cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Customized Text Can Be Beneficial to Students Who Read Online Materials Under Constrained Visual Conditions

The use of digital materials, such as eBooks and other online content, has become increasingly popular among diverse groups of users due to their portability, ease of access, and cost effectiveness. However, individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities, who access the materials under constrained conditions (e.g., dim lighting), have different user needs. The ability to customize text is a potential solution for allowing users with different needs to optimize their online reading environments. The present study examined whether the ability to customize text would improve reading performance and reduce visual fatigue associated with online reading in two experiments. In addition, subjective ratings were obtained to evaluate the perceived usability of a system that allowed for customized text. Experiment 1 provided participants with limited experience with reading text on big or small screens under customizable and non-customizable conditions, and in either normal or dim lighting. In this experiment, we did not find any performance differences, but participants indicated that the use of customized text reduced their visual fatigue and showed a slight preference for using customized over non-customized text. In Experiment 2, participants performed the reading tasks over a longer period of time in a dimly lit room using either a big or small screen. Participants were more accurate in answering reading comprehension questions in the customized text condition. They also indicated agreement with statements about the use of customized text to reduce visual fatigue, and they wanted the option to customize text. Thus, overall, this study showed that the use of customized text could help users read and comprehend information better, as well as mitigate the effects of visual fatigue under constrained viewing conditions.
A brother’s memoir

AbstractOn the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the author takes stock on what the Act has accomplished thus far and what still needs attention, as he reflects on Andrew I. ...
Definitions matter: A taxonomy of inappropriate prescribing to shape effective opioid policy and reduce patient harm

To date, no existing law or policy defines inappropriate prescribing, with only one state acknowledging the need for such a definition. At the federal level, a single provision of the SUPPORT Act of 2018 directs the Secretary of HHS to define inappropriate prescribing in a narrow context. Despite the expanding number of opioid prescribing laws, policies, and guidance documents, words like overprescribing, misprescribing, and over-utilization are used in myriad contexts with implicitly different meanings. This paper argues that defining inappropriate prescribing is a necessary antecedent sanctioning it. It may also improve policy by correcting for bias and other decisional errors. Using legal and multidisciplinary research, a taxonomy of misprescribing is offered with the categories of inadvertent overprescribing, corrupt prescribing, qualitative overprescribing, quantitative overprescribing, multi-class misprescribing, and underprescribing. The later three categories are less commonly considered in policy decisions, despite long standing evidence of associated morbidity and mortality. Particular attention is devoted the underprescribing category, which includes the predictable response by some providers to discharge patients without referrals, blanket refusals to consider opioid therapy, and abrupt or too rapid discontinuation of opioid therapy after years of use. These decisions are increasingly associated with significant harms, including patient suicides and poisoning deaths after patients turn to illicit sources of opioids — harms that are usually ignored in policy and law. The modest goal of this paper to offer an initial framework to guide development and evaluation of prescribing policies in alignment with existing evidence of harm.
Resistance in maize to Euxesta stigmatias Loew (Diptera: Otitidae).

The corn silk fly, Euxesta stigmatias Loew (Diptera: Otitidae), and related otitid species can cause severe crop losses to sweet corn, Zea mays L., grown in tropical and subtropical regions. In Florida, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and E. stigmatias are two debilitating insect pests on the sweet corn ear that are considered the most costly and difficult to control. Our purpose was to search for resistance to the corn silk fly in a diverse set of maize germplasm that included sweet, floury, field and popcorn, and to determine if any empirical relationship existed between E. stigmatias damage and S. frugiperda infestation in corn ears. The overall means across two sites, 3 yrs and 16 genotypes was 1.77 for corn silk fly damage, rated on a 0 to 4 prototype scale, and 30.1% for fall armyworm infestation. Clear differences existed between the sweet and popcorn types when compared to the field and floury types. The field and floury corns sustained significantly l...
Coupling-assisted Dual ITO Layer Electro-Optic Modulator

Here we demonstrate a coupling-assisted electro-optic modulator by heterogeneously integrating a dual-gated indium-tin-oxide layer placed at the bus-island coupler region. Our experimental modulator shows a 2.1 dB extinction ratio for just 4 µm short device.
Effects of Response Cards on Fourth-Grade Students’ Participation and Disruptive Behavior During Language Arts Lessons in an Inclusive Elementary Classroom

Many teachers state that disruptive behavior in their classroom is one of their main challenges, and it often results in a loss of instructional time. Teachers also have difficulty in providing opportunities for their students to be actively engaged in their own learning. This study used an ABAB reversal design to investigate the effects of preprinted response cards on students’ participation and disruptive behavior in a fourth-grade inclusive elementary classroom during language arts instruction. The findings of this study showed that the use of preprinted response cards resulted in increased participation for all five target students. Limitations of the study, areas for future research to investigate, and implications for practice are discussed.
Making Women into Protagonists: Midwives Reimagine the Mexican Childbirth Narrative.

