cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The efficiency and spectral photon dose dependence of photochemically induced changes to the bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon

To quantify the effects of photochemistry on the biological lability of dissolved organic carbon in a terrestrially influenced system, a quarterly sampling effort was undertaken at three estuarine locations along the coast of Georgia, producing a total of 15 apparent quantum yield (AQY) spectra for biologically labile products (BLPs). Prefiltered samples were irradiated and then inoculated with natural microbial communities isolated from the same sample. Oxygen consumption was used as a proxy for community carbon utilization over 10–12 d dark incubations. Seasonal microbial response to irradiated samples ranged from ‒21% to +155% relative to dark controls. AQY spectral shapes were not consistent over the data set, nor were there any apparent patterns in season or location. Progressive photon dose experiments showed that increasing irradiation length strongly decreased the total biolabile product as assayed with microbial community oxygen consumption, as well as altering the spectral shape of the AQY spectra. A conceptual model is presented to explain this dependence on photon dose, by illustrating the competition between the photochemical production and photochemical destruction of BLPs. The varying dependence on photon dose is fundamentally different from published results for other photochemical products and further complicates attempts to quantify the total effect of photochemistry on organic carbon cycles in natural environments.
Direct carotid cavernous fistula after trigeminal balloon microcompression gangliolysis: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : Percutaneous gangliolysis procedures may rarely be associated with vascular complications. There are three reported cases of carotid cavernous fistulas occurring after percutaneous retrogasserian procedures. We present one case of acute symptomatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula after percutaneous balloon microcompressive trigeminal gangliolysis. This is the only reported case of this complication associated with microcompression gangliolysis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : A 78-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a history of abrupt onset of left-sided bruit, proptosis, chemosis, and diplopia after a percutaneous retrogasserian microcompression. INTERVENTION : Cerebral angiography revealed a large left direct carotid cavernous fistula. Attempts at balloon embolization were unsuccessful, and the lesion was ultimately cured by transarterial and transvenous coil embolization. CONCLUSION : Follow-up examination revealed no evidence of bruit or neurological deficit. This report highlights a unique complication of balloon gangliolysis and describes coil embolization of the fistula as the mode of treatment.
Ecological variation and economic exchange in the Tarascan state

In this paper the relationship between population, resources, and economic exchange is delineated for the protohistoric Tarascan state. A model of the dynamic role of these variables in the state's evolution is presented that emphasizes resource shifts and differential adaptation of elite and commoners, including market intensification and militarism but excluding agricultural intensification and hydraulic works. The Tarascan state, then, represents a structural variant among pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican complex societies and must be accounted for in general theories of state evolution. [state evolution, human ecology, exchange, ethnohistory, Tarascan]
Urine-histamine levels in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE)

Abstract Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is defined clinically by recurrent, self-limited episodes of angioedema. The disease is defined biochemically by a deficiency in the functional activity of C1 esterase inhibitor. To date, the actual serum or tissue mediator(s) responsible for the angioedematous lesion remains controversial. Although antihistaminics have been clearly demonstrated to have no efficacy in the long-term treatment of this disorder, instances of elevated urine-histamine levels in patients with HAE raises the possibility of a role for histamine in the pathophysiology of this disease. Urine samples were collected from 28 asymptomatic and from 11 symptomatic patients with HAE. The urine-histamine levels were compared with levels of 41 normal control subjects. With the exception of one asymptomatic patient with HAE whose diagnoses also included rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjogren's syndrome, the urinehistamine levels from asymptomatic patients with HAE were similar to values obtained from normal control subjects. Except for data from two patients with HAE, urine-histamine levels from symptomatic patients with HAE were also indistinguishable from levels of normal volunteers. These data suggest that the vast majority of patients with HAE have normal urine-histamine levels both during and between attacks. Consequently, histamine is unlikely to play a pathophysiologic role in HAE.
Experimental test of the Invasional Meltdown Hypothesis: an exotic herbivore facilitates an exotic plant, but the plant does not reciprocally facilitate the herbivore

Summary Ecosystems with multiple exotic species may be affected by facilitative invader interactions, which could lead to additional invasions (invasional meltdown hypothesis). Experiments show that one-way facilitation favours exotic species and observational studies suggest that reciprocal facilitation among exotic species may lead to an invasional meltdown. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to determine whether reciprocal facilitation occurs in wetland communities. We established communities with native wetland plants and aquatic snails. Communities were assigned to treatments: control (only natives), exotic snail (Pomacea maculata) invasion, exotic plant (Alternanthera philoxeroides) invasion, sequential invasion (snails then plants or plants then snails) or simultaneous invasion (snails and plants). Pomacea maculata preferentially consumed native plants, so A. philoxeroides comprised a larger percentage of plant mass and native plant mass was lowest in sequential (snail then plant) invasion treatments. Even though P. maculata may indirectly facilitate A. philoxeroides, A. philoxeroides did not reciprocally facilitate P. maculata. Rather, ecosystems invaded by multiple exotic species may be affected by one-way facilitation or reflect exotic species’ common responses to abiotic factors or common paths of introduction.
Latinas, amniocentesis and the discourse of choice

