cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of cycling and/or electrical stimulation on bone mineral density in children with spinal cord injury.

Randomized clinical trial. To determine the effect of cycling and/or electrical stimulation on hip and knee bone mineral density (BMD) in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). Children's hospital specializing in pediatric SCI. A total of 30 children, aged 5–13 years, with chronic SCI were randomized to one of three interventions: functional electrical stimulation cycling (FESC), passive cycling (PC), and non-cycling, electrically stimulated exercise (ES). Each group exercised for 1 h, three times per week for 6 months at home. The hip, distal femur and proximal tibia BMD were examined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) pre- and post-intervention. In all, 28 children completed data collection. The FESC group exhibited increases in hip, distal femur and proximal tibia BMD of 32.4, 6.62 and 10.3%, respectively. The PC group exhibited increases at the hip (29.2%), but no change at the distal femur (1.5%) or proximal tibia (−1.0%). The ES group had no change at the hip (−0.24%) and distal femur (3.3%), but a loss at the proximal tibia (−7.06%). There were no differences between groups or within groups over time. Significant negative correlations were found between baseline BMD and the amount of BMD change. Although not achieving statistical significance, hip BMD changes observed were greater than the reported 0.9–10% gains after exercise for children with and without disability. Thus, cycling with and without electrical stimulation may be beneficial for skeletal health in pediatric SCI, but further research is needed with a larger sample size.
Effect of acute and prolonged salicylate administration on liver and plasma triglyceride levels and diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract A single oral dose of 300 mg/kg of salicylic acid (as sodium salicylate) to rats produced a marked decrease in the concentration of free fatty acids in plasma within 90 minutes. A reduction in the concentration of plasma triglyceride occurred simultaneously with the decrease in plasma free fatty acids although the concentration of liver triglyceride was unaffected by salicylate treatment. Daily administration of the same dosage of salicylate for 7 days did not produce any change in plasma free fatty acids and liver and plasma triglyceride concentrations 1 hour after the last dose. However, at 16 hours after the last administration of salicylate, the plasma triglyceride level was markedly increased in the salicylate-treated group whereas the concentration of liver triglyceride was unaffected. The elevation of plasma triglyceride produced by salicylate was similar in animals fed either a normal or a high-cholesterol diet, suggesting that this is a direct effect of the drug and is unrelated to the dietary regimen. Prolonged salicylate administration was unable to modify a diet-induced hypercholesterosis, but rather slightly increased the diet-induced elevation in plasma total and free cholesterol concentrations.
Transdermal delivery of peptides by iontophoresis

Transdermal administration by iontophoresis (enhanced transport via the skin using the driving force of an applied electric field) has been successfully demonstrated but no formal relationship between peptide sequence/structure and efficiency of delivery has been established. There are notable examples, such as the lipophilic leutinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs, Nafarelin and Leuprolide, that exhibit down-regulation of their own transport across the skin under the influence of an iontophoretic current. The hypothesis that this phenomenon is due to neutralization of the skin's net negative charge by these cationic peptides was examined with LHRH oligopeptides. The impact of these compounds on the electroosmotic flow of solvent into the skin, which is induced by iontophoresis and which contributes significantly to the electrotransport of large, positively charged ions, was examined and quantified. Close juxtaposition of cationic and lipophilic residues profoundly inhibited electroosmosis and, presumably, peptide flux. The results indicate that the lipophilicity of the oligopeptides facilitates van der Waals interactions with hydrophobic patches along the transport route, thereby permitting the positively charged oligopeptide to interact with carboxylate side chains that give the skin its net negative charge at neutral pH. The lipophilic, cationic oligopeptide, therefore, becomes anchored in the transport path, neutralizing the original charge of the membrane, and completely altering the permselective properties of the skin.
Effect of Moisture Content at Baling on Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Orchardgrass Hay in Conventional and Large Round Bales

Alfalfa-orchargrass herbage was harvested for hay at 23, 18, and 13% moisture and stored in conventional and large round hay bales. After 5 mo of storage indoors, hay was higher in acid detergent insoluble nitrogen if baled at 23 than at 18% moisture. This was due to increased internal temperature of the bales, which reached a peak of 90°C at the center of large bales stored at 23% moisture. Acid detergent fiber and acid insoluble lignin increased in hay at the center of round bales compared with the outer layer or shell or that in conventional bales. In vivo digestibilities of dry matter, protein, and acid detergent fiber were significantly reduced in the inside core and outside shell of large round bales stored at 23% moisture compared with conventional bales of equal moisture content. Protein digestibility was depressed only slightly in the core of hay stored in large round bales at 18% moisture. These data show that round bales are more susceptible to heat damage than conventional bales made at the same moisture content.
A patch-based spatial modeling approach: conceptual framework and simulation scheme

