cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nearly optimal sequential tests of composite hypotheses revisited

We revisit the problem of sequential testing composite hypotheses, considering multiple hypotheses and very general non-i.i.d. stochastic models. Two sequential tests are studied: the multihypothesis generalized sequential likelihood ratio test and the multihypothesis adaptive sequential likelihood ratio test with one-stage delayed estimators. While the latter loses information compared to the former, it has an advantage in designing thresholds to guarantee given upper bounds for probabilities of errors, which is practically impossible for the generalized likelihood ratio type tests. It is shown that both tests have asymptotic optimality properties minimizing the expected sample size or even more generally higher moments of the stopping time as probabilities of errors vanish. Two examples that illustrate the general theory are presented.
Alteration of the effects of (+)-amphetamine on neuronal activity in the striatum following lesions of the nigrostriatal bundle.

Abstract (+)-Amphetamine sulphate, injected intraperitoneally in paralyzed, locally anaesthetized rats, produced a biphasic alteration in activity of neurones in the caudate nucleus. An initial potentiation of firing rate occurred approximately 5–10 minutes after injection and was followed by a prolonged depression of firing rate which lasted up to 2 hr. Unilateral electrolytic lesions in the nigrostriatal bundle reduced ipsilateral telencephalic dopamine content and reduced or eliminated the depression of firing in ipsilateral striatal neurones following amphetamine administration. However, the initial, brief potentiation of activity remained unchanged. While the mechanism by which amphetamine produced this initial potentiation remains unclear, the current results suggest that the prolonged depression of activity is related to the release and/or blockade of reuptake of dopamine from terminals of the nigrostriatal bundle.
Part II. Gaussian, complete basis set and density functional theory stability evaluation of the singlet states of Cn (n=1–6): energy differences, HOMO–LUMO band gaps, and aromaticity

Although the neutral forms of these carbon clusters have been investigated, no studies regarding the less stable singlet forms have been performed. In this manuscript, the stability properties of these clusters will be examined with the advanced CBS-Q, G2, G3, G3B3 high level ab initio methods as well as the density functional theory B3LYP/6-311++G (3df, 3pd) method.
Malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts. An ultrastructural study of four cases.

Four cases of malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts (MGCT) were studied ultrastructurally. Most of the cells in three cases were identified as undifferentiated mesenchymal cells and mononuclear monohistiocytic cells. The osteoclastlike cells seemed to arise from fusion of monohistiocytic cells. Immature fibroblastic cells, occasionally containing filaments with densities, were also present. They were scarce in three cases and predominant in the fourth. It was concluded that MGCT is a mesenchymal sarcoma with a bimorphic—monohistiocytic and fibroblastic—differentiation. MGCT is therefore considered a special variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Cancer 40:244–253, 1977.
Check out your sexism: A quiz for journalists

Although style guides can indicate how to eliminate sexism in print, a writer must first be aware that sex stereotypes are being propagated. Twenty excerpts from newspapers and magazines illustrate ten common gender-oriented assumptions.
Comparison of Reaction Pathways for the Partial Oxidation of Propane over Vanadyl Ion-Exchanged Zeolite Beta and Mo1V0.3Te0.23Nb0.12Ox

Abstract The reaction pathways for the oxidation of propane over VO-H-beta and Mo 1 V 0.3 Te 0.23 Nb 0.12 O x are investigated. Two methods are used in this study: (i) overall product selectivities are recorded as a function of conversion, and (ii) those species observed or speculated to exist are reacted individually over the catalysts. With VO-H-beta, propene is the primary product of propane oxidation and acetic acid is a sequential oxidation product of the propene, possibly forming through an acetone intermediate. Mo 1 V 0.3 Te 0.23 Nb 0.12 O x also gives propene as the primary product of propane oxidation, and the propene thus formed oxidizes further to acrylic acid and acetone. Reactions of individual oxygenated compounds, e.g., propanal, acrolein, etc., confirm the superior oxidation features of the mixed metal oxide catalyst relative to the zeolite-based catalyst.
Production of rare-earth atomic negative ion beams in a cesium-sputter-type negative ion source

The desire to study negative ion structure and negative ion–photon interactions has spurred the development of ion sources for use in research and industry. The many different types of negative ion sources available today differ in their characteristics and abilities to produce anions of various species. Thus the importance of choosing the correct type of negative ion source for a particular research or industrial application is clear. In this study, the results of an investigation on the production of beams composed of negatively-charged rare-earth ions from a cylindrical-cathode-geometry, cesium-sputter-type negative ion source are presented. Beams of atomic anions have been observed for most of the first-row rare-earth elements, with typical currents ranging from hundreds of picoamps to several nanoamps.
Experimental measurements of widths of unsaturated, modulation-broadened Lorentzian lines