I examine midwives' interpretation of - and efforts to reimagine - the contemporary Mexican birth narrative. Throughout my research, midwives argued that, for birth outcomes to improve, women need to become "the protagonists of their own births". I analyze midwives' creative representations of how birth is and could be, and argue that the counter narrative they promote reveals the conditions within which they believe women can become empowered. By centering women's choice as the measure of success, this counter narrative stands in contrast to development initiatives and contemporary biomedical approaches to care. It also emphasizes the continued need for midwifery in Mexico. Examino los esfuerzos de parteras mexicanas para reinventar la narrativa mexicana sobre el nacimiento. Las parteras dijeron que, para que los resultados del parto mejoren, las mujeres deben convertirse en "las protagonistas de sus propios partos". Analizo las representaciones creativas de las parteras acerca del nacimiento, y sostengo que la contra-narrativa que promueven revela las condiciones dentro de las cuales creen que las mujeres pueden empoderarse. Al centrar el poder de las mujeres como la medida del exito, esta contra-narrativa contrasta con las iniciativas de desarrollo y los enfoques biomedicos contemporaneos. Tambien enfatiza la necesidad continuada de parteria en Mexico.
Power in numbers: the developing world and the construction of global commons institutions

This paper examines the influence of developing countries during the construction of international institutions that govern the global commons. It argues that developing states are empowered by the...
A Multi-Standard 15-57 GHz 4-Channel Receive Beamformer with 4.8 dB Midband NF for 5G Applications

This paper presents a 4-channel 15-57 GHz receive phased-array front-end designed in a SiGe BiCMOS SBC18S5 process. A wideband architecture employing 3-stage resistive-feedback low-noise amplifier (LNA) followed by an active phase shiftier results in an ultra wideband operation with high gain and low noise figure. Each channel has a 5-bit phase control and 18 dB gain control. The outputs of the four channels are combined using a wideband two-stage Wilkinson network. The measured chip electronic gain is 27.2 dB with a 4.8 dB noise figure (NF) and a -28 dBm input P 1dB at the midband frequency of 35 GHz. To author's knowledge, this work achieves the widest bandwidth covering multiple 5G bands and enables the construction of multi-standard wideband phased arrays.
Quantifying control circuit regulation in the human brain

As a field, control systems engineering has developed quantitative methods to characterize the regulation of systems or processes, whose functioning is ubiquitous within synthetic systems. In this context, a control circuit is objectively ''well regulated'' when discrepancy between desired and achieved output trajectories is minimized, and ''robust'' to the degree that it is able to regulate well in response to a wide range of stimuli. Most psychiatric disorders are assumed to reflect dysregulation of brain circuits. Yet, probing circuit regulation requires fundamentally different analytic strategies than the correlations relied upon for analyses of connectivity and their resultant networks. Here, we demonstrate how well-established methods for system identification in control systems engineering may be applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to extract generative computational models of human brain circuits. These provide two quantitative measures of direct relevance for psychiatric disorders: a circuit's sensitivity to external perturbation and its dysregulation.
p66Shc-mediated hydrogen peroxide production impairs nephrogenesis causing reduction of number of glomeruli.

Abstract Aims Adaptor protein p66Shc, encoded by Shc1 gene, contributes to the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related diseases. p66Shc ability to promote oxidative stress-related diseases requires phosphorylation of serine 36 residue (Ser36) and depends on translocation of p66Shc to the mitochondria. We tested the hypothesis that abnormal p66Shc-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production could be critically involved in nephrons development during nephrogenesis. Main methods We have generated unique mutant rats (termed p66Shc-Del), which express endogenous p66Shc with a 9-amino acid deletion, and lack regulatory Ser36. H2O2 renal production was measured by enzymatic microelectrode biosensors. Nephron numbers in 3–5 weeks old p66Shc-Del rats were quantified using the acid maceration method. Key findings p66Shc-Del rats, as wild type salt sensitive rats, display increased mean arterial blood pressure following chronic exposure to a high salt diet. In contrast to wild type rats, p66Shc-Del rats display increased H2O2 renal production and are characterized by a reduction in renal function. The number of glomeruli is significantly reduced in adult p66Shc-Del rats. Significance Since low nephron number is an established risk factor for kidney disease and hypertension in humans and rodents, our data suggest that H2O2 renal production, caused by irregular signaling of p66Shc, could be critical in regulating nephrogenesis and that abnormal p66Shc signaling negatively impacts kidney development and renal function by increasing susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy and hypertension-induced nephropathy.
Applying a Three-dimensional Habitat Volume Model to Estimate Sensitivity of Chesapeake Bay Living Resources to Environmental Change: a Proof-of-Concept Exercise