Abstract Patchiness is ubiquitous across a wide range of scales, and spatial pattern and ecological processes are interdependent and interactive. However, traditional approaches have not been able to incorporate spatial patchiness and pattern-process interactions into modeling frameworks because of their assumptions of homogeneity, equilibrium and determinism. Recently, different modeling approaches have been developed to take into account of spatial heterogeneity and its effects on ecological processes. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework and simulation scheme for a spatially explicit patch dynamic modelling approach. The model structure consists primarily of two submodels: a spatially-explicit, age-/size-structured patch demographic model and a multi-specific population dynamic model. We demonstrate the modeling approach through an example, and also present alternative formulations and algorithms for implementing different parts of the model. While most existing spatial models are grid-based, the patch-based spatial modeling approach provides a unique, alternative way of studying pattern and process in ecological systems.
Monolithic periodic mesoporous silica with well-defined macropores

Monolithic pure silica gels with hierarchical macro-mesoporous structure have been synthesized via a spontaneous sol−gel process from silicon alkoxide using a structure-directing agent and a micelle-swelling agent. A monolithic body with well-defined co-continuous macropores is a result of concurrent phase separation and sol−gel transition induced by the polymerization reaction, whereas the mesopores are templated by the cooperative self-assembly of inorganic species, a structure-directing agent, and a micelle-swelling agent. These bimodal pore systems are formed spontaneously in a closed condition at a constant temperature. The following removal of surfactants by heat-treatment gives silica gels with hierarchical and fully accessible pores in discrete size ranges of micrometers and nanometers. The highly ordered 2D-hexagonal arrays of mesopores have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements and FE-SEM observations. Furthermore, by further additions of the micelle-swelling agent, the mesostructural...
Thyroid status and thermogenesis in rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Several key aspects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity resemble the effects of hypothyroidism, while in other ways the toxic responses are characteristics of hyperthyroidism. Whether thyroid dysfunction plays a role in TCDD toxicity remained unknown, however. We therefore determined the dose-related effects of TCDD treatment on plasma concentrations of L-thyroxine (T4), 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and compared these changes with signs of TCDD toxicity. We also determined whether indices of functional thyroid status (and thermogenesis) were altered in response to TCDD treatment. Young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given single oral doses of TCDD (6.25-100 micrograms/kg) and evaluated 1 week later. Toxicity, measured by decreases in feed intake and body weight, ranged from minimal to severe. Plasma concentrations of T4 were greatly reduced at all doses tested, while T3 was increased in a dose-related fashion (up to 35%). TSH was elevated but was inversely proportional to dose. Thyroid histology was unremarkable, and TCCD treatment had little effect on the ability of rats to raise serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations in response to acute cold stress. TCDD treatment caused a slight (8%) decrease in basal metabolic rate, yet comparable decreases were seen in pair-fed control animals. Thermogenesis, as measured by O2 consumption and colonic temperatures in rats exposed to various ambient temperatures, was only marginally affected. In summary, although thyroid hormone concentrations were markedly altered, rats given doses of TCDD sufficient to cause overt toxicity appeared to be essentially euthyroid. These results do not support proposals by other researchers that altered thyroid status is a major contributor to TCDD toxicity and/or a key response to TCDD exposure.
Genetic and environmental influences on the associations between attention problems and other problem behaviors.

Problem behavior in children shows a high degree of cooccurrence, both within the domains of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and across domains. Maternal ratings of 207 same- and opposite-sex twin pairs on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/4-18; Achenbach, 1991) were used to determine the etiology of these associations. In the current sample of 4- to 11-year-old children (mean age: 7.6 years) phenotypic correlations were .68 between Internalizing and Externalizing, between .41 and .66 within the internalizing scales, and between .58 and .71 within the externalizing scales. Correlations across domains on the scale level were of similar magnitude. Genetic and shared environmental correlations were generally high, with the exception of the somatic complaints scale which showed low genetic correlations with other scales. These findings of uniformly high shared etiology was seen within and across domains. For example, Attention Problems showed genetic correlations of .65 with Delinquent Behavior and .76 with Aggressive Behavior; the genetic correlations of Attention Problems with internalizing scales were .71 for Anxious/Depressed and .79 for Withdrawn; a low genetic correlation was only shown for the Somatic Complaints scale (rg = .16). Although the magnitude of shared environmental contributions was lower, the environmental correlations were close to unity, indicating that the same family environmental factors were involved in aspects of problem behavior when assessed across domains. Results for the Attention Problems scale were similar to other disruptive behavior, justifying its inclusion with the externalizing scales.
Oxygen sensitized responses of the electron capture detector and atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometrometer to derivatized isomers of aminoanthracene and aminophenanthrene

Abstract A comparison of the effect of oxygen on the responses of an electron capture detector and an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer to the trifluoroacetic anhydride derivatives of the eight isomers of aminoanthracene and aminophenanthrene is made. The results indicate that, while all isomers undergo the same reactions in the presence of electrons and O − 2 negative ions, the ratio of the rates of electron attachment and O − 2 charge exchange is very dependent on substituent location and provides a basis for distinguishing between individual members of this isomeric group
Some determinants of compensation decisions.

