cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exponential mixing for smooth hyperbolic suspension flows

We present some simple examples of exponentially mixing hyperbolic suspension flows. We include some speculations indicating possible applications to suspension flows of algebraic Anosov systems. We conclude with some remarks about generalizations of our methods.
METAL POROSIMETER FOR DETERMINING THE PORE VOLUME OF HIGHLY VITRIFIED WARE1

A metal porosimeter of the McLeod-Gage type has been developed for use in determining the porosity of highly vitrified ware. The glass capillary is welded directly on to the 20% chrome-steel metal cap. The metal construction gives a rugged apparatus that can be safely handled for routine work. It is as sensitive as the similar glass apparatus of Washburn and Bunting, but is not structurally delicate. A photograph and drawing with details are included. The suggestion is made that the results obtained by these types of apparatus be expressed as “per cent pore volume,” and that the results obtained by water soaking be specifically named “per cent water absorption” to distinguish between them. Results are given to show that for fairly vitrified ware, the water boiling method gives much lower porosity than the method using air as the fluid.
Terrorism and the ethics of emergency medical care

The threat of domestic and international terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction-terrorism (WMD-T) has become an increasing public health concern for US citizens. WMD-T events may have a major effect on many societal sectors but particularly on the health care delivery system. Anticipated medical problems might include the need for large quantities of medical equipment and supplies, as well as capable and unaffected health care providers. In the setting of WMD-T, triage may bear little resemblance to the standard approach to civilian triage. To address these issues to the maximum benefit of our patients, we must first develop collective forethought and a broad-based consensus that these decisions must reach beyond the hospital emergency department. Critical decisions like these should not be made on an individual case-by-case basis. Physicians should never be placed in a position of individually deciding to deny treatment to patients without the guidance of a policy or protocol. Emergency physicians, however, may easily find themselves in a situation in which the demand for resources clearly exceeds supply. It is for this reason that emergency care providers, personnel, hospital administrators, religious leaders, and medical ethics committees need to engage in bioethical decision making before an acute bioterrorist event.
The right to leave and its ramifications in Eritrea

As part of the massive and serious human rights violations prevalent in Eritrea, the right to leave their country of many Eritreans between 10 to 50 years old is severely curtailed; giving rise to the apt designation of Eritrea as an “open air prison”. However, fraught by the overall repression of human rights, in spite of the draconian restrictions on the right to leave such as deadly measures of blocking the borders of the country and severely punishing apprehended attempters and deportees with no reference to due process of law, thousands of Eritrean youth are fleeing Eritrea every year in a manner the Government of Eritrea (GoE) calls “illegal”. This article analyzes the related rights to leave and to return to one’s own country as provided in three human rights treaties which bind Eritrea and in the 1997 Constitution of Eritrea. A depiction of glaring violations is made and consequences discussed.
“Alkie,”“Frat Brother,” and “Jock”: Perceived Types of College Students and Stereotypes About Drinking1

Two studies assessed perceived types of college students and associated stereotypes about drinking. In the first study, 64 university students responded to an open-ended probe asking them to list types of college students and then rated the amount of drinking done by each of a set of preselected types. In the second study, 236 students responded to the same open-ended item and directly rated a set of types that had been revised based on Study 1 in terms of drinking and involvement in the academic and sociosexual collegiate subcultures. As hypothesized, consensual responses to the open-ended probe reflected the college student culture. Also as hypothesized, types of students socially defined in terms of the sociosexual aspects of college (e.g., “fraternity boy”) were rated as likely to drink heavily, whereas types that were seen as being pulled away from college social life, through assumed involvement in academics (e.g., “brain/straight As”), were rated as drinking relatively little. Finally, rated sociosexual involvement was positively correlated, and academic involvement was negatively correlated, with perceived drinking, which supports a central assumption of the framework guiding the research.
TNF-α inhibition attenuates adverse myocardial remodeling in a rat model of volume overload

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. In contrast, we have recently shown that myocardial levels of TNF-α are acutely elevated in the aortocaval (AV) fistula model of heart failure. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that progression of adverse myocardial remodeling secondary to volume overload would be prevented by inhibition of TNF-α with etanercept. Furthermore, a principal objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of TNF-α inhibition during different phases of the myocardial remodeling process. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: sham-operated controls, untreated AV fistulas, and etanercept-treated AV fistulas. Each group was further subdivided to study three different time points consisting of 3 days, 3 wk, and 8 wk postfistula. Etanercept was administered subcutaneously at 1 mg/kg body wt. Etanercept prevented collagen degradation at 3 days and significantly attenuated the decrease in collagen at 8 wk postfistula. Although TNF-α antagonism did not prevent the initial ventricular dilatation at 3 wk postfistula, etanercept was effective at significantly attenuating the subsequent ventricular hypertrophy, dilatation, and increased compliance at 8 wk postfistula. These positive adaptations achieved with etanercept administration translated into significant functional improvements. At a cellular level, etanercept also markedly attenuated increases in cardiomyocyte length, width, and area at 8 wk postfistula. These observations demonstrate that TNF-α has a pivotal role in adverse myocardial remodeling and that treatment with etanercept can attenuate the progression to heart failure.
Confined and Submerged Liquid Jet Impingement Heat Transfer