Environmental conditions in estuarine systems are undergoing significant changes resulting from climate change and anthropogenic inputs. Yet, information on how changing conditions structure three-dimensional habitats of living resources is not available for many important species, nor is it known how differences in physiological tolerances between species may influence this habitat volume. Hence, the objective of this study was to apply the habitat volume (HabVol) model in a proof-of-concept exercise to (1) quantify interannual changes in the volume of potential habitat for 12 species of estuarine fish and shellfish, (2) discern which parameters—temperature, salinity, or dissolved oxygen—had the most influence on potential habitat, and (3) identify which species’ habitat was most sensitive to environmental variability. Ten years of predictions from a 3D hydrodynamic and dissolved oxygen model of Chesapeake Bay was used with HabVol to estimate daily habitat volumes. Required (constrained by mortality) and optimal (related to growth) habitats were calculated for multiple life stages. The combination of physiological limitations and environmental variability had a wide range of effects that depended on a species’ physiological tolerances. While salinity and dissolved oxygen were the primary constraints on required habitat volumes, salinity and temperature had the strongest constraint on optimal habitat volumes. Predictive relationships between physiological tolerances and changes in habitat volumes were identified and could be used to estimate habitat limitation in estuaries where 3D models are unavailable. Results indicate that this habitat volume modeling approach could be used to quantify essential fish habitat and project the influence of climate change and nutrient loading on living resources.
Gastric Lymphoma

The approach to the management of gastric lymphoma must begin with a precise pathologic diagnosis based on histologic examination and immunophenotyping, at a minimum. This should be followed by detailed staging procedures that include endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Most primary gastric lymphomas are low-grade Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) or large-cell (high-grade) types. The treatments for these differ. For low-grade MALT lymphomas confined to the stomach, an attempt at eradication of Helicobater pylori is the first choice. If the patient does not have H. pylori, if eradication is unsuccessful, or if the disease stage is II1E, radiation therapy is the next approach. Chemotherapy is the best option for disease that is stage II2E or higher and for disease that does not respond to antibiotics and radiation. Surgery should be reserved for patients with localized disease who do not respond to these other therapies. In patients with clinical stage IE large-cell lymphomas, there are valid arguments for and against the use of both surgery and stomach-sparing therapy. Surgery alone (if disease is pathologic stage IE) or surgery followed by chemotherapy (for disease that is pathologic stage II or higher) has more data defining expected outcomes. Recently published experience indicates that chemotherapy plus radiation therapy may be an acceptable alternative to surgery. The entire clinical picture and the patient’s preferences must play a role in this difficult management decision. Chemotherapy is the clear first option in patients with disease that is stage II or higher. Local radiation therapy should be added in selected cases with residual local disease or bulky tumor.
What kind of information does the era of climate change require

This article explores the promise of institutions and infrastructures associated with democracy to limit the worst consequences of climate change. The article highlights the apparent conflict between expert governance on the one hand, and, on the other hand, calls for democratization that reflect the diverse perspectives of groups whose rights and labor have been exploited over historical timescales. Drawing on the history of bureaucracy and governance, this article argues that the apparent contradiction between the two poles of discourse can be reconciled by a system of information infrastructure designed to create a robust, accountable system of environmental data monitoring that also accounts for the work of inclusive community groups as stewards of landscapes. The article concludes by recommending a 6-point “Outline of an Information Infrastructure for Responsive, Accountable Governance of the Environment,” which includes the following recommendations: (1) broadcast efforts to enlist communities—especially vulnerable communities on the front lines—in efforts to document environmental degradation and the effects of climate change; (2) equitable and sustainable solicitation of the voices of populations underrepresented in traditional science; (3) centralized preservation of the data in an archive where it can be found, retrieved, revisited, and implemented for action; (4) analysis of the data by both community participants and laboratory scientists; (5) the creation of accountability through the establishment of centralized, powerful organs of governance capable of holding polluters to account on the basis of data collected by both citizens and scientists; and (6) transparent mechanisms for negotiation.
High Power from Fixed-field Rings in the Accelerator-driven Sub-critical Reactor Application

Abstract The interest of high-power, fixed-field ring methods in accelerator-driven sub-critical reactor proton driver applications is discussed.
Histologic changes in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, fed diets containing graded levels of gossypol–acetic acid

A study was performed to evaluate the histologic changes among fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, fed purified diets containing gossypol from gossypol–acetic acid. The catfish were maintained on diets with 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 or 1500 mg gossypol kg−1 diet for 12 weeks, and histologic samples from the stomach, proximal and distal intestines, pancreas, liver, and spleen were obtained from fish in all groups. Stomach sections exhibited significant gastric gland necrosis in fish fed 600 mg gossypol kg−1 diet or higher. Non-existent-to-mild enterocyte vacuolization loss, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hyperplastic lamina propria were noted in the intestinal sections from gossypol-fed fish, but no significant differences in severity scores were noted. The pancreas from fish fed doses of gossypol above 600 mg gossypol kg−1 diet exhibited significant mild-to-severe necrosis, and livers from fish fed 900 and 1500 mg gossypol kg−1 diet exhibited significantly higher pigment deposition. No other significant histologic differences were observed in the fish fed diets containing gossypol–acetic acid. The data in this study indicates that at least 600–900 mg gossypol kg−1 purified diet can cause statistically significant histologic changes in fingerling channel catfish, suggesting that gossypol should remain at concentrations below 600 mg gossypol kg−1 diet.
Correlation Technique for Ambient Effects on Oxides of Nitrogen