This research investigated the effects of three variables upon compensation decisions. Results indicated that, in a simulated personnel task, both subordinate pay equity and subordinate equity off ...
Surgery of the Inferior and Middle Turbinates

For over a century, surgical management of the inferior and middle turbinates has been an ongoing topic of discourse and disagreement. Treatment, either medical or surgical, of the inferior turbinate is required in cases of turbinate hypertrophy where the goals of therapy are to maximize the nasal airway, to preserve nasal mucosal function, and to minimize complications. Middle turbinate management, more controversial than inferior turbinate management, still lacks definitive consensus. This article reviews the anatomy, physiology, and pathology involving these two structures. Advantages, disadvantages, complications, and controversies surrounding the surgical management of the turbinates are discussed.
RNA Reference Materials for Gene Expression Studies Counterpoint: RNA Metrology: Forecast Calls for Partial Clearing

Microarrays were first applied to experimental studies of gene expression, but newer microarray applications, such as comparative genomic hybridization, have evolved and preceded it to clinical introduction. Challenges to clinical use include potentially dramatic biological changes in gene expression as a result of preanalytic variation in patient and sample handling, analytical variation resulting from the complex assay process, and daunting analytical and statistical problems in simultaneous measurement of thousands of signals ranging over several orders of magnitude. Arrays come in many formats, including chips, slides, microfluidic devices, and beads. They differ in the sets of genes assayed and in the probe sequences used to assay for a given gene. Some systems hybridize the sample and control to the same array, using two-color labeling, whereas another system hybridizes the sample and control to separate arrays. As a result, formats have incommensurable merits and often incommensurable data. Published information comparing formats are too limited for conclusions other than that data interchange might be feasible (1)(2). This flowering of ingenuity is acceptable for hunting candidate genes with one format and verifying results by more common techniques, but for clinical applications, this variety is an obstacle. The typical application envisions a multiparametric “gene-expression signature” in which the expression patterns for many genes are combined to generate a “classifier” for diagnosis or prognosis. Laboratory 1, which uses array system brand A, publishes a well-designed study showing that a gene-expression signature distinguishes benign from malignant omphalomas. How should Laboratory 2, which uses brand X, adapt the “signature”? Clinical studies are also hampered by lack of …
ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC POTENTIALS OF MASTICATORY MOVEMENTS AS INDICATORS OF AGR.

Summary 1. The electromyographic potentials arising from masticatory movements were picked up by electrodes chronically implanted in the brains of eight rats. The rats had been trained in a Skinner box to press a lever for food reinforcement on a 100 per cent schedule. Lever and food cup were separated by 180[ddot] in a cylindrical metal box one foot in diameter. 2. The problem was to determine whether thoroughly trained animals would show AGRs as determined by the presence of electromyographic potentials when, in the course of pressing, food was suddenly withheld. Only two of the eight animals gave an AGR during the extinction process, and in one of these the phenomenon was minimal. 3. In the discussion it is pointed out that the absence of AGRs in the animals was possibly related to the short time interval intervening between depression of the lever and securing the food-pellet reward.
Eliminating inventory in a series facility production system

Zero inventory ZI and the related concepts of Just in Time and Kanban are innovative and powerful means to improve production efficiency. This paper applies these concepts to a series facility production system and, in particular, identifies which facilities will never hold inventory irrespective of product demand. Pinpointing beforehand that certain facilities will have no inventory can simplify such strategic decisions as facility design, site location, and space utilization, plus it eases production scheduling. Next, a procedure is developed which increases the number of facilities that will never hold inventory. This procedure implements the ZI philosophy of cutting set up costs to increase efficiency. The results of this paper impact three major areas of production research: 1 strategy and planning-by detecting beforehand facilities that need never hold inventory irrespective of demand; 2 operations-by simplifying day to day production scheduling; and 3 productivity improvement-by cutting set up costs to enhance efficiency.
TRANSIENT RESPONSE TEST PROCEDURES FOR MEASURING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

SUMMARY A comparative study of four different test procedures for quantifying the transient lateral response of automobiles is presented in this paper. Both full-scale testing and analysis have been used in this study. The random steering technique appears to offer several advantages over other procedures in terms of space-requirement and the amount of transient dynamics information generated, whereas the step-steering procedure is more suited to the measurement of steady-state behavior of the automobile.
An Inductive Approach to Teaching Interdisciplinary Design Outside of the Curriculum

The KEEN Winter Interdisciplinary Design Experience (K-WIDE) is an immersive co-curricular program that exposes students to authentic open-ended design inductively. K-WIDE occurs outside of the curriculum and does not bear any credit. Students do not receive any pay for the program, and their only motivation is to learn about design. We believe that our pedagogical approach which immerses students in intensive design, provides opportunities to learn and apply hands-on skills, and encourages critical reflection is effective in leading participants to become global systems thinkers. Students gain important skills in looking at problems from a wide range of perspectives to consider the societal impact of potential solutions while also being conversant in technical engineering to ensure the viability of a concept. In this paper we present the general pedagogical approach and provide some examples of the effect the program is having on students.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Inhibition of estrogenic stimulation of gene expression by genistein.