Little attention has been paid to the impact of the increasingly routine use of fetal diagnosis on how U.S. minority women experience their pregnancies and decide whether to have their fetuses tested. Using narrative analysis, we offer the account of one Latina who, despite considerable turmoil, ultimately accepted an offer of amniocentesis. We describe her reasoning in choosing a course of action. Data from interviews with 147 Latinas who were faced with the same decision are used to contextualize the case study material. We seek to illuminate how a blending of Mexican and European American cultural influences helped shape the woman's experience and define the dilemma she faced when she learned her fetus might be born with a grave or incurable condition because she was ideologically opposed to abortion.
Effect of Environmental Phase Characteristics on the Discharge of a Thermal Storage System

The discharge of a thermal energy storage system, which is modeled as a one-dimensional slab of pure, molten material, is investigated semi-analytically. With the molten material initially at its fusion temperature, double-sided freezing is induced from convective and radiative cooling on one side, and convective cooling on the other, resulting in two coalescing freeze fronts. The effects of cyclic solar flux, cyclic sky temperature, and cyclic fluid temperature on the freeze front progression of one side of the slab and freeze time for entire slab are examined. On applying the quasi-steady approximation for the temperature distribution in each developing solid region, a pseudo-transcendental equation for the temperature of the surface exposed to convection and radiation is derived and solved at discrete time intervals by the Newton-Raphson method. Excellent agreement is obtained with previously published results for freezing caused by convective and radiative cooling only on one side, while the other side remains adiabatic. It is shown that lose frequency (high period) cycling of the sky and fluid one temperatures increase the freeze time up to greater than 40% when the solar flux profile is constant or non-cyclic and when surface radiative heat loss is neglected.
An experimental comparison of nonswirling and swirling flow in a circular-to-rectangular transition duct

Circular-to-rectangular transition ducts are used as exhaust system components of aircraft with rectangular exhaust nozzles. Often, the incoming flow of these transition ducts includes a swirling velocity component remaining from the gas turbine engine. Previous transition duct studies have either not included inlet swirl or when inlet swirl was considered, only overall performance parameters were evaluated. Circular-to-rectangular transition duct flows with and without inlet swirl were explored in order to understand the effect of inlet swirl on the transition duct flow field and to provide detailed duct flow data for comparison with numerical code predictions. A method was devised to create a swirling, solid body rotational flow with minimal associated disturbances. Coefficients based on velocities and total and static pressures measured incross stream planes at four axial locations within the transition duct, along with surface static pressure measurements and surface oil film visualization, are presented for both nonswirling and swirling incoming flow. In both cases the inlet centerline Mach number was 0.35. The Reynolds number based on the inlet centerline velocity and duct inlet diameter was 1,547,000 for nonswirling and 1,366,000 for swirling flow. The maximum swirl angle was 15.6 deg. Two pair of counter-rotating side wall vortices appeared in the duct flow without inlet swirl. These vortices were absent in the swirling incoming flow cases.
822: Genetic susceptibility to preterm birth in the Filipino population in Hawaii

822 Genetic susceptibility to preterm birth in the Filipino population in Hawaii Frederico Rocha, Thomas Slavin, Dongmei Li, Sandra Yamamoto, Gillian Bryant-Greenwood John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Honolulu, HI, John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii, Department of Pediatrics, Honolulu, HI, John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii, Department of Public Health Sciences, Honolulu, HI OBJECTIVE: Filipinos have the highest preterm birth rate in the State of Hawaii. Relaxin (RLN) is a systemic hormone (sRLN) produced by the corpus luteum but is also produced by the decidua (dRLN) as a local hormone. Elevated maternal sRLN has been associated with increased risk of preterm labor (PTL) and elevated dRLN associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). We have sought associations of two SNPs in the RLN H2 gene promoter in Filipino patients with PTL or PPROM, as well as with their expression of cytoplasmic dRLN protein. STUDY DESIGN: Filipino patients (n 60) who delivered at 34-36 weeks gestation were subdivided into PTL (n 20) and PPROM (n 20) and compared to controls who delivered at term (n 20). Maternal DNA was used for identification by specific Taqman RT-PCR of SNPs: rs 472076 and rs 3758239. Formalin fixed sections of parietal decidua from the same patients were immunostained with a Mab to RLN H2 (Abcam) and the ImmPRESS kit (Vector Labs). All slides were blinded for multispectral imaging (Nuance) and quantitated by the Inform software. Results were expressed as mean SD and significance set at p 0.05. Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA was used to compare differences in SNP expression and multiple comparisons were determined by the Bonferroni-Dunn’s test. RESULTS: SNP rs4742076 was significantly (p 0.0012) associated with PPROM compared to controls. The PPROM patients also had significantly more (p 0.001) dRLN expressed compared to controls. SNP rs375839 was significantly associated (p 0.0025) with both PPROM and PTL compared to the controls. However, dRLN was only significantly increased (p 0.001) in the PPROM patients. CONCLUSION: SNP rs4742076 in the RLN gene promoter and increased dRLN protein were associated with PPROM in Filipino patients in Hawaii. SNP rs3758239 was associated with both PPROM and PTL, but dRLN was only increased in the PPROM patients and not in PTL compared to the term controls. Supported by grant NIHNCRR(U54RR026136) NIHMD(U54MD007584).
Irradiation damage in Zircaloy-2 produced by high-dose ion bombardment

