cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An event study to provide validation of TING and CMIT geomagnetic middle-latitude electron densities at the F2 peak

[1] The coupled thermosphere-ionosphere magnetosphere (CMIT) model and the Thermosphere Ionosphere Nested Grid (TING) model have been run to simulate the 15 May 1997 interplanetary coronal mass ejection's (ICME) effects on the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. Comparisons were made between these model runs, the IRI-2007 model, and geomagnetic middle-latitude ionosonde data (NmF2) from the World Data Center to determine how well the models simulated the event and to understand the causes of model-data disagreement. The following conclusions were drawn from this study: (1) skill scores were more often negative than positive on average; (2) the best and the worst skill scores occurred on the recovery day; (3) the line plots comparing models to data look better than the skill scores might suggest; (4) skill scores are significantly affected by timing issues and large, short-duration variability; (5) skill scores give an indication of the relative ability of one model relative to another, rather than an absolute statement of model accuracy; (6) the models capture negative storm effects better than they capture positive storm effects; (7) the TING model captured many short duration features seen in the data at high middle latitude stations that result from changes in the size of the auroral oval; (8) CMIT overestimates the energy driving changes in NmF2, whereas TING provides approximately the correct energy input as a result of the saturation effects on potential that are included in TING; and (9) both TING and CMIT electron densities decreased too rapidly after sunset.
Contribution by purines to the neurogenic response of the vas deferens of the guinea pig

Abstract The specific purine-receptor antagonist, arylazido aminopropionyl ATP (ANAPP 3 ), was used to determine if purines released from nerves of the guinea-pig vas deferens contribute to the neurogenic response. ANAPP 3 , which is a photoaffinity label, antagonized contractile responses of the in vitro vas deferens to transmural stimulation, reversibly in the presence of the compound and irreversibly after its photoactivation in the presence of the tissues. The antagonism by ANAPP 3 was augmented by depletion of norepinephrine produced by reserpine pretreatment. Responses of untreated tissues were only slightly antagonized by the α-adrenoceptor blocker prazosin. However, neurogenic responses were markedly reduced in the combined presence of ANAPP 3 and prazosin. ANAPP 3 did not affect the release of tritium from tissues prelabeled with [ 3 H]norepinephrine. The initial phasic component of the neurogenic response was preferentially antagonized by ANAPP 3 whereas the secondary more tonic component of the response was preferentially antagonized by prazosin and reserpine pretreatment. Small, residual responses remaining after chemical sympathectomy produced by 6-hydroxydopamine pretreatment were potentiated, rather than inhibited, by ANAPP 3 and were, unlike untreated tissues, sensitive to atropine. These and previous findings indicate that ATP or a related purine, originating from adrenergic neurons, acts as a co-transmitter with norepinephrine in this tissue.
Measuring the influence of a mutual support educational intervention within a nursing team

Abstract Background Teamwork is essential to provide the highest quality of care for patients. Feeling supported within a nursing unit is a significant factor in nursing satisfaction, intention to remain in the job, and the capacity to provide safe patient care by Aiken et al [1]. Purpose This study examined mutual support among a nursing team to measure the influence of an educational intervention focusing on Mutual Support from the Team STEPPS curriculum by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, AHRQ [2]. Methods The study design used a Likert scale survey, the Nursing Teamwork Survey, before and following an education intervention adapted from the Team STEPPS curriculum on Mutual Support. Demographic data from the 41 participants were analyzed for impact on educational background, roles and responsibilities, age, and other factors. Results Pre- Post education intervention results varied among the survey items, although scores demonstrated heightened awareness of teamwork following the educational intervention. The subscale of Backup illustrated the strongest improvement. Conclusion The study demonstrates that education can have an impact on perceptions and awareness of mutual support among nursing team members. The survey instrument can be used effectively to inform leadership areas for improvement and staff development in the effort to improve team coordination and mutual support.
Increased protein nitrosylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinogenesis

Background Nitric oxide (NO·) and its metabolic byproducts are implicated in carcinogenesis. We examined a marker of NO·-species' pathologic protein nitrosylation, nitrotyrosine, during head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCa) development. Materials and Methods Paraffin-embedded tissue samples of normal oral mucosa, squamous hyperplasia/dysplasia, and HNSCCa were immunohistochemically analyzed for staining intensity using an antinitrotyrosine monoclonal antibody, and correlated with retrospective clinical data. Results Significantly higher staining was noted in reactive, dysplastic and HNSCCa samples compared with samples of normal mucosa. Additionally, significant differences in staining were found between various primary sites of the upper aerodigestive tract. Lastly, individual inflammatory cells also stained intensely. Conclusions Increasing amounts of nitrotyrosine staining were found in reactive/dysplastic and HNSCCa lesions compared to normal squamous mucosa. Inflammatory cell staining implicates NO· as a possible mediator of immunosuppression. Given these findings, the role of NO· in mutations leading to and the immunosuppression found in HNSCCa warrants further investigation. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 64–70, 2000.
Selective 7-O-methylation of salsolinol in rat brain and heart in vivo