The local heat transfer from a small heat source to a normally impinging, axisymmetric, and submerged liquid jet, in confined and unconfined configurations, was experimentally investigated. A single jet of FC-77 issuing from a round nozzle impinged onto a square foil heater, which dissipated a constant heat flux. The nozzle and the heat source were both mounted in large round plates to ensure axisymmetric radial outflow of the spent fluid. The local surface temperature of the heat source was measured at different radial locations (r/d) from the center of the jet in fine increments. Results for the local heat transfer coefficient distribution at the heat source are presented as functions of nozzle diameter (0.79 ≤ d ≤ 6.35 mm), Reynolds number (4000 to 23,000), and nozzle-to-heat source spacing (1 ≤ Z/d ≤ 14). Secondary peaks in the local heat transfer observed at r/d 2 were more pronounced at the smaller (confined) spacings and larger nozzle diameters for a given Reynolds number, and shifted radially outward from the stagnation point as the spacing increased. The secondary-peak magnitude increased with Reynolds number, and was higher than the stagnation value in some instances.
Scaffolds and Stem Cells for Patient-Tailored Aortic Heart Valve Tissue Engineering

Abstract Valve reconstruction or regeneration with living tissue is a daunting project for biomedical engineers and surgeons alike. Our translational approach to development of living valve replacements embraces three main principles: a) the accurate replication of each patient’s 3D aortic valve architecture for optimal functionality, b) layered scaffolds that mimic the aortic valve fibrosa, ventricularis and spongiosa to prevent buckling and enhance mechanical durability and c) the presence of autologous, valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to maintain matrix homeostasis. To create anatomically correct constructs, we used digital image processing of patient chest CT images and generated solid aortic valve root 3D structures using a stereo-lithography printer. Collagenous scaffolds to be used as the fibrosa and ventricularis layers were prepared from acellular porcine pericardium and collagen/GAG hydrogels to be used as the spongiosa layer. Layered scaffolds were attached to the molds, dried, stabilized wi...
Reactivity of a low-valent chromium dinitrogen complex

Abstract (NniPrCr)2(μ2-κ2:κ2-N2) (1, NniPr = bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)pentane-2,4-ketiminato), formally a chromium(I) complex, was exposed to a variety of small molecules possessing hetero- or homo-atomic single, double, or triple bonds. Reaction of 1 with adamantyl azide yielded complexes in various higher oxidation states, such as (NniPrCrII)2(μ2-NAd) (2), NniPrCrIII(κ2-N4Ad2) (3), or NniPrCrV(NAd)2 (4). Compound 1 was found to reductively couple 3-pentanone to form NniPrCr(κ2-O2C2Et4) (5) and reductively couple benzylidene aniline to form both NniPrCrIII(cis-κ2-C28H22N2) (6a) an NniPrCrIII(trans-κ2-C28H22N2) (6b). Reaction with a stochiometric amount of benzylidene aniline yielded the imine complex NniPrCr(η2-NPhCHPh) (7). Exposure of 1 to a bulky isocyanide formed the octahedral NniPrCrI[CN(C6H4(Me)2]4 (9). Complex 1 was also found to break the O–O, N O, and S–S bonds in various small molecules to form NniPrCrII(OCMe3) (11), NniPrCrV(O)(NPh) (8), and [NniPrCrII(μ-SPh)]2 (10).
Modified dose intensive R- CODOX-M/IVAC for HIV-associated burkitt (BL) (AMC 048) shows efficacy and tolerability, and predictive potential of IRF4/MUM1 expression

Methods Modifications of the US NCI regimen include rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide reduction [800 mg/m2 x 2 days], vincristine 2 mg cap, methotrexate (mtx) 3000 mg/m2, dual chemotherapy lumbar punctures and IVAC infusion (high risk pts). Antibiotic prophylaxis & growth factor support specified, 100% grade IV hematopoietic toxicities in the original regimen. HAART therapy at the discretion of the local MD. Pathology review included CD20, CD10, BCL2, BCL6, p53, Ki67, BLIMP1, IRF4/ MUM1 and EBV EBER. (Table 1)
DE)morphologization in Latin

This paper elaborates a theory of morphologization, illustrated by Latin rhotacism, and introduces the concept of demorphologization, seen in Latin nasal infixation. It is demonstrated that both rules became re-analyzed as inversions by the time of Classical Latin, principally due to their opaque nature. The latter led to morphologization of rhotacism, an originally phonologically conditioned rule, and to demorphologization of nasal infixation, a morphological rule from its beginning. The essence of demorphologization is the loss of morphemic value, which occured as soon as the nasal infix was generalized beyond the imperfective verb system. Two other morphological rules of Latin, vowel lengthening and reduplication in the perfect, are also examined by means of this new concept.
Women, Homelessness, And Substance Abuse: Moving Beyond the Stereotypes:

This study examined the characteristics of homeless women with sub stance abuse problems. Data were collected on a sample of 323 home less substance abusers. First, 49 women and 274 men were compared to demonstrate distinct problems and treatment needs of the women. Results showed that the women were more likely than the men to abuse drugs, but less likely to receive substance abuse treatment. In addition, women spent more time in doubled-up living arrangements, and were more likely to receive outpatient psychiatric treatment. Second, two subgroups of women were compared: those who had been homeless for 6 months or less, and those who had been homeless longer than 6 months during their lifetime. The women who had been homeless longer were less educated, younger when they first became homeless, and were more likely to abuse alcohol, to have been assaulted, and to have attempted suicide. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.
Urban-rural differences in the management of breast cancer.

We conducted a population-based study with medical-record review of breast cancer patients as part of a larger study of an oncology outreach program to improve cancer management for rural patients within their community hospital. This analysis compares the breast cancer care received by the rural population before the oncology outreach program with that of the contiguous urban population. All 1986–87 cases in selected Illinois (United States) counties were identified using the Illinois State Cancer Registry. Data were obtained by hospital record audit and physician survey. Case follow-back was 98 percent complete. Rural cases were evaluated separately when they were diagnosed in an urban facility. State-of-the-art management was defined by the 1986–87 Physician Data Query and included diagnostic evaluation, prognostic evaluation, and stage-specific treatment. A summary variable incorporated whether or not the most appropriate management was offered. Compared with urban cases, rural cases diagnosed in rural hospitals were less likely to have staged tumors and more likely to have node dissections. Rural cases traveling to urban centers were less likely to have limited surgery, hormone therapy, and a biopsy as a first-step surgical procedure, and more likely to have node dissection.
Aerobic and anaerobic photophosphorylation in spinach-chloroplast preparations under controlled light conditions

This report presents an investigation of photophosphorylation in plant-chloroplast preparations under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The quantum requirement of photophosphorylation at low (rate-limiting) intensities of red light was employed as the assay system. Several catalysts of photophosphorylation, β-naphthoquinone-sulfonic acid, menadione, and phenazine methosulfate showed equal activity under aerobic conditions. The quantum requirement under anaerobic conditions (argon atmosphere) increased (decreased quantum efficiency) with all three catalysts. Anaerobically, photophosphorylation was inhibited by 0.01 N HCN, regardless of catalyst employed. This inhibition was reversed by aerobic conditions. With 0.01 N HCN, O2 uptake and H2O2 production accompanied photophosphorylation under aerobic conditions. With β-naphthoquinone-sulfonic acid or menadione as catalyst the ratio of peroxide production to O2 consumption approached the value 2 as did the ratio of ATP production to O2 consumption. The compounds o-phenanthroline and p-chlorophenyldimethyl urea inhibit photophosphorylation under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The inhibition of photophosphorylation is found to be related to the inhibition of Hill-reaction activity brought about by these compounds. Evidence leading to concepts of both cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation is discussed. The conclusion is reached that only noncyclic photophosphorylation has been demonstrated in plant-chloroplast preparations.
Clinical and Experimental Evaluation of Left Ventriculoiliac Shunt Bypass during Repair of Lesions of the Descending Thoracic Aorta

Abstract Temporary ventriculoiliac bypass with a tridodecylmethylammonium chloride-coated shunt has been used routinely at the University of North Carolina for the past seven years for repair of lesions of the descending thoracic aorta. Although the technique appears to be safe and reliable, the hemodynamic effects of prolonged nonvalved apical diversion on left ventricular function are not defined. To evaluate left ventricular performance during ventriculoiliac shunt bypass, the procedure was investigated in adult sheep. Systolic flow through the shunt was pulsatile and accounted for approximately 35% of the total cardiac output. Reversed flow was minimal. No significant change occurred in cardiac output, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or left atrial pressure. Perfusion of the abdominal viscera through the shunt was sufficient to prevent intestinal and renal ischemia. Our results indicate that the shunt provides left ventricular decompression without evidence of deterioration in left ventricular performance for up to three hours of apical bypass and aortic occlusion. It is included that bypass with a left ventriculoiliac shunt provides safe and effective diversion during repair of lesions of the descending thoracic aorta and offers an excellent alternative to methods involving greater technical hazard or requiring systemic anticoagulation.
The gf value of the intercombination line of barium, Ba i*

We have used the hook method to measure the gf value of 8.39 × 10−3 for the 6s2 1So–6s6p3P1 intercombination line at 7911.38 A of Ba i.
Poverty, Hunger, Education, and Residential Status Impact Survival in HIV