Damage produced in Zircaloy-2 by 5 MeV Ni ion bombardment was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Nickel ion bombardment was done over an integrated flux ranging from about 5.6 × 1015 to 7 × 1016Ni++ ions/cm2 and over the temperatures from 300 to 600°C. The gross damage which occurred at low temperature consisted of dark unresolved areas and uniformly distributed ‘black dots’, somewhat similar to those observed in neutron-irradiated Zircaloy. With increasing irradiation temperature and dose, two features have appeared in the microstructures. One of the features was randomly oriented dislocation loops and the other well-defined alignment of defects with the projection of aligned defects oriented in the «1010a> directions. Detailed examination of these aligned defects revealed that they exhibit two kinds of images; one is associated with precipitation of second-phase material and the other with lattice displacement of matrix material. With further increase in irradiation temperature, the damage structure changed markedly to that of random dislocation network.
Histopathologic Features of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) shows characteristic microscopic pathologic features in endoscopically obtained esophageal biopsies, including an eosinophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate in esophageal epithelium, but other inflammatory cells are also increased. Additional alterations are found in epithelium and lamina propria. Esophageal biopsy pathology is a sensitive but not specific marker for EoE related to antigen exposure. Several of the pathologic features of EoE correlate with dysregulated genes in the EoE transcriptome. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases affecting the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract are less well characterized; this article discusses pathologic features in mucosal biopsies that could form the basis for diagnosis and future study.
Cure studies and thermal stability of an acetylene-functionalized polyphenylene resin

Samples of an acetylene-functionalized polyphenylene resin have been thermally cured to determine the effects on char yield and thermooxidative stability. The material's lack of a processing window led to difficulties in handling; it was found that quickly heating small samples above the melting point resulted in complete polymer melting prior to resolidification due to cure. Curing in air and in an inert atmosphere led to decreases and increases in char yields, respectively, at 900°C. Char yields in excess of 90 weight % were obtained at 900°C. The thermooxidative stability of the cured polymer was slightly better than that of the uncured resin, with the biggest improvement being in the 200–400°C range.
Information-theoretic approach to network modularity.

Exploiting recent developments in information theory, we propose, illustrate, and validate a principled information-theoretic algorithm for module discovery and the resulting measure of network modularity. This measure is an order parameter (a dimensionless number between 0 and 1). Comparison is made with other approaches to module discovery and to quantifying network modularity (using Monte Carlo generated Erd\"os-like modular networks). Finally, the network information bottleneck (NIB) algorithm is applied to a number of real world networks, including the ``social'' network of coauthors at the 2004 APS March Meeting.
A general method for hyperquenching protein crystals

During flash cooling of protein crystals in liquid cryogens, cooling rates are determined by sample size, choice of cooling liquid, and by the thickness of the cold gas layer that forms above the liquid. We describe an experimental protocol for ultra-rapid cooling of protein crystals. This protocol requires no complex apparatus, and yields ice-ring-free diffraction without the use of penetrating cryoprotectants.
A Mathematical Framework for Data Quality Management in Enterprise Systems

This paper addresses the issue of data quality management in information systems within an enterprise. Motivated by legislative mandates such as the Sarbanes--Oxley Act of 2002 on the reliability and integrity of the data and the enterprise systems from which the data are produced, we propose a process-based modeling framework to assess the impact of data errors in the business process information flow and the resulting data quality metrics. This framework is then integrated with a business control framework in which the placement and effectiveness of control procedures alter the propagation of errors and, ultimately, the quality of the data in the business process. This integrated framework enables mathematical formulations of managerial problems that lead to effective data quality control strategies. We develop a two-stage multiple-choice knapsack model as a special case, and we illustrate the model and analysis through a revenue realization process.
Atomic-Scale Characterization of II–VI Compound Semiconductors

Alloys of II–VI compound semiconductors with suitable band gap selection potentially provide broad coverage of wavelengths for photodetector applications. Achievement of high-quality epitaxial growth is, however, essential for successful development of integrated photonic and optoelectronic devices. Atomic-scale characterization of structural defects in II–VI heterostructures using electron microscopy plays an invaluable role in accomplishing this goal. This paper reviews some recent high-resolution studies of II–VI compound semiconductors with zincblende crystal structure, as grown epitaxially on commonly used substrates. Exploratory studies using aberration-corrected electron microscopes are also briefly considered.
Distributed XQuery-Based Integration and Visualization of Multimodality Brain Mapping Data.