Abstract Intracerebroventricular and intraperitoneal injections of salsolinol and subsequent analyses of rat brain and heart revealed that 7-O-methylsalsolinol (7-OMe-Sal) is the principal O-methylated product formed in vivo. Production of 7-OMe-Sal was blocked by pretreatment of the rats with pyrogallol, an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase. 7-OMe-Sal and 6-O-methylsalsolinol (6-OMe-Sal) injected intraventricularly or prepared as external standards were distinguished by gas chromatography as peaks with different relative retention times compared to salsolinol as an internal standard. These substances were chromatographed as their corresponding pentafluoropropionic anhydride derivatives on a JXR column. Similar experiments performed with 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline revealed that this substance was similarly selectively converted to its 7-O-methylated product in rat brain.
Elevated Blood Lead in Young Children Due to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water: Washington, DC, 2001−2004

Incidence of EBL (blood lead ≥10 μg/dL) for children aged ≤1.3 years in Washington, DC increased more than 4 times comparing 2001−2003 when lead in water was high versus 2000 when lead in water was low. The incidence of EBL was highly correlated (R2 = 0.81) to 90th percentile lead in water lead levels (WLLs) from 2000 to 2007 for children aged ≤1.3 years. The risk of exposure to high water lead levels varied markedly in different neighborhoods of the city. For children aged ≤30 months there were not strong correlations between WLLs and EBL, when analyzed for the city as a whole. However, the incidence of EBL increased 2.4 times in high-risk neighborhoods, increased 1.12 times in moderate-risk neighborhoods, and decreased in low-risk neighborhoods comparing 2003 to 2000. The incidence of EBL for children aged ≤30 months also deviated from national trends in a manner that was highly correlated with 90th percentile lead in water levels from 2000 to 2007 (R2 = 0.83) in the high-risk neighborhoods. These effec...
Hemolysis Following Coil Embolization of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus

We describe the development of hemolysls from moderate residual shunting across a patent ductus arteriosus following coil embollzatlon. The fall in hemoglobin levels from 11.6 to 6.0 gm/dl necessitated a second coil procedure which resulted in complete closure of the residual shunting and resolution of hemolysls. Therefore, appearance of anemia following coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus should be monitored closely; however, repeat coil embolizatlon with elimination of residual shunt will lead to prompt recovery of normal hernoglobin levels. Q 1996 WIIOY-LISS, Inc.
Pulsed infrared laser irradiation of biological tissue: effect of pulse duration and repetition rate

Pulsed laser ablation is a trade off between minimizing thermal damage (for relatively long pulses) and mechanical damage (for relatively short pulses) to tissue adjacent to the ablation crater. Often it is not known what the optimal laser parameters are for a specific application, since clinically used parameters have at least partially been dictated by physical limitations of the laser devices. We recently obtained a novel type of cryogenic continuous wave holmium:YAG laser ((lambda) equals 2.09 micrometers ) with a galvanometric drive outcouple mirror that acts as a Q-switch. This unique device provides pulse repetition rates from a few Hz up to kHz and the pulse length is variable from microsecond(s) to ms. The effect of pulse duration and repetition rate on the thermal response of chicken breast is documented using temperature measurements with a thermal camera. We varied the pulse width from 10 microsecond(s) to 5 ms and fond that these pulse durations can be considered impulses of thermalized optical energy. In this paper some theoretical considerations of the pulse length will be described that support the experimental data. It was also found that even at 1 pulse per second thermal superposition occurs, indicating a much longer thermal relaxation time than predicted by a simple time constant model.
Magnetization and coercivity studies in amorphous Nd/sub 50/Fe/sub 50//BN multilayers

Amorphous Nd/sub 50/Fe/sub 50//BN multilayers are fabricated by sputtering over a wide range of bilayer thickness. A superparamagnetic behavior is found above 20 K in samples with a d/sub NdFe/ thickness below 15 AA which may be due to the particulate like nature of the thinner films. In samples with d/sub NdFe/ above 15 AA, the spontaneous magnetization is found to be independent of thickness. The coercivity increases with the NdFe layer thickness according to 1/d/sub NdFe/. This may be related to the out of plane effective surface anisotropy. The spontaneous magnetization does not follow Bloch's law above 50 K. A linear temperature dependence is observed in the temperature range of 50-300 K, with the temperature range extending to lower temperature in samples with thinner NdFe layers. >
Baseline Functional Performance Predicts the Rate of Mobility Loss in Persons With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Objectives We compared rates of mobility loss among persons with versus without peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Associations between baseline functional performance and mobility loss in persons with and without PAD were studied. Background Persons with PAD have poorer functional performance than persons without PAD. The prognostic value of poorer performance in persons with PAD is unknown. Methods Participants were 398 persons with and 240 without PAD who were free of mobility impairment at baseline. Participants were followed for a median of 50 months. Baseline measures included the 6-min walk and the Short Physical Performance Battery score. Mobility status, assessed annually, was defined as the self-reported loss of the ability to walk one-quarter mile or walk up and down one flight of stairs without assistance. Results Adjusting for age and gender, we found that PAD participants had a greater rate of mobility loss than persons without PAD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 2.56). This difference was not statistically significant after additional adjustment for baseline performance. Among PAD participants, risk of mobility loss in the lowest versus the 2 highest quartiles of baseline performance were as follows: HR 9.65 (95% CI 3.35 to 27.77, p Conclusions Persons with PAD experience greater mobility loss than persons without PAD. This association was explained by poorer baseline functional performance among participants with PAD. Poorer lower extremity performance predicts increased mobility loss in persons with and without PAD.
Critical phenomena in ferroelectrics

