cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myopathy with muscle spindle excess: A new congenital neuromuscular syndrome?

An infant presented with congenital weakness, hypotonia, arthrogryposis, atrial tachycardia, and a left intra-abdominal neuroblastoma. Muscle biopsy revealed marked excess of muscle spindles with atrophy of extrafusal fibers. The patient expired at age 14 months from progressive cardiorespiratory failure. Postmortem examination demonstrated muscle-spindle excess in other muscles, along with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and organomegaly. Muscle spindle excess has previously been reported in two patients with Noonan syndrome and progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Muscle spindle excess with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, organomegaly, and, possibly, congenital neuroblastoma suggests a syndromic association and may represent an unusual form of congenital myopathy.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of the state-to-state dynamics of atomic hydrogen + water .fwdarw. hydroxyl + molecular hydrogen

Calcul des sections efficaces et des constantes de vitesse, en tenant compte des effets d'excitation de modes normaux et de modes locaux. Determination des distributions de vibration-rotation du produit OH. Influence de l'excitation vibrationnelle initiale. Comparaison a la reaction H+HOD→H 2 +OD
Single-Molecule Kinetics and Thermodynamics Analysis of DNA-Bound Crown Ether/Cation Interactions within the Alpha-Hemolysin Ion Channel

The α-hemolysin (α-HL) protein ion channel has been under intensive investigation as a single-molecule DNA analysis platform.1 Recognizing the fast speed at which single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is driven through the channel electrophoretically, we have explored site-specific attachment of adducts to DNA bases as a promising approach to advance this technology by producing unique current signatures and reducing the speed of DNA translocation to a level appropriate for modern electronics.2 The ability of crown ethers to selectively complex various cations has been extensively utilized to improve the development of molecular switches, sensors, biomedical agents and biological model systems in the past five decades.3 Herein, by selectively functionalizing DNA with crown ethers, we demonstrate a real-time analysis strategy for crown ether/cation interactions within the α-HL ion channel to establish the association/disassociation rates and the equilibrium constants at a single-molecule level. Additionally, it provides a tunable and universal label for individual DNA identification by selecting the composition of the electrolyte. This approach should be beneficial to both DNA damage detection and sequencing efforts.Reference1. Branton D.; et al. The potential and challenges of nanopore sequencing. Nat. Biotechnol. 2008, 26, 1146-1153.2. Schibel, A. E. P.; An, N.; Jin, Q.; Fleming, A. M.; Burrows, C. J.; White, H. S. Nanopore detection of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine in immobilized single-stranded DNA via adduct formation to the DNA damage site. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 17992-17995.3. Gokel, G. W.; Leevy, W. M.; Weber, M. E. Crown ethers: sensors for ions and molecular scaffolds for materials and biological models. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 2723-2750.
Regional frequency sensitivity of the EEG to photic stimulation as shown by epoch averaging.

Abstract A series of 20 young adults of both sexes served as subjects in a visual averaged evoked response study. Brief trains of flashes and continuous stimulation, both at multiples of the alpha frequency, were used, and epochs of EEG averaged. The averaged responses demonstrated occipital and vertex activity to photic stimulation, frequently in the absence of any conventional EEG response. In addition, there was pronounced frequency sensitivity between the two regions in response to trains, and there was significant stimulus duration sensitivity when train responses were compared to those evoked by continuous stimulation. These parametric sensitivities suggest the activation of two secondary systems in addition to the specific sensory pathway.
Precocious Locomotor Behavior Begins in the Egg: Development of Leg Muscle Patterns for Stepping in the Chick

Background The chicken is capable of adaptive locomotor behavior within hours after hatching, yet little is known of the processes leading to this precocious skill. During the final week of incubation, chick embryos produce distinct repetitive limb movements that until recently had not been investigated. In this study we examined the leg muscle patterns at 3 time points as development of these spontaneous movements unfolds to determine if they exhibit attributes of locomotion reported in hatchlings. We also sought to determine whether the deeply flexed posture and movement constraint imposed by the shell wall modulate the muscle patterns. Methodology/Principal Findings Synchronized electromyograms for leg muscles, force and video were recorded continuously from embryos while in their naturally flexed posture at embryonic day (E) 15, E18 and E20. We tested for effects of leg posture and constraint by removing shell wall anterior to the foot. Results indicated that by E18, burst onset time distinguished leg muscle synergists from antagonists across a 10-fold range in burst frequencies (1–10 Hz), and knee extensors from ankle extensors in patterns comparable to locomotion at hatching. However, burst durations did not scale with step cycle duration in any of the muscles recorded. Despite substantially larger leg movements after shell removal, the knee extensor was the only muscle to vary its activity, and extensor muscles often failed to participate. To further clarify if the repetitive movements are likely locomotor-related, we examined bilateral coordination of ankle muscles during repetitive movements at E20. In all cases ankle muscles exhibited a bias for left/right alternation. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, the findings lead us to conclude that the repetitive leg movements in late stage embryos are locomotor-related and a fundamental link in the establishment of precocious locomotor skill. The potential importance of differences between embryonic and posthatching locomotion is discussed.
Childhood ADHD Potentiates the Association Between Problematic Drinking and Intimate Partner Violence

