cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Esophageal small‐cell cancer: study of a rare disease

Optimal treatment of esophageal small-cell cancer, a rare disease, lacks consensus. Based on its lung small-cell cancer analog, we hypothesized that chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy would be optimal. This hypothesis was tested by studying the collective published literature. A meta-analysis of individual patients from 148 articles (1952-2010) explored treatment and outcome of 577 patients with esophageal small-cell cancer. Hazard function frailty modeling identified optimum therapy after accounting for article-level and patient-level heterogeneity. Fifty-nine percent of publications reported one patient and 25% five or more. Sixty-six percent of patients were men, mean age was 63 ± 11 years, and 64% had localized disease. One, 3-, and 5-year survival was 37%, 14%, and 11%, respectively. Survival variation among articles was substantial (P = 0.004), with survival improving across time (P < 0.0004). Chemotherapy was associated with better survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.53, 68% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-0.65; P = 0.002) than surgery alone, radiotherapy alone, nonstandard therapy, or no therapy. Adding local therapy, either surgery (HR = 0.41, 68% CI = 0.34-0.51; P < 0.0001) or radiotherapy (HR = 0.33, 68% CI = 0.27-0.41; P < 0.0001), to chemotherapy further improved survival. Adding both did not provide further benefit. The strategy of borrowing from consensus treatment of lung small-cell cancer and analyzing the scarce available esophageal small-cell cancer literature may be beneficial in the study of rare diseases. It confirmed that chemotherapy should be the mainstay of therapy, with additional benefit from adjuvant therapy with either surgery or radiotherapy; both are not needed.
Accelerated hemolysis and neurotoxicity in neuron-glia-blood clot co-cultures

A growing body of experimental evidence suggests that an intracerebral hematoma is toxic to neighboring cells. However, injury mechanisms remain largely undefined, due in part to conflicting results from in vivo studies. In order to investigate blood toxicity in a more controlled environment, murine clots were co-cultured on porous membrane inserts with primary neurons and glia. Erythrocyte lysis was apparent within 48 h, but was reduced by almost 80% in cultures lacking neurons, and by over 90% in the absence of both neurons and glial cells. By 72 h, most released hemoglobin had oxidized to methemoglobin or its hemichrome degradation products. At this time point, approximately 50% of neurons were non-viable, as detected by propidium iodide staining; glia were not injured. Deferoxamine, Trolox and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 prevented most neuronal death, but had no effect on hemolysis at neuroprotective concentrations. The 27-fold increase in culture malondialdehyde and 5.8-fold increase in heme oxygenase-1 expression were also attenuated by deferoxamine and Trolox, but not by MK-801. These results suggest that hemoglobin release from clotted blood is accelerated by adjacent neurons and glia. Subsequent neurotoxicity is mediated by both iron-dependent and excitotoxic injury pathways.
Gendered Perceptions and Political Candidacies: A Central Barrier to Women's Equality in Electoral Politics

Based on the second wave of the Citizen Political Ambition Panel Study, we provide the first thorough analysis of how gender affects women and men’s efficacy to run for office. Our findings reveal that, despite comparable credentials, backgrounds, and experiences, accomplished women are substantially less likely than similarly situated men to perceive themselves as qualified to seek office. Importantly, women and men rely on the same factors when evaluating themselves as candidates; but women are less likely than men to believe they meet these criteria. Not only are women more likely than men to doubt that they have skills and traits necessary for electoral politics, but they are also more likely to doubt their abilities to engage in campaign mechanics. These findings are critical because the perceptual differences we uncover account for much of the gender gap in potential candidates’ self-efficacy and ultimately hinder women’s prospects for political equality.
Radiation effects research: RADECS and NSREC

The effects of radiation on materials, electronics, and electronic systems as a separate technical discipline is only 30 years old. Although it's early growth was apparent primarily in the United States, as noted from attendance at the IEEE NPSS Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, since 1978 a steady internationalization of this technical community has been seen. >
Circular Distributions and Euler Systems

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a conjecture about the universality of the circular distribution made by Robert Coleman. The algebraic property of the universal distri- bution is the main ingredient in studying Euler system of Kolyvagin and Rubin. We study the universality of the circular distribution by using the Iwasawa theory and the theory of the Euler systems. The conjecture is a characterization of Euler systems in the case of number field. The results here assert that Euler systems are essentially made out of cyclotomic units.
Preliminary discussion of a world-wide-web based analog circuit design tool and design knowledge repository

A prototype network-centric circuit design tool and design knowledge repository has been developed. It allows a designer with network access to interactively explore a circuit design space of pre-characterized circuit topologies using a convenient graphical user interface. Any user can extend the system to include new or custom circuit topologies without a lot of programming effort by writing their own design specification files. Designers will benefit from the use of the application as it will enable them to obtain a deeper understanding of the operation of their circuits and the performance tradeoffs that are possible for pre-characterized circuit topologies. The enhanced understanding gained by the designers will result in better design realizations and will accelerate the development of improved topologies in the future. Several benefits accrue due to the use of the network-centric computing paradigm of which the most significant is the enhanced communication of design knowledge and prevention of reinvention by the use of a centralized design knowledge repository.
Children's Pain Perspectives Inventory (CPPI): developmental assessment