This paper addresses the need for relatively small groups of collaborating investigators to integrate distributed and heterogeneous data about the brain. Although various national efforts facilitate large-scale data sharing, these approaches are generally too “heavyweight” for individual or small groups of investigators, with the result that most data sharing among collaborators continues to be ad hoc. Our approach to this problem is to create a “lightweight” distributed query architecture, in which data sources are accessible via web services that accept arbitrary query languages but return XML results. A Distributed XQuery Processor (DXQP) accepts distributed XQueries in which subqueries are shipped to the remote data sources to be executed, with the resulting XML integrated by DXQP. A web-based application called DXBrain accesses DXQP, allowing a user to create, save and execute distributed XQueries, and to view the results in various formats including a 3-D brain visualization. Example results are presented using distributed brain mapping data sources obtained in studies of language organization in the brain, but any other XML source could be included. The advantage of this approach is that it is very easy to add and query a new source, the tradeoff being that the user needs to understand XQuery and the schemata of the underlying sources. For small numbers of known sources this burden is not onerous for a knowledgeable user, leading to the conclusion that the system helps to fill the gap between ad hoc local methods and large scale but complex national data sharing efforts.
Mapping vocalization-related immediate early gene expression in echolocating bats

Recent studies of spontaneously vocalizing primates, cetaceans, bats and rodents suggest these animals possess a limited but meaningful capacity to manipulate the timing and acoustic structure of their vocalizations, yet the neural substrate for even the simplest forms of vocal modulation in mammals remains unknown. Echolocating bats rapidly and routinely manipulate the acoustic structure of their outgoing vocalizations to improve echolocation efficiency, reflecting cognitive rather than limbic control of the vocal motor pathways. In this study, we used immunohistochemical localization of immediate early gene (c-fos) expression to map neural activity in the brains of spontaneously echolocating stationary Mexican free-tailed bats. Our results support the current model of vocal control obtained largely through microstimulation studies, but also provide evidence for the contributions of two novel regions, the dorsolateral caudate nucleus and mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, which together suggest a striatothalamic feedback loop may be involved in the control of echolocation pulse production. Additionally, we found evidence of a motivation pathway, including the lateral habenula, substantia nigra pars compacta, and raphe nuclei. These data provide novel insights into where and how mammalian vocalizations may be regulated by sensory, contextual and motivational cues.
Effect of hypertonic saline on microvascular permeability in the activated endothelium.

Abstract Introduction. The effect of hypertonic saline (HTS) on microvascular permeability in microvessels with activated endothelial cells is unclear. We hypothesized that HTS and HTS with dextran would decrease hydraulic permeability after activation of the endothelium. Methods. Hydraulic permeability (Lp) was measured in rat mesenteric venules using the modified Landis micro-occlusion technique. The effects of 185 mM HTS and HTS plus 2% dextran (HSD) were tested in the activated endothelium by measuring Lp at baseline, after perfusion with ATP, and again after HTS (n = 6) or HSD (n = 6). ATP (10 γM) activated endothelial cells and increased Lp 4-fold. Additional venules were used to test the effects of 135 mM NaCl (n = 6) and 235 mM (n = 6) NaCl after endothelial activation with ATP. Results. After endothelial activation with ATP, Lp values were 6.05 ± 1.63. Subsequent perfusion with HTS decreased Lp to 2.05 ± 0.52 (P = 0.01). In the HSD trails, Lp values after ATP were 6.17 ± 1.38. Perfusion with HSD decreased Lp to 1.65 ± 0.30 (P = 0.001). After endothelial activation, 135 mM NaCl had no effect on Lp; however, 185 mM NaCl decreased Lp 3-fold and 235 mM NaCl decreased Lp 6-fold. Units for Lp are ×10−7 cm − s−1 · cmH2O−1. Conclusions. Both HTS and HSD decreased hydraulic permeability after endothelial activation. These findings suggest that HTS may decrease microvascular fluid loss during states of elevated microvascular leak. In addition to the ability of hypertonic solutions to withdraw intracellular water to increase plasma volume, these findings propose an endothelial barrier mechanism whereby HTS and HSD act to maintain intravascular volume.
Enabling locality-aware computations in OpenMP

Locality of computation is key to obtaining high performance on a broad variety of parallel architectures and applications. It is moreover an essential component of strategies for energy-efficient computing. OpenMP is a widely available industry standard for shared memory programming. With the pervasive deployment of multi-core computers and the steady growth in core count, a productive programming model such as OpenMP is increasingly expected to play an important role in adapting applications to this new hardware. However, OpenMP does not provide the programmer with explicit means to program for locality. Rather it presents the user with a “flat” memory model. In this paper, we discuss the need for explicit programmer control of locality within the context of OpenMP and present some ideas on how this might be accomplished. We describe potential extensions to OpenMP that would enable the user to manage a program's data layout and to align tasks and data in order to minimize the cost of data accesses. We give examples showing the intended use of the proposed features, describe our current implementation and present some experimental results. Our hope is that this work will lead to efforts that would help OpenMP to be a major player on emerging, multi- and many-core architectures.
Unraveling the regulatory connections between two controllers of breast cancer cell fate