OBJECTIVE: Excessive alcohol consumption increases risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV). ADHD is associated with problematic drinking and IPV, but it is unclear whether problem drinkers with ADHD are more likely than those without ADHD to perpetrate IPV. METHOD: We compared the strength of association between problem drinking trajectories and IPV perpetration among 19- to 24-year-old men with (n = 241) and without (n = 180) childhood ADHD. RESULTS: Men with ADHD who reported higher heavy episodic drinking or alcohol use problems at age 19, and slower decreases in alcohol use problems from age 19 to 24, were more likely to perpetrate IPV than problem drinkers without ADHD, among whom the same associations were non-significant. Associations between problem drinking and IPV were not attenuated in adults with ADHD upon controlling for antisocial personality disorder. CONCLUSION: Study findings highlight the heightened risk of problem drinkers with ADHD perpetrating IPV. Language: en
Regulation of Epstein—Barr virus latency by latent membrane protein 2

Like other herpesviruses, Epstein—Barr virus persists in its host through its ability to establish a latent infection that periodically reactivates. Latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) regulates reactivation from latency by interfering with normal B cell signal transduction processes, and may define a new class of regulators of herpesvirus latency.
Lithium compliance in alcoholic males: a six month followup study.

One hundred alcoholic patients were followed at monthly outpatient clinics for 6 months. Half were assigned low to moderate doses of lithium carbonate and half to chlordiazepoxide (10 mg tid) (active placebo). Drinking behavior and medication compliance were monitored at monthly clinics. After 6 months 52% of the lithium and 44% of the chlordiazepoxide patients were medication compliant. Of the 48% remaining in the lithium group, 14% did not return for a single visit while 14% came only once. Twenty percent came to clinic regularly; however they had never taken the medication as assigned. Of the 56% non-compliant chlordiazepoxide patients, 16% did not attend a single clinic; 24% came only once or twice and the remaining 16% attended clinics regularly although they were never medication-compliant. Drinking days and the percentage of patients reporting abstinence for one or more months were determined for medication compliant patients and for patients who attended clinic regularly but who did not take medication. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance tests. While lithium and chlordiazepoxide compliant patients tended to report fewer mean drinking days per month (4.6 and 4.8 respectively) than the non-medication group (6.9) these differences were not significant; however, compared to 44% in the non-medication group, 60% of the lithium patients and 58% of the chlordiazepoxide patients reported having significantly more months of abstinence (p < .05). These results do not show that lithium is differentially efficacious in reducing alcohol consumption.
Studies on the site of action of clonidine utilizing a sympathetic-cholinergic system

Abstract Clonidine (30 μg/kg, i.v.) reduced centrally evoked electrodermal responses (EDR) following stimulation of reactive loci in the hypothalamus and medulla. The responses were most depressed following low frequency stimulation. Similar results were observed on the EDR evoked by stimulation of the cervical cord in the spinal act. Little effect was seen following peripheral nerve stimulation. These results demonstrate that clonidine depresses the reactivity of this sympathetic-cholinergic system at all central levels including the cervical cord.
Structural dynamics of the magnesium-bound conformation of CorA in a lipid bilayer.

Summary The transmembrane conformation of Thermotoga maritima CorA, a magnesium transport system, has been studied in its Mg 2+ -bound form by site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Probe mobility together with accessibility data were used to evaluate the overall dynamics and relative arrangement of individual transmembrane segments TM1 and TM2. TM1 extends toward the cytoplasmic side creating a water-filled cavity, while TM2 is located in the periphery of the oligomer, contacting the lipid bilayer. A structural model for the conserved extracellular loop was generated based on EPR data and MD simulations, in which residue E316 is located toward the five-fold symmetry axis in position to electrostatically influence divalent ion translocation. Electrostatic analysis of our model suggest that, in agreement with the crystal structure, Mg 2+ -bound CorA is in a closed conformation. The present results suggest that long-range structural rearrangements are necessary to allow Mg 2+ translocation.
Characterization of unsaturated hydrocarbons by mass spectrometry

Abstract The mass spectra of O-isopropylidene derivatives of diols obtained by stereospecific oxidation of a number of long chain olefins are interpreted, and are shown to be useful for the characterization of both positional and geometrical isomers.
The Role of Risk Sharing and Risk Taking Under Gainsharing.