Abstract Two principle soy-derived isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, are believed to play a key role in inhibiting tumor growth. The molecular basis of the anti-tumor activity of these two isoflavones has not been fully established. To determine the mechanism of action of the above phytochemicals on estrogen-responsive genes, we tested the effect of the same on the expression of Estrogen-Regulated mRNA Stabilizing Factor (E-RmRNASF). E-RmRNASF is expressed in the liver in response to estrogen, and is responsible for estrogen-mediated stabilization of apolipoprotein II mRNA (Ratnasabapathy, 1995, Cell. Mol. Biol. Res, 41: 583–594). The estrogen-mediated hepatic expression of apolipoprotein II mRNA is regulated transcriptionally, and also post-transcriptionally in part by stabilization of its mRNA. E-RmRNASF protects the RNA from targeted endonucleolytic degradation. The hepatic expression of E-RmRNASF is also modulated by certain estrogenic and antiestrogenic nonsteroidal environmental xenobiotics (Ratnasabapathy et al., 1997, Biochem. Pharmacol., 53: 1425–1434). Roosters were administered estrogen, genistein, or daidzein parenterally and tested for hepatic expression of E-RmRNASF. Expression of E-RmRNASF in the livers was stimulated in roosters who received estrogen and genistein, indicating that they are agonistic at the chicken estrogen receptor. However, a lack of induction of E-RmRNASF expression in the liver was seen with control roosters treated with the vehicle and those treated with daidzein. To determine whether daidzein was anti-estrogenic, roosters were given combinations of estrogen and increasing concentrations of daidzein. Daidzein at concentrations ranging from 5–1000 μmole/kg failed to antagonize stimulation of E-RmRNASF by 5 μmoles/kg estrogen. To determine whether genistein or daidzein exerted partial agonistic effects, roosters were given increasing concentrations of genistein, daidzein or estrogen alone, or combinations of estrogen and increasing doses of genistein or daidzein. At low to intermediate concentrations genistein by itself failed to stimulate E-RmRNASF, and was agonistic only at high concentrations. Genistein at the low concentrations failed to antagonize estrogenic stimulation of E-RmRNASF. At the intermediate concentrations however, genistein blocked stimulation of E-RmRNASF by estrogen, even though by itself could not exert a stimulatory effect. At the higher concentrations genistein stimulated E-RmRNASF regardless of the presence or absence of estrogen. At the higher ratios, the lack of inhibition of estrogenic stimulation by genistein was most likely due to its own agonistic activity. Therefore, genistein appears to behave as a partial agonist; behaves as an agonist by itself, and as an antagonist in the presence of estrogen. However, daidzein did not display any estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity at the concentrations tested.
Stresses in Glass Produced by Nonuniform Exchange of Monovalent Ions

A study was made of the rate of diffusion of alkali ions into a soda-lime glass from nitrate melts, and the distortion of glass disks produced by the stresses thus developed was measured using an interference technique. A maximum of 124,000 psi was produced when Na+ was replaced by K+. Tensile stresses accompanying the replacement of a large ion by a smaller one or by leaching ions out of the surface with water or dilute acid may be large and can destroy the glass.
Transboundary Solutions to Environmental Problems in the Gulf of California Large Marine Ecosystem

The Gulf of California Large Marine Ecosystem is assessed using Duda and Sherman's (2002) modular approach. Productivity, fisheries, ecosystem health, socioeconomic factors, and governance of the region are evaluated and a transboundary diagnostic analysis identified three areas of concern: pollution, habitat destruction, and fishery depletions. Addressing these environmental problems requires land-based pollution controls, marine protected areas, and stricter fisheries regulations, respectively, but also makes a strong argument for reconnecting the Gulf of California with the Colorado River and its larger watershed. Freshwater inputs can be a restoring force and can help to address these three identified coastal problems.
Hardness, elasticity, and fracture toughness of polycrystalline spinel germanium nitride and tin nitride

The hardness, elastic moduli, and fracture toughness of the spinel phases, γ–Ge3N4 and γ–Sn3N4, were determined using indentation data and theoretical calculations. Measurements were performed on polycrystalline specimens using the technique of nanoindentation to determine the reduced moduli and hardnesses from the unloading portion of the indent curves. Reduced moduli of γ–Ge3N4 and γ–Sn3N4 were found to be 295 and 167 GPa, respectively. The nanohardnesses of γ–Ge3N4 and γ–Sn3N4 were found to be 31 and 13 GPa, respectively. The shear moduli G0 and Poisson’s ratios ν0 were derived using theoretical bulk moduli B0 obtained from density-functional theory calculations. The calculated values were B0 = 260 GPa, G0 = 146 GPa, ν0 = 0.26 for γ–Ge3N4, and B0 = 186 GPa, G0 = 64 GPa, ν0 = 0.34 for γ–Sn3N4. Fracture toughness was estimated by direct measurement of radial cracks emanating from Vickers microindents. It was determined that for γ–Ge3N4, KIC = 2.3 MPa(m)1/2, while for γ–Sn3N4, KIC = 1.4 MPa(m).1/2
Optimal Power Allocation in Multi-Relay MIMO Cooperative Networks: Theory and Algorithms