This study explored the reliability and validity of the Children's Pain Perspectives Inventory (CPPI), an instrument designed to assess the developmental progression of children's pain perspectives. The convenience sample included 88 children between 5 and 13 years of age. Results from this descriptive correlational study indicated that children's pain perspectives could be developmentally ordered, coded and scored reliably, and with validity. An interrater reliability of 0.94 and an internal consistency reliability of 0.86 was obtained on the final group of 48 children. The criterion validity of the CPPI was supported by significant positive correlations between scores on the CPPI and the Cartoon Conservation Scale (CCS), a measure of cognitive development (r = 0.67, P = 0.001). Additional testing and refinement of the CPPI is recommended.
Reaction between chlorocarbon vapors and sodium carbonate

The kinetics of the reactions between tetrachloromethane (CCl4), 1,2-dichloroethane (C2H4Cl2), or chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl) and sodium carbonate were investigated using evolved gas analysis−Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Sodium carbonate reacted with CCl4 between 600 and 900 K to form over 90% carbon dioxide (CO2) and less than 10% tetrachloroethene (C2Cl4). This reaction followed the three-dimensional diffusion mechanism and had an activation energy of 105 ± 10 kJ/ mol and a steric factor of 5000 ± 3000 min-1. The reaction between C2H4Cl2 and sodium carbonate produced CO2, ethanal (C2H4O), water (H2O), vinyl chloride (C2H3Cl), ethene (C2H4), and ethyne (C2H2) between 600 and 900 K from at least two different pathways. The product temperature profiles indicated that CO2, C2H4O, and C2H3Cl were formed initially and that approximately 10% of the product is C2H4 at 900 K. The reaction kinetics followed the Ginstling−Brounshtein diffusion mechanism and had an activation energy of 100 ± 10 kJ/ mol and a...
Weft Insertion on Air-jet Looms: Velocity Measurement and Influence of Yarn Structure Part II: Effects of System Parameters and Yarn Structure

An investigation of the effects of different weft–insertion–system parameters on yarn velocity is reported. Increasing the air–supply pressure, initial loop length, and running speed decreases the total insertion time and hence increases the average yarn velocity. To examine the effects of yarn characteristics on yarn velocity, several yarns were tested under the same laboratory conditions. For every yarn, relations between total insertion time, yarn velocity, and air velocity and distance were obtained. It was found that open–end–spun (OE) yarns had a higher yarn velocity than ring–spun (R) yarns owing to the bulkier structure. However, R yarns had a higher initial acceleration than OE yarns. Murata air–jet–spun yarns had a higher velocity than R yarns. Increasing the yarn linear density and twist increased the insertion time. Texturing of continuous–filament yarns increased the yarn velocity by comparison with straight continuous–filament yarns.
Using the health belief model to examine differences in adherence to mammography among African-American and Caucasian women

Abstract Current studies indicate that rates of mammography use in the general population fall below objectives set by leading health agencies. This is even more true in the African-American community. This study used the health belief model as the theoretical basis of a secondary data analysis to establish differences in health beliefs among African-American and Caucasian women related to mammography. Data were obtained from members of the Indiana University Medical Group and from outpatients of the General Medicine Clinic, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that the health belief model explained approximately 13% of the variance associated with Caucasian women's compliance with mammography and approximately 9% of the variance for African-American women, with differences between specific variables that appeared to have the most explanatory power. These findings indicate that the model, although a good start...
Interaction of breed type and endophyte-infected tall fescue on milk production and quality in beef cattle

Decreased milk production of beef cattle grazing endophyte-infected (EI) tall fescue (TF), an important cool season grass in the southeastern United States, can affect calf growth. The objective was to determine whether a thermal or heat-tolerant Bos taurus breed of cattle, Romosinuano (RO), would tolerate EI TF toxins relative to Angus (AN) cattle. Milk production and quality were examined on AN and RO cows grazing endophyte-free (EF; variety K-31; n = 36) or EI TF (variety K-31; n = 37) along with growth of their Charolais-sired calves in 2007 and 2008 in west central Arkansas. Cows calved between early February and late March (spring). Milk yield and quality, BW, rectal temperature, and serum prolactin were determined at 57.1 +/- 2.6 d postpartum and every 28 d thereafter between April and August. Milk yield was greater in AN compared with RO cows (P 0.88). Percent milk fat was greater in cows grazing EF TF in April, but greater for cows grazing EI TF in July (forage x month, P < 0.001). Percent milk fat was greater for RO than AN cows (P < 0.001). Percent milk protein (P < 0.001) was greater and somatic cell counts (log-transformed; P < 0.001) were less in RO than AN cows. Milk lactose was greater for RO compared with AN cows in June through August (breed x month, P = 0.004). Adjusted weaning BW of calves was similar between EF and EI TF in 2007, but greater for calves from EF than EI TF in 2008 (forage x year, P = 0.03). Rectal temperature was similar between RO cows grazing EF and EI TF, but greater in AN cows grazing EI compared with EF TF in most months (forage x breed x month x year, P < 0.001). Serum prolactin was reduced in both breeds of cows grazing EI TF between April and July of both years and greatest in RO cows grazing EF TF (breed, P < 0.001; forage x month, P < 0.001). These data suggest that RO cows were more thermal-tolerant, but still susceptible to toxins in EI TF as shown by a reduction in serum concentrations of prolactin. However, milk production was not influenced by EI TF as previously observed, but milk fat percent was decreased in early lactation in this group of cows. Milk yield and quality were different between AN and RO cows during the period of lactation observed.
Experimental determination of the effect of the ratio of B/Al on glass dissolution along the nepheline (NaAlSiO4)–malinkoite (NaBSiO4) join