Abstract High precision measurements are reported of the temperature dependence of low frequency dielectric constants near to ferroelectric critical points. Triglycine sulphate exhibits no deviation from Curie's law to within 10 −4 of the Curie temperature. Deviations from Curie's law are found only near the antiferroelectric-ferroelectric transition in Rochelle salt.
Application of the Flory‐Huggins theory to the system chloroform‐polystyrene‐butadiene rubber

According to the Flory-Huggins theory for polymer blends, the polymerpolymer interaction parameter, χ23, must be positive for incompatible polymers. Previous studies of the incompatible ternary system chloroform-polystyrerne-butadiene rubber yielded negative values of χ23 using a solution method based on the Flory-Huggins theory with the chloroform-butadiene rubber interaction parameter used as input. An alternate solution method using the chloroform-polystyrene interaction parameter as input has been used to obtain positive values of χ23 for this incompatible system. This variation in results indicates that the interaction parameters obtained using the Flory-Huggins theory are not physically meaningful. They are, however, useful as correlating parameters. Both sets of results, although quite different, are shown to correlate the experimental data identically well. In addition, the appropriate equations are presented for the case where one of the solvent-polymer interaction parameters is concentration dependent.
Nonlinear UV-laser spectroscopy of the 2 3S−5 3P transition in 3He and 4He

Abstract We report the production of stable CW single mode UV radiation around 295 nm at powers exceeding 50 mW, using a passive enhancement cavity for second harmonic generation. With this laser we have investigated the 2 3 S−5 3 P transition at 294.5 nm in 3 He and 4 He by intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy. The measurements of the hyperfine splittings of the 5 3 P levels agree with semi-empirical calculations.
Effects of cocaine and alcohol alone and in combination on cardiovascular performance in dogs.

ABSTRACT Background With the proliferation of cocaine abuse, increased incidence of catastrophic cardiovascular events such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, or sudden death are reported. Many of these patients also drink alcohol before and after cocaine use, leading to a high frequency of simultaneous exposure to both the drugs. Cocaine and ethanol's independent effects on cardiodynamics are well documented, but their combined effects on complete cardiovascular hemodynamics remain unknown. Are effects additive, synergistic, or antagonistic? Methods Sixteen dogs were instrumented to pass cardiac catheters into right and left ventricles. After they recovered from the effects of anesthesia, experiments were performed. In phase I, 18 experiments (6 dogs) established the dose by dose response curve. In phase II and III, another 10 dogs, subjected to 30 experiments, were given i.v. cocaine followed by ethanol and vice versa to study their effects on hemodynamics and coronary flow reserve. Results Phase I: doses of cocaine (2 mg/kg) and ethanol (400 mg/kg) were established. Phase II: cocaine increased heart rate, blood pressure and dP/dt but ethanol administered after cocaine attenuated these effects [first derivative of the left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) P 0.04)]. Phase III: alcohol mildly increased hemodynamic parameters. Cocaine's administration as the second drug had synergistic excitatory effects (dP/dt > 3300 ± 160 from 2854 ± 142 mm Hg/sec; P 0.004). Conclusion Cocaine increased heart rate, blood pressure, and dP/dt but reduced CFR. Alcohol mildly increased the hemodynamic variables and CFR. Combined cocaine and alcohol attenuated the excitatory effects of cocaine significantly. A reversed drug combination (ie, alcohol then cocaine) generated synergistic excitatory effects on the cardiovascular system of the dogs.
Inhibition of mucin synthesis by benzyl-α-GalNAc in KATO III gastric cancer and Caco-2 colon cancer cells

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that benzyl-alpha-GalNAc inhibits the glycosylation of mucin in colon cancer cells. In this study, we determined whether benzyl-alpha-GalNAc inhibits mucin glycosylation in KATO III gastric cancer cells. We also examined its effects on expression of mucin antigens, and compared the mucins made by KATO III with those of a colonic cancer cell line, Caco-2. Results of these experiments suggest that benzyl-alpha-GalNAc (2 mM) inhibited [3H]glucosamine labelling of mucins by 82% in KATO III and by 70% in Caco-2. For both cell lines, the mucin secreted in the presence of benzyl-alpha-GalNAc was less acidic. Both cell lines secreted benzyl-oligosaccharides, but those from KATO III (8-9 sugars) were larger than those from Caco-2 (6-7 sugars). In mucins purified from the medium of treated cells, peripheral carbohydrate antigens (sialyl Lex in KATO III and terminal fucose in Caco-2) were decreased (compared with control), while core carbohydrate antigens (T antigen in both cell lines and sialyl Tn in Caco-2) were increased. Western blots of cell homogenates showed differences between KATO III and Caco-2 in MUC 1 apomucin protein antigens, in sialyl Lex and in sialyl Tn antigens. We conclude that benzyl-alpha-GalNAc does inhibit the glycosylation of mucin in KATO III gastric cancer cells as in human colon cancer cells, but that alterations in mucin antigens occur in a cell line-specific manner.
Effect of the mobile phase composition on the adsorption behavior of tryptophan in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

