cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of Lamotrigine in Children in the Absence of other Antiepileptic Drugs

We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine in 12 children with epilepsy who were receiving no other antiepileptic drugs. Each patient received a single oral dose of lamotrigine 2 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of the drug were measured up to 48 hours after dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. After rapid absorption, the lamotrigine concentration declined monoexponentially. Oral clearance was 0.64 ± 0.26 ml/min/kg. The apparent volume of distribution was 1.50 ± 0.51 L/kg. Weight-normalized clearance and volume were higher in children than in adults. The mean half-life was 32 hours, similar to that in adults. Should similar plasma lamotrigine concentrations in adults and children be desirable, children will likely require higher weight-normalized doses at the same dosing frequency.
Joint Encryption and Error-Correction Coding

This paper considers the problem of joint encryption and error-correction coding and proposes a solution using D-sequences, which are œdecimal' expansions of fractions. The encryption operation considered is equivalent to exponentiation which forms the basis of several public-key schemes. Several new results on D-sequences are also presented which make the applications to encryption and error coding possible.
Expression of Collagen Genes in the Cones of Skin in the Duroc/Yorkshire Porcine Model of Fibroproliferative Scarring

During the past decades there has been minimal improvement in prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scarring. Reasons include the lack of a validated animal model, imprecise techniques to dissect scar into the histologic components, and limited methodology for measurement of gene expression. These problems have been addressed with the Duroc/Yorkshire model of healing, laser capture microdissection, and the Affymetrix Porcine GeneChip. Here we compared collagen gene expression in fibroproliferative healing in the Duroc breed to nonfibroproliferative healing in the Yorkshires. We made shallow and deep dorsal wounds, biopsied at 1, 2, 3, 12, and 20 weeks. We sampled the dermal cones by laser capture microdissection, extracted and amplified the RNA, and hybridized Affymetrix Porcine GeneChips. We also obtained samples of human hypertrophic scar approximately 20 weeks postinjury. Data were normalized and statistical analysis performed with mixed linear regression using the Bioconductor R/maanova package. Genes for further analysis were also restricted with four biologic criteria, including that the 20-week deep Duroc expression match the human samples. Eleven collagen genes and seven collagen types were differentially over expressed in deep Duroc wounds including 1a1, 1a2, 3a1, 4a1, 4a2, 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 6a3 (transcript variant 5), 14a1 and 15a1. COL7a1 gene was differentially under expressed in deep Duroc wounds. The results suggest that collagens I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, XIV, and XV [corrected] are involved in the process of fibroproliferative scarring. With these clues, we will attempt to construct the regulatory pathway(s) of fibroproliferative healing.
PROTEIN OXIDATION BY MYELOPEROXIDASE (MPO) IN VITRO IS DISTINGUISHABLE FROM OXIDATION BY REAGENT HOCI. 337

PROTEIN OXIDATION BY MYELOPEROXIDASE (MPO) IN VITRO IS DISTINGUISHABLE FROM OXIDATION BY REAGENT HOCI. 337
Investigation of the Superconducting, SDW and CDW Instabilities of La2-xSrxCuO4 Using a First-Principles k-Space Many-Body Hamiltonian

We investigate the superconducting instability for La2-xSrxCuO4 numerically by diagonalizing a Hamiltonian constructed from basis states that consist of Slater determinants of first-principles band structure eigenfunctions over a mesh of points in k-space. The band structure incorporates the orthorhombicity of the system as well as oxygen orbits perpendicular and in the Cu-O plane. Our result shows that both these effects play important roles, that superconductivity can be enhanced by a Coulomb interaction, that spin fluctuation is stronger than charge fluctuation, and that one is close to an intermediate coupling limit. A way to enhance Tc is suggested.
Observations of discrete jumps allowing determination of the statistics for magnetization reversal of interacting magnetic particles in CoCr thin-films

Abstract We observe discrete magnetization jumps in the hysteresis cycle of CoCr thin films which are attributed to the magnetization reversal of individual magnetic columns. The magnetization is measured via the anomalous Hall effect voltage generated within the film itself. The range of observed jumps correspond to the abrupt reversal of magnetic moments of from 4 x 10 −14 emu to 5 x 10 −12 emu. The particle switching statistics of major and minor loops have been studied which provide insight into the interacting many-body magnetic system. These switching statistics constitute a body of data which may be compared to appropriate numerical simulations.
Isothermal sustained oscillations in a very simple surface reaction

Abstract A simple model is used to illustrate that a bimolecular Langmuir—Hinshelwood surface reaction with two empty sites in its reaction step, non-equilibrium in the adsorption steps, and coverage independent parameters may lead to sustained oscillatory reaction rates. The two empty sites in the reaction step play an essential role in the establishment of these oscillations. Numerical simulation is used to demonstrate the periodic behavior predicted by the model. Several similar surface reaction models with coverage independent parameters can also yield oscillations. A mechanism with one vacant site in the adsorption steps, two vacant sites in the reaction step and only two dimensionless non-zero parameters may lead to sustained oscillations.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Personal Mastery Among Sexual Minority African American Female Sex Workers.