Abstract The dissolution kinetics of five glasses along the NaAlSiO 4 –NaBSiO 4 join were used to evaluate how the structural variations associated with boron–aluminum substitution affect the rate of dissolution. The composition of each glass varied inversely in mol% of Al 2 O 3 (5–25 mol%) and B 2 O 3 (20–0 mol%) with Na 2 O (25 mol%) and SiO 2 (50 mol%) making up the remaining amount, in every case Na/(Al + B) = 1.0. Single-pass flow-through experiments (SPFT) were conducted under dilute conditions as a function of solution pH (from 7.0 to 12.0) and temperature (from 23 to 90 °C). Analysis of unreacted glass samples by 27 Al and 29 Si MAS-NMR suggests Al (∼98% [4] Al) and Si-atoms (∼100% [4] Si) occupy a tetrahedral coordination whereas, B-atoms occupy both tetrahedral ( [4] B) and trigonal ( [3] B) coordination. The distribution of [3] B fractionated between [3] B(ring) and [3] B(non-ring) moieties, with the [3] B(ring)/ [3] B(non-ring) ratio increases with an increase in the B/Al ratio. The MAS-NMR results also indicated an increase in the fraction of [4] B with an increase in the B/Al ratio. The 27 Al peak maxima shift to lesser values with an increase in the B/Al ratio which suggests mixing between the [4] Al and [3] B sites, assuming avoidance between tetrahedral trivalent cations ( [4] Al–O– [4] B avoidance). Unlike the 27 Al and 11 B spectra, the 29 Si spectra illustrate a subtle shift to more negative chemical shift (chemical shift range between −88 and −84 ppm) and increases in the spectral widths as the B/Al ratio increases. Raman spectroscopy of unreacted glass samples was also used to cross-check the results collected from MAS-NMR and suggested that NeB4 (the glass sample with the highest B content) may consist of B–Na enriched and Al–Si enriched micro-domains, which affected the measured dissolution rates. Results from SPFT experiments suggest a forward rate of reaction and pH power-law coefficients, η , that are independent of B/Al under these neutral to alkaline test conditions for all homogeneous glasses. The temperature dependence shows an order of magnitude increase in the dissolution rate with a 67 °C increase in temperature and suggests dissolution is controlled by a surface-mediated reaction, as indicated by the activation energy, E a , being between 44 ± 8 and 48 ± 7 kJ/mol. Forward dissolution rates, based on Na and Si release, for homogeneous glasses are independent of the B/Al ratio, whereas dissolution rates based on Al and B release are not. Normalized dissolution rates, based on B release, increase with the molar fraction of [3] B(ring). Finally in accord with previous studies, the data discussed in this manuscript suggest rupture of either the Al–O or Si–O bonds as the rate-limiting step controlling the dissolution of these glasses.
Promoting advance care planning as health behavior change: Development of scales to assess Decisional Balance, Medical and Religious Beliefs, and Processes of Change

Abstract Objective To develop measures representing key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change as applied to advance care planning (ACP) and to examine whether associations between these measures replicate the relationships posited by the TTM. Methods Sequential scale development techniques were used to develop measures for Decisional Balance (Pros and Cons of behavior change), ACP Values/Beliefs (religious beliefs and medical misconceptions serving as barriers to participation), Processes of Change (behavioral and cognitive processes used to foster participation) based on responses of 304 persons age ≥ 65 years. Results Items for each scale/subscale demonstrated high factor loading (>.5) and good to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α .76–.93). Results of MANOVA examining scores on the Pros, Cons, ACP Values/Beliefs, and POC subscales by stage of change for each of the six behaviors were significant, Wilks’ λ = .555–.809, η 2 = .068–.178, p ≤ .001 for all models. Conclusion Core constructs of the TTM as applied to ACP can be measured with high reliability and validity. Practice implications Cross-sectional relationships between these constructs and stage of behavior change support the use of TTM-tailored interventions to change perceptions of the Pros and Cons of participation in ACP and promote the use of certain Processes of Change in order to promote older persons’ engagement in ACP.
Endogenous ACh suppresses LTD induction and nicotine relieves the suppression via different nicotinic ACh receptor subtypes in the mouse hippocampus.

