrowing and finite velocity saturation effects in the calculation of base transit time and thus is a generalization of the results reported recently by Rosenfield and Alterovitz[6]. These effects degrade base transit time significantly and must be incorporated in the calculation. the finite velocity saturation effect will progressively play a pivotal role as the base width is scaled down and for double heterostructure bipolar transistor. The transition of base transit time from the ballistic and the drift-diffusion limit will occur at a longer base width if the base is exponentially doped with a sufficiently high doping index.
Non‐classical anti‐factor VIII C2 domain antibodies are pathogenic in a murine in vivo bleeding model

Summary. Objective: The pathogenicity of anti-human factor (F) VIII monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was tested in a murine bleeding model. Methods: MAbs were injected into the tail veins of hemophilia A mice to a peak plasma concentration of 60 nm, followed by injection of human B domain-deleted FVIII at 180 U kg−1, producing peak plasma concentrations of ∼2 nm. At 2 h, blood loss following a 4-mm tail snip was measured. The following MAbs were tested: (i) 4A4, a type I anti-A2 FVIII inhibitor, (ii) I54 and 1B5, classical type I anti-C2 inhibitors, (iii) 2–77 and B45, non-classical type II anti-C2 inhibitors, and (iv) 2–117, a non-classical anti-C2 MAb with inhibitory activity less than 0.4 Bethesda Units per mg IgG. Results: All MAbs except 2–117 produced similar amounts of blood loss that were significantly greater than control mice injected with FVIII alone. Increasing the dose of FVIII to 360 U kg−1 overcame the bleeding diathesis produced by the type II MAbs 2–77 and B45, but not the type I antibodies, 4A4, I54, and 1B5. These results were consistent with the in vitro Bethesda assay in which 4A4 completely inhibited both 1 U mL−1 and 3 U mL−1 FVIII, while there was 40% residual activity at saturating concentrations of 2–77 at either concentration of FVIII. Conclusions: For patients with an inhibitor response dominated by non-classical anti-C2 antibodies both the in vivo and in vitro results suggest that treatment with high-dose FVIII rather than bypassing agents may be warranted.
Oxidative DNA damage through long-range electron transfer

THE possibility has been considered for almost forty years that the DNA double helix, which contains a π-stacked array of heterocyclic base pairs, could be a suitable medium for the migration of charge over long molecular distances. This notion of high charge mobility is a critical consideration with respect to DNA damage. We have previously found that the DNA double helix can serve as a molecular bridge for photo-induced electron transfer between metallointercalators, with fast rates (≥10^(10) S^(−1))^(10) and with quenching over a long distance (>40A)^8. Here we use a metallointercalator to introduce a photoexcited hole into the DNA π-stack at a specific site in order to evaluate oxidative damage to DNA from a distance. Oligomeric DNA duplexes were prepared with a rhodium inter-calator covalently attached to one end and separated spatially from 5′-GG-3′ doublet sites of oxidation. Rhodium-induced photo-oxidation occurs specifically at the 5′-G in the 5′-GG-3′ doublets and is observed up to 37 A away from the site of rhodium intercalation. We find that the yield of oxidative damage depends sensitively upon oxidation potential and π-stacking, but not on distance. These results demonstrate directly that oxidative damage to DNA may be promoted from a remote site as a result of hole migration through the DNA π-stack.
Modeling and Analysis of an Optically-Actuated, Bistable MEMS Device

Bistable microsystems have drawn considerable interest from the MEMS/NEMS research community not only due to their broad applicability in commercial applications, such as switching, but also because of the rich dynamic behavior they commonly exhibit. While a number of prior investigations have studied the dynamics of bistable microsystems, comparatively few works have sought to characterize their transient behavior. The present effort seeks to address this through the modeling and analysis of an optically-actuated, bistable MEMS switch. The work begins with the development of a distributed-parameter representation for the system, which is subsequently reduced to a lumped-mass analog and analyzed through the use of numerical simulation. The influence of various system and excitation parameters, including the applied axial load and optical actuation profile, on the system’s transient response is then investigated. Ultimately, the methodologies and results presented herein should provide for a refined predictive design capability for optically-actuated, bistable MEMS devices.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
RAT MODEL OF PERINATAL HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC BRAIN DAMAGE