Abstract Three spectroscopic methods useful for measuring the widths of unsaturated Lorentzian lines broadened by sinusoidal modulation are assessed. The effects of error propagation from random or systematic errors in experimental width parameters and modulation amplitudes are shown to imply that the usual method of measuring the peak-to-peak separation of the first harmonic signal is quite inferior to measuring the outer half-amplitude separation of the first harmonic signal or the zero-crossing separation of the second harmonic signal, with the latter distinctly the best for most operating conditions of magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Immigration, mobility, and environmental injustice: A comparative study of Hispanic people’s residential decision-making and exposure to hazardous air pollutants in Greater Houston, Texas

Abstract The themes of immigration and mobility have not been adequately examined by environmental justice (EJ) scholars. This study addresses that gap by clarifying factors shaping Hispanic people’s residential decision-making and their associated exposures to cancer risks from Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in Greater Houston, Texas. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 Hispanic householders who had previously completed a structured survey, which was representative of Greater Houston’s population. Our research design enabled data collection from immigrant and United States (US)-born Hispanics living at high and low risk to HAPs. By using a comparative qualitative analysis approach to examine divergent experiences of Hispanic subgroups, we advance from the monolithic treatment of the US Hispanic population reflected in the extant EJ literature. Our findings reveal that key determinants of high HAP risks included economic constraint on residential locational options for both US-born and immigrant Hispanics, and attraction to sociocultural benefits in co-ethnic enclaves among immigrants in particular. In contrast, protective factors differed entirely between US-born and immigrant Hispanics. For US-born participants, the experience of upward-and-outward sociospatial mobility – coupled with detachment from the Hispanic community – generated lower HAP risks, while the experience of living in social isolation within a less-than-ideal rental unit was protective for immigrants. The pernicious, multiscalar nature of environmental injustice experienced by Greater Houston’s Hispanic immigrants is encapsulated by the fact that their pursuit of affordable and comfortable residential settings at the household level contributes to the reproduction of their collectively disproportionate HAP exposures.
Ethical considerations for discontinuing pacemakers and automatic implantable cardiac defibrillators at the end-of-life.

Purpose of reviewAs the use of intracardiac devices has increased, the awareness of the burdens of the devices, especially the uncomfortable defibrillator shocks, has also increased. Some patients have requested device deactivation and some physicians have expressed reluctance to do so. This review
The use of dimensionless groups in the design of activated sludge reactors

Abstract Dimensional analysis techniques were applied to the differential equations for a well mixed activated sludge reactor to obtain generalized information on the effect of process variables on conversion of substrate. The Monod model was used to represent the reaction kinetics since it also contains first and second order kinetics as special cases. The performance of a steady state reactor could be described in terms of five dimensionless groups involving the important combinations of process variables. A simple criterion was developed to predict washout conditions for reactors without recycle of biological solids. Under certain operating conditions, activated sludge reactors were shown to possess an inherent degree of self control to compensate for changes in feed concentration.
Thrombopoietins and Thrombopoiesis: A Clinical Perspective

Since the discovery of thrombopoietin four years ago there has been much interest in the clinical use of this growth factor and its impact on platelet transfusions. Two recombinant thrombopoietin molecules are currently under intense clinical investigation. One is a full-length, glycosylated thrombopoietin (rHuTPO) and the other is a non-glycosylated, truncated thrombopoietin coupled to polyethylene glycol (PEG-rHuMGDF). Both bind to the thrombopoietin receptor, c-mpl, and stimulate megakaryocyte growth and platelet production in vitro and in vivo. In early clinical studies these Mpl ligands have been effective in reducing thrombocytopenia after non-myeloablative but not after myeloablative chemotherapy. In transfusion medicine, they may serve to increase the yield of stem cell harvests, expand progenitor cells ex vivo and stimulate platelet apheresis donors. Their impact on platelet usage is still unclear but may be less than initially estimated.
Processing-structure–property relationships of SWNT–epoxy composites prepared using ionic liquids

Abstract Experimentally achieved mechanical properties of nanotube–epoxy composites fail to match theoretical expectations; shortcomings are mainly attributed to poor dispersion. The elastic modulus of a well-dispersed single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-ionic liquid-epoxy composite was evaluated in tension and compared to predictions by a micromechanics homogenization model. The model takes into account the mechanical properties of the constituent phases in addition to SWNT aspect ratio, spatial distribution, dispersion, and agglomeration. These parameters were evaluated using information obtained via scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The Young’s modulus of the composite shows excellent agreement with the model at low concentrations, while discrepancies at high SWNT concentrations are possibly due to composite processing limitations. At high concentrations the uncured composite mixture is above the rheological percolation threshold. As the polymer network reaches its maximum capacity for well-dispersed SWNTs, increasing volume fraction does not result in further significant reinforcing effects.
Follow-up results of Cutting Balloon angioplasty used to relieve stenoses in small pulmonary arteries.