Abstract Aims Studying the normal role of nicotinic cholinergic systems in hippocampal synaptic plasticity is critical for understanding how cholinergic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tobacco use affect cognitive function. However, it is largely unknown how nicotinic cholinergic systems regulate the induction of long-term depression (LTD). Main methods Extracellular field potential recordings were performed in hippocampal slices prepared from wild-type, α2, α7, and β2 knockout (KO) mice. Effects of nicotine and nicotinic antagonists on LTD induction in wild-type, α2, α7, and β2 KO mice were compared. Key findings Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) occurs during LTD-inducing stimulation to suppress LTD induction at CA3–CA1 synapses. Nicotine relieves this suppression, causing larger LTD. This nicotine effect was mediated by the activation of non-α7 nAChR subtypes, which were not activated by ACh released during LTD-inducing stimulation, and requires the presence of endogenous ACh-induced α7 nAChR activation. Furthermore, the effect of nicotine was prevented in the presence of mecamylamine, but not dihydro-β-erythroidine, and was still observed in both α2 KO and β2 KO mice. Significance This is the first report to evaluate the involvement of different nAChR subtypes in LTD induction. Findings indicate the involvement of unique non-α7 nAChR subtypes, which have not been considered in the nicotinic modulation of hippocampal long-term potentiation, in the control of LTD induction. The implication of our results is that the loss of cholinergic projections to the hippocampus, which reduces ACh release as seen in AD patients, and nicotine from tobacco smoking can differentially affect LTD induction.
The Effects of Femoral Fixed Body Coordinate System Definition on Knee Kinematic Description

Understanding the differences in knee kinematic descriptions is important for comparing data from different laboratories and observing small but important changes within a set of knees. The purpose of this study was to identify how differences in fixed body femoral coordinate systems affect the described tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematics for cadaveric knee studies with no hip present. Different methods for describing kinematics were evaluated on a set of seven cadaveric knees during walking in a dynamic knee simulator. Three anatomical landmark coordinate systems, a partial helical axis, and an experimental setup-based system were examined. The results showed that flexion-extension was insensitive to differences in the kinematic systems tested, internal-external rotation was similar for most femoral coordinate systems although there were changes in absolute position, varus-valgus was the most sensitive to variations in flexion axis direction, and anterior-posterior motion was most sensitive to femoral origin location. Femoral coordinate systems that define the sagittal plane using anatomical landmarks and locate the flexion axis perpendicular to the femur's mechanical axis in the frontal plane were typically similar and described kinematics most consistently.
Effect of Silver on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2

Silver was deposited on TiO[sub 2] powders (Degussa P25) by the photodecomposition of two different silver salts, AgF and AgNO[sub 3]. The photocatalytic activity of TiO[sub 2] powder samples was evaluated by the degradation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB). Photodecomposition of AgF on TiO[sub 2] gave higher photocatalytic activity than that of AgNO[sub 3]. The optimum catalytic activity found by the deposition of Ag was comparable to that obtained from Au. It was also observed that the photocatalytic activity of Ag-loaded TiO[sub 2] films was greater than that obtained for pure TiO[sub 2] films. This result is consistent with the results obtained for Ag-deposited TiO[sub 2] powders.
Astroglial plasticity in hemizygous and heterozygous jimpy mice.

Abstract Gliosis is a common phenomenon which occurs in many human diseases and in experimentally altered nervous tissue. The factors activating astrocytes to respond are still unclear but recent evidence suggests that diverse substances can provoke a gliotic response. This paper describes the nature of the gliosis in the myelin deficient jimpy and relates these findings to other recent studies of experimentally induced demyelination in which gliosis is a prominent feature of the disorder. In jimpy males, an astroglial hypertrophy which consists of an increase in the number of cell processes can be demonstrated by both electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry using antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein. Increased glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in the white matter of jimpy males correlates with the normal time of myelination in different tracts. The immunostaining is not, however, restricted to white matter. Increased staining can be demonstrated in spinal cord grey matter when hardly any myelinated fibers are present, it is especially prominent around blood vessels of both white and grey matter, and is found in the corpus callosum and in the underlying subventricular zone shortly before or at the time myelination begins in this tract. These observations suggest that the hypertrophy is not simply a response by the astrocyte to the absence of myelin sheaths. While an astroglial hypertrophy is dramatic in jimpy males, quantitative counts of astrocytes and electron microscopic autoradiograms do not reveal an increase in the total number of this cell type. These findings suggest that hyperplasia and hypertrophy of astrocytes may be under separate regulatory control with different factors involved in each phenomenon. In the female carriers of the jimpy gene, myelination is temporarily delayed during postnatal development but after several months, the amount of myelin, whether measured morphometrically or biochemically, reaches normal levels. In the white matter of the young female carrier, staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased in terms of the number of processes and the total volume of neuropil but a normal pattern of staining is observed within a year. These and other observations suggest that the glial hypertrophy in the young mosaic is temporary and that regression and reorganization of glial processes takes place as myelination proceeds.
The relationship of smog aerosol size and chemical element distributions to source characteristics

Abstract The contributions of various sources to Pasadena particulate pollution have been estimated previously using certain elements as tracers. Based on these estimates and data from the literature for the size spectra of automobile emissions, soil dust and the marine aerosol, the size spectrum of the Pasadena aerosol has been calculated. Secondary formation processes for paniculate matter significantly modify the primary source spectrum and have been taken into account using certain models for the conversion processes. The calculated size and volume distributions compare well with experimental data. Calculations of the chemical element distributions with respect to size have also been made.
Assessment of inhibin and p53 in granulosa cell tumors of the ovary.