Despite considerable practitioner interest in gainsharing compensation programs, understanding how gainsharing works and, thus, how to improve it in practice is hampered by a lack of a theoretical foundation upon which to build empirically testable models. The authors use a risk-sharing framework to develop a model of gainsharing that they hope will provide this missing theoretical foundation. In their model the authors develop propositions that highlight the differences between group-wide and individual incentive arrangements and that establish boundary conditions for a theory of gainsharing.
Optical nanostructures provide hyper-resolution of single molecule dynamics

Because biological signals in vivo are frequently single molecule responses, individual molecular identities and fluctuations of enzyme chemical kinetics become essential challenges. Optical nanostructures allow zeptoliter focal volumes to reduce the number of substrate molecules seen to measure single enzyme fluctuations and to identify individual molecules in nanoscopic flows.
The Two Faces of Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase-1

Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase-1 (RIPK1), a key player in inflammation and cell death, assumes opposite functions depending on the cellular context and its posttranslational modifications. Genetic evidence supported by biochemical and cellular biology approaches sheds light on the circumstances in which RIPK1 promotes or inhibits these processes.
Chronic nitrogen deposition alters the structure and function of detrital food webs in a northern hardwood ecosystem

During the next century, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is projected to more than double, potentially slowing litter decomposition by altering microbial community composition and function. If the flow of energy though detrital food webs is diminished by the slowing of decay under higher rates of atmospheric N deposition, this agent of global change could also negatively impact the abundance and composition of soil fauna. To test this hypothesis, we studied soil faunal communities in four sugar-maple-dominated forests that comprise a long-term N deposition experiment. To examine whether changes in soil faunal communities could then feed back to influence litter decay, litterbags with 13C-enriched aspen litter were placed in the forest floor in one study site. The microbial community within the litterbags was characterized using PLFA analysis. Overall, long-term experimental N deposition reduced the abundance of microarthropods (ambient vs. experimental N deposition: 7844 vs. 4357 individuals/m2, respectively; P = 0.004). We attribute this overall decline partly to the reduced energy flow entering the detrital food web, which has been documented in previous work in our system. Although there was no difference in microarthropod species richness between N deposition treatments, there was a shift in community composition within the most abundant group (Oribatida), indicating species-specific responses to N deposition. Experimental N deposition reduced the number of microarthropods colonizing litterbags by 41% (P = 0.014). This was associated with a reduction in 13C mobilization from leaf litter into microbial biomass. Overall, this study demonstrates that chronic N deposition has a detrimental effect on the soil detritus food web, and that the negative effect may feed back to influence litter decay and ecosystem functioning.
The Patient with a Thyroid Nodule

Nodular thyroid disease is common in the United States and throughout the world. Although most thyroid nodules are benign in nature, certain clinical, radiographic, and cytologic features are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. A clear understanding of these risk factors assists in the decision-making process when evaluating a patient with a thyroid nodule. It is this process that ultimately determines whether or not a patient is referred for surgery. This article provides a framework for clinicians to risk-stratify and appropriately manage patients with thyroid nodules.
Analysis of courtship sequences of the hybrids betweenDrosophila melanogaster andDrosophila simulans

Several transitions between sequential male courtship elements were analyzed forDrosophila melanogaster its close relativeD. simulans, and two types of hybrid males. Hybrid males from special reciprocal crosses did not differ. WhileD. melanogaster andD. simulans males differed markedly for the majority of transitions studied, hybrid males showed no consistent pattern with the parent species, being indistinguishable fromD. simulans males, indistinguishable fromD. melanogaster, or intermediate between them, depending on the trait observed. This suggests independent genetic control of these transitions during male courtship.
Numerical Investigation of Droplet-Droplet Coalescence and Droplet-Interface Coalescence

The oil produced from offshore reservoirs normally contains considerable amount of water. The separation of water from oil is very crucial in petroleum industry. Studying the coalescence of two droplets or one droplet and interface can lead to better understanding of oil-water separation process. In this study, the coalescence of two droplets and droplet-interface are simulated using a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT 14. In order to track the interface of two fluids, two approaches, Volume of Fluid (VOF) and Level-Set method were utilized. The results are compared with experimental measurements in literature and good agreement was observed. The effect of different parameters such as droplet velocities, interfacial tension, viscosity of the continuous phase and off-center collision on the coalescence time has been investigated. The results revealed that coalescence time decreases as the droplet velocities increase. Also, continuous phase with higher viscosities and lower water-oil interfacial tension, increase the coalescence time.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Soil pH Variation Within a Soil. II. pH Variation in a Neutral and an Alkaline Soil