Abstract Single-component adsorption isotherm data of l -tryptophan on a C18-bonded silica column were acquired by frontal analysis (FA), with aqueous mobile phases containing 2.5, 5, and 7.5% of acetonitrile (ACN) or 7, 10, 15, and 20% of methanol (MeOH). Most of these isotherms have two inflection points and three different parts. The low and the high concentration parts exhibit langmuirian behavior. The intermediate part exhibits anti-langmuirian behavior. The inflection points shift toward higher concentrations with increasing mobile phase concentration in ACN or MeOH, which causes the differences in the isotherm profiles. The nature of the organic modifier and its concentration affect only the isotherm profile and the numerical values of its parameters, not the nature of the best model, which is the bi-Moreau model in all cases. The isotherm profiles depend on the experimental conditions because they affect the intensity of the adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. Overloaded band profiles of tryptophan were recorded with the seven mobile phase compositions. They were used to determine the best values of the isotherm coefficients by the inverse method (IM) of chromatography. There is an excellent agreement between the values of these parameters obtained by FA and by IM. Increasing the concentration of either ACN or MeOH in the mobile phase causes a slight decrease in the saturation capacities of the low and the high energy sites, and in the adsorption constant of the low energy sites. The adsorption constant of the high energy sites increases with increasing concentration of either solvent or is little affected. The adsorbate–adsorbate interaction constants of both low and high energy sites increase for both solvents. Saturation capacities of the high energy sites are higher for ACN than for MeOH.
Steady-state analysis of somatosensory evoked potentials

Abstract We report the development of a new method for frequency domain analysis of steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to amplitude-modulated electrical stimulation, which can be recorded in significantly less time than traditional SEPs. Resampling techniques were used to compare the steady-state SEP to traditional SEP recordings, which are based on signal averaging in the time domain of cortical responses to repetitive transient stimulation and take 1–2 min or more to obtain a satisfactory signal/noise ratio. Median nerves of 3 subjects were stimulated continuously with electrical alternating current at several modulation frequencies from 7 to 41 Hz. Amplitude modulation was used to concentrate the power in higher frequencies, away from the modulation frequency, to reduce the amount of stimulus artifact recorded. Data were tested for signal detectability in the frequency domain using the T circ 2 statistic. A reliable steady-state response can be recorded from scalp electrodes overlying somatosensory cortex in only a few seconds. In contrast, no signal was statistically discriminable from noise in the transient SEP from as much as 20 s of data. This dramatic time savings accompanying steady-state somatosensory stimulation may prove useful for monitoring in the operating room or intensive care unit.
Implantation of Cardioverter Defibrillators Without Induction of Ventricular Fibrillation

Background—The upper limit of vulnerability (ULV) is the weakest shock at which ventricular fibrillation (VF) is not induced by a T-wave shock. This study tested the hypothesis that a vulnerability safety margin based on the ULV can be used as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation criterion. Methods and Results—Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators were implanted in 80 patients if T-wave shocks did not induce VF and the baseline-rhythm R wave was ≥7 mV. The T-wave shock was 10 J in the first 45 patients (group A) and 15 J in the last 35 patients (group B). After inductionless implantations, the first VF shock was programmed to the T-wave shock plus 5 J. If T-wave shocks induced VF, the ULV was measured and the first shock was programmed to the ULV+5 J. Inductionless implantations were performed in 58 patients (72%), 28 in group A (62%) and 30 in group B (86%; P=0.04). If T-wave scanning had been done at 15 J in group A patients, inductionless implantations could have been performed in 8...
Creating Shareholder Value: Turning Risk Management into a Competitive Advantage

Many companies have either rejected or reduced the size of risk management (hedging) programs because they do not believe that the market will reward them sufficiently for the reduction in earnings volatility. In fact, many commodity companies would take the argument a step farther and argue that the market will punish them for reducing their commodity exposure.
Adult Parenteral Nutrition Utilization at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background:Guidelines from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition promote appropriate use of parenteral nutrition (PN). In addition, involvement of multidisciplinary nutrition support teams (NSTs) has led to a reduction of inappropriate PN administration. This study evaluated the effect of introducing hospital‐wide PN guidelines and a PN review committee on PN prescription behavior of NSTs in the authors’ hospital.Methods:A PN guidelines form with established indications was developed and made available to the NSTs. A PN review committee was formed to assess the appropriateness of PN prescriptions and educate the NSTs if an inappropriate PN prescription was noted. The initial‐phase PN prescriptions were compared with those in a later (established) phase.Results:Of a total of 614 PN prescriptions, 8.1% did not meet the established indications. The initial phase recorded 312 PN prescriptions, and the established phase had 302 prescriptions. The number of inappropriate PN prescriptions dec...
Roles of MgO Coating Layer on Mesoporous TiO2/ITO Electrode in a Photoelectrochemical Cell for Water Splitting