Despite combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infected people have higher mortality than non-infected. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) predicts higher mortality in many chronic illnesses but data in people with HIV is limited. We evaluated 878 HIV infected individuals followed from 1995 to 2005. Cox proportional hazards for all-cause mortality were estimated for SES measures and other factors. Mixed effects analyses examined how SES impacts factors predicting death. The 200 who died were older, had lower CD4 counts, and higher viral loads (VL). Age, transmission category, education, albumin, CD4 counts, VL, hunger, and poverty predicted death in univariate analyses; age, CD4 counts, albumin, VL, and poverty in the multivariable model. Mixed models showed associations between (1) CD4 counts with education and hunger; (2) albumin with education, homelessness, and poverty; and (3) VL with education and hunger. SES contributes to mortality in HIV infected persons directly and indirectly, and should be a target of health policy in this population.
Use of uniconazole to control plant height for an industrial/pharmaceutical maize platform

Abstract A variety of crops and their production systems have been proposed as platforms for plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) and plant-made industrial compounds (PMICs), each with their own advantages and challenges. Maize grown in isolated, confined environments avoids several challenging issues associated with future production of PMPs/PMICs. When grown under optimizing conditions of temperature, nutrition, and water status, however, maize tends to elongate excessively, which contributes to lodging and interferes with delivery of sufficient overhead electric lighting to the inner foliar canopy where ears develop. Suppression of extensive stem elongation without compromising grain yield would help in delivering overhead light into the foliar canopy for efficient grain production. The plant-growth retardant uniconazole (UCZ) was tested for its effects on maize height and grain yield. UCZ reduced plant height effectively, but dosages that strongly suppressed stem elongation also decreased grain yield, ear length, and cob weight. Duration of growth suppression was prolonged at high UCZ concentrations. UCZ also induced branching of maize, which was enhanced as concentrations increased. A range of ear types occurred on branches, with some conversion of ears to tassels at high UCZ concentrations. Minimum stem diameter declined with increasing UCZ concentration. Plant height was reduced from 306 cm to 232 cm (−25%) using a concentration of 1.0 mg/L UCZ without affecting grain yield of 180–200 g per plant. This low UCZ concentration caused 1–2 basal branches to form that would not affect planting density in a cropping situation.
Pectoralis major transfer for scapular winging

Scapular winging secondary to serratus anterior dysfunction is often initially misdiagnosed. When it is refractory to conservative treatment, tendon transfers are commonly prescribed. The principal goal of surgical treatment is to re-establish dynamic scapular stability to reduce pain and dysfunction. Multiple surgical reconstruction techniques have been described. Transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major muscle is the most commonly utilized technique. In this paper, we describe a minimally invasive technique using a hamstring allograft to augment the tendon to bone fixation of the sternal head of the pectoralis major tendon.
An optimal and processor efficient parallel sorting algorithm on a linear array with a reconfigurable pipelined bus system

Optical interconnections attract many engineers and scientists' attention due to their potential for gigahertz transfer rates and concurrent access to the bus in a pipelined fashion. These unique characteristics of optical interconnections give us the opportunity to reconsider traditional algorithms designed for ideal parallel computing models, such as PRAMs. Since the PRAM model is far from practice, not all algorithms designed on this model can be implemented on a realistic parallel computing system. From this point of view, we study Cole's pipelined merge sort [Cole R. Parallel merge sort. SIAM J Comput 1988;14:770-85] on the CREW PRAM and extend it in an innovative way to an optical interconnection model, the LARPBS (Linear Array with Reconfigurable Pipelined Bus System) model [Pan Y, Li K. Linear array with a reconfigurable pipelined bus system-concepts and applications. J Inform Sci 1998;106;237-58]. Although Cole's algorithm is optimal, communication details have not been provided due to the fact that it is designed for a PRAM. We close this gap in our sorting algorithm on the LARPBS model and obtain an O(logN)-time optimal sorting algorithm using O(N) processors. This is a substantial improvement over the previous best sorting algorithm on the LARPBS model that runs in O(logNloglogN) worst-case time using N processors [Datta A, Soundaralakshmi S, Owens R. Fast sorting algorithms on a linear array with a reconfigurable pipelined bus system. IEEE Trans Parallel Distribut Syst 2002;13(3):212-22]. Our solution allows efficiently assign and reuse processors. We also discover two new properties of Cole's sorting algorithm that are presented as lemmas in this paper.
Lymph node involvement in colon cancer patients decreases with age; a population based analysis

Abstract Background The variation in nodal involvement between age groups has not been thoroughly studied in colon cancer, but it may affect strategies for extent of resection in elderly patients. The objective of our study was to compare nodal involvement in colon cancer patients, with a focus on surgical staging practices in the elderly. Methods We extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry on 208,077 patients diagnosed with stage I-III colon adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2010. Patients undergoing colon resection, patients with adequate staging with ≥12 lymph nodes examined (LNE, n = 114,351) and with node-positive cancers were compared in age groups using chi-squared test. Relative risk (RR) of node-positive cancer was compared in a multivariable log-linear model, and relative survival in a flexible parametric model. Results While the rates of colon resection were similar in all age groups, older patients were significantly less likely to have ≥12 LNE (P Conclusions When adequately staged, older patients are less likely to have node positive colon cancer, which may help them avoid adjuvant chemotherapy. Since the survival benefit of adequate nodal staging is similar in every age group, the guidelines for extent of resection and pathological examination should be diligently adhered to in all patients undergoing curative surgery, regardless of age.
Structural and orientational studies of 4-methylpyridine oriented in a lyotropic mesophase