Abstract Soil pH variation exists in particles of every kind of soils, including alkaline soil. The objective of this study was to examine soil pH varia-tion in a neutral and an alkaline soil using the column-leaching method. Column-leaching tests were applied to two soils (Callaway and Mount Palomar) at the depths of 0–30 and 30–60 cm. Two replicates were applied to each column-leaching test. Acidification had started in both soils at the depths of 0–30 and 30–60 cm. The pH differentials between the highest pH value and the lowest pH value in leaching fraction in the neutral and the alkaline soils were within one pH unit, and were smaller than those in the acidified soils. This methodology can help understand the soil acidification process and its rate.
Effect of fetal x‐irradiation upon the subsequent fertility of the offspring

Fetal female mice ranging from days 15.5 to 18.5 can tolerate more x irradiation than can adult females without incurring appreciable effects on fertility. On fetal day 16.5, comparable in embryonic development of the human gonads to about 85 days, the fetal ovary is the most radiosensitive. While it requires an exposure of about 200 r to show any appreciable reduction in fertility, 50 r does have some effect. After 16.5 days the fetal ovary appears to be quite radioresistant. Fetal male mice exhibit a drastic reduction in subsequent fertility when exposed to 200 r x rays on days 15.5 or 16.5, corresponding to days 65 to 85 for the human. This is in direct contrast to the adult testis which is comparatively very radioresistant. There is no evidence in either the male or the female of temporary sterility or in delayed maturation resulting from fetal x irradiation between days 15.5 and 18.5. Whatever effect on the gonads is inflicted remains steady throughout the 9 months period of observation. Litter size average showed a slight reduction from males x-rayed in utero at 15.5 to 17.5 days by 200 r x rays, while the females showed slight reduction when x-rayed onlymore » at 16.5 and 17.5 days. There was in no instance any suggestion of stimulation of germinal epithelium by x irradiation, resulting in greater fertility than the controls. The final litter from any mating of irradiated mice was within the normal ranges i.e., there was no tapering off of fertility in terms of litter size. The reaction of the fetal gonad to x irradiation bears no relation to the radiosensitivity of the adult gonad. The fetal testis is more radiosensitive than is the adult testis, and the fetal ovary is more radioresistant than is the adult ovary, as measured by subsequent fertility. (auth)« less
College cafeteria snack food purchases become less healthy with each passing week of the semester.

ObjectiveSnacks, stress and parties all contribute to the weight gain – the elusive ‘Freshman 15’ – that some college-goers unfortunately experience. The present study examines how a la carte snack choice changes on a university campus during each progressing week of the academic calendar.DesignHow a la carte snack choices change on a university campus with each progressing week of the academic calendar was examined.SettingThe data were collected from three large cafeterias (or dining halls) on Cornell University's campus during four semesters (Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2007 and Spring 2008), for 18 weeks in each semester.SubjectsAfter the a la carte snack items were divided into healthy snacks and unhealthy snacks, the percentage share for each food category was calculated.ResultsWithin each semester, the unhealthy snack food choices increased consistently by 0·4 % per week (β = 0·00418, P < 0·01). Furthermore, a sharp (8 %) increase occurred in the final two weeks of the semester. In contrast, healthy snack food choices decreased by almost 4 % (β = −0·0408, P < 0·01) in the final two weeks during the fall semester.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate an increased demand for hedonic, or unhealthy, snack foods as the college semester progresses and in particular at the very end of the semester. To counter this tendency towards unhealthy snacking, cafeterias and stores should make extra effort to promote healthy alternatives during the later weeks of the semester.
A method of grid optimization for finite element methods

A computationally useful criterion for grid optimization is derived, based on a measure of the interpolation error associated with the finite element model. The result is intended to be used to improve the quality of finite element solutions by changing the location of the nodes within a fixed number of degrees of freedom. Examples of the application of the criterion are provided. The finite element method has become an important tool of engineering analysis and design. Much of the popularity of the method is due to the freedom that it allows in the construction of the discretized model. It has long been realized, however, that this freedom must be carefully exercised since the quality of the finite element solution greatly depends on how the discretization is performed. Several methods have been proposed to improve the discretized model in an iterative manner. One such method is presented in this paper. A natural way of improving the quality of finite element solutions is to increase the number of degrees of freedom. The process is normally performed after an initial solution is already available. Several schemes have been devised to introduce the new degrees of freedom in a selective manner in order to produce the greatest possible improvement of the previous solution. This calls for the definition of criteria to identify the regions of the domain where the finite element approximation is poorer. The new degrees of freedom are added in these regions by either increasing the order of polynomial approximation inside elements, the so-called p-method, or by subdivision of elements, or h-method. The process is continued until a specified accuracy is achieved. The quality of the finite element solution may be improved also by optimizing the disposition of the nodes. Analysts often rely on their experience to construct grids that make an efficient use of the available degrees of freedom. It is also possible to improve the quality of existing meshes iteratively using predefined guidelines for the redistribution of the nodes. This paper considers the development of such guidelines.
The Impacts of Advertising Assets and R&D Assets on Reducing Bankruptcy Risk