Research among sexual minorities has traditionally examined problems such as substance use, HIV risk, mental health problems, and victimization. Among sexual minority street-based female sex workers, these vulnerabilities can be magnified. Grounded in theories of resilience, this study examines risk and protective factors associated with a high level of personal mastery among a vulnerable population of women. Data are drawn from baseline interviews from street-based African-American female sex workers enrolled in a randomized intervention trial in Miami, Florida. We compare sexual minority (N = 197) and heterosexual (N = 365) women on measures of risk and protective factors; among sexual minority women we present logistic regression analyses which reveal that severe mental distress and HIV transmission risk are associated with low levels of personal mastery, while protective factors of transportation access and social support are associated with high levels of personal mastery. These findings suggest that...
Effective Interactions for the Three-Body Problem

The three-body energy-dependent effective interaction given by the Bloch-Horowitz equation is evaluated for various shell-model oscillator spaces. The results are applied to the test cases of the three-body problem ($^{3}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{3}\mathrm{He}$), where it is shown that the interaction reproduces the exact binding energy, regardless of the parametrization (number of oscillator quanta or value of the oscillator parameter $b$) of the low-energy included space. We demonstrate a nonperturbative technique for summing the excluded-space three-body ladder diagrams, but also show that accurate results can be obtained perturbatively by iterating the two-body ladders. We examine the evolution of the effective two-body and induced three-body terms as $b$ and the size of the included space $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ are varied, including the case of a single included shell: $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}=0\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$. For typical ranges of $b$, the induced effective three-body interaction, essential for giving the exact three-body binding, is found to contribute $\ensuremath{\sim}10%$ to the binding energy.
Two new genera of nematodes parasitic in the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes.

Abstract The eastern subterranean termite was found to be infested with two new genera of nematodes, one from the gut, Termirhabditis fastidiosus n. g., n.sp., and one from the head, Rhabpanus ossiculum n. g., n. sp. T. fastidiosus may be important in its effect on the protozoan complement of the gut of the termite.
Recent Progress on Optical Transmission Systems

This paper briefly overview recent progress on ultra high capacity optical transmission systems and relevant technologies which make these cutting-edge results happen. Steadily increase of the number of FTTH service subscribers should be one of the driving forces for higher capacity back-bone network. Among various clients, Ethernet should play a dominant role so far and in the future. Currently, 1GbE and 10GbE has widely penetrated for computer networking applications. IEEE is now targeting 100GbE as the next step after 10GbE, and intends to standardize it by 2010. So, inevitably traffic demand for back-bone network should expand further to accept 100GbE. For the time being, 43G DWDM systems have already installed for commercial services. To meet the potential demand, we are trying to develop novel ultra high capacity transmission system which can transport 100GbE clients effectively. I will briefly present some latest results of the effort toward the direction.
Measured and predicted intergranular strains in textured austenitic steel

Tensile specimens were machined from heat-treated austenitic stainless steel plate prior to and after 70% reduction by uni-directional rolling. In addition to a single specimen cut from the as-received plate, two specimens were cut from the rolled plate, with axes parallel and perpendicular to the rolling direction, respectively. In situ measurements of the strain response of multiple hkl lattice planes to an applied uniaxial tensile load were made using neutron diffraction, to macroscopic plastic strains of around 1%. The experimental results are compared with predictions from a self-consistent Hill–Hutchinson model. The measured texture in the plate was approximately three times random; however, its effect on the hkl response was small compared to the residual strains left by rolling. The apparent elastic modulus of the planes is affected by the residual strains, which is attributed to the effect of micro-plasticity. Interpretation of residual stress measurements, for both single peak and Rietveld measurements is considered in light of these results.
Video Compression Using Sampled Data Analog Devices

A bandwidth compression system is described which uses charge coupled devices to achieve real time compression of standard (512 x 480) video signals. This system is composed of an encoder and a decoder. The encoder performs a two-dimensional (8 x 8) cosine transformation on the incoming video and nonlinearly quantizes the resulting coefficients to reduce the average data rate to 1 bit per pixel. Further reduction of the data rate is accomplished with a memory which inputs quantized data during one frame and outputs this data over several frames. The decoder accepts compressed data from the encoder and converts it back into video. A frame of data is first assembled in a memory and is then read out to the inverse quantizer and inverse cosine transform while a parallel memory is being loaded. The output of the transform is a video signal which, after filtering, is available for display on a standard 525-line monitor.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Time-resoled coherent Raman spectroscopy of low temperature molecular solids in a high pressure diamond anvil cell