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance spectra of 4-methylpyridine oriented in the lyotropic mesophase derived from potassium laurate have been recorded and analyzed. The structure of the proton skeleton of the molecule was calculated using a free-rotation model for the methyl group, with the ring-proton arrangement being very similar to the corresponding protons of pyridine. The calculated spectral and orientational parameters indicate a degree of ordering comparable to those observed for similar molecules in thermotropic studies.
The Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease: Progress, Possibilities, and Pitfalls

The role of genes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been evident in the news over the past decade, and the pace of discovery has accelerated in recent years. Genetic discoveries hold out hope for new treatments and preventive strategies but also carry some risk. Several companies are already marketing putative genetic tests for the disease; although these are of unproven clinical value, they have received considerable media attention. More-troubling concerns about the possibility of genetic discrimination or even selective abortion have also been raised. In the context of all of this media attention, what progress has actually occurred, and what are its implications?
Effect of Feeding Whole Cottonseed on Intake, Body Weight, and Reticulorumen Development of Young Holstein Calves

Abstract Three rations were fed to newborn Holstein calves to determine the effect of whole cottonseed on feed intake, body weight, and development of the reticulorumen. Rations were: 1) concentrate and hay (control); 2) concentrate containing 25% whole cottonseed and hay; and 3) concentrate containing 25% whole cottonseed and no hay. Milk was fed at 2.8 liters daily. Morphometric development of reticulorumen was determined on all male calves between 6 and 12 wk of age. Feed intakes, body weights, thickness of rumen epitheliums, and rumen papillae per square centimeter were greater at 12 wk for calves fed whole cottonseed compared to controls. No differences in rumen fluid pH, total and individual volatile fatty acid concentrations, thickness of rumen walls, length of rumen papillae, weight of stomachs and their compartments, or capacities of reticulorumens and abomasums occurred because of ration. In vitro digestibility of alfalfa tended to be higher because of rumen inocula from calves fed whole cottonseed compared to control. In vitro digestibilities, rumen fluid pH, total volatile fatty acids to 8 wk, reticulorumen and omasum weights and volumes as percentages of total stomaches, thickness of rumen walls, and length of rumen papillae increased whereas papillae per square centimeter decreased with age.
Comparison of the WKB and purely classical methods for vibrational transition probabilities

Abstract A rigorous comparison of the WKB evaluation of the quantal approach, P WKB , with the purely classical theory, P C , of vibrational energy transfer is presented. For the Lennard-Jones (12-6) potential, P C ≈(7/6) [Γ(6/7)] −2 P WKB , when the collision energy is appropriately symmetrized. The first two terms in the exponent of P WKB are identical to those of P C . For the ( m −6) potential, the relation is P C ≈ [( m + 2)/ m ] > 62; Γ[ m /(m + 2)] > 62; −2 P WKB , which shows that P C ≈ P WKB for n > 62;2. For exponential potentials, P WKB = P C . In the WKB approach the perturbation integral is evaluated by use of the trajectory determined in the immediate neighborhood of the pole. Both the most probable distance and the pole lie in the region of strong repulsive interaction.
Evaluation of biolistic gene transfer methods in vivo using non-invasive bioluminescent imaging techniques

Gene therapy continues to hold great potential for treating many different types of disease and dysfunction. Safe and efficient techniques for gene transfer and expression in vivo are needed to enable gene therapeutic strategies to be effective in patients. Currently, the most commonly used methods employ replication-defective viral vectors for gene transfer, while physical gene transfer methods such as biolistic-mediated ("gene-gun") delivery to target tissues have not been as extensively explored. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of biolistic gene transfer techniques in vivo using non-invasive bioluminescent imaging (BLI) methods. Plasmid DNA carrying the firefly luciferase (LUC) reporter gene under the control of the human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter/enhancer was transfected into mouse skin and liver using biolistic methods. The plasmids were coupled to gold microspheres (1 μm diameter) using different DNA Loading Ratios (DLRs), and "shot" into target tissues using a helium-driven gene gun. The optimal DLR was found to be in the range of 4-10. Bioluminescence was measured using an In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS-50) at various time-points following transfer. Biolistic gene transfer to mouse skin produced peak reporter gene expression one day after transfer. Expression remained detectable through four days, but declined to undetectable levels by six days following gene transfer. Maximum depth of tissue penetration following biolistic transfer to abdominal skin was 200-300 μm. Similarly, biolistic gene transfer to mouse liver in vivo also produced peak early expression followed by a decline over time. In contrast to skin, however, liver expression of the reporter gene was relatively stable 4-8 days post-biolistic gene transfer, and remained detectable for nearly two weeks. The use of bioluminescence imaging techniques enabled efficient evaluation of reporter gene expression in vivo. Our results demonstrate that different tissues show different expression kinetics following gene transfer of the same reporter plasmid to different mouse tissues in vivo. We evaluated superficial (skin) and abdominal organ (liver) targets, and found that reporter gene expression peaked within the first two days post-transfer in each case, but declined most rapidly in the skin (3-4 days) compared to liver (10-14 days). This information is essential for designing effective gene therapy strategies in different target tissues.
The relative toxicity of Delphinium stachydeum in mice and cattle