A MgO layer was spin coated on a mesoporous TiO2/ITO electrode for application to the working electrode of a water splitting photoelectrochemical cell. The role of MgO has two faces: (1) blocking the back electron transfer from TiO2 to electrolyte (positive influence) and (2) blocking the hole escape from TiO2 to electrolyte (negative influence). The competition between the positive and negative influences of the MgO layer results in maximal performance of the cell at an optimum effective thickness of the MgO layer. Further, the mechanism of light interference of the electrolyte/MgO/TiO2 system also contributes to the performance maximization with regard to the MgO layer thickness. Under a bias voltage, however, the role of blocking the hole escape prevails the blocking of the back electron transfer as well as the influence of the light interference; thereby the increase of MgO thickness diminishes the performance of the cell.
An Evaluation of Models of Consumer Spatial Behavior Using the Environment-Behavior Paradigm

This article presents an overview of models of consumer spatial behavior and evaluates them in the context of the environment-behavior paradigm. It is argued that the theoretical relevance of the c...
Efficacy and complications of covered Wallstents in malignant distal biliary obstruction

Background This study evaluated the efficacy and the complications associated with the use of the covered Wallstent in the setting of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Methods Between March 2001 and January 2003, all patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction that required drainage were treated with a covered Wallstent. Every 2 months, the patients were evaluated clinically and biochemical tests of liver function were obtained. Data were recorded for the following variables: early complications (within 30 days of stent placement), early and late stent occlusion, duration of stent patency, need for subsequent biliary intervention, and patient survival. Results A total of 88 covered Wallstents were inserted in 80 patients. Stent patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 90%, 82%, and 78%, respectively. Complications included stent migration (5), stent occlusion (12), episodes of cholecystitis (3), and episodes of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5). Biliary intervention was required in 9 patients subsequent to placement of the initial covered Wallstent. Conclusions Deployment of a covered Wallstent is safe and relatively easy. It achieves biliary drainage with an acceptable risk to benefit ratio in the majority of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction.
Junction Stresses in Buried Jointed Pipelines

Moments in the intersecting pipelines can be reduced by placing flexible joints. A closed form stiffness matrix for buried pipelines with flexible joints is obtained by solving two differential equations for bending and axial effects. Numerical results demonstrate that network effects take place within a predetermined distance from the junction point, depending upon the properties of soil and interconnecting pipelines. The pipe joint effect occurs within π/2 pipe diam of the joint. Analytical expressions have been provided for the distribution of the axial pipe forces based on the resistance of the soil.
Structure of Active Adlayers on Bimetallic Surfaces: Oxygen Reduction on Au(111) with Bi Adlayers

The structure of Bi adlayers on the Au(111) electrode surface during the course of O2 reduction has been investigated by in situ surface X-ray scattering. Under oxygen reduction conditions, both the low-coverage (2 × 2)-Bi and the close-packed (p × √3)-2Bi adlayer structures are stable. We developed an electrochemical drop cell that provides a more uniform potential distribution during high current conditions compared with commonly used thin-layer cells. Our results clearly indicate distinctly different catalytic properties for the two ordered bismuth adlayer phases. In the potential region corresponding to the (2 × 2)-Bi phase, O2 reduction is promoted to a four-electron reaction, albeit with relatively slow kinetics. The close-packed (p × √3)-2Bi phase, formed at more negative potentials, appears to have a limited number of sites available for four-electron reduction, but the reaction kinetics on this adlayer is enhanced by an increased overpotential.
Late-Onset Chronic Inflammatory Encephalopathy in Immune-Competent and Severe Combined Immune-Deficient (SCID) Mice with Astrocyte-Targeted Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor

To examine the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the pathogenesis of degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), transgenic mice were developed in which expression of murine TNF-α was targeted to astrocytes using a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-TNF-α fusion gene. In two independent GFAP-TNFα transgenic lines (termed GT-8 or GT-2) adult (>4 months of age) animals developed a progressive ataxia (GT-8) or total paralysis affecting the lower body (GT-2). Symptomatic mice had prominent meningoencephalitis (GT-8) or encephalomyelitis (GT-2) in which large numbers of B cells and CD4 + and CD8 + T cells accumulated at predominantly perivascular sites. The majority of these lymphocytes displayed a memory cell phenotype (CD44 high , CD62L low , CD25 − ) and expressed an early activation marker (CD69). Parenchymal lesions contained mostly CD45 + high, MHC class II + , and Mac-1 + cells of the macrophage microglial lineage with lower numbers of neutrophils and few CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Cerebral expression of the cellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MAdCAM as well as a number of α- and β-chemokines was induced or up-regulated and preceded the development of inflammation, suggesting an important signaling role for these molecules in the CNS leukocyte migration. Degenerative changes in the CNS of the GFAP-TNFα mice paralleled the development of the inflammatory lesions and included primary and secondary demyelination and neurodegeneration. Disease exacerbation with more extensive inflammatory lesions that contained activated cells of the macrophage/microglial lineage occurred in GFAP-TNFα mice with severe combined immune deficiency. Thus, persistent astrocyte expression of murine TNF-α in the CNS induces a late-onset chronic inflammatory encephalopathy in which macrophage/microglial cells but not lymphocytes play a central role in mediating injury.
WE‐C‐BRB‐06: Analyzing the Impact of Intra‐Fraction Motion: Correlation of IMRT QA Metrics with D95%

Purpose: Motion‐encoded dose distributions, taking into account intra‐fraction motion during intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT), can be determined both computationally and experimentally, with a number of analysis techniques available to quantify the dosimetric changes. The analysis results can provide important information regarding the clinical impact of motion and the appropriateness of a given treatment plan. This study provides a comparison of different analysis techniques performed on computationally predicted motion‐encoded dose distributions. Methods: A total of 3,768 motion‐encoded dose distributions were calculated computationally for 38 step‐and‐shoot and 38 compensator IMRT plans across 9 lung patients. The motion‐encoded dose distributions were compared to static dose distributions using four analysis techniques: 2D and 3D gamma, histogram (looking at the fraction of voxels with a dose deviation exceeding 3% of the prescription dose) and dose volume histogram (DVH) analyses. Tests were also implemented to separate failing voxels caused by either over‐dosing or under‐dosing. In addition tests were performed both globally (not taking into account the planning regions of interest) and within restricted regions of interest, such as the target volume. Results: Global analysis techniques did not accurately predict clinically relevant dosimetric changes in the target D 95% . Three‐dimensional gamma and histogram analyses, localized within the target and considering only voxels experiencing decreased doses due to motion, provided the strongest correlations with changes in D 95% (r,2 =0.68 and r,2 =0.71 respectively). A global 2D gamma analysis correlated less well with changes in D 95% (r,2 =0.44), and was both less specific and sensitive. Conclusions: This study suggests that any clinical decisions based solely on 2D or global measurement techniques may not provide adequate dosimetric information about the effect of motion on IMRT delivery. Care needs to be taken in determining the appropriate analysis technique and in interpreting the results in order to understand the relevant dosimetric changes caused by motion. This work was supported in part by .decimal, Inc.
Implementation of porous silicon technology for flow-through sensing using electro-osmotic phenomenon

A demonstration of pH sensing for natural waters using nanoscaled porous media and electro-osmotic flow sampling has been performed. This paper presents an innovative integration of sensing and nano-scaled fluidic actuation in the combination of pH sensitive optical dye immobilization with the electro-osmotic phenomena in polar solvents like water. Through wafer nano-scaled porous silicon and porous silica membranes have been demonstrated as porous media and template for high density fluorescence measurements on optical dyes.
Assessing Reproductive Isolation in Highly Diverse Communities of the Lichen-Forming Fungal Genus Peltigera

The lichen-forming fungal genus Peltigera includes a number of species that are extremely widespread, both geographically and ecologically. However, morphological variability has lead to doubts about the distinctness of some species, and it has been suggested that hybridization is common in nature. We examined species boundaries by looking for evidence of hybridization and gene flow among seven described species collected at five sites in British Columbia, Canada. We found no evidence of gene flow or hybridization between described species, with fixed differences between species for two or more of the three loci examined. Reproductive isolation did not reflect a solely clonal mode of reproduction as there was evidence of ongoing gene flow within species. In addition, we found five undescribed species that were reproductively isolated, although there was evidence of ongoing or historical gene flow between two of the new species. These results indicate that the genus Peltigera is more diverse in western North America than originally perceived, and that morphological variability is due largely to the presence of undescribed species rather than hybridization or intraspecific variation.
Clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid 'sludge' in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.