Abstract We present time-resolved Raman measurements of vibrational relaxation in a high pressure diamond anvil cell at low temperature. Pressure dependent vibrational relaxation measurements are presented for the symmetric stretch and Fermi resonant overtone modes in crystalline CS2 and for the totally symmetric CC stretching mode of benzene. Pressure-induced changes in the picosecond coherent Raman decays are correlated with pressure-induced anharmonicities in the intermolecular potential energy function.
Knee kinematics and ligament lengths during physiologic levels of isometric quadriceps loads

Abstract The kinematics of the knee and the distances between insertion sites of selected fibers of the major ligaments of the knee were determined for physiologic levels of quadriceps forces. Passive positioning of the knee was used as the reference state and was performed by manually flexing the knee to the angle of interest. Static measurements were made using a 6-d.f. digitizer on 15 cadavera for flexion angles ranging from 0° to 120° at 15° increments. Six superficial fibers were identified about the perimeter of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), six about the perimeter of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), three across the breadth of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and one for the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Distance between tibiofemoral insertion sites (fibulofemoral for LCL) of a fiber was used to approximate fiber length. The tibia was translated anteriorly, rotated internally, and abducted during quadriceps loading compared to the passively positioned knee for flexion angles between 15° and 105°; the differences between the quadriceps and passive load states were significant ( P P P
Energy transport in electron bombarded cadmium sulfide single crystals

Abstract It has been demonstrated that for single crystals of cadmium sulfide under bombardment by electrons of energies from 1 to 50 keV that X-rays and excitons can play a significant role in the transport of energy. Experimental evidence demonstrating the separate roles of charge carriers, visible light. X-rays and excitons will be given.
Extraction of text layout structures on document images based on statistical characterization

ABSTRACT The textual structures like the characters, words, text lines, paragraphs on a document image are usuallylaid out in a very structured manner — having preferred spatial relations. These spatial relations are rarely deterministic; instead, they describe correlations and likelihoods. Therefore, any realistic document layout analysisalgorithm should utilize this type of knowledge in order to optimize its performances.In this paper, we first describe a method for automatically generating a large amount of almost 100% correctground truth data for the document layout analysis. The bounding boxes for the characters, words, text lines,paragraphs are expressed in a hierarchy. Then based on these layout ground-truth, we build statistical models tomodel the layout structures for the words, text lines, paragraphs on document images. Finally, we described analgorithm that utilize these statistical models to extract the text words on document images. The performanceof the algorithm are evaluated and reported.Keyword: Document image layout analysis, layout ground truth generation, recursive morphological closingtransform, MAP classifier, performance evaluation, optimal parameter estimation.
SANDHI‐VARIATION: A FILTER OF INPUT FOR LEARNERS OF ESL

When considering the process of second language acquisition, it is useful and important to distinguish between input and intake since, due to various factors, language learners do not take in all the language they are exposed to. Perceptual saliency—a formal characteristic of the input—is believed to be one of these factors. This experiment was conducted to determine how the presence of sandhi-variation, a common characteristic of spoken English which reduces the perceptual saliency of many of its features, affects the comprehensibility of English input. Assuming that comprehension is dependent not only on signal clarity but also on cognitive factors, it was hypothesized that the presence of sandhi-variation in the input would reduce comprehension less when listeners were proficient in English than when they were learning the language. The results support this hypothesis and lead to the conclusion that for those whose knowledge of English is sufficient to compensate for reduced perceptual saliency. sandhi-variation affects the input-to-intake process very little. For ESL learners, however, sandhi-variation is an important input-intake filter. These findings are discussed in connection with the input hypothesis of second language acquisition. Implications include the possible benefits of modified input and formal instruction for ESL learners.
Change in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Physical Performance in Older Adults

Background. Vitamin D deficiency is common among older adults and is associated with poor physical performance; however, studies examining longitudinal changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and physical performance are lacking. We examined the association between 25(OH)D and physical performance over 12 months in older adults participating in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE-P), a multicenter physical activity intervention trial. Methods. Plasma 25(OH)D and physical performance, assessed by the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 400-m walk test, were measured at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up in community-dwelling adults aged 70– 89 years at risk for disability (n = 368). Mixed models were used to examine the association between 25(OH)D and physical performance adjusting for demographics, intervention group, season, body mass index, and physical activity. Results. One half of the participants were vitamin D deficient (25 [OH]D < 20 ng/mL) at baseline. In cross-sectional analyses, vitamin D deficiency was associated with lower SPPB scores and slower 400-m walk speeds ( mean difference [SE]: 0.35 [0.16], p = .03 and 0.04 [0.02] m/s, p = .01, respectively). Although baseline 25(OH)D status was not signifi cantly associated with change in physical performance over 12 months, individuals who were vitamin D deficient at baseline but no longer deficient at follow-up had significant improvements in SPPB scores ( mean difference [SE]: 0.55 [0.22], p = .01) compared with those whose 25(OH)D status remained the same. Conclusion. Increases in 25(OH)D to greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL were associated with clinically significant improvements in physical performance among older adults.
The elimination of small neutral molecules and fragments in mass spectra—II: 2‐substituted 8‐hydroxyquinolines