Abstract Objective. The goal of this work was to determine the cellular content of inhibin and p53 in granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Methods. Clinical records of 47 patients (mean age, 54 years; range, 20–85 years) presenting with GCT surgically managed at our institution were abstracted. International Federation of Gynecology stage I was assigned in 39 patients, stage II in 2, and stage III in 6. Concomitant endometrial carcinoma was identified in 6 patients. Mean follow-up was 13.6 years (range, 1 day to 37.6 years). Sections from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were analyzed immunohistochemically for expression of tissue inhibin and p53 levels. Inhibin expression was graded by intensity and reactivity, and p53, by its presence or absence. Results. The tumors of 27 patients (57%) stained strongly for inhibin intensity and showed >60% reactivity. Decreased intensity and reactivity of inhibin expression were associated with advanced-stage disease ( P = 0.05 and P P = 0.016, log-rank test). However, the association between p53 immunoreactivity and disease stage was not significant. Absence of p53 expression was significantly associated with concurrent endometrial carcinoma ( P = 0.022), suggesting more molecularly intact tumors that retain functional activity. Conclusions. Although the majority of GCTs show strong expression of inhibin with regard to intensity and reactivity, weak expression is associated with advanced disease but not with decreased progression-free survival. By contrast, expression of p53 is not significantly associated with stage, but increased expression is associated with decreased disease-free survival. Absence of p53 expression appears to be associated with concurrent endometrial carcinoma.
Reactivity of Binuclear Tantalum Clusters on Silica: Characterization by Transient Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Binuclear tantalum clusters were synthesized from Ta(CH2Ph)5 (Ph is phenyl) on the surface of nonporous SiO2 (Aerosil), and their reactions with H2, D2, and ethylene were characterized by time-resolved infrared (IR), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopies. The EXAFS data indicate the formation in H2 of clusters with a Ta−Ta coordination number of approximately 1 and a bonding distance of 2.74 A. Reactions of the supported clusters with D2 and H2 facilitate the interconversion of O−H and O−D groups on the SiO2 surface. Reaction of these clusters with ethylene led to their rapid fragmentation to give mononuclear tantalum complexes, as the tantalum was oxidized and new ligands formed, suggested by IR spectra to be ethyl. The results demonstrate a rough analogy between the chemistry of tantalum clusters on the SiO2 surface and their chemistry in solution. Because alkenes are suggested intermediates in the catalytic disproportionation of alkanes on suppo...
The semantic data model: a modelling mechanism for data base applications

Conventional data models are not satisfactory for modelling data base application systems. The features that they provide are too low level and representational to allow the semantics of a data base to be directly expressed in the schema. The semantic data model (SDM) has been designed as a natural application modelling mechanism that can capture and express the structure of an application environment. The features of the SDM correspond to the principal intensional structures naturally occurring in contemporary data base applications. Furthermore, facilities for expressing derived (redundant) information are an essential part of the SDM; derived information is as prominent in an SDM schema as is primitive data. The SDM is designed to enhance the effectiveness and usability of computerized data bases. It can serve as a formal specification and documentation mechanism for a data base, can support a variety of powerful user interface facilities, and can be used as a tool in the data base design process.
Solvent Assisted Inlet Ionization: An Ultrasensitive New Liquid Introduction Ionization Method for Mass Spectrometry

A new inlet ionization method requiring no voltage or laser, and using water, methanol, or water/organic solvent mixtures, is shown to produce mass spectra similar to those obtained with electrospray ionization (ESI) for small molecules, peptides, and proteins, at least as large as carbonic anhydrase, with sensitivity that surpasses ESI. With the use of wide mass range acquisitions at 100 000 mass resolution on an Orbitrap Exactive, detection limits below parts per trillion are obtained for small molecules such as arginine, ciprofloxacin, and acetaminophen. Low attomoles of bovine insulin consumed produced a multiply charged mass spectrum. Ions are generated, even using pure water as solvent, within the heated inlet tube linking atmospheric pressure with the first vacuum stage of the Orbitrap Exactive. The extremely high sensitivity observed at this early stage of solvent assisted inlet ionization (SAII) development suggests that inlet ionization may surpass nanoelectrospray in sensitivity but without the...
The Meiosis-specific Protein Kinase Ime2 Directs Phosphorylation of Replication Protein A