Estrogen receptor alpha (ER) expression is critical for breast cancer classification, high ER expression being associated with better prognosis. ER levels strongly correlate with that of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), a major regulator of ER expression. However, the mechanistic details of ER–GATA3 regulation remain incompletely understood. Here we combine mathematical modeling with perturbation experiments to unravel the nature of regulatory connections in the ER–GATA3 network. Through cell population-average, single-cell and single-nucleus measurements, we show that the cross-regulation between ER and GATA3 amounts to overall negative feedback. Further, mathematical modeling reveals that GATA3 positively regulates its own expression and that ER autoregulation is most likely absent. Lastly, we show that the two cross-regulatory connections in the ER–GATA3 negative feedback network decrease the noise in ER or GATA3 expression. This may ensure robust cell fate maintenance in the face of intracellular and environmental fluctuations, contributing to tissue homeostasis in normal conditions, but also to the maintenance of pathogenic states during cancer progression.
Habitat use by radio-tagged Namib Desert golden moles (Eremitalpa granti namibensis)

The Namib Desert golden mole (Eremitalpa granti namibensis) is morphologically, physiologically and behaviourally specialized for living in the harsh loose-sand desert. Ecological studies have relied on visually tracking animals on the surface of sand dunes. A radio tag would allow individuals to be more reliably located, even while under the sand. We developed a radio attachment and gathered preliminary data on winter habitat use by six individuals during 21 days. We compare data from previous studies and suggest that the greater diurnal activity, smaller home ranges, and more restricted movement patterns that we found are related to the unusual thermal and metabolic biology of Eremitalpa.
P-T-D histories from quartz: A case study of the application of the TitaniQ thermobarometer to progressive fabric development in metapelites

[1] This study investigates the ability of quartz to record segments of the pressure-temperature-deformation (P-T-D) path in poly-deformed metamorphic terranes and the associated application of the Ti-in-quartz thermobarometer (TitaniQ). Metapelites from the Strafford Dome (eastern Vermont) were selected for this study because they record progressive fabric development during prograde metamorphism and have well constrained P-T-D histories from previous work. Results of this investigation are in agreement with previous studies and demonstrate that quartz in these samples records additional distinct intervals of the P-T-D path. Six preserved quartz equilibration events include: (1) early prograde growth during burial; (2) kyanite-in quartz-producing reactions; (3) prenappe emplacement equilibration during isobaric heating; (4) precipitation of quartz in quartz-feldspar domains during crenulation cleavage development due to solution transfer; (5) quartz-producing (chlorite-out) reactions during heating postnappe emplacement; and (6) retrograde quartz overgrowths from an influx of siliceous fluids. Modeling quartz volume allows for the identification of quartz-producing reactions in P-T space; the same may be done for Ti-phases to better constrain activities during reequilibration events. An integration of cathodoluminescence imaging, microstructural and petrographic investigation, isochemical forward stability modeling, and thermobarometry allows identification and interpretation of zoning patterns in quartz to unravel histories that would otherwise not be obtainable.
Tracking electric field exposure levels through radio frequency dosimetry

The radio-frequency (RF) dosimeter developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a portable, pocket-sized cumulative-dose recording device designed to detect and record the strengths and durations of electric fields present in the work areas of naval vessels. The device measures an integrated dose and records the electric fields that exceed the permissible levels set by the American National Standards Institute. The features of the RF dosimeter are described. Data obtained with the RF dosimeter will be used to determine the ambient field-strength profile for shipboard personnel over an extended time. Readings are acquired and averaged over a 6-min period corresponding to the rise time of the core body temperature. These values are stored for up to six months. The proposed specifications for the RF dosimeter included a sensitivity range of 1 to 1000 mW/cm/sup 2/, an audible alarm for fields >8 mW/cm,/sup 2/, integration of dosage for later readout, autoranging capability, and a possible self-powering capability. The design process, starting with the sensor, is detailed, and the tests completed on the final product are described. >
Dietary (n‐3) and (n‐6) polyunsaturates and acetylsalicylic acid alter ex vivo PGE2 biosynthesis, tissue IGF‐I levels, and bone morphometry in chicks