Background: We sought to determine if the acute gains in pulmonary arterial diameter achieved by using Cutting Balloons to dilate stenoses in small arteries are maintained at follow-up. Methods: A search of our database identified all patients who underwent dilation with Cutting Balloons for pulmonary arterial stenosis between June 2001 and September 2003. We reviewed the procedural and angiographic data obtained at the initial and follow-up procedures. Results: Over the period of study, 29 patients with a median age of 3.7 years, and a range from 0.4 to 46.6, underwent treatment with Cutting Balloons at 41 procedures for one or more pulmonary arterial obstructions resistant to conventional angioplasty. At the initial procedure, we enlarged 79 vessels, with an initial minimal luminal diameter of 1.5 plus or minus 0.8 millimetres, to a diameter of 3.0 plus or minus 1.1 millimetres (p smaller than 0.001). Angiographic data indicated that 49% of the vessels showed evidence of vascular damage not requiring intervention, while stents were placed in 9 vessels. Follow-up angiography was available for 39 of the vessels, evaluated at a median of 6 months, with a range from 3 to 24 months, after the initial procedure. In these vessels, there was a mean loss of 10 plus or minus 25% in luminal diameter, p not significant. Of the 39 vessels, 8 had returned to a diameter within half of the initial diameter, giving a failure rate at follow-up of 21%, with 95% confidence intervals from 9% to 36%. All complications were identified within 24 hours of the catheterization procedure, and there were no late complications or deaths during the period of follow-up. Placement of stents produced both greater increases in diameter at the initial procedure (p smaller than 0.001), and greater losses at follow-up (p equal to 0.01). Conclusions: Despite the frequent identification of intravascular trauma, initial gains in luminal diameter after use of Cutting Balloons to dilate stenotic pulmonary arteries are maintained at follow-up.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF DOUBLE-MINUTE CHROMOSOMES

Double-minute chromosomes play a critical role in tumor cell genetics where they are frequently associated with the overexpression of oncogene products. They have been observed for many years in light microscopic examinations of metaphase chromosomes from tumor cells, but their origin remains unknown and is the subject of considerable speculation. However, molecular details of their structure and organization can now be described in conjunction with the microscopic examinations, to allow an evaluation of the various models that have been developed to explain the genesis of double-minutes. The evidence now favors simple models that invoke chromosome breakage and circularization of very large acentric chromosome fragments, permitting unequal segregation of the genes on the fragment during cell division. If there is selection for overexpression of one of the genes on the fragment, daughter cells with more fragments will grow faster than daughter cells with fewer fragments, and over time the population of cells will come to contain many double-minutes per cell.
On the Relationship of Steady States of Continuous and Discrete Models Arising from Biology

For many biological systems that have been modeled using continuous and discrete models, it has been shown that such models have similar dynamical properties. In this paper, we prove that this happens in more general cases. We show that under some conditions there is a bijection between the steady states of continuous and discrete models arising from biological systems. Our results also provide a novel method to analyze certain classes of nonlinear models using discrete mathematics.
Coupled physical and biological modelling of the spring bloom in the North Atlantic (II): three dimensional bloom and post-bloom processes

Abstract A set of three dimensional coupled physical and biological models is used to ascertain the importance of mesoscale dynamical activity during the 1989 JGOFS North Atlantic Bloom Experiment. First, various physical processes causing nutrient flux are studied with a simplified one compartment “nutrient model” utilized in an isolated vortex. A hierarchy of vertical transport processes is described for this case, ranging from the relatively minor fluxes caused by vortex stretching in the interior to the moderate transport resulting from the interaction of the interior and wind driven motions to the rather vigorous (3 m per day) effective transport caused by the propagation of the vortex. With these flux mechanisms in hand, the tuned four compartment biological model described in Part 1 is used to simulate the Small eddy in isolation. Together the propagation flux and the lifting of density surfaces caused by vortex evolution result in a twofold increase in mixed layer nitrate over that predicted by a one dimensional model. Enhanced phytoplankton and heterotroph production is associated with the elevated nutrient concentrations. Finally the three eddy configuration ovserved during the experiment is simulated. While all the previous vertical transports are active in this case, they are overshadowed by intense vertical motions associated with eddy-eddy interactions. Nutrient enhancements of up to an order of magnitude occur in the simulations that substantially increase both plant and animal production in localized regions for periods of weeks.
Detection of Renal Blood Flow Abnormalities in Septic and Critically III Patients Using a Newly Designed Indwelling Thermodilution Renal Vein Catheter

To evaluate alterations in renal blood flow in sepsis-induced renal failure, we developed and studied a percutaneously placed thermodilution renal blood flow catheter in eight critically ill patients. Para-aminohippurate extraction coefficients were decreased, supporting the need for renal vein sampling to determine CPAH in sepsis. Thermodilution and CPAH methods correlated strongly, confirming the reliability of this thermodilution method. Renal vascular resistance, an indicator of renal vascular function, remained unchanged throughout the bouts of sepsis. The fraction of total body arterial blood flow going to the kidneys rose significantly during recovery from sepsis. Glomerular filtration rate, which was reduced in four of seven septic patients, correlated with the fraction of total blood flow going to the kidneys. These results suggest that renal vascular abnormalities may be occurring during septic shock. Our study demonstrates that sepsis-induced renal dysfunction may occur despite normal ranges of total renal blood flow during shock.
Application of the method of weighted residuals to mixed (split) boundary value problems. Triple series equations