The mass spectra of a series of 2-substituted 8-hydroxyquinolines and related compounds are reported. Fragmentation pathways based upon interpretation of spectra and metastable transitions for 8-quinolinol; 2-methyl-8-quinolinol; 4-methyl-8quinolinol; 2-hydroxymethyl-8-quinolinol; 2-aminomethyl-8-quinolinol; 8-quinolinol-2-carboxaldehyde; 8-quinolinol-2-carb-oxaldehyde oxime; and 8-quinolinol-2-carboxaldehyde tert-butylimine are discussed, as are dissociations in the related compounds 2-hydroxymethyl quinoline and quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde oxime. It is suggested that the molecular ions of 2-substituted-8-quinolinols undergo rearrangement to a substituted azatropylium ion prior to dissociation. An ion of m/e 89 has been observed in these spectra and is considered to be characteristic of the quinoline nucleus bearing an X-substituent in any position, where X OR, SR, NH2 etc. (R H, CH3, etc).
Recruitment experience in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) Pilot Study

Several approaches for recruitment of African American adults with renal insufficiency due to hypertension (glomerular filtration rate between 25 and 70 ml/min/1.73 m2) were explored in the Pilot Study for the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK). Over a period of 42 weeks, prescreening information was obtained on 2880 individuals, of whom 498 (17%) were evaluated at a screening visit. Two hundred and twenty-five (8%) had an 125I-iothalamate assessment of glomerular filtration rate. Ninety-four of 97 participants who met all the study eligibility criteria were enrolled in the trial. The most common reasons for ineligibility during screening were absence of renal insufficiency or hypertension, presence of diabetes mellitus, and a body mass index above the acceptable level. Overall, an average of 31 prescreen contacts and 8 screening visits were conducted for every randomization (3.3% yield from prescreening to randomization). Screening in clinical practice was the most efficient method for recruitment (12.6% yield from prescreen contact to randomization compared to 1.1% from mass mailing campaigns, 1.3% from mass media campaigns, and 1.7% from referrals by patients with end-stage renal disease). Randomization yields increased with progressively higher age ranges (2.4%, 3.3%, and 6.0% prescreen to randomization yields for those aged ⩽50, 51–60, and 61–70, respectively). A slight majority (51%) of the prescreen contacts were women, but 75% of the randomized participants were men. Our results suggest that clinic-based screening is an effective approach for recruitment of African Americans with hypertension and renal insufficiency into clinical trials. They also suggest that enrollment of African American women in such studies is a special challenge.
Computer Classification of Pneumoconiosis from Radiographs of Coal Workers

The accurate categorization of profusion of opacities in radiographs of coal workers is a significant medical problem. In this study, the feasibility of computer classification of profusion was investigated. Standard pattern recognition techniques were used except for the spatial moments which were computed as measurements of the texture patterns. A normal-abnormal classification was performed on 178 zonal samples and resulted in a training classification rate of 99% and a testing rate of 97%. A four category classification was also performed for the zonal samples with a correct classification rate of 84%. The zonal decisions were used to obtain overall film profusion. The results of this classification compared favorably with readings by radiologists. This study provides positive evidence for a quantitative approach to the classification of profusion. The significance of this study with respect to the understanding and measurement of lung pathology from radiographs is that an alternative or supplement to the presently used visual analysis is demonstrated.
Locomotor response to novelty predicts a rat's propensity to self-administer nicotine.

Rationale: A positive correlation between responding to novelty and propensity to subsequently self-administer a drug has been reported for opioids and psychomotor stimulants but remains to be investigated for nicotine. Objective: The possibility that locomotor responding to novelty can predict a rat's propensity to self-administer nicotine was therefore assessed. Methods: Rats' locomotor response to a novel environment was assessed, and animals were subsequently tested for their self-administration of nicotine. Results: Significant positive correlations were obtained between responding to novelty and acquisition of nicotine self-administration over 12 days of testing under fixed-ratio schedules as well as subsequent responding for the drug under a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. When designated as high (HR) or low (LR) responders based on whether their locomotor responses on the novelty screen were above or below the median activity level of the subject sample, HR animals, compared with LR rats, acquired nicotine self-administration more readily and worked more to obtain the drug when tested under the PR schedule. Conclusion: These findings are consistent with those obtained with other drugs and suggest that locomotor responding to a novel environment can be used to predict a rat's propensity to self-administer nicotine.
Validity of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Abstract Context: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a region-specific, non–disease-specific outcome instrument that possesses many of the clinimetric qualities recommended for an outcome...
Gallium nitride synthesis using lithium metal as a nitrogen fixant