Abstract Larkspurs ( Delphinium spp.) are poisonous plants on rangelands throughout the Western United States and Canada. Larkspur-induced poisoning in cattle is due to norditerpene alkaloids that are represented by two main structural groups of norditerpene alkaloids, the N -(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine type (MSAL-type) and the non-MSAL type. Information on the alkaloid composition and resulting toxicity in mice and cattle is lacking for a number of Delphinium species, including Delphinium stachydeum . The objective of this study was to determine the alkaloid composition of D. stachydeum and to characterize its relative toxicity in mice and cattle compared to two reference species Delphinium barbeyi and Delphinium occidentale . D. stachydeum contains the non-MSAL-type alkaloids but not the MSAL-type alkaloids. D. stachydeum was less toxic than D. barbeyi and D. occidentale in the mouse model. D. stachydeum was less toxic than the MSAL-containing D. barbeyi but much more toxic than the non-MSAL-containing D. occidentale in cattle as measured by heart rate and time of exercise. These results indicate that predictions of Delphinium toxicity can't be accurately made based solely on results from the mouse model or the absence of the MSAL-type alkaloids in the plant.
Angioplasty does not affect subsequent operative renal artery revascularization.

Abstract Background. Although increased application of percutaneous renal artery angioplasty and stenting has facilitated nonoperative renal revascularization, patient outcomes after failed angioplasty are not established. Methods. Renal artery revascularization was performed in 31 patients (38 arteries) from 1993 to 1999. Twenty patients underwent primary surgical repair, and 11 patients underwent secondary reconstruction after angioplasty (n = 7) or angioplasty and stenting (n = 4). Before operation, all patients had severe hypertension (blood pressure 166 ± 5.2/92 ± 2.7 mm Hg) that required an average of 3.0 ± 0.2 medications for control. In addition, 12 patients (primary 45% vs secondary 27%; P = NS) had evidence of renal insufficiency (creatinine ≥1.7 mg/dL). Results. There was no difference between primary and secondary procedures in the length of hospital stay (12 ± 1.4 vs 12 ± 3.2 days; P = NS), major morbidity (10% vs 18%; P = NS) or perioperative mortality (overall mortality 2 of 31; primary 5% vs secondary 9%; P = NS). The majority of patients demonstrated improvement or cure of hypertension (primary 94% vs secondary 90%; P = NS) and stable or decreased creatinine (primary 74% vs secondary 82%; P = not significant). Overall survival (mean follow-up 22 ± 3.5 months) was 89% ± 5.7%. Conclusions. Although this surgical series does not address the true outcomes of renal artery angioplasty, the results suggest that renal artery angioplasty does not prejudice subsequent surgical outcomes in patients who are carefully followed after angioplasty. (Surgery 2000;128:717-25.)
Effects of fibrous matrix on flow startup and control in parallel PDMS microchannels with a common inlet

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is widely used in microfluidic devices. However, its relatively high hydrophobicity causes difficulties in flow startup among parallel microchannels, leading to permanent idleness of incompletely filled channels. It was found that capillary pressure arising from bubbles spanning the cross-section of a microchannel was the major force for flow blockage. The threshold flowrate for uniform flow startup in parallel microchannels was dictated by balancing the maximum capillary pressure and the hydrodynamic pressure drop in a microchannel, which was confirmed in a series of experiments using 2 × 4 and 4 × 4 perfusion microreactor arrays. Filling microchannels with porous fibrous matrices can increase the hydrodynamic pressure drop and thus allows uniform flow startup at low threshold flowrates. This study demonstrated that the use of fibrous matrices in microchannels provided a simple yet effective method of controlling uniform flow startup in parallel hydrophobic microchannels.
Myeloid progenitors on demand

A new approach to generating large quantities of myeloid progenitor cells ex vivo will facilitate detailed studies of normal white blood cell differentiation and of abnormalities leading to blood disorders such as leukemia.
Effect of chemical and biological treatments on take-all of winter wheat