Cooperative networking is known to have significant potential in increasing network capacity and transmission reliability. Although there have been extensive studies on applying cooperative networking in multi-hop ad hoc networks, most works are limited to the basic three-node relay scheme and single-antenna systems. These two limitations are interconnected and both are due to a limited theoretical understanding of the optimal power allocation structure in MIMO cooperative networks (MIMO-CN). In this paper, we study the structural properties of the optimal power allocation in MIMO-CN with per-node power constraints. More specifically, we show that the optimal power allocations at the source and each relay follow a matching structure in MIMO-CN. This result generalizes the power allocation result under the basic three-node setting to the multi-relay setting, for which the optimal power allocation structure has been heretofore unknown. We further quantify the performance gain due to cooperative relay and establish a connection between cooperative relay and pure relay. Finally, based on these structural insights, we reduce the MIMO-CN rate maximization problem to an equivalent scalar formulation. We then propose a global optimization method to solve this simplified and equivalent problem.
A method for wet-ashing small plant samples.

An inexpensive but efficient and fast method is described for the wetashing of small samples of plant materials.
Do security toolbars actually prevent phishing attacks

Security toolbars in a web browser show security-related information about a website to help users detect phishing attacks. Because the toolbars are designed for humans to use, they should be evaluated for usability -- that is, whether these toolbars really prevent users from being tricked into providing personal information. We conducted two user studies of three security toolbars and other browser security indicators and found them all ineffective at preventing phishing attacks. Even though subjects were asked to pay attention to the toolbar, many failed to look at it; others disregarded or explained away the toolbars' warnings if the content of web pages looked legitimate. We found that many subjects do not understand phishing attacks or realize how sophisticated such attacks can be.
The simplified P2 approximation

The simplified P2 (SP2) approximation to the transport equation is derived by a formal procedure and by a variational analysis. The variational analysis yields the SP2 equations, together with inte...
An examination of the basic nature of the trihalides of phosphorus, arsenic and antimony☆☆☆

Abstract Literature reports of the complexes, PCl 3 BF 3 and PCl 3 BCl 3 , were investigated by conducting vapour pressure-composition measurements on the systems at low temperatures. Large, positive deviations from ideal liquid behaviour were observed in both cases, indicating no tendency for complex formation. An examination of the properties of POCl 3 BCl 3 indicates the complexes reported in the literature to be phosphorus oxychloride-boron trihalide addition compounds. The 1 : 1 addition complexes of boron tribromide with phosphorus trichloride and tribromide were prepared, thus confirming the existence of these complexes. The PCl 3 BBr 3 complex was noted to exchange on standing. The AsCl 3 BCl 3 system was studied and found to be analogous to the PCl 3 BF 3 system. Examination of the PCl 3 Al 2 Cl 6 , PCl 3 Ga 2 Cl 6 , AsCl 3 Al 2 Cl 6 , AsCl 3 Ga 2 Cl 6 , SbCl 3 BCl 3 , AsBr 3 BBr 3 and SbBr 3 BBr 3 , systems failed to give any evidence for the formation of stable complexes. Thus, of the halides studied only phosphorus trichloride and tribromide exhibited basic tendencies. The donor tendencies of the trihalides of phosphorus are discussed.
Descending pathways from the superior collicullus: an autoradiographic analysis in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

The autoradiographic tracing method has been used to identify the various descending tectofugal pathways and their targets in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). The present data reveal that the majority of descending tectofugal axons arise from collicular laminae which lie ventral to the stratum opticum (layer 3). Such descending axons can be grouped into two major bundles or tracts, i.e., the ipsilateral tectopontine-tectobulbar tract and the crossed tectospinal tract (or the predorsal bundle). There is, in addition to these two major pathways, a smaller, commissural projection. The ipsilateral pathway courses laterally and ventrocaudally to terminate within the parabigeminal nucleus, the mesencephalic reticular formation, the dorsal lateral pontine gray (in several discrete patches), the dorsal lateral wing of the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis, and within the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis. Other ipsilateral targets of the deep tectal layers are the cuneiform nucleus and the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus. In several experiments transported protein is also apparent within the substantia nigra. Axons which comprise the tectospinal tract, or the predorsal bundle, cross within the dorsal tegmental decussation and descend within the brainstem in a position slightly lateral to the midline. The most rostral and quite extensive target of the predorsal bundle is the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis. As the predorsal bundle courses caudally within the pontine tegmentum, labeled axons enter the dorsal and medial regions of both the oral and the caudal divisions of the nucleus reticularis pontis. At caudal medullary levels, the mojority of the labeled axons comprising the predorsal bundle pass ventrally to end quite profusely with the subnucleus b of the medial accessory nucleus of the inferior olivary complex. Caudal to this only a few scattered, labeled axons can be followed into the cervical spinal cord. Labeled axons also pass to the opposite, or contralateral colliculus via the tectal commissure. Such axons appear to arise and end primarily within the deeper tectal layers. In one experiment, the injection invaded the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. Labeled axons were apparent within the motor nucleus, the chief sensory nucleus (quite profusely) and within the spinal or descending nucleus of the trigeminal nerve.
Moderate Levels of Depression Predict Sexual Transmission Risk in HIV-Infected MSM: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data From Six Sites Involved in a ''Prevention for Positives'' Study