Objectives To determine the clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid (AF) ‘sludge’ among asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. Methods This retrospective case–control study included 281 patients with (n = 66) or without (n = 215) AF ‘sludge’, who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination between 13 and 29 completed weeks of gestation. Patients with threatened preterm labor, multiple gestation, fetal anomalies, placenta previa or uterine contractions were excluded. Results The prevalence of AF ‘sludge’ in the study population was 23.5% (66/281). The rates of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 35 weeks and < 37 weeks of gestation were 14.7% (29/197), 21.3% (46/216), 28.7% (62/216) and 42.1% (91/216), respectively. Patients with ‘sludge’ had: (1) a higher rate of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks (46.5% (20/43) vs. 5.8% (9/154); P < 0.001), < 32 weeks (55.6% (25/45) vs. 12.3% (21/171); P < 0.001) and < 35 weeks (62.2% (28/45) vs. 19.9% (34/171); P < 0.001); (2) a higher frequency of clinical chorioamnionitis (15.2% (10/66) vs. 5.1% (11/215); P = 0.007), histologic chorioamnionitis (61.5% (40/65) vs. 28% (54/193); P < 0.001) and funisitis (32.3% (21/65) vs. 19.2% (37/193); P = 0.03); (3) a higher frequency of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) (39.4% (26/66) vs. 13.5% (29/215); P < 0.001), lower gestational age at preterm PROM (median 24.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 22.3–28.1) weeks vs. 32.3 (IQR, 27.7–34.8) weeks; P < 0.001); and (4) shorter median ultrasound-to-delivery interval (‘sludge’ positive 127 days (95% CI, 120–134 days) vs. ‘sludge’ negative 161 days (95% CI, 153–169 days); P < 0.001) and ultrasound-to-preterm PROM interval (‘sludge’ positive 23 days (95% CI, 7–39 days) vs. ‘sludge’ negative 57 days (95% CI, 38–77 days); P = 0.003) than those without ‘sludge’. AF ‘sludge’ was an independent explanatory variable for the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks and < 35 weeks, preterm PROM, microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and histologic chorioamnionitis. Moreover, the combination of a cervical length < 25 mm and ‘sludge’ conferred an odds ratio of 14.8 and 9.9 for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks, respectively. Conclusions AF ‘sludge’ is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery, preterm PROM, MIAC and histologic chorioamnionitis in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. Furthermore, the combination of ‘sludge’ and a short cervix confers a higher risk for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks than a short cervix alone. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trp modification signals a quorum.

ComX is a post-translationally modified peptide involved in quorum sensing in Bacillus subtilis. The structure of ComX has now been shown to contain a geranylated tryptophan with an unusual tricyclic architecture.
Broadening mathematical reasoning in computing (abstract only)

The pending revision of the ACM/IEEE CS curriculum guidelines for computer science, and the continuing broadening of the computing disciplines, among other considerations, make now a good time to review the role of mathematical reasoning in computing education. This birds-of-a-feather session provides an opportunity for people interested in mathematics and its role in computing education to reflect on and discuss the future of mathematical reasoning in our curricula, guided by the question of whether it should be broader than it has been, narrower, or if it is just right as it is.
An Association Between Ethanol-Evoked Enhancement of c-jun Gene Expression in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius and the Attenuation of Baroreflexes

Background: An increased expression of Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene c-fos, in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is associated with dysfunction in baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate. Our previous studies demonstrated that ethanol attenuates baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in rats and humans. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that enhanced expression of the immediate early gene c-jun (an index of neuronal activity) in the NTS contributes to the baroreflex dysfunction caused by ethanol. Methods: Conscious male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and baroreflex sensitivity (Oxford method). The c-jun messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in NTS was measured by in situ hybridization. Results: Ethanol elicited dose-dependent attenuation in BRS in WKY rats, which was associated with significant increases in c-jun mRNA in the NTS. In contrast, ethanol had no effect on BRS or c-jun mRNA in the NTS of the SHRs; the latter exhibited significantly lower BRS and higher c-jun mRNA in the NTS compared with WKY rats. Conclusions: An increased basal level of c-jun mRNA in the NTS may contribute to the reduced BRS in the SHR, and ethanol enhancement of neuronal activity of the NTS, expressed as increased c-jun mRNA expression, may contribute to its attenuation of BRS, which highlights the NTS as a neuroanatomical target for ethanol action on baroreflexes.
An efficient algorithm for voting sequences

Abstract The chaos theorems show that given almost any alternatives x and y, there exists voting sequence from x to y. However, proofs of such results have been purely existential; that is, there is no algorithm by which such a voting path can be constructed. In this paper, we present such an algorithm for one standard example. Furthermore, it is shown that the algorithm has the property that the voting sequence involves the fewest possible number of steps.
Glomerular morphometry II: familial and nonfamilial haematuria

Differential glomerular cell counts and measurements of glomerular diameter were made in 13 children with Alport's syndrome (AS), four with benign familial haematuria (BFH) and 15 with nonfamilial haematuria (NFH). Mesangial cellularity was increased in the six cases of NFH with diffuse mesangial deposits of IgA (IgA +). In AS, IgA + and -NFH, epithelial cellularity decreased with age while glomerular diameter increased. In AS mesangial and endothelial cellularity also decreased with age. These findings support the view that AS, IgA + and -NFH are three distinct entities. BFH, although similar in several respects to IgA -NFH, should nevertheless be retained as a separate category by virtue of its familial incidence of haematuria.
IC quality and test transparency