Aircraft gas turbine engine testing requires large air flow rates and this is accomplished with ambient air. Daily changes in atmospheric air temperature, pressure, and humidity lead to variations in NOXEI (g NOx/kg fuel). A new scheme is proposed to correlate engine data and minimize this scatter due to changes in ambient conditions. The scheme is derivable from first principles; example calculations are shown for several Pratt and Whitney JT9D engines. The correlation technique is explained in detail, and the resulting scaling relation is discussed.
Gene sequence and analysis of hsp30, a small heat shock protein of Neurospora crassa which associates with mitochondria

hsp30 is a small heat shock protein of Neurospora crassa which earlier studies suggested may associate with mitochondria during cellular heat shock. We show here that the association of hsp30 with mitochondria is reversible and that hsp30 dissociates after cells are returned to normal temperature. We sequenced the gene for hsp30 and defined its transcript by S1 nuclease analysis and cDNA sequencing. The gene apparently is present in the genome as a single copy, and it contains no introns. The encoded 25.3-kDa peptide is related to other small heat shock proteins, especially those from green plants. According to its deduced sequence, hsp30 can form two strongly amphiphilic alpha-helices, including one at its amino terminus. In binding assays, in vitro synthesized hsp30 bound strongly to mitochondria isolated from heat-shocked cells but not to mitochondria prepared from cells incubated at normal temperature. A mutant hsp30 peptide, deleted in the amino-terminal amphiphilic helix, bound more avidly than the full-length hsp30 to mitochondria isolated from heat-shocked cells and exhibited less stringent requirements for binding. The mutant peptide also showed strong affinity for mitochondria isolated from unstressed cells.
Variations in broadband seismic noise at IRIS/IDA stations in the USSR with implications for event detection

Abstract Ambient noise conditions at four IRIS/IDA sites in the USSR are characterized from 0.01 to 100 Hz as part of a study to ascertain the utility of broadband three-component seismic stations in monitoring regional Eurasian seismicity. Estimates of the power spectral density of noise levels were computed for a 5-day period in two seasons (winter and summer), at two times of the day. Of these periods, lower noise conditions were found at night in the summer. In general, at 1 Hz and above, noise levels and their variations correlate predictably with the soundness of vault construction and the proximity of the station to civilization. Absolute noise levels at the IRIS/IDA/USSR sites range from a high of about −120 dB to a low of −155 dB relative to (1 m/s 2 ) 2 /Hz, between 1 and 5 Hz. A time-of-day variation in noise was observed at all sites, with noise levels during the work day ranging from 7 to 14 dB higher than night levels, depending on the site. This effect was observed only for frequencies above about 1 Hz. Observed seasonal variations (winter versus summer) are highly station dependent, although the seasonal effect is restricted to frequencies below 1 Hz and is in general centered on the microseism peak (0.1 to 0.2 Hz). Below 0.1 Hz, noise levels are influenced by the thermal and barometric isolation of the site. Low-frequency levels were not studied below 0.01 Hz. Minimum detectable magnitudes are estimated for the IRIS/IDA stations using the observed noise levels over 1 Hz. In general, a magnitude 3 event should be detectable at 1,000 km by all stations under night noise conditions if the dominant signal frequency is 1 Hz; the magnitude estimates increase with increasing frequency. These detectability estimates assume a conservative signal-to-noise ratio of 6. High-frequency data recorded by independent equipment co-located with the IRIS/IDA system during a 2-week experiment allow estimation of noise levels at the sites up to 100 Hz. Borehole versus surface noise levels recorded during the high-frequency experiment showed significant noise reduction (20 dB) can be achieved by borehole deployment at sites with exposed surface vaults. With well-isolated surface vaults, borehole noise reduction is about a factor of 2. Absolute noise levels between 1 to 10 Hz observed at IRIS/IDA/USSR sites are systematically higher than average NORESS noise by about 7 dB to 25 dB, depending on the station.
A low-overhead recovery technique using quasi-synchronous checkpointing

In this paper, we propose a quasi-synchronous checkpointing algorithm and a low-overhead recovery algorithm based on it. The checkpointing algorithm preserves process autonomy by allowing them to take checkpoints asynchronously and uses communication-induced checkpoint coordination for the progression of the recovery line which helps bound rollback propagation during a recovery. Thus, it has the easiness and low overhead of asynchronous checkpointing and the recovery time advantages of synchronous checkpointing. There is no extra message overhead involved during checkpointing and the additional checkpointing overhead is nominal. The algorithm ensures the existence of a recovery line consistent with the latest checkpoint of any process all the time. The recovery algorithm exploits this feature to restore the system to a state consistent with the latest checkpoint of a failed process. The recovery algorithm has no domino effect and a failed process needs only to rollback to its latest checkpoint and request the other processes to roll back to a consistent checkpoint. To avoid domino effect, it uses selective pessimistic message logging at the receiver end. The recovery is asynchronous for single process failure. Neither the recovery algorithm nor the checkpointing algorithm requires the channels to be FIFO. We do not use vector timestamps for determining dependency between checkpoints since vector timestamps generally result in high message overhead during failure-free operation.
Androgen in free-living arctic ground squirrels: seasonal changes and influence of staged male-male aggressive encounters