Abstract Several chemical and biological treatments were evaluated for control of take-all, caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici , on winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum ). None of the treatments resulted in an effective suppression of take-all (percentage of roots with symptoms or whiteheads) or an increase in yield in naturally or artificially infested field experiments over 3 years. In a controlled-environment study triadimenol, imazalil and a combination of carboxin and thiram reduced the percentage of plants infected, and inoculating soil with G. graminis var. graminis gave good control. Disease development in field studies was limited in the fall. The greatest disease development occurred in the spring with the increase in soil temperatures. The lack of control of take-all by fungicides, such as triadimenol, which have been reported to be effective in other studies is discussed in relation to the development of the disease in south-eastern USA.
Activation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in PC12 Cells by the Cyclic GMP and Cyclic AMP Second Messenger Systems

Tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, is subject to regulation by a variety of agents. Previous workers have found that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and calcium-stimulated protein kinases activate tyrosine hydroxylase. We wanted to determine whether cyclic GMP might also be involved in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. We found that treatment of rat PC12 cells with sodium nitroprusside (an activator of guanylate cyclase), 8-bromocyclic GMP, forskolin (an activator of adenylate cyclase), and 8-bromocyclic AMP all produced an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity measured in vitro or an increased conversion of [14C]tyrosine to labeled catecholamine in situ. Sodium nitroprusside also increased the relative synthesis of cyclic GMP in these cells. In the presence of MgATP, both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity in PC12 cell extracts. The heat-stable cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor failed to attenuate the activation produced in the presence of cyclic GMP. It eliminated the activation produced in the presence of cyclic AMP. Sodium nitroprusside also increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity in vitro in rat corpus striatal synaptosomes and bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. In all cases, the cyclic AMP-dependent activation of tyrosine hydroxylase was greater than that of the cyclic GMP-dependent second messenger system. These results indicate that both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP and their cognate protein kinases activate tyrosine hydroxylase activity in PC12 cells.
Performance predictions for the Keck telescope adaptive optics system

The second Keck ten meter telescope (Keck-11) is slated to have an infrared-optimized adaptive optics system in the 1997--1998 time frame. This system will provide diffraction-limited images in the 1--3 micron region and the ability to use a diffraction-limited spectroscopy slit. The AO system is currently in the preliminary design phase and considerable analysis has been performed in order to predict its performance under various seeing conditions. In particular we have investigated the point-spread function, energy through a spectroscopy slit, crowded field contrast, object limiting magnitude, field of view, and sky coverage with natural and laser guide stars.
Asthma genetics: not for the TIMid?

A new family of conserved genes encodes mucin-like glycoproteins. These genes contribute to asthma susceptibility by influencing TH differentiation and cytokine production.
Photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone fumarate) networks for guided peripheral nerve regeneration: Material properties and preliminary biological evaluations

Abstract In an effort to achieve suitable biomaterials for peripheral nerve regeneration, we present a material design strategy of combining a crystallite-based physical network and a crosslink-based chemical network. Biodegradable polymer disks and conduits have been fabricated by photo-crosslinking three poly(e-caprolactone fumarate)s (PCLF530, PCLF1250, and PCLF2000), which were synthesized from the precursor poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) diols with nominal molecular weights of 530, 1250, and 2000 g mol−1, respectively. Thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallinity of photo-crosslinked PCLFs were examined and correlated with their rheological and mechanical properties. Furthermore, in vitro degradation of uncrosslinked and crosslinked PCLFs in PBS crosslinked PCLFs in 1 N NaOH aqueous solution at 37 °C was studied. In vitro cytocompatibility, attachment, and proliferation of Schwann cell precursor line SPL201 cells on three PCLF networks were investigated. Crosslinked PCLF2000 with the highest crystallinity and mechanical properties was found to best support cell attachment and proliferation. Using a new photo-crosslinking method, single-lumen crosslinked PCLF nerve conduits without defects were fabricated in a glass mold. Crosslinked PCLF2000 nerve conduits were selected for evaluation in a 1 cm gap rat sciatic nerve model. Histological evaluation demonstrated that the material was biocompatible with sufficient strength to hold sutures in place after 6 and 17 weeks of implantation. Nerve cable with myelinated axons was found in the crosslinked PCLF2000 nerve conduit.
Assessing post-cue exposure craving and its association with amount wagered in an optional betting task

Background and aims: The current study was designed to assess the impact of wins and losses in simulated blackjack on craving to gamble and to assess the extent to which this craving was associated with actual wagering in an optional gambling task. Methods: Participants were undergraduates attending a large Midwestern university in the United States. They completed the Gambling Urge Scale (GUS) and then were randomized to either a condition in which they would win 15 hands of blackjack (Win condition; n = 41) or lose 15 hands (Lose condition; n = 37) out of a total of 20 hands. After playing blackjack and completing several additional questionnaires, participants had the chance to wager their $5 compensation for the opportunity to win $50. Results: GUS scores increased significantly following blackjack, regardless of condition. We also found that post-blackjack craving was significantly associated with the amount participants wagered in the optional betting task, such that greater craving was associated with higher amount wagered. Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the construct validity of the GUS, provide novel findings regarding the effects of wins and losses when gambling, and provide evidence of an association between craving and a behavioral betting task.
Responses to Recasts: Repetitions, Primed Production, and Linguistic Development.