Abstract The method of weighted residuals is applied as a means of providing approximate solutions to mixed (split) boundary value problems which are described by triple-series relations. This approach relies upon using the triple series kernel as the basis function and results in a linear system of equations with the series coefficients as the unknowns. Any available method such as LU decomposition or Gaussian elimination is then used to solve this system. The approach developed in this study is illustrated by numerical examples for diffusion and reaction which are solved using a special software package which implements the proposed algorithms.
Leaf conductance and transpiration, and water relations of evergreen and deciduous perennials co‐occurring in a moist chaparral site

Abstract. Diurnal courses of leaf conductance, water potential and environmental parameters were measured through the year. The seasonal decreases in plant water potentials were greatest in evergreen H. arbutifolia, intermediate in winter deciduous C. occidentalis and least in drought deciduous A. californica. The seasonal patterns of water use were very similar. Estimates of soil root-stem conductances to liquid water flux indicate that during the spring, conductances are high, that during the early summer there is a daily shift from high morning conductances to lower afternoon conductances, and that late summer conductances are low.
Cell and molecular response to IORT treatment

Ionizing radiations (IRs) generated by IORT treatment activates both pro- and antiproliferative signal pathways producing an imbalance in cell fate decision regulated by several genes and factors involved in cell cycle progression, survival and/or cell death, DNA repair and inflammation. This paper describes the latest advances on cellular and molecular response to IR, highlighting the most relevant research data from cell biology, gene expression profiling and epigenetic studies on different tumor cell types. Understanding the cell molecular strategies to choose between death and survival, after an irradiation-induced damage, opens new avenues for the selection of a proper therapy schedule, to counteract cancer growth and preserve healthy surrounding tissue by radiation effects.
Soluble n-type pentacene derivatives as novel acceptors for organic solar cells

6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS)-pentacene has proven to be a promising soluble p-type material for organic thin film transistors as well as for photovoltaics. In this work, we show that adding electron-withdrawing nitrile functional groups to TIPS-pentacene turns it into an n-type material, which can be used as an acceptor for organic solar cells. Several new cyanopentacenes with different trialkylsilyl functional groups have been synthesized. The HOMO–LUMO energy levels can be tuned by varying the number of nitrile groups, while the trialkylsilyl groups control crystal packing and film morphology. Solar cells were fabricated from a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the donor and the cyanopentacenes as acceptors, and we found that the acceptors that stack in a 1D “sandwich-herringbone” exhibited the best performance of derivatives in this study. A solar cell fabricated from a blend of P3HT and 2,3-dicyano-6,13-bis-(tricyclopentylsilylethynyl)pentacene (2,3-CN2-TCPS-Pn) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 0.43% under 100 mW cm−2AM 1.5 illumination.
Mechanisms of endotoxin tolerance. I. Relationship between tolerance and reticuloendothelial system phagocytic activity in the rabbit.

Pyrogenic tolerance following 7 daily intravenous injections of 2.0 µg/kg E. coli endotoxin in albino rabbits was associated with significant increases in RES phagocytic activity as measured with colloidal carbon. Nevertheless, 4 hours after RES blockade with thorotrast (3 ml/kg), the tolerant rabbits exhibited significantly lower fever indices following intravenous endotoxin challenge than did non-tolerant control animals despite comparably depressed capacities to clear carbon from the blood. Moreover, plasma from rabbits tolerant to endotoxin induced significant tolerance in normal rabbits prepared by thorotrast blockade without enhancing the depressed carbon clearance. This passive protection extended to heterologous endotoxins. Analysis of the data indicates that RES blockade does not abolish tolerance; rather blockade resets the reactivity to endotoxin in the normal and tolerant animal, rendering both exquisitely reactive, but permitting retention of the major portion of tolerance. Apparently the tolerant animal possesses a dual endotoxin defense system. One system is abolished by thorotrast; the other is in part humoral, accounts for the greater portion of tolerance, and is thorotrast-resistant. The nature of the humoral component is not defined but is consistent with that of an opsonin with high endotoxin specificity.
The coupling between sister kinetochore directional instability and oscillations in centromere stretch in metaphase PtK1 cells