We tested the responsiveness of plasma androgen in free-living male arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) to challenges from conspecific males by staging aggressive encounters between males and then comparing androgen concentrations in manipulated and unmanipulated animals. The effect of staged encounters on androgen depended on time of year. In spring, androgen levels significantly increased after staged encounters, except during the peak of mating activity when levels were maximal in all reproductive males. In late summer, staged encounters had no significant effect on androgen levels. In spring but not summer, androgen was positively correlated to the relative intensity of encounters. These results suggest that circulating levels of androgen in male arctic ground squirrels result from a combination of seasonal and social factors. Responsiveness of androgen to encounters during spring but not late summer support the challenge hypothesis for this polygynous mammal.
Insect Antifeedants from Croton jatrophoides: Structures of Zumketol, Zumsenin, and Zumsenol†

Three new A-seco limonoids, zumketol (1), zumsenin (2), and zumsenol (3), were isolated from a methanol extract of Croton jatrophoides by bioassay-guided fractionation, and their structures were determined by NMR analysis. The α-ketol 1 may be biosynthesized via the intramolecular acyloin condensation of a dicarboxylate intermediate.
THE SHORT‐TERM EFFECTS OF EXECUTIONS ON HOMICIDES: DETERRENCE, DISPLACEMENT, OR BOTH?*

Does the death penalty save lives? In recent years, a new round of research has been using annual time-series panel data from the 50 U.S. states for 25 or so years from the 1970s to the late 1990s that claims to find many lives saved through reductions in subsequent homicide rates after executions. This research, in turn, has produced a round of critiques, which concludes that these findings are not robust enough to model even small changes in specifications that yield dramatically dif ferent results. A principal reason for this sensitivity of the findings is that few state-years exist (about 1 percent of all state-years) in which six or more executions have occurred. To provide a different perspective, we focus on Texas, a state that has used the death penalty with sufficient frequency to make possible relatively stable estimates of the homicide response to executions. In addition, we narrow the observation intervals for recording executions and homicides from the annual calendar year to monthly intervals. Based on time-series analyses and independent-validation tests, our best-fitting model shows that, from January 1994 through December 2005, evidence exists of modest, short-term reductions in homicides in Texas in the first and fourth months that follow an execution-about 2.5 fewer homicides total. Another model suggests, however, that in addition to homicide reductions, some displacement of homicides may be possible from one month to another in the months after an execution, which reduces the total reduction in homicides after an execution to about .5 during a 12-month period. Implications for additional research and the need for future analysis and replication are discussed.
A tool for assessing nutrition education needs in industry

Abstract A 48-item questionnaire on nutrition attitudes, knowledge and practices was developed and administered to 324 employees at an industrial design and engineering firm. Results suggest that nutrition education activities should include behavior modification techniques for weight control, general nutrition knowledge, alternative breakfast choices, time-saving methods and selection of food eaten away from home. Tools such as this may be used to tailor nutrition education programs to employees.
Baroreflex sensitivity analysis: spontaneous methodology vs. Valsalva's maneuver.

Spontaneous analysis techniques and Valsalva’s maneuver (VM) are often used as a non-pharamcological approach to assess both sympathetic (sBRS) and cardiovagal (cBRS) baroreflex sensitivity. Despite their wide utilization, no studies have assessed the intra-individual reliability between these analysis techniques. Accordingly, we hypothesized that spontaneous BRS would be positively correlated to VM BRS. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured in 26 healthy subjects (age, 22 ± 1 year; 14 men and 12 women) during 10 min supine rest and 3 VM at 40 mmHg expiratory pressure (15 s, 1 min recoveries). For spontaneous BRS, relations between diastolic BP and MSNA were used to determine sBRS, while relations between systolic BP and R–R interval were used to determine cBRS. During VM, sBRS was the ratio of MSNA and the maximum diastolic BP reduction during early phase II, and cBRS was derived from linear relations between systolic BP and R–R interval during early phase II (i.e., hypotensive stimulus) and phase IV (i.e., hypertensive stimulus). Spontaneous sBRS was significantly correlated to VM sBRS (r = 0.516, p = 0.036). In contrast, spontaneous cBRS from up–up sequence was not correlated to VM phase IV cBRS (r = 0.274, p = 0.109). Similarly, spontaneous cBRS from down–down sequence was not correlated to VM phase II cBRS (r = 0.199, p = 0.207). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate positive association between spontaneous sBRS and VM sBRS, but there is no correlation between spontaneous and VM cBRS.
Focal gastric mucosal blood flow at the site of aspirin-induced ulceration.