Research has shown that advertising assets and R&D research and development assets increase shareholder value. Although one might conclude that their impacts on bankruptcy risk are merely the inverse of their impacts on shareholder value, we argue otherwise and show that the differences hinge on the fact that shareholder value is a function of expected cash flows from all future periods, whereas bankruptcy risk is a function of expected cash flow from only the next period. We show that current market turbulence moderates the impacts of advertising assets and R&D assets on expected cash flow from the next period but not on expected cash flows from more distant future periods. Therefore, market turbulence moderates the impacts of advertising assets and R&D assets on bankruptcy risk but not shareholder value. Market stability increases the impact of advertising assets on reducing bankruptcy risk, whereas market turbulence increases the impact of R&D assets on reducing bankruptcy risk. Using a data set of more than 1,000 firms covering three decades, we find support for our hypotheses. Out-of-sample validation indicates that bankruptcy prediction performance improves when including marketing variables in addition to the usual financial predictors. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0913 .
Implementing the “Marketing You” Project in Large Sections of Principles of Marketing:

There is mounting pressure on business education to increase experiential learning at the same time that budget constraints are forcing universities to increase class size. This article explains th...
The effect of flight on the development of flight musculature in the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans)

Estimates of the rate of development of thoracic musculature in male flies captured in the field, and in laboratory-reared males of Glossina morsitans, show that laboratory flies take more than twice as long as field flies to attain full development. The rate of development during the first hunger cycle can be increased to normal levels if laboratory-reared flies are induced to fly soon after they have taken their first blood meal. Zusammenfassung DER EINFLUSS DES FLIEGENS AUF DIE POSTTENERALE ENTWICKLUNG DER THORAKALEN FLUGMUSKULATUR BEI DER TSETSEFLIEGE GLOSSINA MORSITANS Die Entwicklung der thorakalen Flugmuskulatur unter Laboratoriumsbedingungen gezuchteter mannlicher Tsetsefliegen erfordert doppelt soviel Zeit wie bei wilden Tsetsefliegen; sie beansprucht jedoch dieselbe Zeit, wenn die gezuchteten Tsetsefliegen nach der ersten Futterung zum Fliegen gebracht werden konnen.
Effects of differential handling on the behaviour of domestic ewes (Ovis aries)

Abstract Thirty-three Suffolk and Suffolk × Hampshire ewe lambs raised under two different management systems were subjected to one of three handling regimens for 3 weeks. One group of 11 animals was exposed daily to gentle handling, while a second group of 11 was exposed daily to forced human handling. A third group of 10 animals received no handling. The animals were tested prior to handling training, just after training, and 3 weeks after the last training period on four standardized tests designed to simulate typical management practices. These included a test of approachability to the handler, movement through a chute, halter-restraint in proximity to the handler and simulated shearing. Results showed significant effects for gentle handling and for the source of the sheep in measures of approachability, but no effects in the other tests. Thus brief gentle contacts with handlers can improve the approachability of sheep, but breed or prior experience can modulate these effects.
An approach to schema integration and query formulation in federated database systems

A language is introduced in which both schema integration and query formulation for federated database systems can be performed. The relational model is augmented with connectors that impose predicate conditions over attributes of relations either at the same or different sites. The relational model with connectors has a natural diagrammatic representation, and thus, the language has a graphical user interface. The theoretical foundation for the graphical language is algebraic. Bach algebraic operator maps a diagram (of relations with connectors) into another diagram, and every diagram represents a possible user query. Operators specifically designed to operate on incompatible schemas are introduced and formally defined. Possible domain incompatibilities are resolved by using extended abstract data types.
Observing Walking Behavior of Humans Using Distributed Phenomenon Detection and Tracking Mechanisms

The utility of walking parameters such as stride length, cadence and gait velocity for monitoring motor functions of patients suffering from brain injury, Parkinsonpsilas disease and obesity is well established. The application of sensor networks in this context has also been actively researched however; most of the research has focused either on construction of formal models of walking or design of wearable monitors. Unfortunately these approaches are not always practical for real-life monitoring, since they either require users to continuously wear monitoring equipment or rely on mathematical models which can be susceptible to significant prediction errors. In this paper we propose distributed mechanisms which utilize the concept of phenomenon detection and tracking for monitoring walking parameters. Our mechanisms do not require patients to be encumbered with monitoring devices and can track a subject's walk in real-time, in an energy efficient manner without a priori knowledge of a fixed mathematical model, thereby making it suitable for practical deployments.
Design of a Network Service Architecture