Kinetochores bound to kinetochore microtubules (kMTs) exhibit directional insta- bility in mammalian and other mitotic vertebrate cells, oscillating between poleward (P) and away-from-the-pole (AP) movements. These oscillations are coupled to changes in length of kMTs in a way that maintains a net stretch of the centromere. To understand how sister kine- tochore directional instability and kMT plus-end dynamic instability are coupled to oscillations in centromere stretch, we tracked at high resolution the positions of fluorescent kinetochores and their poles for oscillating chromosomes within spindles of metaphase PtK1 cells. We found that the kinetics of P and AP movement are nonlinear and different. By subtracting contributions from the poleward flux of kMTs, we found that maximum centromere stretch occurred when the leading kinetochore switched from depolymerization to polymerization, whereas minimum centromere stretch occurred on average 7 s after the initially trailing kine- tochore switched from polymerization to depolymerization. These differences produce oscil- lations in centromere stretch at about twice the frequency of kinetochore directional instabil- ity and at about twice the frequency of centromere oscillations back and forth across the spindle equator.
SUITABILITY OF SIX LYMNAEID SNAILS FOR INFECTION WITH FASCIOLA HEPATICA

Abstract The suitability of Fossaria (Bakerilymnaea) cubensis and Pseudosuccinea columella from Louisiana as intermediate hosts for Fasciola hepatica was compared to P. columella and Stagnicola elodes from Ann Arbor, MI, S. attenuata from Hidalgo, Mexico, Lymnaea gedrosiana from Iran and L. natalensis from Senegal. P. columella from LA was shown to be a more suitable host (51.3% became infected) than F. (B) cubensis (15.2% and 26.4% of two populations became infected). The infection rate for P. columella from MI, was 50% and for L. gedrosiana was 32.5%, whereas L. natalensis, S. elodes and S. attenuata were refractory. F. (B) cubensis and P. columella have some degree of suitability as intermediate hosts for F. hepatica under laboratory conditions, but field observations of their habitat in southern LA and characteristic management of cattle indicate that the former snail is more important as an intermediate host in this enzootic area. Tissue sections of suitable snails had few histopathological effects but physical damage caused by rediae was pronounced, mainly in the digestive gland and in the mantle.
Gas Fuel Conditioning System Design Considerations for Utility Gas Turbines

This paper describes considerations that must be addressed when designing a gas fuel clean up system to meet utility gas turbine fuel specifications. Each gas turbine manufacturer has a gas fuel specification that must be met in order to protect the equipment from the effects of burning poor quality gas fuel. With the introduction of advanced technology combustion systems and strict emission requirements, it has become increasingly important that clean, dry gas fuel be provided at the inlet to the gas turbine control system in order to maintain the equipment in proper working order. The ASME gas fuel standard B133.7M is representative of a specification that meets or exceeds most manufacturer’s requirements. This specification calls for superheating to avoid the condensation of moisture or hydrocarbon liquids and includes limits on particulate concentration and size. Issues relating to the fuel quality are discussed, including calculation and measurements of dew points, gas sampling and analysis and relative location of cleanup equipment required to meet this specification.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
A Community Health Education Program on Malaria in Nigeria

This study determined the effect of a health education program on malaria disease control among the citizens of Nkanu-local government area, a community in Nigeria. Participants consisted of subjects that used the Nkanu community hospital for their health care. Initially, 300 subjects were randomly selected for the study (150 experimental and 150 control) from Ama-nkanu village, but only 202 subjects completed the study. Results of the pre- and posttest on field tests and that of posttest on knowledge acquisition demonstrated significant differences between the two groups on knowledge and environmental improvements. The treatment group performed better than the control group on the knowledge test. On the environmental tests, the experimental group also demonstrated noticeable changes (improvements) when compared to the control group.
Host Preference and Development of Leptoglossus zonatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on Satsuma Mandarin

Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) has recently emerged as a key pest of satsuma mandarin, Citrus unshiu Marcovitch, and other fruit crops in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Studies were conducted under laboratory conditions (25 +/- 2 degrees C, 50 +/- 10% RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 [L:D] h) to investigate host preference and suitability of satsuma fruit as host for this pest. Three separate multiple choice experiments were performed to compare attraction of L. zonatus nymphs and adults to the fruit of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L.; satsuma mandarin; peach, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; kumquat (Fortunella spp.); and lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. Results of all three experiments clearly showed that tomato was the most preferred by both the nymphs and adults, with satsuma a distant second. Attraction to tomato and satsuma fruit was not due mainly to color but mediated by host volatile semiochemicals (kairomones). Developmental experiments with L. zonatus on satsuma fruit suggest that it is a suitable host that can maintain modest to high populations of the pest. Approximately 39 eggs were deposited per female on satsuma fruit with a hatch rate of 98%. Total developmental time from egg through the fifth nymphal stage was approximately = 50 d. High survivorship was recorded for all stages and ranged from 100% for the fourth instars to approximately = 89.1% for second instars. Cumulative survivorship from eggs through the fifth stage was 75.6%. Sex ratio (female:male) of emerged adults was 1:1.03, and female longevity (approximately = 73 d) was significantly greater than male longevity (57 d). Other aspects of the developmental biology of L. zonatus on satsuma are described, and the results are discussed in relation to the field ecology of the pest.
Adenocarcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix

Adenocarcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix is a rare lesion which may be a precursor of invasive adenocarcinoma. 5 case reports and 3 cases from the literature are presented. In 6 of the 8 cases adenocarcinoma in situ was associated with coexisting epidermoid carcinoma in situ of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma in situ may not be diagnosable on small cone biopsies and it was not found in 3 instances of fractional curettage. Cytological diagnosis may be observed by the coexisting epidermoid carcinoma in situ. Hysterectomy is considered the treatment of choice. (Authors modified)
Effects of Biphasic Current Pulse Frequency, Amplitude, Duration, and Interphase Gap on Eye Movement Responses to Prosthetic Electrical Stimulation of the Vestibular Nerve

An implantable prosthesis that stimulates vestibular nerve branches to restore sensation of head rotation and vision-stabilizing reflexes could benefit individuals disabled by bilateral loss of vestibular (inner ear balance) function. We developed a prosthesis that partly restores normal function in animals by delivering pulse frequency modulated (PFM) biphasic current pulses via electrodes implanted in semicircular canals. Because the optimal stimulus encoding strategy is not yet known, we investigated effects of varying biphasic current pulse frequency, amplitude, duration, and interphase gap on vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) eye movements in chinchillas. Increasing pulse frequency increased response amplitude while maintaining a relatively constant axis of rotation. Increasing pulse amplitude (range 0-325 μA) also increased response amplitude but spuriously shifted eye movement axis, probably due to current spread beyond the target nerve. Shorter pulse durations (range 28-340 μs) required less charge to elicit a given response amplitude and caused less axis shift than longer durations. Varying interphase gap (range 25-175 μs) had no significant effect. While specific values reported herein depend on microanatomy and electrode location in each case, we conclude that PFM with short duration biphasic pulses should form the foundation for further optimization of stimulus encoding strategies for vestibular prostheses intended to restore sensation of head rotation.
An ongoing study of the practice of simulation in industry

This study constitutes the third in a series of ongoing surveys of the use of computer simulation in US industry. It explores such issues as which organizational groups develop and use simulations, the computer hardware and software used, and the level of usage of advanced simulation techniques. The benefits, effectiveness, and future of simulation in industry is also examined. A comparison of these findings with those of the previous two surveys identifies trends in simulation practice.
Evidence that myosin light chain phosphorylation regulates contraction in the body wall muscles of the sea cucumber

The Ca2+ activation mechanism of the longitudinal body wall muscles of Parastichopus californicus (sea cucumber) was studied using skinned muscle fiber bundles. Reversible phosphorylation of the myosin light chains correlated with Ca2+-activated tension and relaxation. Pretreatment of the skinned fibers with AT-P gamma S and high Ca2+ (10(-5)M) resulted in irreversible thiophosphorylation of the myosin light chains and activation of a Ca2+ insensitive tension. In contrast, pretreatment with low Ca2+ (10(-8)M) and ATP gamma S results in no thiophosphorylation of the myosin light chains or irreversible activation of tension. These results are consistent with a Ca2+-sensitive myosin light chain kinase/phosphatase system being responsible for the activation of the muscle. Other agents known to have an effect upon the Ca2+-activated tension in skinned vertebrate smooth muscle fibers (trifluoperazine, catalytic subunit of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, and calmodulin) did not have an effect on myosin light chain phosphorylation or Ca2+-activated tension. These results suggest a different type of myosin light chain kinase than is found in vertebrate smooth muscle is responsible for the activation of parastichopus longitudinal body wall muscle.
Variable-frequency train stimulation of canine latissimus dorsi muscle during shortening contractions

In cardiomyoplasty, the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) is wrapped around the heart ventricles and electrically activated with a constant-frequency train (CFT). This study tested the hypotheses that increased mechanical performance from the LDM could be achieved by activating the muscle with variable-frequency trains (VFTs) of shorter duration or containing fewer stimulus pulses than the CFT now used. The mechanical performance of the canine LDM (n = 7) during shortening contractions was measured while the muscle was stimulated with 5- and 6-pulse CFTs (of duration 132 and 165 ms, respectively) and 5- and 6-pulse VFTs (of duration 104 and 143 ms, respectively) that were designed to take advantage of the catchlike property of skeletal muscle. Measurements were made from fresh and fatigued muscles. For the fresh muscles, the VFTs elicited significantly greater peak power than did the 6-pulse CFT. When the muscles were fatigued, VFT stimulation significantly improved both the peak and mean power produced compared with stimulation by CFTs. These results show that stimulation of the LDM with shorter duration VFTs is potentially useful for application in cardiomyoplasty.
Source localization using a current-density minimization approach

Determining the location of cortical activity from electroencephalographic (EEG) data is important clinically. In this paper, a method is presented which uses the powerful optimization method of simulated annealing in conjunction with a finite-element-based model of the search domain for a single-time slice solution of the EEG-inverse problem. The algorithm highlights a new objective function based on the current-density boundary integral associated with the finite-element formulation as the basis for parameter optimization. In two-dimensional experiments in a shallow tank containing saline, single dipoles are located within 2 mm. Simulations studying the algorithms response to structured noise are also presented. The new objective function is shown to take advantage of the natural framework associated with finite-elements and the results suggest that the approach is capable of resolving dipole locations in simulations and experiments.
Economic evaluation of drug court: methodology, results, and policy implications