Summary Focal gastric mucosal blood flow as measured by the hydrogen gas clearance method was compared with total gastric blood flow as determined by venous outflow in an isolated segment of canine stomach before, during, and after exposure to aspirin. Despite an increase in total gastric blood flow from 10.8 ± 1.6 ml/min per chamber to 17.4 ± 1.9 ml/min per chamber and mucosal blood flow at nonulcerated sites from 29.5 ± 4.3 ml/min per 100 g to 83 ± 14.4 ml/min per 100 g, mucosal blood flow at the site of aspirin-induced ulceration was significantly reduced from 29.5 ± 4.3 ml/min per 100 g to 12.5 ± 2.5 ml/min per 100 g. After the removal of aspirin, mucosal blood flow returned to control levels. Such a redistribution of mucosal blood flow in response to aspirin is consistent with the localized nature of acute aspirin-induced injury. The findings also explain the inability of previous methods measuring blood flow of the entire stomach to demonstrate mucosal ischemia during such injury.
Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Analysis of β-D-Glucosyl-5-Hydroxymethyluracil in Genomic DNA of Trypanosoma brucei

β-D-glucosyl-5-hydroxymethyluracil (base J) is a hyper-modified nucleobase found in the nuclear DNA of kinetoplastid parasites. With replacement of a fraction of thymine in DNA, J is localized primarily in telomeric regions of all organisms carrying this modified base. The biosynthesis of J occurs in two putative steps: first, a specific thymine in DNA is recognized and converted into 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5-HmU) by J-binding proteins (JBP1 and JBP2); a glucosyl transferase (GT) subsequently glucosylates the 5-HmU to yield J. Although several recent studies revealed the roles of internal J in regulating transcription in kinetoplastids, functions of telomeric J and proteins involved in J synthesis remain elusive. Assessing the functions of base J and understanding fully its biosynthesis necessitate the measurement of its level in cells and organisms. In this study, we reported a reversed-phase HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, together with the use of a surrogate internal standard (β-D-glucosyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine, 5-gHmdC), for the accurate detection of β-D-glucosyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (dJ) in Trypanosoma brucei DNA. For comparison, we also measured the level of the precursor for dJ synthesis [i.e. 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (5-HmdU)]. We found that base J was not detectable in the JBP-null cells whereas it replaced approximately 0.5% thymine in wild-type cells, which was accompanied with a markedly decreased level of 5-HmdU in JBP1/JBP2-null strain relative to the wild-type strain. These results provided direct evidence supporting that JBP proteins play an important role in oxidizing thymidine to form 5-HmdU, which facilitated the generation of dJ. This is the first report about the application of LC-MS/MS for the quantification of base J. The analytical method built a solid foundation for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of J biosynthesis and assessing the biological functions of base J in the future.ᅟ
Liquidity crisis, relationship lending and corporate finance

Abstract This paper investigates the consequences of the liquidity shocks in wholesale funding markets during the 2007–2009 financial crisis on bank lending and corporate financing. We show that banks that relied more heavily on wholesale funding contracted lending more severely than banks that relied more on insured deposits. We then examine the effects of loan contraction on the financial positions of publicly traded firms. We find that both during and after the crisis, the change in leverage of bank-dependent firms is less than that of firms with access to public debt markets. In addition, bank-dependent firms rely more on cash than net equity issuance to finance operations. We also find that firms with established bank lending relationships weather the crisis better. Such firms are able to attain higher levels of leverage during the crisis, add to their cash holdings, secure new bank credit, and achieve higher profitability as a result.
Calculating an individual maxPTH to aid diagnosis of normocalemic primary hyperparathyroidism

Background We aimed to validate a nomogram for diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), particularly when normocalcemic PHP and vitamin D (VitD25) deficiency coexist. Methods The nomogram calculates maximal upper limit of normal PTH unique for each person by maxPTH = 120 − [6*calcium] − [½*VitD25] + [¼*age]. PHP is suspected when serum PTH exceeds maxPTH. Normocalcemic PHP (NCPHP) was defined as always normal serum calcium (8.5–10.5 mg/dL) with PTH >60 pg/mL preoperatively and VitD25 deficiency as Results A total of 477 patients had operatively and histologically proven PHP. Overall and including those with classical presentation (high serum levels of calcium and PTH), the nomogram predicted PHP in 97% patients. A total of 66 had NCPHP: 47 with low VitD25 levels (20 ± 0.4 ng/mL) made initial PHP diagnosis challenging; 19 had normal VitD25 status. Although the level of serum calcium concentrations were equivalent in these 2 groups (10.1 ± 0.4 mg/dL), PTH was greater in patients with concurrent VitD25 deficiency (129 vs 97 pg/mL, P = .04). However, when used to calculate maxPTH, the nomogram predicted PHP correctly in all 66 NCPHP patients (100%). Conclusion The maxPTH nomogram functions as expected to classify patients with PHP and may aid in the diagnosis of NCPHP regardless of vitamin D status and repletion, reassuring primary providers and surgeons alike to embark on appropriate and timely PHP management.
Enhanced temporal stability of a highly efficient guest–host electro-optic polymer through a barrier layer assisted poling process