To gain insights into the pathogenesis and management of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, the authors have used an immature rat model which they developed many years ago. The model entails ligation of one common carotid artery followed thereafter by systemic hypoxia. The insult produces permanent hypoxic-ischemic brain damage limited to the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid artery occlusion. The mini-review describes recently accomplished research pertaining to the use of the immature rat model, specifically, investigations involving energy metabolism, glucose transporter proteins, free radical injury, and seizures superimposed upon cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. Future research will focus on molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury with a continuing focus on therapeutic strategies to prevent or minimize hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.
Motoneuron BDNF/TrkB signaling enhances functional recovery after cervical spinal cord injury

A C2 cervical spinal cord hemisection (SH) interrupts descending inspiratory-related drive to phrenic motoneurons located between C3 and C5 in rats, paralyzing the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm muscle. There is gradual recovery of rhythmic diaphragm muscle activity ipsilateral to cervical spinal cord injury over time, consistent with neuroplasticity and strengthening of spared, contralateral descending premotor input to phrenic motoneurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through the tropomyosin related kinase receptor subtype B (TrkB) plays an important role in neuroplasticity following spinal cord injury. We hypothesized that 1) increasing BDNF/TrkB signaling at the level of the phrenic motoneuron pool by intrathecal BDNF delivery enhances functional recovery of rhythmic diaphragm activity after SH, and 2) inhibiting BDNF/TrkB signaling by quenching endogenous neurotrophins with the soluble fusion protein TrkB-Fc or by knocking down TrkB receptor expression in phrenic motoneurons using intrapleurally-delivered siRNA impairs functional recovery after SH. Diaphragm EMG electrodes were implanted bilaterally to verify complete hemisection at the time of SH and 3 days post-SH. After SH surgery in adult rats, an intrathecal catheter was placed at C4 to chronically infuse BDNF or TrkB-Fc using an implanted mini-osmotic pump. At 14 days post-SH, all intrathecal BDNF treated rats (n = 9) displayed recovery of ipsilateral hemidiaphragm EMG activity, compared to 3 out of 8 untreated SH rats (p < 0.01). During eupnea, BDNF treated rats exhibited 76 ± 17% of pre-SH root mean squared EMG vs. only 5 ± 3% in untreated SH rats (p < 0.01). In contrast, quenching endogenous BDNF with intrathecal TrkB-Fc treatment completely prevented functional recovery up to 14 days post-SH (n = 7). Immunoreactivity of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a downstream effector of TrkB signaling, increased in phrenic motoneurons following BDNF treatment (n = 6) compared to artificial cerebrospinal fluid treatment (n = 6; p < 0.001). Intrapleural injections of non-sense or TrkB siRNA were administered after SH to specifically target phrenic motoneurons. At 14 days post-SH, none out of 9 TrkB siRNA treated rats displayed functional recovery compared to 5 out of 9 non-sense siRNA treated rats. These results indicate that BDNF/TrkB signaling in phrenic motoneuron pool plays a critical role in functional recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.
Prolonged response to calling songs by the L3 auditory interneuron in female crickets (Acheta domesticus): possible roles in regulating phonotactic threshold and selectiveness for call carrier frequency.

L3, an auditory interneuron in the prothoracic ganglion of female crickets (Acheta domesticus) exhibited two kinds of responses to models of the male's calling song (CS): a previously described, phasically encoded immediate response; a more tonically encoded prolonged response. The onset of the prolonged response required 3-8 sec of stimulation to reach its maximum spiking rate and 6-20 sec to decay once the calling song ceased. It did not encode the syllables of the chirp. The prolonged response was sharply selective for the 4-5 kHz carrier frequency of the male's calling songs and its threshold tuning matched the threshold tuning of phonotaxis, while the immediate response of the same neuron was broadly tuned to a wide range of carrier frequencies. The thresholds for the prolonged response covaried with the changing phonotactic thresholds of 2- and 5-day-old females. Treatment of females with juvenile hormone reduced the thresholds for both phonotaxis and the prolonged response by equivalent amounts. Of the 3 types of responses to CSs provided by the ascending L1 and L3 auditory interneurons, the threshold for L3's prolonged response, on average, best matched the same females phonotactic threshold. The prolonged response was stimulated by inputs from both ears while L3's immediate response was driven only from its axon-ipsilateral ear. The prolonged response was not selective for either the CS's syllable period or chirp rate.
Core and periphery in networks