Micron-sized particles of gallium nitride were synthesized at temperatures as low as 300 °C under ammonia in anhydrous conditions. Two different syntheses were investigated: compound 1 was synthes...
Regularity properties of quotient Riesz seminorms

Abstract Suppose that Lϱ is a seminormed Riesz space and that A is an ideal of L. Then it is known that the quotient space L A is also a seminormed Riesz space when equipped with its quotient seminorm. There are several regularity properties that a Riesz seminorm may or may not satisfy: (A, 0), (A, i) (continuous-Nakano), (A, ii) (universally continuous-Nakano), (A, iii) (strictly monotone), σ-Fatou (semi-continuous), and Fatou (universally semi-continuous). (The (A, j) notation is due to Luxemburg and Zaanen.) In this paper we investigate under what circumstances a regularity property of ϱ is inherited by the quotient seminorm [ϱ].
DROSOPHILA POLYRIBOSOMES The Characterization of Two Populations by Cell Fractionation and Isotopic Labeling with Nucleic Acid and Protein Precursors

Two populations of polyribosomes have been isolated from third instar larvae of D. melanogaster. One population appeared to be soluble while the second seemed membrane-bound. Short-term labeling of the two RNP fractions with radioactive nucleic acid and protein precursors was achieved by using a feeding stimulant. RNA was extracted from both polyribosomal fractions following 25, 40, and 60 min of in vivo uridine-3H incorporation. Soluble polyribosomes exhibited more rapid uptake of uridine into ribosomal and heterogeneous RNA fractions than did membrane-bound polyribosomes at comparable time periods. In vivo amino acid incorporation into the two polyribosomal populations was examined after 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 min of incubation in leucine-3H. In this case, the membrane-bound polyribosomes reached a higher specific activity than did the soluble ones. These functional differences confirmed the observation, based on cellular fractionation studies, that the two classes of polyribosomes represented functionally distinct populations. These data have been compared with those from studies on other metazoan systems. In addition, dithiothreitol has been demonstrated to be a powerful ribonuclease inhibitor.
On the Vibration Properties of Composite Materials and Structures

In recent years, there has been a widespread assumption that composite materials and structures offer enhanced vibration and acoustic properties. This assumption has to be evaluated or validated. The objective of this article is to address the subject of vibration characteristics and the related force transmissibility properties of composite structures. For a given composite beam made of Hercules AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy with a layered structure sequence of (0,0,30, - 30)6S, resonance frequencies, structural damping, responses, impedances, and force transmissibility properties are determined, discussed, and compared with those of a steel beam. This article proposes a procedure to evaluate the vibration properties of individual composites. The cnterion defined for performance com parison between composite materials and conventional materials is also discussed.
Partnerships Between Black Women and Behaviorally Bisexual Men: Implications for HIV Risk and Prevention

Although an estimated 87% of new HIV infections in Black/African American women are attributed to sex with men, many women are unaware of their male partners' HIV risk factors. Research on women who are aware of a high-risk male partner may inform HIV prevention. We analyzed transcripts from semi-structured interviews with 20 Black women who reported sex with at least one man who had sex with men and women (MSMW) in the prior 5 years. We applied Choice and Sexual Network theories to the interpretation. The majority described their partnerships as committed and involving emotional or instrumental support. Substance abuse was a common component of the relationships and very few involved consistent condom use. Although nearly all respondents described it as alarming to learn of their partners' involvement with other men and several ended the relationships, many continued the relationships without protective changes in their sex behavior. These narratives indicate that although many leave, many other women remain in relationships after learning of a male partners' high-risk activity. Substance abuse, financial instability, and a desire to remain in intimate partnerships may discourage preventive actions in these women.
The CT detection of thymic hyperplasia in association with thyrotoxicosis: case report

A thymic mass was diagnosed by computed tomography in a young male with an anterior mediastinal mass demonstrated by chest X-ray. The association of thymic hyperplasia and thyrotoxicosis is discussed and the importance of CT in the evaluation of anterior mediastinal masses in patients with thyrotoxicosis is emphasized. Micronodular enlargement of the thymus is a common association of Graves' disease in contradistinction to the rare detection of radiologically visible thymic masses in this condition.
Field exposure of frog embryos and tadpoles along a pollution gradient in the Fox River and Green Bay ecosystem in Wisconsin, USA