Significantly enhanced temporal stability of poled electro-optic (E-O) polymers could be achieved by inserting a thin sol–gel derived titanium dioxide (TiO2) barrier layer in the high electric field poling process. The resulting poled film can retain >90% of its original r33 value (169 pm V−1 at 1310 nm) after being annealed at 85 °C for 500 h. This is significantly higher (∼30%) compared to that obtained without the TiO2 layer. This barrier approach is also applicable to a variety of dielectric polymers although the degree of enhancement varies. The enhanced temporal stability of E-O polymers is attributed to reduced charge injection/accumulation that improves the stability of screening charges for poled films.
Ground- and excited-state absorption, emission and Raman properties of FH(H−) center in KC1 with high KH doping☆

Abstract Studies on the F H (H - ) center (F + U centers pair), recently identified by H - local modes in resonance Raman spectroscopy, 1 were extended to KC1 crystals with 1–2 orders of magnitude higher H - doping and to absorption, emission, lifetime and relaxed excited state absorption measurements. The Raman results indicate full F → F H center conversion by light irradiation and the existence of other aggregates consisting most likely of the association of F centers to pairs of H - ions. Optical experiments on fully converted F H (H - ) systems show absorption as well as emission (spectral and lifetime) properties very similar to that of unperturbed F centers. The absence of H - local mode lines in the relaxed excited state absorption spectrum demonstrate the drastic difference of the electron-photon coupling in the ground and excited state.
Magnetic diffusion and dissipation in high-Tc superconductors subjected to sinusoidal applied fields

Abstract Solution of the linear magnetic diffusion equation of a superconductor slab with a sinusoidal applied field is used to explain recently reported experimental results on the transient response of a high- T c superconductor tube. The developed linear model can qualitatively explain very well the experimentally observed delay between the applied field and the penetrated field, and other salient features of the experiments. The analysis shows that the linear magnetic-flux-density profile of Bean's critical-state model is not approached, even under quasi-steady-state conditions. A direct consequence of magnetic diffusion is that, under AC steady-state condition, dissipation is always associated with ρJ 2 , in addition to the hysterestic loss. The results of the analysis can also be used to explain qualitatively the characteristics of a superconductor-shielded core reactor. The effects of nonlinear magnetic diffusion and heating are discussed.
Promoter Sequence, Expression, and Fine Chromosomal Mapping of the Human Gene ( MLP ) Encoding the MARCKS-like Protein: Identification of Neighboring and Linked Polymorphic Loci for MLP and MACS and Use in the Evaluation of Human Neural Tube Defects

The MARCKS-like protein (MLP), also known as F52, MacMARCKS, or MARCKS-related protein, is a widely distributed substrate for protein kinase C (PKC). Recent studies using gene disruptionin vivohave demonstrated the importance of both MARCKS and MLP to the development of the central nervous system; specifically, mice lacking either protein exhibit a high frequency of neural tube defects. We isolated a genomic clone for humanMLPand discovered a directly linked polymorphism (MLP1) useful for genetic linkage analysis. TheMLPpromoter was 71% identical over 433 bp to that of the corresponding mouse gene,Mlp,with conservation of many putative transcription factor-binding sites; it was only 36% identical over 433 bp to the promoter of the human gene,MACS,which encodes the MLP homologue MARCKS. This 433-bp fragment drove expression of anMLP-β-galactosidasetransgene in a tissue-specific and developmental expression pattern that was similar to that observed for the endogenous gene, as shown byin situhybridization histochemistry. In contrast toMACS,theMLPandMlppromoters contain a TATA box approximately 40 bp 5′ of the presumed transcription initiation site.MLPwas localized to chromosome 1p34 → 1pter by analysis of human–mouse somatic cell hybrid DNA and to 1p34 by fluorescencein situhybridization. Radiation hybrid mapping ofMLPplaced it between genetic markersD1S511(LOD > 3.0) andWI9232. MACSwas localized to 6q21 betweenD6S266(LOD > 3.0) andAFM268vh5by the same technique. We tested the novelMLP1polymorphism and theMACSflanking markers in a series of 43 Caucasian simplex families in which the affected child had a lumbosacral myelomeningocele. We found no evidence of linkage disequilibrium, suggesting that these loci were not major genes for spina bifida in these families. Nonetheless, the identification of linked and neighboring polymorphisms forMACSandMLPshould permit similar genetic studies in other groups of patients with neural tube defects and other neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
MRI-Conditional Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: What's New and What Can We Expect in the Future?