Abstract We study a model of network formation where the benefits from connections exhibit decreasing returns and decay with network distance. We show that the unique equilibrium network is a periphery-sponsored star, where one player, the center, maintains no links and earns a high payoff, while all other players maintain a single link to the center and earn lower payoffs. Both the star architecture and payoff inequality are preserved in an extension of the model where agents can make transfers and bargain over the formation of links, under the condition that the surplus of connections increases in the size of agents’ neighborhoods. Our model thus generates two common features of social and economic networks: (1) a core-periphery structure; (2) positive correlation between network centrality and payoffs.
Perturbation guidance laws for perfect information interceptors withsymmetrical nonlinearities

The nonlinearities in a dynamic system are assumed to be cubic and "small," i.e., all proportional to a single scalar small parameter e. The optimal digital nonlinear feedback control law in the case of perfect state knowledge, but with dynamic noise input, is carried through the first power of e. The control law involves cubic as well as linear terms in the state and depends on the prior covariance of the process noise. The theory is applied to a constant-speed coplanar model of a saturated interception and the numerical investigation shows a considerable advantage of the present nonlinear control law over the linear law (e = 0) as applied to the same system.
Two-photon laser photochemistry of a coumarin laser dye

Abstract Irradiation of 7-dimethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (1), a commercially available laser dye, in ethanol solution with the focused output of an XeCl excimer laser at 308 nm resulted in the formation of yellow oligomeric material derived from the ethanol solvent. The efficiency of formation of the yellow material was shown to be dependent on the intensity of the laser light, indicating that the photochemistry involved absorption of two photons. The oligomeric material is proposed to be a substance which interferes with stimulated emission in coumarin dye lasers. In addition, acetaldehyde and several gaseous products, principally hydrogen and butane, were formed. A product resulting from the coupling of 1 with the ethanol solvent was also isolated and characterized. Excimer laser irradiation of 1 in methanol yielded formaldehyde, hydrogen and solvent oligomers, while irradiation of 1 in benzene resulted in the formation of a black precipitate. The non-oligomeric products are similar to those observed from the direct irradiation of the solvent in the vacuum-UV region. A mechanism is proposed for the observed photochemistry in which 1 absorbs, sequentially, two photons from the laser pulse, resulting in the formation of a highly excited state which then transfers energy to the solvent.
Experiments on effective color combinations in map-based information visualization

The effect of harmonious versus non-harmonious color combinations in one aspect of information visualization effectiveness is considered. One focus is the relative suitability of two competing paradigms for determining color combinations that are harmonious. A second focus is the suitability of using opposing (i.e., opponent) colors for feature presentation in information visualization. The effects are considered for color item overlays on crowded and noncrowded displays. A statistical analysis of human responses is also presented.
Fully elliptic incompressible flow calculations on regular grid by a new pressure substitution method

A new method is presented for the solution of incompressible flow in generalized coordinates. This method is based on the substitution of the pressure weighted form of the momentum equations into the continuity equation. The algorithm is rigorously derived and a Fourier analysis is used to assess its suitability to act as an error smoother. Linear stability analysis results indicate that the performance of the new pressure substitution method (PSM) and the pressure correction method (PCM) is about the same at low Reynolds numbers, with no significant pressure gradient. At high Reynolds numbers the PSM shows much faster convergence. Likewise prediction of various flows indicate that the PSM has better accuracy for high Reynolds number flows with significant pressure gradients. Since most practical aerodynamic flows have significant pressure gradients, the PSM seems to be attractive for such flows. Solutions for both laminar and turbulent flow are compared with the experimental data. A two-equation low Reynolds number turbulence model is used to resolve the turbulent flowfield.
INCREASED SENSITIVITY OF MICROSOMES FROM PHENOBARBITAL-TREATED RATS TO SYNTHETIC MESSENGER RNA (POLYURIDYLIC ACID): LACK OF EFFECT ON RIBOSOMES.

Increased Sensitivity of Microsomes from Phenobarbital-Treated Rats to Synthetic Messenger RNA (Polyuridylic Acid): Lack of Effect on Ribosomes
The contributions of the incoherent scatter radar technique to the development of thermospheric models

Abstract The contributions of the incoherent scatter radar technique to the development of thermospheric models is traced from the development of the radar technique in 1958. Emphasis is given to the qualitative information regarding thermospheric processes and behavior provided by the radar studies and the role that these results have played in the structural development of thermospheric models. The complementary nature of radar and satellite data in the development of recent models is stressed. In addition, a summary of pertinent radar developments over the past two years is presented. Primary among these are measurements made by high-latitude radars, multi-radar coordinated observations, the establishment of an incoherent scatter radar data base, and publication of a number of studies concerning high-latitude measurements, solar-cyle maximum results, long-term data sets, and lower thermosphere tides.
Real-time full-field arbitrary optical waveform measurement