We raised embryos and tadpoles of green frogs (Rana clamitans melanota) and leopard frogs (R. pipiens) in situ along a contamination gradient in the Fox River/Green Bay ecosystem (WI, USA). Differences in exposure were reflected by significant positive regressions between concentrations in sediment and in frogs of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and some heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb), which could have predictive value for estimating exposure of amphibians to contaminants in this ecosystem and, perhaps, in others. On average, non-ortho-substituted coplanar PCBs made up a very small percentage (average, 0.2%) of the PCB congeners in all samples analyzed, with larger fractions accounted for by mono- and di-ortho congeners (average, 19%) and routine congeners (average, 81%). Hatchability of frog embryo batches and anuran species richness at the sites were negatively correlated with level of contamination, but tadpole growth and survival were not. Sediment and tissue levels of PCBs and metals generally were correlated with each other, confounding the association of effects on frogs with any particular contaminant. It is also plausible that high levels of un-ionized ammonia (NH3) reduced hatching success of green frog, but not leopard frog, embryos in the field enclosures. Other environmental factors that were present but unmeasured in the field, such as ultraviolet-B radiation as well as water flow and level fluctuations, might have caused differences in hatching success at the field sites.
Volatile constituents of the tarnished plant bug

Abstract Analyses of the steam-distillable oils of male and female tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), with an integrated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system showed that most of the compounds were esters. Hexyl butyrate and (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate were the major constituents and comprised 60–90% of the total oil. (E)-2-Hexenyl butyrate is present in larger quantities in females than in males.
Heritability of Directional Asymmetry in Drosophila melanogaster

Directional asymmetry (DA), the consistent difference between a pair of morphological structures in which the same side is always larger than the other, presents an evolutionary mystery. Although many paired traits show DA, genetic variation for DA has not been unambiguously demonstrated. Artificial selection is a powerful technique for uncovering selectable genetic variation; we review and critique the limited number of previous studies that have been performed to select on DA and present the results of a novel artificial selection experiment on the DA of posterior crossvein location in Drosophila wings. Fifteen generations of selection in two genetically distinct lines were performed and none of the lines showed a significant response to selection. Our results therefore support and reconfirm previous findings; despite apparent natural variation and evolution of DA in nature, DA remains a paradoxical trait that does not respond to artificial selection.
Trade using assets divisible at a cost

Abstract The consequences of costly divisibility of assets are studied using a model with the following features. The demand for assets is generated from an overlapping generations model with a continuum of agents in each generation and with intrageneration trade (intermediation) ruled out. There is a once-for-all supply of a stock of nonnegative-dividend assets in a large size, and there is a costly technology for dividing them into smaller sizes. Stationary equilibria are shown to exist. In contrast with similar models with costless divisibility of assets, competitive equilibria are not necessarily desirable; there can be Pareto-ordered equilibria.
Does the developmental status of Valpha14i NKT cells play a role in disease

CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells that express an invariant Vα14 T-cell receptor (TCR) represent a subset of T cells implicated in the regulation of several immune responses, including autoimmunity, infectious diseases, and cancer. Their immunoregulatory functions are defined by their ability to rapidly and abundantly produce cytokines when activated. Unlike conventional T cells, Vα14i NKT cells appear unique in their tendency to simultaneously produce both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and whereas they enhance immunity in some disease models, they are reported to suppress immunity in others. This makes their effect on immune responses unpredictable. We reported recently that several important changes in gene expression occur in the course of Vα14i NKT cell development. Immature and mature Vα14i NKT cells differ in their expression of cytokines and chemokines, their cytotoxicity, and their expression of diverse chemokine receptors important for their migration. These results suggest that functionally ...
Quality of mental health care for youth with asthma and comorbid anxiety and depression.

Objectives:Youth with asthma have a high rate of anxiety and depressive disorders, and these comorbid disorders are associated with increased asthma symptom burden and functional impairment. This study examined the rates and predictors of recognition of anxiety and depressive disorders among youth (
KIR2DL4 (CD158d): An activation receptor for HLA-G

KIR2DL4 is an unusual killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family member in terms of its structure, expression, cellular localization, and signaling properties. The most conserved KIR in evolution, it is referred to as a framework KIR gene and is expressed by all natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of T cells. Although it has a long cytoplasmic tail that is typical of inhibitory KIR, engagement of this receptor results in the activation of NK cells, not for cytotoxicity, but for cytokine and chemokine secretion. Unlike all other KIRs, which are expressed on the surface of NK cells, KIR2DL4 resides in endosomes. It signals from this intracellular site for a proinflammatory and proangiogenic response, using a novel endosomal signaling pathway that involves the serine/threonine kinases DNA-PKcs and Akt. The only known ligand of KIR2DL4 is HLA-G. Soluble HLA-G accumulates in KIR2DL4(+) endosomes. Unlike classical HLA molecules that serve as ligands for other KIR family members, in healthy individuals, HLA-G expression is restricted to the fetal trophoblast cells that invade the maternal decidua during early pregnancy. Since NK cells constitute the predominant lymphocyte subset at this site, the proinflammatory/proangiogenic outcome of the interaction between KIR2DL4 and soluble HLA-G supports a role for KIR2DL4 in the extensive remodeling of the maternal vasculature during the early weeks of pregnancy.
Ultralow-voltage, minimum-energy CMOS