Abstract The purpose of this study was to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of three Drug Court programs in Kentucky for two groups of Drug Court participants: program graduates and program terminators. The economic benefits of the Drug Court programs were estimated relative to a comparison group of individuals who were assessed for the Drug Court programs, but did not enter the programs. This study highlights important factors in estimating the costs and the economic benefits of a Drug Court program. Results indicated that, particularly for graduates, Drug Court involvement was associated with reductions in incarceration, mental health services, and legal costs, as well as increases in earnings and child support payments. Net benefits and benefit–cost ratios for each program are presented and policy implications are discussed.
PKA-dependent activation of PDE3A and PDE4 and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase V/VI in smooth muscle

Regulation of adenylyl cyclase type V/VI and cAMP-specific, cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and cAMP-specific PDE4 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase ...
Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorders: Implications for interventions and therapeutics.

AbstractObjectives: Imbalance between excitation and inhibition and increased excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) ratio is a common mechanism in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that is responsible for the learning and memory, cognitive, sensory, motor deficits, and seizures occurring in these disorders. ASD are very heterogeneous and better understanding of E-I imbalance in brain will lead to better diagnosis and treatments. Methods: We perform a critical literature review of the causes and presentations of E-I imbalance in ASD. Results: E-I imbalance in ASD is due primarily to abnormal glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in key brain regions such as neocortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum. Other causes are due to dysfunction of neuropeptides (oxytocin), synaptic proteins (neuroligins), and immune system molecules (cytokines). At the neuropathological level E-I imbalance in ASD is presented as a “minicolumnopathy”. E-I imbalance alters the manner by which the brain processes information and reg...
Leptin Receptor Mutation Results in Defective Neutrophil Recruitment to the Colon during Entamoeba histolytica Infection

ABSTRACT Amebiasis is an enteric infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, with symptoms ranging in severity from asymptomatic colonization to dysentery. Humans with the Q223R leptin receptor mutation have increased susceptibility to amebiasis, but the mechanism has been unclear. Using a mouse model expressing the mutation, we tested the impact of the Q223R mutation on the innate immune response to E. histolytica infection. The 223R mutation resulted in delayed clearance of amebae from the cecum, as had been previously observed. We found that neutrophil influx to the site of the infection was reduced 12 h after infection in 223R mice. Depletion of neutrophils with anti-Ly6G monoclonal antibody increased susceptibility of wild-type mice to infection, supporting the importance of neutrophils in innate defense. Leptin expression was increased in the cecum by E. histolytica infection, suggesting that leptin could serve as a homing signal for neutrophils to the gut. Interestingly, neutrophils from mice with the 223R mutation had diminished chemotaxis toward leptin. This impaired chemotaxis likely explained the reduced gut infiltration of neutrophils. The newly recognized effect of the leptin receptor Q223R mutation on neutrophil chemotaxis and the impact of this mutation on multiple infectious diseases suggest a broader impact of this mutation on susceptibility to disease. IMPORTANCE The Q223R leptin receptor mutation results in increased susceptibility of children and adults to E. histolytica, one of the leading causes of diarrhea morbidity and mortality in children of the developing world. Here we show that the mutation results in reduced neutrophil infiltration to the site of infection. This decreased infiltration is likely due to the mutation’s impact on neutrophil chemotaxis toward leptin, an inflammatory agent upregulated in the cecum after infection. The significance of this work thus extends beyond understanding E. histolytica susceptibility by also providing insight into the potential impact of leptin on neutrophil function in other states of altered leptin signaling, which include both malnutrition and obesity.
Ecological Impacts of Climate Change

The effects of climate change on species and ecosystems are reviewed in the context of hazards and disasters. Other recent assessments, from other perspectives, are introduced. Examples of past on-ongoing effects of climate change in marine and terrestrial systems, for individual species and for biomes, are presented. Marine examples include sea turtles (affected by rising sea level), corals (directly affected by temperature), shorebirds (affected through synchrony of migration with prey), and the organisms associated with sea ice such as penguins and polar bears (through reductions in available food). Terrestrial examples include tropical forests (through drought and pathogens), Mediterranean-type shrublands (though fire frequency), coniferous forests (affected by drought, fire, and insect outbreaks), and the tundra-treeline ecotone (possible advancing into tundra). How ecosystem services are affected by climate change is examined. The provisioning of goods (such as in agroecosystems), the regulating of functions (such as carbon regulation), the support of these processes (e.g., pollinators for agriculture), and cultural services (such as aesthetic experiences) are all likely to be reduced in some places by climate change. Within the context of climate change in the past, the possibility of mitigation (in the hazards and disasters perspective) is considered through the notion of “assisted migration.” Assisted migration, however, may create as many problems as it solves—but the problems are being evaluated. Ex situ mitigation—through species/seed/gene banks—is advocated.
Description of a new Eimeria sp. and associated lesions in the kidneys of double-crested cormorants (Phalocrocorax auritus).