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic technique is rapidly expanding. The number of patients who undergo implantation of permanent pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy devices is increasing in parallel. Cardiovascular implants are subject to potentially harmful effects from MRI, and the routine use of this imaging modality for patients with standard cardiovascular devices is contraindicated. Several recent publications have suggested that MRI can safely be performed in standard cardiovascular device recipients with appropriate patient selection, device programming, and strict monitoring. In addition, MRI “conditional” device systems are now available that are specifically designed to be safe in the MRI environment. Such new technologies may simplify and improve overall safety of MRI in the setting of pacemaker and ICD systems. Although the availability of MRI conditional devices represents a significant breakthrough, their current use is limited to specific MRI conditions. MRI conditional cardiac device technology will likely continue to evolve with increased efforts to improve simplicity, safety, and generalizability under all MRI conditions.
Chemical induction of presumed dominant-lethal mutations in postcopulation germ cells of mice. I. Relative sensitivity between pre- and postcopulation germ cells to isopropyl methanesulfonate.

Abstract Females from ( C 3 H × IOI ) F 1 and a mixed stock were injected intraperitoneally with either 25 or 50 mg/kg isopropyl methanesulfonate (IMS) or Hanks' solution 4.5 h after the midpoint of the dark period during which mating occurred. It was determined that at the time of treatment the great majority of oocytes were undergoing second meiotic division. For comparison, the same doses of IMS were given to females treated within 3.5 days prior to mating (predominantly dictyate oocytes) or to males treated within 4.5 days prior to mating (sperm in vas and epididymis). The frequencies of presumed dominant lethals induced by 50 mg/kg IMS in sperm treated in vas and epididymis, dictyate oocytes, and germ cells in mated females are 22%, 19%, and 79%, respectively, for (C3H × IOI)F 1 and 26%, 30%, and 76% for the other stock. Clearly, in both stocks, effects in mated females, when both female and male germ cells were treated, are relatively much higher than the added effects on dictyate oocytes and spermatozoa. This is also true for the 25 mg/kg dose.
Operant conditioning principles extrapolated to the theory of management

Abstract Following Nord (1969) , the present article contains a predictive model of individual behavior based on both operant conditioning and management literatures. The behavior of an organizational member is seen as a function of the reinforcement contingencies applied by various groups in his environment and of his cognitive assessment of such contingencies. Several characteristics of reinforcement contingencies are examined, e.g., positive vs negative reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, and immediacy of reinforcement. The model provides a potentially useful schema for classifying environmental contingencies operating on a member of an organization and for predicting their varied effects on behavior.
Survival and growth of vaccinated, medicated and untreated coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) exposed to Vibrio anguillarum

Abstract Vaccination and medication with terramycin resulted in increased survival of pen-reared coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) exposed to vibriosis in a Maine estuary. Mortality was significantly lower ( P
Hydraulic residence time computation for constructed wetland design

Abstract Hydraulic residence time (HRT) is one of the key design parameters controlling the removal efficiency of contaminants and nutrients in stormwater and wastewater wetlands. The paper presents a new approach to the estimation of HRT using the variable residence time (VART) model. The VART model is employed to simulate the major processes (including advection, dispersion, and transient storage of contaminants/nutrients in vegetated zones) affecting HRT and thereby to produce a hydraulic residence time distribution (HRTD) for a design wetland. The HRTD in combination with a moment-based method is then utilized to find a mean design HRT for the design wetland. Methods for estimation of parameters governing the HRTD are proposed. The new approach to HRT computation is demonstrated through a case study for the Tres Rios Demonstration (TRD) Wetlands in Arizona, USA. Modeling results show that the design HRTs for the Hayfield wetland (H1) and the Cobble wetlands (C1 and C2) are 4.04, 4.66, and 2.65 days, respectively. The computed HRTs agree well with those reported by previous studies, confirming the efficacy of the new approach to hydraulic design of constructed wetlands.
Bayesian decoding of neural spike trains

Perception, memory, learning, and decision making are processes carried out in the brain. The performance of such intelligent tasks is made possible by the communication of neurons through sequences of voltage pulses called spike trains. It is of great interest to have methods of extracting information from spike trains in order to learn about their relationship to behavior. In this article, we review a Bayesian approach to this problem based on state-space representations of point processes. We discuss some of the theory and we describe the way these methods are used in decoding motor cortical activity, in which the hand motion is reconstructed from neural spike trains.
A distributed self-relocating algorithm for randomly deployed mobile wireless sensors

This paper introduces a distributed self-relocation algorithm used in mobile wireless sensor networks with random initial deployments. The algorithm aims at changing the relative distance of the sensors in different directions and converging within ten rounds. Simulation results show the algorithm produces a 95% coverage ratio on average in all different initial deployments with average initial coverage ratio from 50% to 80%. Results also show the algorithm works for different sensing models such as binary model and probability model. The algorithm is also robust against inaccurate geo-location information.