Depression is highly comorbid with HIV and may contribute to increased sexual transmission risk behavior (TRB) amongst HIV-infected MSM, the largest risk group for HIV in the U.S. However, examinations of this effect are inconsistent. The present longitudinal analyses of 746 HIV-infected MSM is from a multi-site “prevention for positives” study. A non-linear association between depression and TRB emerged. Moderate levels of depression (compared to either low or high levels) were associated with a more modest decline in the odds of sexual risk behavior over 12-month follow-up. Assessing depression in HIV primary care settings may help to identify those at risk and integrating the treatment of depression into secondary prevention and treatment initiatives may decrease the likelihood of sexual risk and help to contain the epidemic among MSM.
Maximizing influence propagation for new agents in Competitive Environments

In a competitive environment, competing agents would maximize their ideas' influence for higher profits. For example, in an unsaturated market, when a new company participates in the market sharing competition, it would distribute free tryout or discount to several customers, let them adopt the product or service, and influence others to use this product as propagation goes. This situation can also be applied to other scenarios, such as spreading new ideas in online social networks, political elections, and so on. In this paper, we use a model called Dynamic Influence in Competitive Environments (DICE) to perform the influence propagation. We first prove that finding the optimal utility for the new agent is an NP-hard problem under DICE. Then, we provide an algorithm for these new companies, and prove that the algorithm has a (1/3 - ϵ/n)-approximation ratio to the maximum payoff value. Performance results show that our algorithm has a better performance compared to existing strategies in terms of maximizing the utility for new agents.
Suicide substrates: mechanism-based enzyme inactivators with therapeutic potential

Abstract Suicide substrates are mechanism-based irreversible inactivators of specific enzymes. In the past few years, a variety of latent functional groups have been found to be useful against several enzymes of therapeutic significance.
In vitro excystment of the black spot trematode Uvulifer ambloplitis (Trematoda:Diplostomatidae).

Abstract Spellman S. J. and Johnson A. D. 1987. In vitro excystment of the black spot trematode Uvulifer ambloplitis (Trematoda:Diplostomatidae). International Journal for Parasitology17: 897–902. Metacercariae of U. ambloplitis became activated and excysted in both acid pepsin and acidified Locke's balanced salt solution (BSS). The maximum percentage of excystment was 40% in acid pepsin and 4% in Locke's BSS. Acid pretreatment was required for the additional excystment that occurred in the pretreatment reductant sodium dithionite, or in an incubation medium, or in a sodium dithionite-incubation medium sequence. Since larvae excysted during both pretreatments and in incubation media, maximum overall excystment percentages were obtained with three treatments; (1) 0.5% pepsin at pH 2.0 for 30 min, (2) 0.2% sodium dithionite at pH 7.4 for 10 min and (3) an incubation medium of 0.2 or 0.5% ox bile salts a pH 7.4 for 120 min, 66 and 79%, respectively. Excystment occurred in trypsin alone or trypsin containing incubation media following pepsin pretreatment or a pepsin-sodium dithionite sequence, but the larvae were sluggish and died within a few min after excysting. Thus, a synergistic effect between bile salts and trypsin was not found in this study. Excystment was primarily an active process with the larva emerging from the narrow end of the parasite cyst, although a breakdown of the host cyst and some softening of the parasite cyst was observed.
Methane dissociative chemisorption on Ru(0001) and comparison to metal nanocatalysts

Abstract Microcanonical unimolecular rate theory (MURT) was used to characterize methane dissociative chemisorption on Ru(0001). Simulations of supersonic molecular beam and thermal bulb-derived dissociative sticking coefficients indicated that the threshold energy for CH 4 dissociative chemisorption on Ru(0001) was E 0 = 59 kJ / mol and that two surface oscillators were active in the gas-surface collision complexes. MURT analysis of CH 4 supersonic beam experiments on several surfaces found that E 0 decreased from Ni(100) → Ru(0001) → Pt(111) → Ir(111). Although MURT simulations of CH 4 thermal dissociative sticking coefficients were in fairly good accord with thermal bulb experiments at mbar pressures, they were as much as 3–4 orders of magnitude higher than the apparent sticking coefficients derived from CH 4 decomposition or reforming rates on supported nanoscale metal catalysts. Consequently, the varied surface science studies on single crystals all strongly suggested that relatively few surface sites were turning over on the CH 4 -reforming nanocatalysts.
Outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux procedures