A new Eimeria sp. is described as the cause of an outbreak of renal coccidiosis in double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in Georgia. Sporulated oocysts were spherical to subspherical and measured 16.1 × 16.5 (13.8–18 × 14–19) μm, with an average length–width ratio of 1:1. Oocyst wall was thin (1 μm), greenish, and pitted on the outer surface. Micropyle, micropylar cap, Stieda body, and polar bodies were absent. Small oocyst residuum (4–8 granules) was usually absent but occasionally present. Sporocysts were oval and measured 6.6 × 9.3 (6–7 × 8–10.5) μm, with an average length–width ratio of 1:1.4. A sporocyst residuum was present, located in between sporozoites, and was composed of numerous granules of unequal size. A small refractile body was present in each sporozoite. Collecting duct and distal renal tubular epithelial cells were distended by large oocysts in their cytoplasm, and many oocysts were present in the lumen of dilated tubules. Various stages of meronts, gamonts, and developing oo...
Conductance Coefficients and Reciprocity Relations

The development of the flux equations for isothermal coupled transport in membranes, (IV-20) and (IV-21), from the friction model illustrated the linear relationship between fluxes, J i , J j , etc. of species i, j, etc. and the generalized (Rayleigh-type) driving forces, F i , F j , etc. acting directly on these species: $$\matrix{{{{\rm{J}}_i} = \sum\limits_j {{L_{ij}}{F_j}}} \;\;\;\; {({\rm{isothermal}}\ {\rm{conditions}}).}\cr}$$ (V-1) Moreover, it was claimed that since the fluxes, J, vanish in the absence of all generalized driving forces, F, any function J(F1, F2…) can be thus developed, in principle, but the absence of higher terms of the power series, LF2, LF3… can be justified only for very small driving forces, F, i. e., near equilibrium. In general, the range of validity of linear laws of the type of Eq. (V-1) is limited; for instance, for most chemical reactions the linear approximation is adequate only very close to equilibrium. For many transport phenomena, however, the range of approximate linearity extends far beyond equilibrium. For instance, it has been known for many decades that the ion flux in electrolyte solutions is proportional to the applied electric voltage over a considerable voltage range, provided proper electrodes and stirring devices are used. Also, self-diffusion of particles follows a strictly linear relationship between flux and force even in solutions and gases which are very far from isotopic equilibrium. Fick’s law of diffusion can be shown to be a linear law in the sense of Eq. (V-1) (Sect. III.C.2.).
The oxytocin challenge test in the management of high-risk pregnancies

Appearance of a repetitive late deceleration pattern following oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in the prepartum patient may indicate fetal compromise, while absence of this finding may reflect fetal well-being. In this study, 72 patients at risk for intrauterine asphyxia underwent 81 satisfactory oxytocin challenge tests. Eight tests in seven patients were interpreted as positive; 72, as negative; and one, as suspicious. In 64 patients with negative tests, no fetal deaths or neonatal asphyxial depressions were observed. One patient developed intrapartum fetal distress with late decelerations 8 days after a negative test and was delivered by cesarean section. The positive test appears to correlate meaningfully with other clinical parameters reflecting intrauterine compromise.
Antigenic Mimicry between Self and Coxsackievirus Proteins Leads to Both Humoral and Cellular Autoimmunity to Heart Proteins

Enteroviruses have evolved mechanisms for terminal shutoff of host protein synthesis. These mechanisms involve viral protease 2A degradation of the cellular p220 protein cap-dependent binding complex or degradation of poly(A)-binding protein. These mechanisms are not operative in all infected cells that replicate these viruses to the usual titers of 100 to 2,500 virions per cell. Indeed, many types of cells, including cardiac fibroblasts, that are permissive for replication of coxsackievirus group B (CVB) strains exhibit little to no viral cytopathic effects during production of virus for days to weeks. Three major mechanisms probably cause cardiac dysfunction in patients with viral myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These include: injury directly due to virus infection and replication in the heart, damage mediated by specific and nonspecific host defense responses to the infection, and autoimmunity to cardiac antigens triggered by virus infection. A conundrum exists between poor cardiac function in patients with severe chronic myocarditis or DCM and the often minimal pathologic alterations found in their heart tissues upon autopsy. Antigenic mimicry at the T-cell level has been demonstrated between heart antigens and various pathogens, including group A streptococci, Trypanosoma cruzi, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, and CVB. Adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from ANT-reactive patients also transferred myocarditis into severe combined immunodeficient mice. Finally, murine T cells from CVB3-infected mice respond to adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), again indicating not only that different pathogens may share the same epitope but also that a single pathogen is likely to have multiple distinct mimicking epitopes with diverse heart proteins.