The development of a real-time optical waveform measurement technique with quantum-limited sensitivity, unlimited record lengths and an instantaneous bandwidth scalable to terahertz frequencies would be beneficial in the investigation of many ultrafast optical phenomena. Currently, full-field (amplitude and phase) optical measurements with a bandwidth greater than 100 GHz require repetitive signals to facilitate equivalent-time sampling methods or are single-shot in nature with limited time records. Here, we demonstrate a bandwidth- and time-record scalable measurement that performs parallel coherent detection on spectral slices of arbitrary optical waveforms in the 1.55 µm telecommunications band. External balanced photodetection and high-speed digitizers record the in-phase and quadrature-phase components of each demodulated spectral slice, and digital signal processing reconstructs the signal waveform. The approach is passive, extendable to other regions of the optical spectrum, and can be implemented as a single silicon photonic integrated circuit. A measurement scheme that is capable of recording the amplitude and phase of arbitrary shaped optical waveforms with a bandwidth of up to 160 GHz is presented. The approach is compatible with integration on a silicon photonic chip and could aid the study of transient ultrafast phenomena.
The health needs of the majority versus the health needs of the individual: the reorganization of medical education in Colombia.

The challenge of excellence in community health services has been taken up by medical educators in Colombia. Confronted with a nation where the primary indicators of disease mortality and morbidity (cardiovascular disease and infant mortality) were characteristic of First and Third World patterns, respectively, the Ministry of Health and La Asociacion Colombiana de Facultades de Medicina (ASCOFAME), representatives of institutions of medical education, have collaborated to conduct a needs assessment of the country's health needs and devised an implementation plan designed to better address the needs of the majority of that nation's people.
SO2907, a Putative TonB-dependent Receptor, Is Involved in Dissimilatory Iron Reduction by Shewanella oneidensis Strain MR-1

Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 utilizes soluble and insoluble ferric ions as terminal electron acceptors during anaerobic respiration. The components of respiratory metabolism are localized in the membrane fractions which include the outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane. Many of the biological components that interact with the various iron forms are proposed to be localized in these membrane fractions. To identify the iron-binding proteins acting either as an iron transporter or as a terminal iron reductase, we used metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions. This system catalyzed the oxidation of amino acids in close proximity to the iron binding site. The carbonyl groups formed from this oxidation can then be labeled with fluoresceinamine (FLNH2). The peptide harboring the FLNH2 can then be proteolytically digested, purified by HPLC and then identified by MALDI-TOF tandem MS. A predominant peptide was identified to be part of SO2907 that encodes a putative TonB-dependent receptor. Compared with wild type (wt), the so2907 gene deletion (ΔSO2907) mutant has impaired ability to reduce soluble Fe(III), but retains the same ability to respire oxygen or fumarate as the wt. The ΔSO2907 mutant was also impacted in reduction of insoluble iron. Iron binding assays using isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence tryptophan quenching demonstrated that a truncated form of heterologous-expressed SO2907 that contains the Fe(III) binding site, is capable of binding soluble Fe(III) forms with Kd of approximate 50 μm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the physiological role of SO2907 in Fe(III) reduction by MR-1.
The Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire: Validation of an Abbreviated Two-Item Questionnaire

Background The Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) is a validated tool to assess pain self-efficacy and is strongly correlated with disability. Reducing the number of questions of the original PSEQ to screen for self-efficacy will result in more efficient screening and less burden for the patient. Objective The aim of this study was to prospectively validate the shortened version of the PSEQ. Method Overall, 249 new and follow-up patients visiting our outpatient orthopedic hand surgery clinic were prospectively enrolled and asked to complete the PSEQ, short version of the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand, and 2-question version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) depression questionnaires. The patients completed the questionnaires in the office and online 2 weeks after their visit. At the follow-up visit, the PSEQ was substituted with the 2-question version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-2). The factors associated with higher short forms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were investigated in a bivariate and multivariable analysis. Paired t -test was used to compare the mean values of the short and long questionnaires at enrollment. Results There was a large correlation ( r = 0.90; p α were comparable for the PSEQ and the PSEQ-2 ( α = 0.95 compared with α = 0.91). There was a small but statistically significant difference between the average scores of the PSEQ and PSEQ-2 (4.4 vs 4.8; p r = 0.71 vs r = 0.61). Both the PSEQ-2 and the PSEQ were the most important predictors of the short forms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. A substantial test-retest reliability was found for the PSEQ-2 (0.66). Conclusion The PSEQ-2 can be used to quickly assess patients׳ pain self-efficacy.
Annual Cycles of Surface Shortwave Radiative Fluxes