Considerable research efforts in the networking community are focused on defining a new Internet architecture that not only solves some of the problems of the current design, but also meets future needs. Our work focuses on the issue of how to provide suitable abstractions for communication between end-systems. This is a particularly important aspect of the network architecture as it is exposed to all applications and also determines what kind of services can be provided by the network. We present an architecture for network services that are implemented on router systems. We illustrate how control and data plane interact to provide the necessary end-to-end functionality. Our prototype implementation indicates that such a design is feasible and scalable for high-performance networks.
A Rewriting Logic Approach to Operational Semantics (Extended Abstract)

This paper shows how rewriting logic semantics (RLS) can be used as a computational logic framework for operational semantic definitions of programming languages. Several operational semantics styles are addressed: big-step and small-step structural operational semantics (SOS), modular SOS, reduction semantics with evaluation contexts, and continuation-based semantics. Each of these language definitional styles can be faithfully captured as an RLS theory, in the sense that there is a one-to-one correspondence between computational steps in the original language definition and computational steps in the corresponding RLS theory. A major goal of this paper is to show that RLS does not force or pre-impose any given language definitional style, and that its flexibility and ease of use makes RLS an appealing framework for exploring new definitional styles.
Nicotine metabolism and elimination kinetics in newborns.

Objective To characterize the presence of and elimination kinetics of nicotine and its metabolites in newborns. Methods Blood samples from 13 newborns were collected during the first day of life and analyzed for nicotine and cotinine. Single daily urine samples were collected from nine newborns for up to 7 days and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for nicotine, cotinine, 3′–hydroxycotinine, and their conjugates. NONMEM was used to determine population half-life values. Results Blood and urine data gave similar results for nicotine and cotinine elimination kinetics. The elimination half-life for nicotine was 11.2 hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0 to 18.9) based on blood data and 9.0 hours (95% CI, 7.0 to 12.4) based on urine data. The elimination half-life for cotinine was 16.3 hours (95% CI, 12.4 to 23.9) based on blood data and was 22.8 hours (95% CI, 19.5 to 25.8) based on urine data. The elimination half-lives for the other metabolites were 13 hours for conjugated nicotine; 19.8 hours for conjugated cotinine; 18.8 hours for 3′–hydroxycotinine; and 19.4 hours for conjugated 3′–hydroxycotinine. The half-life of nicotine is three to four times longer in newborns than in adults, whereas the half-life of cotinine is similar in newborns and adults. Conclusions In adults, CYP2A6 is the predominant enzyme responsible for the metabolism of both nicotine and cotinine. The prolonged elimination of nicotine but not of cotinine in the newborn compared with that in the adult may be a result of different newborn CYP2A6 enzymatic substrate specificity, low CYP2A6 activity with another enzyme that is primarily responsible for cotinine metabolism, or differences in tissue distribution. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 67, 458–465; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.106129
Tumoricidal activity of low-energy 160-KV versus 6-MV X-rays against platinum-sensitized F98 glioma cells

The purposes of this study were (i) to investigate the differences in effects between 160-kV low-energy and 6MV high-energy X-rays, both by computational analysis and in vitro studies; (ii) to determine the effects of each on platinum-sensitized F98 rat glioma and murine B16 melanoma cells; and (iii) to describe the in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity of a Pt(II) terpyridine platinum (Typ-Pt) complex. Simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo code Geant4 to determine enhancement in absorption of low- versus highenergy X-rays by Pt and to determine dose enhancement factors (DEFs) for a Pt-sensitized tumor phantom. In vitro studies were carried out using Typ-Pt and again with carboplatin due to the unexpected in vivo toxicity of Typ-Pt. Cell survival was determined using clonogenic assays. In agreement with computations and simulations, in vitro data showed up to one log unit reduction in surviving fractions (SFs) of cells treated with 1–4 µg/ml of Typ-Pt and irradiated with 160-kV versus 6-MV X-rays. DEFs showed radiosensitization in the 50–200 keV range, which fell to approximate unity at higher energies, suggesting marginal interactions at MeV energies. Cells sensitized with 1–5 or 7 µg/ml of carboplatin and then irradiated also showed a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in SFs. However, it was unlikely this was due to increased interactions. Theoretical and in vitro studies presented here demonstrated that the tumoricidal activity of low-energy X-rays was greater than that of high-energy X-rays against Pt-sensitized tumor cells. Determining whether radiosensitization is a function of increased interactions will require additional studies.
The Population Genetics of Speciation: The Evolution of Hybrid Incompatibilities