Background: Laparoscopy has increased the number of patients undergoing operative correction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptom improvement has been most commonly reported as the means to assess operative outcome. We compared symptomatic outcome to postoperative pH testing at short-term follow-up to determine the accuracy of clinical assessment at predicting whether acid exposure would be normal or abnormal. Methods: Of 640 patients who had antireflux surgery between 1993 and 1999, 228 (36%) agreed to repeat manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively and are the subject of this study. Symptom resolution was assumed if the frequency was less than once per week. Normal acid exposure consisted of a distal esophageal pH below 4 less than 4% of the time and a DeMeester composite score less than 14.7. Accuracy of symptom scoring was calculated using acid exposure as the standard. Results: The primary symptom was improved in 93% of the 228 patients. Acid exposure was reduced from a preoperative DeMeester score of 71 to 16 (P <0.05). Eighty percent of patients had normalization of acid exposure postoperatively. Heartburn was the only symptom to have a significant correlation with acid exposure in the postoperative period (P <0.05). Heartburn resolved in 181 patients, 168 of whom had normal acid exposure (true negative). Thirty-eight patients without symptoms had abnormal acid exposure (false negative). Nine patients had persistent heartburn with abnormal acid exposure (true positive) whereas 13 patients had persistent heartburn with normal acid exposure (false positive). Thus, the positive predictive value of heartburn was 43%, the negative predictive value was 82%, and the overall accuracy was 78%. Conclusions: Operative treatment improves both the symptoms of GERD and the degree of acid exposure as measured by pH monitoring. The most accurate symptom for predicting acid exposure in the postoperative period is heartburn. Although the absence of heartburn postopertively is fairly reliable at predicting normal acid exposure on pH testing, the presence of heartburn warrants postoperative pH monitoring, as more than half of these patients will have normal acid exposure.
Equilibrium in prediction markets with buyers and sellers

Abstract Prediction markets with buyers and sellers of contracts on multiple outcomes are shown to have unique equilibrium prices, which can be computed in polynomial time.
Phase equilibria in the thorium-thorium monophosphide system

The Th-ThP eutectic was observed at 1608 ± 20° C and at a PTh ratio of 0.11 ± 0.02. The phase transition between phosphorus-saturated face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic thorium occurs at 1360° C. The ThP phase is stable over a range of compositions with a minimum PTh ratio of 0.98. The ThP phase melts congruently with the PTh ratio of 0.99 ± 0.02 at 2990° C.
Reaction mechanisms of peroxyl and C-centered radicals with sulfhydryls.

Abstract Rate constants for reactions of a peroxyl (CCl3OO·) and C-centered radicals, that is, phenyl (·C6H4CH2COO−) and vinyl (uracil-5-yl), with an aromatic thiol (p-CH3OC6H4SH) were measured over a pH range (3–12) to include ArSH and ArS− forms. The pH dependence of these rate constants indicates that peroxyl radicals react by a redox mechanism while the C-centered radicals react by an H-atom transfer process. The different mechanisms encountered in the repair of various radicals suggest design features to be incorporated into antiagents, such as radioprotectors and anticarcinogens.
Infrared Absorption (435 to 250 cm −1 ) and Ultraviolet Emission Analyses of Selected Sulfides and Sulfosalts: A Correlative Study

Selected sulfides and sulfosalts were investigated first by ir absorption (435 to 250 cm−1) analysis and then by uv spectrochemical analysis. Results revealed that many of the absorption bands were diagnostic, and that some could be correlated with compositional variations.
Simplifications of spin-rotation parameters for homonuclear diatomic molecules

$^{1}$A. N. Jette and T. A. Miller, Chem. Phys. Lett. 29, 547 (1974). $^{2}$A. N. Jette, J. Chem. Phys. 65, 4325 (1976).
ELO SOI technology for radiation hard devices

It is demonstrated experimentally that thin SOI structures with a predetermined oxide pattern can be made by ELO (epitaxial lateral overgrowth) technology and etchback. It is also demonstrated experimentally that these ELO SOI structures can support MOS devices to a reasonably high level of radiation. At a total dose of 10/sup 6/ rad(SiO/sub 2/), the threshold voltage shift was only -0.17 V, the subthreshold slope change was only 16 mV/decade, and degradation of saturated transconductance was only 4%. At 1*10/sup 7/ rad(SiO/sub 2/), the threshold voltage shift was -0.25 V, the subthreshold slope change was 50 mV/decade, and degradation of saturated transconductance was 18%. This degradation and hence degradation of the device performance at high total dose is due to interface state buildup as a result of irradiation. >
Piezoelectric and pyroelectric coefficients for ferroelectric crystals with polarizable molecules