The annual cycles of surface shortwave flux are investigated using the 8-yr dataset of the surface radiation budget (SRB) components for the period July 1983-June 1991. These components include the downward, upward, and net shortwave radiant fluxes at the earth's surface. The seasonal cycles are quantified in terms of principal components that describe the temporal variations and empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) that describe the spatial patterns. The major part of the variation is simply due to the variation of the insolation at the top of the atmosphere, especially for the first term, which describes 92.4% of the variance for the downward shortwave flux. However, for the second term, which describes 4.1% of the variance, the effect of clouds is quite important and the effect of clouds dominates the third term, which describes 2.4% of the variance. To a large degree the second and third terms are due to the response of clouds to the annual cycle of solar forcing. For net shortwave flux at the surface, similar variances are described by each term. The regional values of the EOFs are related to climate classes, thereby defining the range of annual cycles of shortwave radiation for each climate class.
Nonlethal oxidant injury to human retinal pigment epithelium cells causes cell membrane blebbing but decreased MMP-2 activity.

Purpose This study was undertaken to determine whether transient or sustained nonlethal oxidant injury can induce RPE cell membrane blebbing and alter RPE expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and type IV collagen, two molecules that are necessary for regulation of the turnover of the RPE basal lamina. Methods The ARPE-19 cell line stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) targeted to the cell membrane was bleb injured by exposure to myeloperoxidase (MPO; 10 microunits) and H(2)O(2) (100 microM). Sustained (>6 hours) or transient (up to 6 hours) exposure to MPO/H(2)O(2) was evaluated. An MTS assay conversion and cell counts were used to detect cell viability. Supernatants and the cell homogenates were collected from cultured ARPE-19 to assess fluorescent GFP-derived blebs, MMP-2 protein by Western blot, MMP-2 activity by zymography, and type IV collagen accumulation by ELISA. Expression of MMP-2 was examined by real-time RT-PCR with total RNA. Results Both sustained and transient exposure of RPE cells to nonlethal oxidant injury upregulated blebbing and increased pro-MMP2 protein, but downregulated the MMP-2 activity released into the supernatant in a time-dependent manner. Only sustained oxidant injury for 24 hours induced an increase in collagen type IV. After removal of transient oxidant exposure, blebbing resolved and RPE MMP-2 activity and protein recovered to normal levels within 48 hours. Conclusions Sustained or transient oxidant injury causes increased cell membrane blebbing but decreased activation of MMP-2. The findings lead to the hypothesis that blebs released in the absence of active MMP-2 may become trapped between the RPE and its basal lamina as sub-RPE deposits, possibly contributing to drusen formation in age-related macular degeneration. Also, the results lead to the postulation that oxidant injury disrupts the cell-specific surface proteases necessary to cleave and activate pro-MMP-2.
Internet Media Streaming Using Network Coding and Path Diversity

Delivering live media content over best-effort Internet is a challenging task due to a number of factors such as packet loss, delay, and bandwidth fluctuation. As a result, many approaches have been proposed ranging from auto repeat request-typed solutions, forward error correcting code to routing and scheduling protocols and network architecture design. Multiple path streaming is an important solution which exploits the path diversity to satisfy the high transmission bandwidth requirement of streaming applications. Recently, network coding has been proposed for efficient information dissemination over packet-switched networks. In this paper, we propose a network coding framework for multiple path streaming over the Internet. In particular, we use a number of random network coding schemes in order to both exploit the benefits of path diversity and prevent packet loss. Our framework works at the application layer using the UDP service and is independent of the current network infrastructure.
Size Evolution of Gold Nanoparticles in a Millifluidic Reactor

The size evolution of gold nanoparticles in a millifluidic reactor is investigated using spatially resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental data is supported by numerical simulations, carried out to study the residence-time distribution (RTD) of tracers that have the same properties as Au ions. Size and size distribution of the particles within the channels are influenced by the mixing zones as well as the RTD. However, the Au nanoparticles obtained show a broader size distribution even at the shortest investigated residence time of 3.53 s, indicating that in addition to surface growth reaction kinetics also plays an important role. The comparison of time resolved particle growth within the millifluidic channel with flask-based reactions reveals that the particle size can be controlled better within millifluidic channels. Overall, the results indicate potential opportunities to utilize easy to fabricate millifluidic reactors for the synthesis of nanoparticles, as well as as for carrying out time resolved kinetic studies.
Do regression-based computer algorithms for determining the ventilatory threshold agree?