Energy efficiency has become a ubiquitous design requirement for digital circuits. Aggressive supply-voltage scaling has emerged as the most effective way to reduce energy use. In this work, we review circuit behavior at low voltages, specifically in the subthreshold (Vdd < Vth) regime, and suggest new strategies for energy-efficient design. We begin with a study at the device level, and we show that extreme sensitivity to the supply and threshold voltages complicates subthreshold design. The effects of this sensitivity can be minimized through simple device modifications and new device geometries. At the circuit level, we review the energy characteristics of subthreshold logic and SRAM circuits, and demonstrate that energy efficiency relies on the balance between dynamic and leakage energies, with process variability playing a key role in both energy efficiency and robustness. We continue the study of energy-efficient design by broadening our scope to the architectural level. We discuss the energy benefits of techniques such as multiple-threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) and adaptive body biasing (ABB), and we also consider the performance benefits of multiprocessor design at ultralow supply voltages.
Our experience developing CQI procedures for ABET2000 accreditation

The College of Engineering at Michigan State University is applying for accreditation in 1998 under the Engineering Criteria 2000 of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) The ABET2k criteria represent a significant shift in accreditation philosophy in how it emphasizes continuous quality improvement (CQI). This paper outlines our experience in the development of CQI procedures as we prepare for the accreditation visit. Emphasis is on the Computer Engineering Program whose accreditation the author is coordinating, but experiences from across the college are shared. We begin with a brief overview of the Engineering Criteria 2000. CQI is expected for programs and courses resulting in two interlocking CQI cycles. We began with program objectives and then established procedures to evaluate and improve the meeting of the objectives. Outcomes for courses were developed which would satisfy program objectives and procedures for evaluation and improvement of the courses were produced. The key to the process is evaluation at every stage and the interlocking of outcomes with objectives. Concrete examples of outcomes and the evaluation of them at each stage are presented. At a higher level, CQI procedures were designed to provide a means of evaluating the effectiveness of the overall degree program. A component of that process was the evaluation of the lower-level course CQI process. The higher-level process involved various constituents "external" to the department such as students and employers of graduates.
The Elephant in the Living Room that No One Wants to Talk about: Why U.S. Anthropologists Are Unable to Acknowledge the End of Culture.

Findings from a four-year action research project at a highly diverse, West Coast U.S. university reveal that a large percentage of white students cannot trace their identities to a particular nation in Europe and are, as a result, unable to name the shared meanings of a particular ethnic culture. Each time Latino, Asian American, and African American classmates describe their families' ethnic histories, it is the European American student who feels dissociated. Extracted from a polyphonic novelistic ethnography, this essay focuses on an exchange among three students at a town hall meeting and explores the ramifications for social cohesion when members of “the dominant group” appear to be experiencing declining subjectivity. This reflection also raises two larger disciplinary questions: (1) How can 10,000 U.S. anthropologists continue to deploy the concept of culture at field sites outside the United States when so many in their own population cannot claim an ethnic culture of their own? and (2) Given the recent turn in events in the U.S. political scene, shouldn't anthropologists now begin developing new constructs for social analysis after race and culture? [culture concept, subjectivity, soul]
Role of COX-2 in the Enhanced Vasoconstrictor Effect of Arachidonic Acid in the Diabetic Rat Kidney

In the rat isolated perfused kidney, arachidonic acid elicits cyclooxygenase-dependent vasoconstriction through activation of PGH2/TxA2 receptors; responses are enhanced in kidneys from diabetic rats. This study examined the roles of cyclooxygenase-1/cyclooxygenase-2 in the enhanced renal vasoconstrictor effect of arachidonic acid in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Release of 20-HETE was also determined, as this eicosanoid has been reported to elicit cyclooxygenase-dependent vasoconstriction. We confirmed that vasoconstrictor responses to arachidonic acid were enhanced in the diabetic rat kidney associated with a 2-fold–greater increase in the release of 6-ketoPGF1α, which was used as an index of cyclooxygenase activity. One and three micrograms of arachidonic acid increased perfusion pressure by 85±37 and 186±6 mm Hg, respectively, in diabetic rat kidneys compared with 3±1 and 17±8 mm Hg, respectively, in control rat kidneys. Inhibition of both cyclooxygenase isoforms with indomethacin (10 μmol/L) abolished the vasoconstrictor response to arachidonic acid in both diabetic and control rat kidneys, whereas inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 with nimesulide (5μmol/L) reduced perfusion pressure responses to 1 and 3 μg arachidonic acid only in the diabetic rat kidney to 15±8 and 108±26 mm Hg, respectively, consistent with a 3-fold increase in the renal cortical expression of cyclooxygenase-2. 20-HETE release from the diabetic rat kidney was reduced almost 6-fold and was not increased in response to arachidonic acid. These results demonstrate that the renal vasoconstrictor effect of arachidonic acid is solely dependent on cyclooxygenase activity, with no evidence for a contribution from 20-HETE; in the diabetic rat, cyclooxygenase-2 activity contributes to the renal vasoconstrictor effect of arachidonic acid.
Presenilin-2 mutations modulate amplitude and kinetics of inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium signals.