Expressions for piezoelectric and pyroelectric coefficients for a crystal of polarizable point dipoles are derived. The effect of crystal structure on the local electric field acting to polarize the molecules is included via the Lorentz-factor formalism. The derived expressions for the piezo- and pyroelectric coefficients are found to contain terms dependent on derivatives of the Lorentz factors. These terms reflect the changing of molecular dipole moments in response to the changing local electric field in the strained crystal. Inclusion of this effect results in predictions of coefficients substantially different from those obtained using the Lorentz field approximation.
The Influence of Front-Roll Coverings on the Spinning Strength of Cotton

An apparatus for measuring the force required to pull an end down during spinning was developed. The apparatus, a single-spindle duplication of the Tru-Set (Saco-Lowell Duo-Roth) spinning frame, was modifed to provide for pneumatic loading of the front drafting rolls. Four hundred end breaks on a single cotton were recorded for each spinning strength test point. Six front-roll coverings having different hardness and composition were tested for spinning strength at roll loading from 89 to 178 N (20-40 1b). Surface frictional properties against cotton roving were measured. Variables such as roll diameter buffing amount, running hours, and roller age were considered. Test results show that surface friction coemcient dominates spinning strength performance, and the spitming strength provided by one roll actually decreased with increasing roll load.
Who negotiates for a nation? Catalan mobilization and nationhood before the Spanish democratic transition, 1970–1975

Much of the literature on democratic transitions and ethnic conflict focuses on the role of elites, whether as constructive contributors to ethnic harmony and pacted transitions, or as fomenters of disharmony. What these accounts often fail to take into account is the extent to which the existence of political elites is a variable in itself, particularly when their power bases are not organizations like an army but rather nations or classes. The article develops an analysis of how competition for scarce militants and the demands of organizing them shapes the power and importance of elites. It does this through a case study of Catalonia in the years preceding the Spanish transition. During those years Catalonia, both a stateless nation and a potentially divided society, was the site of organizing from the left and right that nearly monopolized militants and channelled their activity into autonomist, inclusive forms of nationalist mobilization that stifled attempts at internal polarization while creating el...
Line parameters of methane from 2385 to 3200 cm(-1).

A list of new methane line parameters for the 2385-3200 cm region included in the Air Force Geophysical Laboratory's compilation of molecular line parameters is presented. Line positions were determined by computer computations from Fourier transform spectrometer data using a Kitt Peak subroutine. With the exception of class IV lines, all line strengths were determined by the method of equivalent widths. Additional line strengths were measured from spectra taken at cold sample temperatures so that lower state transition energies could be determined experimentally. Observed line positions and strengths are given for 8076 absorptions with strengths greater than 3.3 x 10 to the -24 cm/molecule.
Communicating Subcellular Distributions

To build more accurate models of cells and tissues, the ability to incorporate information on the distributions of proteins (and other macromolecules) will become increasingly important. This review describes current progress towards determining and representing protein subcellular patterns so that the information can be used as part of systems biology efforts. Approaches to decomposing an image of the subcellular pattern of a protein give critical information about the fraction of that protein in each of a number of fundamental patterns (e.g., organelles). Methods for learning generative models from images provide a means of capturing the essential properties and variation in those properties of cell shape and organelle patterns. The combination of models of fundamental patterns and vectors specifying the fraction of a protein in each of them provide a much better means of communicating subcellular patterns than the descriptive terms that are currently used. Communicating information about subcellular patterns is important not only for systems biology simulations but also for representing results from microscopy experiments, including high content screening and imaging flow cytometry, in a transportable and generalizable manner.
Bombesin, Lysophosphatidic Acid, and Epidermal Growth Factor Rapidly Stimulate Focal Adhesion Kinase Phosphorylation at Ser-910: REQUIREMENT FOR ERK ACTIVATION

A rapid increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been extensively documented in cells stimulated by multiple signaling molecules, but virtually nothing is known about the regulation of FAK phosphorylation at serine residues. Stimulation of Swiss 3T3 cells with bombesin promoted a striking increase (∼13-fold) in the phosphorylation of FAK at Ser-910, as revealed by site-specific antibodies that recognized the phosphorylated state of this residue. Lysophosphatidic acid and epidermal growth factor (EGF) also stimulated FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910. Direct activation of protein kinase C isoforms with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) also promoted striking phosphorylation of FAK at Ser-910. Treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor GF I or Ro 31-8220 or chronic exposure to PDB prevented the increase in FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910 induced by bombesin or PDB but not by EGF. Treatment with the ERK inhibitors U0126 and PD98059 prevented FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910 in response to all of the stimuli tested. Furthermore, incubation of activated ERK2 with FAK immunocomplexes leads to FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910 in vitro. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that stimulation with bombesin, lysophosphatidic acid, PDB, or EGF induces phosphorylation of endogenous FAK at Ser-910 via an ERK-dependent pathway in Swiss 3T3 cells.