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cellular single-stranded DNA-binding protein replication protein A (RPA) becomes phosphorylated during meiosis in two discrete reactions. The primary reaction is first observed shortly after cells enter the meiotic program and leads to phosphorylation of nearly all the detectable RPA. The secondary reaction, which requires the ATM/ATR homologue Mec1, is induced upon initiation of recombination and only modifies a fraction of the total RPA. We now report that correct timing of both RPA phosphorylation reactions requires Ime2, a meiosis-specific protein kinase that is critical for proper initiation of meiotic progression. Expression of Ime2 in vegetative cells leads to an unscheduled RPA phosphorylation reaction that does not require other tested meiosis-specific kinases and is distinct from the RPA phosphorylation reaction that normally occurs during mitotic growth. In addition, immunoprecipitated Ime2 catalyzes phosphorylation of purified RPA. Our data strongly suggest that Ime2 is an RPA kinase in vivo. We propose that Ime2 directly catalyzes RPA phosphorylation in the primary reaction and indirectly promotes the Mec1-dependent secondary reaction by advancing cells through meiotic progression. Our studies have identified a novel meiosis-specific reaction that targets a key protein required for DNA replication, repair, and recombination. This pathway could be important in differentiating mitotic and meiotic DNA metabolism.
Impact of the ACGME Work Hour Requirements: A neurology resident and program director survey

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved new residency program duty hour standards for all medical specialties in June 2002. The rationales for the guidelines were threefold: increased acuity of hospitalized patients resulting in greater demands of residents, growing public opinion that long resident duty hours compromise patient safety, and growing evidence of the negative effects of sleep deprivation on performance.1–3 The ACGME resident work hour requirements were implemented in July 2003, and can be summarized by the following standards: 1) an 80-hour weekly work limit, averaged over 4 weeks; 2) a 24-hour limit of continuous duty with up to 6 additional hours for transfer of care and education; 3) one day off per week, averaged over 4 weeks; 4) in-house call limited to no more than once every three nights, averaged over 4 weeks; 5) a 10-hour rest period between duties. The ACGME resident work hour requirements forced major system changes for some neurology programs in the way that patient care is delivered and residents are educated. Although potential issues such as continuity of care, patient safety, resident education, and shifting responsibilities onto academic staff were identified and justified prior to implementation,2 the impact remains to be seen. This survey was undertaken to identify neurology resident and program director opinions as to the early impact of the standards, as well as to identify strategies used to institute and monitor the guidelines in neurology and to promote discussion of these issues. A total of 24 adult neurology residency programs were selected based on publicly available program director contact information. These programs were evenly distributed in terms of geographic region (East, West, South, Midwest) and program size within each region. All correspondence was via e-mail. The initial contact was through the program director. It included the following …
The natural progression of peanut allergy: Resolution and the possibility of recurrence

Abstract Background: It was once thought that peanut allergy is a lifelong problem. We previously reported that about 20% of children outgrow their peanut allergy and that more than 60% of patients with a peanut-IgE level of 5 or less passed an oral challenge. Objective: The goal of this study was to further describe the natural progression of peanut allergy by reviewing patients who have undergone oral peanut challenges since the previous study. Methods: Patients with peanut-IgE levels of 5 or less were offered a peanut challenge. Those who passed were further evaluated by questionnaire to assess reintroduction of peanut into their diet and whether any recurrence has occurred. Results: Eighty-four patients were evaluated, and 80 underwent complete analysis. Fifty-five percent with peanut-IgE levels of 5 or less and 63% with peanut-IgE levels of 2 or less passed challenges, compared to 61% and 67%, respectively, in our previous study. The 4 additional patients passed peanut challenges in this study after previously failing. Three patients with initial anaphylactic reactions and 2 patients with initial peanut-IgE levels greater than 70 passed their challenge. Follow-up of those who passed in both studies showed that the majority of patients reintroduced peanut into their diet, but that continued label reading, infrequent/limited ingestion, and aversion to peanut were all common in this population. Two patients had suspected subsequent reactions to peanut after passing their challenge. Conclusions: Patients with a history of peanut allergy and peanut-IgE levels of 5 or less have at least a 50% chance of outgrowing their allergy. Recurrence of peanut allergy may occur but appears to be uncommon. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;112:183-9.)
Saving Subtraction: A reply to Van Orden and Paap

Van Orden and Paap argue that subtractive functional neuroimaging is fundamentally flawed, unfalsifiable, and cannot bear upon the nature of mind. In this they are mistaken, although their criticisms interestingly illuminate the scientific problems we confront in investigating the material basis of mind. Here, I consider the criticisms of Van Orden and Paap and discuss where they are mistaken and where justified. I then consider the picture of imaging science that Van Orden and Paap seem to espouse and sketch an alternative picture that is more realistic, more interesting, and consistent with the deliverances and the weaknesses of neuroimaging techniques. Finally, I identify three assumptions that I do think neuroimaging is wedded to and briefly discuss their implications.
Embedded-circuit magnetic metamaterial substrate performance for patch antennas