Although a number of studies have associated recasts with second language development, the actual mechanisms by which recasts work to impact learning are still little understood. In particular, researchers have sought to gain a deeper understanding of the connections among recasts, learners' responses to recasts, and subsequent development. To this end, the current study examines the impact of recasts and different types of responses on English as a second language (ESL) question development. In a pretest/posttest design, 58 Thai English as a foreign language university students carried out a series of communicative tasks with native English speakers and completed four tests over a 9-week period. The learners' treatment task data were analyzed for the occurrence of recasts and responses to recasts that targeted developmentally advanced question forms. Their test data were examined for evidence of advancement to a higher stage in the developmental sequence for question formation. Results indicate that recasts were a significant predictor of ESL question development. Learners' responses in the form of primed production of the question forms targeted in the recasts were also predictive of ESL question development, but responses in the form of immediate repetitions of recasts were not associated with development.
Advances in InGaAs multielement linear arrays

InGaAs photodiode arrays have been developed to 'cover' the SWIR wavelength range in spectroscopy. Hybridized Si/InGaAs linear arrays have become the detector of choice for remote sensing. Device 'long' wavelength spectral performance is achieved by rearranging the photodiodes In/Ga stoichiometric ratio. However, increased long wavelength response adversely affects deice characteristics. The self-scanned InGaAs linear array mechanical and opto/electronic properties will be discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The role of behavioral thermoregulation as a thermoeffector during prolonged hypoxia in the rat

Abstract Exposing rodents to insults such as hypoxia and chemical toxicants induces regulated hypothermia, characterized by a preference for cooler ambient temperatures ( T a ) and reduced core temperature ( T c ). This study clarified the efficacy of behavioral thermoregulation to regulate T c when subjected to a steady-state hypoxic insult. T c , selected T a ( ST a ), heart rate (HR), and motor activity (MA) were monitored by radiotelemetry in rats housed in a temperature gradient. A 6 to 6.5 h period of hypoxia (6.9% O 2 )was induced by diluting the air entering the gradient with nitrogen. During the first hour of hypoxia T c decreased by 2.5°C while ST a decreased from 30 to 24.5°C. As hypoxia progressed, ST a rebounded slightly to 26–27°C while T c remained between 34–35°C. HR increased gradually from 300 to 375 beats min −1 during hypoxia. MA increased transiently but then remained near baseline throughout the remainder of the exposure period. Exposure to hypoxia in a gradient maintained at 31.5°C blocked the hypothermic response, showing that preference for cooler T a S during hypoxia is critical for regulating T c . Calorimetric measurements showed that exposure to hypoxia at a T a of 22°C led to a transient rise in dry heat loss, suppression in metabolic rate, and reduction in T c . At a warmer T a of 32°C, hypoxia led to a suppression in heat loss along with an elevation in CO 2 production and T c . Overall, the data show that behavioral and autonomic thermoeffectors serve to regulate T c at a hypothermic level throughout a prolonged period of hypoxic stress.
In the end is it ideology?: Religio-cultural and structural factors in American aliya

This article reviews the major studies of American Jewish immigrants to Israel. It shows that the immigrants are increasingly comprised of Orthodox Jews, and argues that the increasing concentration of Orthodox among those immigrants is not solely the result of religioideological sources but, perhaps even more importantly, of sophisticated structural ones.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz increases monolayer permeability of human coronary artery endothelial cells

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is often associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications. In this study, we determined whether HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz (EFV) could increase endothelial permeability. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were treated with EFV (1, 5 and 10 microg/ml) and endothelial permeability was determined by a transwell system with a fluorescence-labeled dextran tracer. HCAECs treated with EFV showed a significant increase of endothelial permeability in a concentration-dependent manner. With real time PCR analysis, EFV significantly reduced the mRNA levels of tight junction proteins claudin-1, occludin, zonula occluden-1 and junctional adhesion molecule-1 compared with controls (P<0.05). Protein levels of these tight junction molecules were also reduced substantially in the EFV-treated cells by western blot and flow cytometry analyses. In addition, EFV also increased superoxide anion production with dihydroethidium and cellular glutathione assays, while it decreased mitochondrial membrane potential with JC-staining. Antioxidants (ginkgolide B and MnTBAP) effectively blocked EFV-induced endothelial permeability and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, EFV increased the phosphorylation of MAPK JNK and IkappaBalpha, thereby increasing NFkappaB translocation to the nucleus. Chemical JNK inhibitor and dominant negative mutant JNK and IkappaBalpha adenoviruses effectively blocked the effects of EFV on HCAECs. Thus, EFV increases endothelial permeability which may be due to the decrease of tight junction proteins and the increase of superoxide anion. JNK and NFkappaB activation may be directly involved in the signal transduction pathway of EFV action in HCAECs.