This study examined the effects of dietary (n-6) and (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on bone ash content, morphometry, fatty acid composition, ex vivo PGE 2 biosynthesis, tissue IGF-I concentration, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity in chicks. Newly hatched chicks were fed a semipurified diet containing soybean oil (S) or menhaden oil + safflower oil (M) at 90 g/kg. At 4 days of age, chicks were divided into four equal treatment groups receiving 0 mg ( ?) or 500 mg ( ?) of ASA/kg of diet : S ?ASA, M ?ASA, S ?ASA, and M ?ASA. Lipid and ASA treatments did not affect bone length, bone ash, or bone mineral content in chicks. Chicks fed M had increased fractional labeled trabecular surface and tissue level bone formation rates, independent of ASA treatment, compared with those given S. A significant fat x ASA interaction effect was found for trabecular bone volume, thickness, separation, and number. Chicks fed S had higher 20 :4(n-6) but lower 20 :5(n-3) concentrations in liver and bone compared with those given M. Ex vivo PGE 2 biosynthesis was higher in liver homogenates and bone organ cultures of chicks fed S compared with the values for those given M at 17 days. ASA treatment decreased ex vivo PGE 2 production in liver homogenates and bone organ cultures of chicks, independent of the dietary lipids. Chicks fed ASA had a lower concentration of IGF-I in tibiotarsal bone compared with those not given ASA at 19 days. Serum ALPase activity was higher in chicks given M compared with those fed S, but the values were reversed with ASA feeding. This study demonstrated that both dietary fat and ASA modulated bone PGE 2 biosynthesis, and that (n-3) PUFA and fat x ASA interactions altered bone morphometry.
Sex Differences in Daydreaming and Related Mental Activity from the Late Teens to the Early Nineties

Using the Imaginal Processes Inventory, aspects of daydreaming and associated mental activity were examined for sex differences in 1200 well educated middle and upper-middle class whites aged seventeen to ninety-two years. Females reported higher levels of daydreaming and nightdreaming frequency and emotional reactions to daydreaming as well as more daydreams of a problem solving nature. Females also reported lower levels of daydreams of a sexual, bizarre-improbable, heroic and achievement-oriented nature. Most sex differences persisted over the life span with the difference for sexual daydreams increasing with increasing age level. Except for problem-solving daydreams, all daydreaming contents investigated decreased with increases in age. Across the lifespan problem-solving daydreams were the most likely for both sexes except for seventeen to twenty-nine year old males where such daydreams were second most likely; from age seventeen to twenty-nine sexual daydreams were most likely for males. After age fo...
Multicarrier spread spectrum system with constant envelope: antijamming, jamming estimation, multiuser access

A special complex sequence called a complex quadratic sequence is proposed as the frequency-spreading sequence for the multicarrier spread-spectrum (MC-SS) modulation scheme. The resulting MC-SS signal has constant envelope in both time and frequency domains. This feature provides flexibility for the MC-SS system to mitigate the effects of both partial-band and pulse jamming. For partial-band jamming, the MC-SS system with frequency domain detection and combining can outperform direct sequence spread spectrum. For pulse jamming, the MC-SS system with time-domain detection and combining can outperform other MC-SS systems. The proposed MC-SS signal has a constant envelope, thus, reducing linearity requirements on the power amplifier. A simple jammer state estimation scheme for both partial-band and pulse-jamming channels is also proposed. Furthermore, multiaccess with the MC-SS system is possible by assigning users different cyclic-shifts of the complex quadratic sequence.
Dibutyryl cyclic AMP modulation of gap junctions in SW-13 human adrenal cortical tumor cells

Cultured human adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma cells (SW-13) form a confluent monolayer of epithelial-like cells when seeded into culture flasks. Following a 24-48 hr non-mitotic period, cells begin to divide and become confluent within a week after seeding at 5 X 10(4) cells/cm2. The SW-13 cells were exposed to dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DbcAMP), cyclic AMP (cAMP), sodium butyrate, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). The rate of SW-13 cell proliferation was measured with a DNA microfluorometric assay, as well as by procedures measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. In addition, following administration of ACTH and DbcAMP, the fractional area of membrane covered by gap junctions was quantitated with freeze-fracture electron microscopic techniques. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP at a concentration of 1 X 10(-3) M decreased the growth rate of the cell population. There was a corresponding increase in the fractional area of gap junctions found on the cell membrane in 96-hr DbcAMP-treated cultures. ACTH (40 mU/ml) exposure failed to produce an increase in the fractional area of gap junctions or to alter the rate of cell proliferation. From these data it can be suggested that elevations in cAMP levels within the cell can be related to both the proliferation of gap junctions and the decrease in cell proliferation in the SW-13 tumor cell.
Effects of trendelenburg position and positive intrathoracic pressure on internal jugular vein cross-sectional area in anesthetized children.