Magnetic permeability was imparted to a naturally non-magnetic material by metallic inclusions. A patch antenna tested the performance of the magnetic metamaterial as a substrate. The magnetic metamaterial exhibited enhanced /spl mu/ and /spl epsiv/ as predicted with acceptable loss-factor levels. Models for predicting /spl mu/ and /spl epsiv/ are presented and simulations indicate that permeability can be extended well beyond several GHz with current technology. Permeability in the /spl mu//sub r/=1-4 range is achievable for moderately low-loss applications. The representative antenna miniaturization factor=4-6.4 with efficiency=21-35%.
Using sampled data and regression to merge search engine results

This paper addresses the problem of merging results obtained from different databases and search engines in a distributed information retrieval environment. The prior research on this problem either assumed the exchange of statistics necessary for normalizing scores (cooperative solutions) or is heuristic. Both approaches have disadvantages. We show that the problem in uncooperative environments is simpler when viewed as a component of a distributed IR system that uses query-based sampling to create resource descriptions. Documents sampled for creating resource descriptions can also be used to create a sample centralized index, and this index is a source of training data for adaptive results merging algorithms. A variety of experiments demonstrate that this new approach is more effective than a well-known alternative, and that it allows query-by-query tuning of the results merging function.
TIME COURSE OF MICROSECOND DELAYED LIGHT EMISSION FROM SCENEDESMUS OBUQUUS AT INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATION

— For dark adapted cells, the intensity of delayed light at the onset of a light period depends on the length of the preceding dark period. Under our experimental conditions, the exciting laser light seems to reduce the intermediate pool located between the two photosystems. If dark adapted cells are illuminated, mechanisms are established within about 20 s which appear to drain electrons from the intermediate pool.
Protracted low-dose radiation priming and response of liver to acute gamma and proton radiation.

This study evaluated liver from C57BL/6 mice irradiated with low-dose/low-dose-rate (LDR) γ-rays (0.01 Gy, 0.03 cGy/h), with and without subsequent exposure to acute 2 Gy gamma or proton radiation. Analyses were performed on day 56 post-exposure. Expression patterns of apoptosis-related genes were strikingly different among irradiated groups compared with 0 Gy (p 5-fold up-regulated by LDR + Protons). Oxygen radical production in livers from the LDR + Proton group was higher in LDR, Gamma, and LDR + Gamma groups (p < 0.05 vs. 0 Gy), but there were no differences in phagocytosis of E. coli. Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) suggested more inflammation, with and without necrosis, in some irradiated groups. The data demonstrate that response to acute radiation is dependent on radiation quality and regimen and that some LDR γ-ray-induced modifications in liver response were still evident nearly 2 months after exposure.
Sodium n-butyrate causes reversible decrease in condensed chromatin clumps in HeLa cells.

SummaryThere is a marked decrease in condensed chromatin clumps in HeLa cells treated with sodium n-butyrate for 24 hr. This change is rapidly reversible, with chromatin clumps reappearing 15 min after removal of the n-butyrate. These reversible morphological changes are closely correlated with hyper-acetylation of histones in n-butyrate-treated cells, and may represent a morphological expression of the biochemical modification of histones.
Light quality effects on carbon metabolism and allocation in Gracilaria verrucosa

Under conditions of new nitrogen availability and low light intensities, light quality (blue, green, or red light) was not found to affect carbon fixation patterns into major metabolic fractions (total ethanol soluble, carbohydrate, and protein) in preconditioned nitrogen enriched or limited apical tips of Gracilaria verrucosa Papenfuss. Within the ethanol soluble fractions of both nitrogen enriched and limited tips, blue light treatment led to a greater percentage of 14 carbon in amino acids as compared to non-ninhydrin reactive metabolites. A lesser effect was observed with red light, and green light did not appear to stimulate amino acid synthesis appreciably. The low intensity blue light effect in G. verrucosa appears to be an enhancement of nonphotosynthetic carbon incorporation into amino acids, possibly through some form of the urea-ornithine cycle.
Unwinding the interaction of natriuretic peptides and neprilysin.

Natriuretic peptides are an important aid for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) and may allow for the monitoring of therapy in patients with HF over time. One view often taken to simplify their use is that elevated values reflect a more exuberant counterregulatory response to hemodynamic stress,
Phase Correction of Vibrational Circular Dichroic Features

Several sources of phase-correction-induced spectral anomalies in FT-IR vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra have been investigated. Misidentification of the zero-phase retardation position in dichroic interferograms that exhibit no optical or electronic bias can produce spectral errors. Production of such errors is from the introduction of linear phase error into the phase curve. When the zero-phase retardation position is correctly identified, other spectral anomalies, such as "reflected peaks," can appear in VCD spectra. These peaks are readily observed in quarterwave plate reference spectra. The anomalies are directly correlated to the arctangent function used to define the phase curve and result only from the nature of the VCD signal. VCD spectra can exhibit negative, as well as positive, peaks; consequently the phase correction must be designed to accommodate negative features. Both Mertz and Forman phase-correction algorithms have been modified to correct the phase of VCD interferograms without error. Such corrections are not necessary, or even desirable, for normal absorption spectrometry.
NADPH-dependent oxidation of methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol by hepatic microsomes.