Mutations in the two presenilin genes (PS1, PS2) account for the majority of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) cases. Converging evidence from a variety of experimental systems, including fibroblasts from FAD patients and transgenic animals, indicates thatPS1 mutations modulate intracellular calcium signaling pathways. Despite the potential relevance of these changes to the pathogenesis of FAD, a comparable effect for PS2 has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. We examined the effects of wild-type PS2, and both of the identified FAD mutations inPS2, on intracellular calcium signaling inXenopus oocytes. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-evoked calcium signals were significantly potentiated in cells expressing either of the PS2 mutations relative to wild-type PS2-expressing cells and controls. Decay rates of calcium signals were also significantly accelerated in mutantPS2-expressing cells in a manner dependent upon IP3 concentration. The finding that mutations in bothPS1 and PS2 modulate intracellular calcium signaling suggests that these disturbances may represent a common pathogenic mechanism of presenilin-associated FAD.
Synergistic induction of cyclin D1 in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells by IGF-I and FGF-2 requires differential stimulation of multiple signaling pathways.

D-type cyclins are direct targets of extracellular signals and critical regulators of G1 progression. Our previous data demonstrated that IGF-I and FGF-2 synergize to enhance cyclin D1 expression, cyclin E/cdk2 complex activation, and S-phase entry in OP cells. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for how two growth factor signaling pathways converge on a major cell cycle regulator. IGF-I and FGF-2 differentially activate signaling pathways to coordinately promote cyclin D1 expression. We show that the p44/p42 MAPK signaling pathway is essential for FGF-2 induction of cyclin D1 mRNA. In contrast, blocking the PI3-Kinase pathway results in loss of IGF-I/FGF-2 synergistic induction of cyclin D1 protein levels. Moreover, the presence of IGF-I significantly enhances nuclear localization of cyclin D1, which also requires PI3K signaling. GSK-3β, a downstream target of the PI3K/Akt pathway, is phosphorylated in the presence of IGF-I in OPs. Consistent with a known role for GSK-3β in cyclin D1 degradation, we show that proteasome inhibition in OPs exposed to FGF-2 increased cyclin D1 levels, equivalent to levels seen in IGF-I/FGF-2 treated cells. Thus, we provide a model for cyclin D1 coordinate regulation where FGF-2 stimulation of the MAPK pathway promotes cyclin D1 mRNA expression while IGF-I activation of the PI3K pathway inhibits proteasome degradation of cyclin D1 and enhances nuclear localization of cyclin D1. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Long-term expansion and sensitization of mechanosensory receptive fields in Aplysia support an activity-dependent model of whole-cell sensory plasticity

Long-term changes in peripheral receptive field properties of mechanosensory/nociceptive neurons were investigated 1–3 weeks after noxious stimulation. Noxious stimuli consisted of a deep penetrating cut through the middle of the tail, strong electric shock applied to the tail surface, or a combination of deep and superficial tail stimulation. Action potentials evoked in the tail were monitored with intracellular electrodes in central somata of tail sensory neurons. Three long-term changes in receptive field properties were produced in the region of noxious stimulation: (1) mechanosensory thresholds decreased, (2) receptive field areas increased, and (3) the percentage of cells showing receptive field extension across the tail midline increased. Sizes and shapes of individual receptive fields did not vary during extensive testing of tails perfused with artificial seawater or during testing in cobalt solutions that block synaptic transmission. This stability of receptive field geometry, coupled with the observation that increased peripheral excitability in these cells does not increase receptive field size, suggests that long-term receptive field alterations involve growth of peripheral sensory processes. A model is proposed in which the signaling strength of the entire sensory cell increases in response to trauma of its receptive field. In this model long-term enhancement of central and peripheral sensory responsiveness is selectively triggered by activity dependent extrinsic modulation of the centrally located soma, which accelerates synthesis of growth-associated proteins used in collateral and regenerative sprouting of traumatized peripheral processes.