Abstract Study Objective: To compare the cross-sectional area (in cm 2 ) of the left internal jugular vein (LIJV) and right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in anesthetized children, and measure the response to the Trendelenburg tilt position (TBRG) and a positive inspiratory pressure hold. Design: Prospective, nonrandomized study. Setting: University medical center. Patients: 45 ASA physical status I and II children, ages 6 months to 8 years, undergoing general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Interventions: The cross-sectional area of both internal jugular veins was measured with a 5-MHz, two-dimensional surface transducer, at the level of the cricoid cartilage. Three measurements were obtained: 1) with the patient supine, 2) during a 10-second breath-hold with a positive inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 20 cm H 2 O, and 3) with the patient at 20 degrees TBRG. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls test, with a p Measurements and Main Results: In supine patients, the cross-sectional area of the RIJV was larger than the LIJV in 31 patients (69%), and equal or smaller in 14 patients (31%) (0.80 ± 0.38 vs . 0.59 ± 0.22; p = 0.002). A PIP hold, but not TBRG, significantly dilated the RIJV (0.8 ± 0.38 at baseline vs . 0.93 ± 0.42 with TBRG; p = not significant vs . 1.1 ± 0.46 with PIP; p Conclusions: The cross-sectional area of the RIJV is often greater than the LIJV; the TBRG was not effective to increase the cross-sectional area of the internal jugular veins, and only a PIP hold increased significantly the cross-sectional area of the RIJV. In this study, the LIJV appeared of smaller size and less compliant compared with the RIJV.
350 μm observations of local luminous infrared galaxies and the temperature dependence of the emissivity index

We report 350 μm observations of 18 nearby luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) using the Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera II (SHARC-II) mounted on the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) 10.4 m telescope. Combining our 350 μm flux measurements with the existing far-infrared (FIR) and submillimeter data, we fit a single-temperature model to the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and find the dust temperatures, emissivity indices, and FIR luminosities having sample medians of T_d = 39.4 ± 7.9 K, β = 1.6 ± 0.3, and LFIR = 10^(11.2±0.6) L⊙. An empirical inverse T_d-β correlation, best described by T_d = (9.86 × 10^9)^(1/(4.63 + β)), is established for the local LIRG sample, which we argue can be explained by the intrinsic interdependence between the dust temperature and grain emissivity index as physical parameters, as well as variations in grain properties in the interstellar medium (ISM).
Grain Markets in Europe, 1500–1900: Integration and Deregulation . By Karl Gunnar Persson. Cambridge: Cambridge University press, 1999. Pp. xx, 173. $59.95

Karl Gunnar Persson engages a daunting scope of history in this book: four centuries of grain-market evolution covering all of Europe is a broad sweep indeed for some 154 pages of text. The task is facilitated by his view that the particular countries' experiences were sufficiently similar as to be seen as parallel examples of one more-or-less uniform story. Thus the book does not attempt to analyze and contrast distinct political or regional developments; the focus is on what Persson sees as the â€œuniformity of the European experienceâ€ (p. xv).
Cholic acid derivatives: novel antimicrobials

Mimics of squalamine and polymyxin B (PMB) have been prepared from cholic acid in hope of finding new antimicrobial agents. The squalamine mimics include the polyamine and sulphate functionalities found in the parent antibiotic, however, the positions relative to the steroid nucleus have been exchanged. The PMB mimics include the conservation of functionality among the polymyxin family of antibiotics, the primary amine groups and a hydrophobic chain. Although the squalamine and PMB mimics are morphologically dissimilar, they display similar activities. Both are simple to prepare and demonstrate broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Specific examples may be inactive alone, yet effectively permeabilise the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria rendering them sensitive to hydrophobic antibiotics. Problems associated with some of the squalamine and PMB mimics stem from their haemolytic activity and interactions with serum proteins, however, examples exist without these side effects which can sensitise Gram-negative bacteria to hydrophobic antibiotics.
The record of volcanism in the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation: Implications for the Late Jurassic of western North America

The Late Jurassic (157–150 Ma) Morrison Formation of the Western Interior of the United States contains abundant altered volcanic ash. On the Colorado Plateau, this formation accumulated behind and downwind of a subduction-related volcanic arc along the western margin of North America. The ash in these distal fallout tuffs probably drifted eastward from coignimbrite ash clouds related to collapse calderas. Altered volcanic ash is particularly abundant in the Brushy Basin Member of the upper part of the Morrison Formation. In one 110-m-thick section in eastern Utah, 35 separate beds were deposited in a 2.2 m.y. period. Alteration occurred when glassy volcanic ash fell into fl uvial and lacustrine environments, where it was diagenetically altered to various mineral assemblages but most commonly to smectitic clay. Periodically, ash fell into saline, alkaline lakes, and diagenetic alteration of the glassy ash produced a crudely zoned deposit on the Colorado Plateau. Altered volcanic ash beds in the outermost part of the lacustrine deposits are argillic (with smectitic clay), whereas zeolitic (clinoptilolite, analcime) and feldspathic (K-feldspar and albite) alteration dominates the interior zones. Feldspathic ash layers contain secondary silica, and consequently immobile element (e.g., Al, Ti, and high fi eld strength elements)
Leveraging lock contention to improve OLTP application performance

Locking is one of the predominant costs in transaction processing. While much work has focused on designing efficient concurrency control mechanisms, not much has been done on understanding how transaction applications issue queries and leveraging application semantics to improve application performance. This paper presents Quro, a query-aware compiler that automatically reorders queries in transaction code to improve performance. Observing that certain queries within a transaction are more contentious than others as they require locking the same tuples as other concurrently executing transactions, Quro automatically changes the application such that contentious queries are issued as late as possible. We have evaluated Quro on various transaction benchmarks, and our results show that Quro-generated implementations can increase transaction throughput by up to 6.53x, while reduce transaction latency by up to 85%.
Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate: regulation of cellular events in space and time

Phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol lipids are crucial for most eukaryotes and have diverse cellular functions. The low-abundance signalling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate [PI(3,5)P2] is critical for cellular homoeostasis and adaptation to stimuli. A large complex of proteins that includes the lipid kinase Fab1-PIKfyve, dynamically regulates the levels of PI(3,5)P2. Deficiencies in PI(3,5)P2 are linked to some human diseases, especially those of the nervous system. Future studies will probably determine new, undiscovered regulatory roles of PI(3,5)P2, as well as uncover mechanistic insights into how PI(3,5)P2 contributes to normal human physiology.
AMINO ACID METABOLISM DURING FETAL DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT Fetal and placental amino acid metabolism has been studied using multiple tracer methodology. Comparisons between species have been difficult because of technical differences that make such comparisons inappropriate. However, comparisons of the metabolism of different amino acids within the same species, the fetal lamb, are now possible because of the abundance of studies carried out in this species. The role of placental metabolism in contributing to the determination of the supply of amino acids to the fetus has been better defined. Some amino acids such as glutamate are catabolized significantly within the placenta, others are transported with little placental catabolism. The organ specificity noted in adult metabolism for specific amino acids is now well established in fetal life as well. Fetal hepatic metabolism is characterized by a large uptake of most amino acids and by a net release of glutamate and serine. Amino acid uptake by the hindlimb differs significantly from postnatal life not o...
Virus-Inactivating Capacity of Nasal Secretions in the Acute and Convalescent Stages of Influenza.∗

SummaryIn 9 of 10 human individuals, natural infection with virus of influenza, Type A, was followed by the development of, or a sharp increase in, the capacity of their nasal secretions to inactivate the virus. Although not numerically parallel, increases in neutralizing antibodies of the blood were also observed. These results add further support to the earlier conclusion that virus-inactivating substance in nasal secretions possesses the characteristics of antibody.
A method for recording ice ablation using a low-cost ultrasonic rangefinder

We have adapted inexpensive ultrasonic rangefinders to measure ablation rates on the surface of a glacier. While ultrasonic rangers are commercially available for this purpose, our goal was to utilize rangefinders typically used in hobby robotics without significantly compromising performance. To correct for environmental factors that affect the speed of sound we use two ultrasonic rangefinders, one focused on a fixed target. Measurements of ablation correlate well with manual measurements with an uncertainty of about ±3 cm, suggesting an accuracy comparable with other non-manual methods of recording ablation. The limitations of our rangefinder include those inherent in commercially available units as well as having less acoustical power, which results in a reduced effective range of the sensor (~2 m) and difficulties in detecting surfaces lying below low-density snow. Our sensor design provides a cost-effective means of increasing the spatial coverage of ice ablation measurements.
Minimal Macroscopic Residual Disease (0.1-1 cm). Is It Still a Surgical Goal in Advanced Ovarian Cancer?

Objective The objective of this review was to try to determine by searching in the literature what is the survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after a primary debulking with minimal macroscopic residual disease (MMRD; 0.1–10 mm). Additionally, this review aimed to explore the survival in patients with residual disease from 0.1 to 0.5 cm. Methods A retrospective search was accomplished in the PubMed database looking for all English-language articles published between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014, under the following search strategy: “ovarian cancer and cytoreduction” or “ovarian cancer and phase III trial”. We selected those articles that contain information on both percentage of MMRD (0.1–1 cm) and median overall survival (OS) in this subset of patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery. Results Thirteen publications were obtained including information of a total 11,999 patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer. Five thousand thirty-seven patients (42%) had MMRD after the primary debulking (0.1–1 cm). Median overall survival in patients with MMRD was 40 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was 16 months. This group of patients obtained an advantage of 10 months in OS (40 vs 30 m) and 4 months in DFS (16 vs 12 m) compared with the group with suboptimal debulking (P Conclusions Patients with ovarian cancer with MMRD after primary surgery obtain a modest but significant advantage in survival (10 months) over suboptimal patients. Patients with macroscopic residual disease (0.1–0.5 cm) obtain a better survival (53 months) than those with more than 0.5 to 1 cm. We propose that they should be classified as a different prognostic group.
Planting Performance and High-yielding Cultivation Techniques for Hybrid Rice Combination Quanyou 527 in Jiangxi Province

Quanyou 527,a new indica three-line hybrid rice combination,was developed from the cross between Quanfeng A and Shuhui 527.According to the data from late rice regional trials of Jiangxi province in 2008-2009,Quanyou 527 exhibited growth duration of 120.1d,average yield of 492.41kg/667m2,the Second class standard of high quality edible rice issued by China,resistance to blast,and was released by Jiangxi province in 2010.We introduced its planting performance and key cultivation techniques in Jiangxi.