Speciation often results from the accumulation of "complementary genes," i.e., from genes that, while having no deleterious effect within species, cause inviability or sterility when brought together with genes from another species. Here I model speciation as the accumulation of genic incompatibilities between diverging populations. Several results are obtained. First, and most important, the number of genic incompatibilities between taxa increases much faster than linearly with time. In particular, the probability of speciation increases at least as fast as the square of the time since separation between two taxa. Second, as Muller realized, all hybrid incompatibilities must initially be asymmetric. Third, at loci that have diverged between taxa, evolutionarily derived alleles cause hybrid problems far more often than ancestral alleles. Last, it is "easier" to evolve complex hybrid incompatibilities requiring the simultaneous action of three or more loci than to evolve simple incompatibilities between pairs of genes. These results have several important implications for genetic analyses of speciation.
Ectopic expression and function of the Antp and Scr homeotic genes : the N terminus of the homeodomain is critical to functional specificity

The transcription factors encoded by homeotic genes determine cell fates during development. Each homeotic protein causes cells to follow a distinct pathway, presumably by differentially regulating downstream 'target' genes. The homeodomain, the DNA-binding part of homeotic proteins, is necessary for conferring the specificity of each homeotic protein's action. The two Drosophila homeotic proteins encoded by Antennapedia and Sex combs reduced determine cell fates in the epidermis and internal tissues of the posterior head and thorax. Genes encoding chimeric Antp/Scr proteins were introduced into flies and their effects on morphology and target gene regulation observed. We find that the N terminus of the homeodomain is critical for determining the specific effects of these homeotic proteins in vivo, but other parts of the proteins have some influence as well. The N-terminal part of the homeodomain has been observed, in crystal structures and in NMR studies in solution, to contact the minor groove of the DNA. The different effects of Antennapedia and Sex combs reduced proteins in vivo may depend on differences in DNA binding, protein-protein interactions, or both.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the most characteristic group of pulmonary hypertensive states. Among other conditions, PAH includes the idiopathic type and forms associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs), particularly with systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome, and mixed CTD. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. This procedure should be performed routinely once a year in patients with CTD with high risk to develop PAH. The diagnosis of PH needs to be confirmed by right heart catheterization. Recently developed drugs that modulate endothelial function have provided encouraging results in the treatment of PAH with improvement in symptoms, exercise tolerance, and survival.
A unified framework for addiction: Vulnerabilities in the decision process

The understanding of decision-making systems has come together in recent years to form a unified theory of decision-making in the mammalian brain as arising from multiple, interacting systems (a planning system, a habit system, and a situation-recognition system). This unified decision-making system has multiple potential access points through which it can be driven to make maladaptive choices, particularly choices that entail seeking of certain drugs or behaviors. We identify 10 key vulnerabilities in the system: (1) moving away from homeostasis, (2) changing allostatic set points, (3) euphorigenic "reward-like" signals, (4) overvaluation in the planning system, (5) incorrect search of situation-action-outcome relationships, (6) misclassification of situations, (7) overvaluation in the habit system, (8) a mismatch in the balance of the two decision systems, (9) over-fast discounting processes, and (10) changed learning rates. These vulnerabilities provide a taxonomy of potential problems with decision-making systems. Although each vulnerability can drive an agent to return to the addictive choice, each vulnerability also implies a characteristic symptomology. Different drugs, different behaviors, and different individuals are likely to access different vulnerabilities. This has implications for an individual's susceptibility to addiction and the transition to addiction, for the potential for relapse, and for the potential for treatment.
Using Odor-Baited Trap Trees as Sentinels to Monitor Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Apple Orchards

In commercial orchards in Massachusetts in 2003, we conducted experiments aimed at developing guidelines for use of perimeter-row trap trees baited with grandisoic acid plus benzaldehyde as sentinels in a practical approach to determining need and timing of insecticide applications against overwintered plum curculios, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst). Evaluations were based on percentages of sampled fruit injured by plum curculio. Trap trees baited with grandisoic acid released at ≈1 mg/d plus benzaldehyde released at ≈40 mg/d performed as well as or better than trap trees baited with greater or lesser amounts of these attractants in combination. The distance over which a trap tree baited with such odor was effective in aggregating damage to fruit extended to at least 31–33 m (maximum evaluated) along a perimeter row. Trap trees at corners of orchard blocks were as effective as perimeter-row trap trees midway between corner trees. Within the canopy of a trap tree, damage did not tend significantly to be localized in the vicinity of the odor source but tended to be rather evenly distributed among various sectors of the canopy. Finally, among three candidate thresholds evaluated as a trigger for insecticide application, a threshold of one freshly injured fruit proved better than thresholds of two or four freshly injured fruit out of 50 fruit sampled on a trap tree in assuring that orchard-wide damage would remain below a preset economic injury level of 1%. Our findings lead us to suggest that after a whole-orchard application of insecticide to apple trees in Massachusetts orchards shortly after petal fall, subsequent applications of insecticide against plum curculio can be confined to peripheral-row trees and be driven by a provisional threshold of one freshly injured fruit out of 50 fruit sampled on a perimeter-row trap tree baited with the above-mentioned odor.
Identifying effective intervention components for smoking cessation: a factorial screening experiment