Abstract The determination of the ventilatory threshold has been a persistent problem in research and clinical practice. Several computerized methods have been developed to overcome the subjectivity of visual methods but it remains unclear whether different computerized methods yield similar results. The purpose of this study was to compare nine regression-based computerized methods for the determination of the ventilatory threshold. Two samples of young and healthy volunteers (n = 30 each) participated in incremental treadmill protocols to volitional fatigue. The ventilatory data were averaged in 20-s segments and analysed with a computer program. Significant variance among methods was found in both samples (Sample 1: F = 11.50; Sample 2: F = 11.70, P < 0.001 for both). The estimates of the ventilatory threshold ranged from 2.47 litres · min−1 (71%[Vdot]O2max) to 3.13 litres · min−1 (90%[Vdot]O2max) in Sample 1 and from 2.37 litres · min−1 (67%[Vdot]O2max) to 3.03 litres · min−1 (83%[Vdot]O2max) in Sampl...
The performance of a tripole adaptive array against cross-polarized jamming

The performance of an adaptive array using three mutually perpendicular dipoles (a "tripole") against a cross-polarized jamming signal is discussed. The jamming consists of two statistically independent signals transmitted on orthogonally polarized antennas. It is shown that the adaptive array is least susceptible to such jamming if the desired signal is circularly polarized. It is most susceptible if the desired signal is linearly polarized.
Antigenic variation in relation to vaccines.

Like those who have preceded me I wish to say that I am delighted to be here on the occasion of the presentation of the Frohlich Award to Dr. Kenneth Warren. For me the venue, as well as the occasion, is special: about nine years ago I came to this auditorium to attend the first meeting of the Rockefeller Great Neglected Diseases (GND) network and with the specific objective of introducing myself to Ken Warren. I was an Assistant Professor and a molecular biologist who wanted to work on parasites; by the end of that year I had been adopted into the GND family and it was really Ken's encouragement and support that sustained my initial commitment to this field during the ensuing years of developing a program in this arena. Through the development of the GND family, Ken drew persons like myself into a community of scientists who together raised each others' expectations and standards. The dramatic progress in the field of parasitology that is reflected in the program of the symposium owes much to Ken and to his untiring effort and spirit. It has been a very exciting part of my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of that effort.
Low Temperature Laser Physical Vapor Deposition of Multilayered Thin Films

We have investigated the formation of various multilayer thin films by the laser physical vapor deposition technique. A multi stage target holder was constructed to perform all process steps in-situ; target/substrate cleaning, deposition, and annealing. The laser physical vapor deposition technique offers many advantages over conventional physical vapor techniques, such as, lower substrate temperature, microstructural control, and very low contamination levels. Film thickness can be controlled from near atomic to micron dimensions. A layer-by-layer (two dimensional) growth can be achieved, resulting in nonequilibrium structures. The films were analyzed using cross-section and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The significant reduction in substrate temperature for the formation of high quality multilayer and epitaxial films opens up many new areas of applications requiring reduced thermal-budget processing.
An expanded phylogeny of treefrogs (Hylidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data

The treefrogs (Hylidae) make up one of the most species-rich families of amphibians. With 885 species currently described, they contain >13% of all amphibian species. In recent years, there has been considerable progress in resolving hylid phylogeny. However, the most comprehensive phylogeny to date (Wiens et al., 2006) included only 292 species, was based only on parsimony, provided only poor support for most higher-level relationships, and conflicted with previous hypotheses in several parts (including the monophyly and relationships of major clades of Hylinae). Here, we present an expanded phylogeny for hylid frogs, including data for 362 hylid taxa for up to 11 genes (4 mitochondrial, 7 nuclear), including 70 additional taxa and >270 sequences not included in the previously most comprehensive analysis. The new tree from maximum likelihood analysis is more well-resolved, strongly supported, and concordant with previous hypotheses, and provides a framework for future systematic, biogeographic, ecological, and evolutionary studies.