It is shown that extremely high single-stuck fault coverage is necessary for high-quality products. Even 100% single-stuck fault coverage may not guarantee adequate quality. Results are presented that extend previous work and show that for high required IC quality, process yield has a negligible effect on required test thoroughness. The extensions consist of: removing the assumption of a one-to-one correspondence between chip defects and single-stuck faults; demonstrating that for high quality levels the dependence of quality on test coverage is linear rather than exponential and that for high yields, the dependence of quality on yield is also linear; and showing that the yield used in the calculations should be functional rather than die yield. The theoretical results are compared with data obtained from measurements at a production IC facility. >
Isosorbide dinitrate kinetics and dynamics after intravenous, sublingual, and percutaneous dosing in angina

Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) kinetics and dynamics were examined after various routes of administration for angina. Given intravenously, ISDN kinetics were apparently linear over the range of infusion rate (0.083 and 0.133 mg /min) and duration (15 min and 1 and 2 hr) studied. Mean ± SD systemic clearance of ISDN was 3.4 ± 1.4 l/min and volume of distribution (Vdss or Vdarea) about 100 l. These data are consistent with the presence of extensive extrahepatic metabolism. In six patients, sublingual ISDN (5 mg) was also given and mean bioavailability of 59% (19% to 93%) for this route was determined. For this group, sublingual absorption of intact ISDN was incomplete and variable. The presence of a longer disappearance t½ after sublingual dosing suggested that the input process may be rate limiting. After percutaneous application of a topical formulation (100 mg over an area of 400 cm2), steady-state plasma concentrations at about 7 ng/ml were maintained from 6 to 24 hr. The bioavailability of the topical application was estimated at 30%. At the doses given, intravenous ISDN had no apparent effect on heart rate but induced significant reduction in standing systolic blood pressure. The effect vs the ISDN concentration profile was described by a hysteresis loop, indicating that changes in blood pressure response lag behind changes in plasma ISDN concentration. After intravenous dosing, peak plasma ISDN concentration and peak effect (maximum change in standing systolic blood pressure). At the doses used, both sublingual and percutaneous ISDN induced less distinct circulatory changes than the intravenous infusion. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 33, 747–756; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.102
Coordinated nuclear receptor regulation of the efflux transporter, Mrp2, and the phase-II metabolizing enzyme, GSTπ, at the blood-brain barrier

Xenobiotic efflux pumps at the blood–brain barrier are critical modulators of central nervous system pharmacotherapy. We previously found expression of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), in rat brain capillaries, and showed increased expression and transport activity of the drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein, in capillaries exposed to PXR ligands (pregnenolone-16a-carbonitrile (PCN) and dexamethasone) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show increased protein expression and transport activity of another efflux pump, multidrug resistanceassociated protein isoform 2 (Mrp2), in rat brain capillaries after in vitro and in vivo exposure to PCN and dexamethasone. The phase-II drug-metabolizing enzyme, glutathione S-transferase-p (GSTp), was found to be expressed in brain capillaries, where it colocalized to a large extent with Mrp2 at the endothelial cell luminal plasma membrane. Like Mrp2, GSTp protein expression increased with PXR activation. Colocalization and coordinated upregulation suggest functional coupling of the metabolizing enzyme and efflux transporter. These findings indicate that, as in hepatocytes, brain capillaries possess a regulatory network consisting of nuclear receptors, metabolizing enzymes,
Factors affecting the use of genetic algorithms in test suite augmentation

Test suite augmentation techniques are used in regression testing to help engineers identify code elements affected by changes, and generate test cases to cover those elements. Researchers have created various approaches to identify affected code elements, but only recently have they considered integrating, with this task, approaches for generating test cases. In this paper we explore the use of genetic algorithms in test suite augmentation. We identify several factors that impact the effectiveness of this approach, and we present the results of a case study exploring the effects of one of these factors: the manner in which existing and newly generated test cases are utilized by the genetic algorithm. Our results reveal several ways in which this factor can influence augmentation results, and reveal open problems that researchers must address if they wish to create augmentation techniques that make use of genetic algorithms.
After the injury: initial evaluation of a web-based intervention for parents of injured children

The purpose of this study was to survey parent knowledge of child injury reactions (including post-traumatic stress symptoms) and to evaluate parent satisfaction and learning outcomes following a video- or web-based intervention. Fifty parents of children ages 6-17 years who were injured within the past 2 months were recruited from emergency and inpatient settings. A repeated-measures experimental design was employed in which participants were assigned to either a web-based or video intervention. Parent knowledge was assessed pre- and post-intervention. Learning outcomes and satisfaction were evaluated post-intervention. Parents showed high levels (∼70% accuracy) of knowledge about potential psychological injury reactions at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, post-intervention parents were able to generate new positive strategies to help their child recover and became more specific about types of reactions to monitor (e.g. avoidance). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with both web and video interventions. While parents possess high levels of basic knowledge about child recovery from injury, the Web site and video tools provided concrete guidance that was useful in enhancing parent understanding of specific traumatic stress reactions to monitor in children post-injury. Language: en
Fast neutron radiotherapy—an overview

Fast neutron radiotherapy has been employed worldwide in the last two decades in the treatment of a variety of advanced malignancies. The basic principles behind neutron treatment will be summarized in this article, along with results to date of a number of clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness and toxicity of neutron radiotherapy.