Aims To identify promising intervention components intended to help smokers to attain and maintain abstinence in their quit smoking attempts. Design A fully crossed, six-factor randomized fractional factorial experiment. Setting Eleven primary care clinics in southern Wisconsin, USA. Participants A total of 637 adult smokers (55% women, 88% white) motivated to quit smoking who visited primary care clinics. Interventions Six intervention components designed to prepare smokers to quit, and achieve and maintain abstinence (i.e. for the preparation, cessation and maintenance phases of smoking treatment): (1) preparation nicotine patch versus none; (2) preparation nicotine gum versus none; (3) preparation counseling versus none; (4) intensive cessation in-person counseling versus minimal; (5) intensive cessation telephone counseling versus minimal; and (6) 16 versus 8 weeks of combination nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch + nicotine gum). Measurements Seven-day self-reported point-prevalence abstinence at 16 weeks. Findings Preparation counseling significantly improved week 16 abstinence rates (P = .04), while both forms of preparation nicotine replacement therapy interacted synergistically with intensive cessation in-person counseling (P < 0.05). Conversely, intensive cessation phone counseling and intensive cessation in-person counseling interacted antagonistically (P < 0.05)—these components produced higher abstinence rates by themselves than in combination. Conclusions Preparation counseling and the combination of intensive cessation in-person counseling with preparation nicotine gum or patch are promising intervention components for smoking and should be evaluated as an integrated treatment package.
Cross-cultural comparison of the perception of symbols

AbstractThis study intended to measure the level of visual understanding of symbols between students in Hong Kong and the United States. The objectives are to investigate possible differences in visual perception and comprehension of symbols and to measure subjects’ level of knowledge about their own cultural images, as well as images of another culture. Twenty business and national symbols-ten from the U.S. and ten from Hong Kong-and an accompanying survey were presented to one hundred and twenty graphic design students at the University of Minnesota and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. There was significant interaction between different nationalities and the perception of symbols.
Context aware service oriented computing in mobile ad hoc networks

These days we witness a major shift towards small, mobile devices, capable of wireless communication. Their communication capabilities enable them to form mobile ad hoc networks and share resources and capabilities. Service Oriented Computing (SOC) is a new emerging paradigm for distributed computing that has evolved from object-oriented and component-oriented computing to enable applications distributed within and across organizational boundaries. Services are autonomous computational elements that can be described, published, discovered, and orchestrated for the purpose of developing applications. The application of the SOC model to mobile devices provides a loosely coupled model for distributed processing in a resource-poor and highly dynamic environment. Cooperation in a mobile ad hoc environment depends on the fundamental capability of hosts to communicate with each other. Peer-to-peer interactions among hosts within communication range allow such interactions but limit the scope of interactions to a local region. Routing algorithms for mobile ad hoc networks extend the scope of interactions to cover all hosts transitively connected over multi-hop routes. Additional contextual information, e.g., knowledge about the movement of hosts in physical space, can help extend the boundaries of interactions beyond the limits of an island of connectivity. To help separate concerns specific to different layers, a coordination model between the routing layer and the SOC layer provides abstractions that mask the details characteristic to the network layer from the distributed computing semantics above. This thesis explores some of the opportunities and challenges raised by applying the SOC paradigm to mobile computing in ad hoc networks. It investigates the implications of disconnections on service advertising and discovery mechanisms. It addresses issues related to code migration in addition to physical host movement. It also investigates some of the security concerns in ad hoc networking service provision. It presents a novel routing algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks and a novel coordination model that addresses space and time explicitly.
CAMMO (Creating Accessible Material in Microsoft Office): Developing an Atmosphere of Accessibility Through Training

In this paper, we describe the creation of a universal design training class for faculty and staff at James Madison University. The paper will discuss the process by which the class was created, the theories that guide the learning process, the guidance of what was chosen to be included in the class, and how the class was rolled out to the campus. The paper may also be used as a guide for other colleges and universities that are interested in implementing an accessibility initiative.
Water desalination with a single-layer MoS2 nanopore.

Efficient desalination of water continues to be a problem facing the society. Advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of a variety of nanoporous membranes for water purification. Here we show, by performing molecular dynamics simulations, that a nanopore in a single-layer molybdenum disulfide can effectively reject ions and allow transport of water at a high rate. More than 88% of ions are rejected by membranes having pore areas ranging from 20 to 60 A(2). Water flux is found to be two to five orders of magnitude greater than that of other known nanoporous membranes. Pore chemistry is shown to play a significant role in modulating the water flux. Pores with only molybdenum atoms on their edges lead to higher fluxes, which are ∼ 70% greater than that of graphene nanopores. These observations are explained by permeation coefficients, energy barriers, water density and velocity distributions in the pores.