Abstract Hepatic microsomes catalyze the oxidation of methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol to their respective aldehydes. The reaction requires molecular oxygen and NADPH and is inhibited by CO, sharing thereby properties with other microsomal drug oxidations. This microsomal alcohol oxidizing system increases in activity after chronic ethanol consumption and operates independently from catalase as well as alcohol dehydrogenase. It appears responsible, at least in part, for the alcohol metabolism by the alcohol dehydrogenase independent pathway of the liver.
γ-Aminobutyrate sensitivity does not change during long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices

Abstract Long-term potentiation is a long-lasting enhancement of synaptic efficacy following brief, high-frequency, repetitive stimulation of a monosynaptic input. Intracellular recordings have shown that the inhibitory postsynaptic potential changes in amplitude during long-term potentiation. Yet how this may occur is unclear. To test for a possible alteration in postsynaptic sensitivity to the recurrent inhibitory transmitter γ-aminobutyrate, we have examined the effect of γ-aminobutyrate, focally applied to the hippocampal CA1 cell-body layer, on the extracellular recorded action potential (population spike). We found that the degree, duration, dose-dependence and time-course of inhibition produced by γ-amino-butyrate are unchanged during long-term potentiation. This suggests that a change in sensitivity of CA1 pyramidal cells to the transmitter γ-aminobutyrate is not the reason for the alteration in the inhibitory postsynaptic potential during long-term potentiation.
A feasibility study of ic chip wire bond inspection

Product inspection, which is an important step in industrial manufacturing, has depended on human inspectors whose performance is generally inadequate and variable. In the past few years, automated machines for wire bonding have been developed and integrated in the production of quality IC chips for the electronic industry. However, inspection of the wire bonds has not been automated as yet. This article describes a feasibility study for the automated visual inspection of IC chip wire bonds conducted in the Computer Vision Research Laboratory at Arizona State University. Both the system setup and algorithms for detecting some of the typical wire bonding defects such as ball bond, stitch bond placement, and size defects, and connecting wire defects such as missing and shorted wires using two-dimensional digital images are described.
The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in post-stress induced ethanol consumption by rats.

1. 1. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory demonstrated that rats given a choice between a 0.1% saccharin solution or 10% ethanol/0.1% saccharin solution and repeatedly exposed en an unpredictable basis to stressful stimuli, consumed increasing quantities of the ethanol solution following cessation of stressor presentation as compared to nonstressed control rats. 2. 2. Stressful stimuli potently activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, thus a systematic investigation of the HPA axis and its involvement in post-stress induced ethanol consummatory behavior was undertaken. 3. 3. Exposure to repetitive unpredictable stressful stimuli did not induce the free-choice consumption of ethanol in either hypophysectomized rats or chronic dexamethasone treated rats. 4. 4. Adrenalectomized rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stressful stimuli consumed increased quantities of ethanol following cessation of stressful stimuli in both a quantitative and qualitative manner which mirrored that of intact animals. 5. 5. Repeated intravenous administration of exogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACIH1–39) on an unpredictable basis also induced ethanol consuming behavior, following the discontinuation of its administration. 6. 6. These results suggest that elimination of the pituitary or pharmacological antagonism of stress-induced HPA activation will prevent post-stress induced ethanol consumnmatory behavior. 7. 7. Conversely, activation of a functional hypothalamic-pituitary system or repeated administration of exogenous ACTH1–39 will initiate ethanol consumption in rats. 8. 8. Thus, hormones secreted from the pituitary, namely ACIH, appear to play a crucial role In the post-stress Induced initiation of ethanol consuming behavior in rats.
Role for N-CoR and histone deacetylase in Sin3-mediated transcriptional repression

Normal mammalian growth and development are highly dependent on the regulation of the expression and activity of the Myc family of transcription factors. Mxi1-mediated inhibition of Myc activities requires interaction with mammalian Sln3A or Sin3B proteins, which have been purported to act as scaffolds for additional co-repressor factors. The identification of two such Sin3-associated factors, the nuclear receptor co-repressor (N-CoR) and histone deacetylase (HD1), provides a basis for Mxi1/Sin3-induced transcriptional repression and tumour suppression.
Cyclotron production of no-carrier-added 206Bi (6.24 d) and 205Bi (15.31 d) as tracers for biological studies and for the development of alpha-emitting radiotherapeutic agents.

The production and radiochemical purification of no-carrier-added (NCA) bismuth isotopes (i.e. 6.24 d 206Bi and 15.31 d 205Bi) was studied. The Bi isotopes are intended for use as tracers in biodistribution studies and in the design and testing of α-emitting radiotherapeutic agents. The total cross sections and yields for the production of 206Bi and 205Bi from the proton bombardment of natural Pb targets were measured using the stacked-foils technique. A radiochemical method for the separation and purification of NCA Bi radioactivities from a multi-gram Pb target was also tested, modified, and improved to provide aqueous solutions of chemically and biologically useful amounts of NCA 206,205Bi for measuring tissue and subcellular-distributions, and for studies covering several chemical aspects of the development of Pb/Bi-radiotherapeutic agents.