cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The growth of world trade: tariffs, transport costs, and income similarity

Abstract In the 25th anniversary issue of the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Paul Krugman [Krugman, P., 1995. Growing world trade: Causes and consequences. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity (1), 327–377] stated that the answer to the fundamental question “Why has world trade grown?” remains surprisingly disputed. He noted that journalistic discussion tends to view the growth of world trade as due to technology-led declines in transportation costs, while economists argue that policy-led multilateral and bilateral trade liberalization has spurred this growth. A third potential explanation raised by Elhanan Helpman [Helpman, E., 1987. Imperfect competition and international trade: Evidence from fourteen industrial countries. Journal of the Japanese and International Economies 1 (1) 62–81] and Hummels and Levinsohn (1995) [Hummels, D., Levinsohn, J., 1995. Monopolistic competition and international trade: Reconsidering the evidence. Quarterly Journal of Economics 110 (3) 799–836] is increased similarity of countries’ incomes. The purpose of this study is to disentangle from one another (and from income growth) the relative effects of transport-cost reductions, tariff liberalization, and income convergence on the growth of world trade among several OECD countries between the late 1950s and the late 1980s. In the context of the model, the empirical results suggest that income growth explains about 67%, tariff-rate reductions about 25%, transport-cost declines about 8%, and income convergence virtually none of the average world trade growth of our post World War II sample.
Optical properties of crystalline semiconductors and dielectrics

A new formulation for the complex index of refraction, N(E)=n(E)-ik(E), as a function of photon energy E, for crystalline semiconductors and dielectrics is developed based on our previous derivation of N(E) for amorphous materials. The extinction coefficient k(E) is deduced from a one-electron model with finite lifetime for the excited electron state. The refractive index n(E) is then derived from the Kramers-Kronig relation as the Hilbert transform of k(E). It is shown that n(\ensuremath{\infty})g1. Excellent agreement is found between our equations for n(E) and k(E) and published measured values for crystalline Si, Ge, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, SiC, cubic C, and \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$, over a wide range of energies (\ensuremath{\sim}0--20 eV). Far fewer parameters, all of which have physical significance, are required and they can be determined for a particular material from the position and strength of the peaks in the k spectrum.
Palliative Sedation An Analysis of International Guidelines and Position Statements

Purpose:To describe the suggested clinical practice of palliative sedation as it is presented in the literature and discuss available guidelines for its use.Methods:CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for publications since 1997 for recommended guidelines and position statements on palliative sedation as well as data on its provision. Keywords included palliative sedation, terminal sedation, guidelines, United States, and end of life. Inclusion criteria were palliative sedation policies, frameworks, guidelines, or discussion of its practice, general or oncology patient population, performance of the intervention in an inpatient unit, for humans, and in English. Exclusion criteria were palliative sedation in children, acute illness, procedural, or burns, and predominantly ethical discussions.Results:Guidelines were published by American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (2000), Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (2003), American Academy of Hospice and Palliativ...
Parties’ Responses to Economic Globalization: What is Left for the Left and Right for the Right?

Do parties adjust their economic policy positions in response to the international economy? I explore how international economic conditions affect Western Europe’s welfare states by quantitatively analysing parties’ ideological dynamics over time. Considering the convergence—divergence argument of the globalization literature, I evaluate the hypothesis that economic openness motivates parties to adjust their economic policies. My empirical analyses reveal that both left-wing and right-wing parties do indeed systematically adjust their positions in response to economic changes associated with globalization. However, the results contradict the neoliberal convergence argument, as parties shift in varying directions in response to different indicators of openness. Importantly, the differences between left-wing and right-wing parties’ responses are not statistically significant, pointing to the importance of including right-wing parties in the globalization literature.
Chloroplast promoter driven expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene in a cyanobacterium

The putative promoter region of the chloroplast encoded ps2B gene (the gene encoding the 32kD herbicide binding B protein of photosystem II (1-4)) has been fused to a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene that lacks its bacterial promoter and found to accurately initiate transcription from this promoter when introduced into the cyanobacterium, Anacystis nidulans R2 (or into E. coli). The chloroplast promoter-CAT fusion was introduced into the cells on a plasmid that contains plasmid replication origins for E. coli and Anacystis as well as a second antibiotic resistance marker. Cells transformed with corresponding vectors lacking the promoter region do not express CAT.
Self-Instruction in the Training of Functional Skills: A Single Case Study

This article presents a treatment programme for the development of personal hygiene behaviour in a patient who had herpes simplex encephalitis 5 years earlier. The patient has severe memory and organisational problems, but is of average overall intelligence. The programme consists, in part, of chaining a series of nine discrete activities by using linking phrases. The programme allowed the patient to structure his behaviour and wash in a well organised non-repetitive way. The results are discussed in the light of previous failures to affect behaviour using apparently similar methods.
Short wavelength free electron lasers in 2000

Twenty-three years after the first operation of the short wavelength free electron laser (FEL) at Stanford University, there continue to be many important experiments, proposed experiments, and user facilities around the world. Properties of FELs operating in the infrared, visible, UV, and X-ray wavelength regimes are listed and discussed. r 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 41.60.Cr
Biochemical Parameters in Chronic Renal Failure

We analyzed biochemical data derived from 911 patients with renal insufficiency observed at our institution for periods up to 7 years. During early renal failure (RF) (creatinine 2 (tCO 2 ) and urea per unit change of creatinine was significantly higher than during moderate (creatinine between 5 and 10 mg/dL) or advanced (creatinin e> 10 mg/dL) RF. For example, the rate of change of hematocrit (%, volume/volume [v/v]) was (mean ± SEM) − 2.15 ± 0.15% for each 1 mg/dL increase in creatinine in the range of creatinine 10 mg/dL, the rate of change was only −0.48 ± 0.06% ( P 2 was −1.68 ± 0.09 mEq/L for each 1 mg/dL increment in creatinine concentration during early RF, and −0.19 ± 0.09 mEq/L per unit increase in creatinine during advanced RF ( P
Juggling Bits: Tianqiao as Republican Beijing’s Recycling Center

"Guang Tianqiao" (wandering around Tianqiao) was one of the most exciting activities for many of Beijing's residents during the 1920s and 1930s. Some travel guides published in those years listed Tianqiao under "tourist attractions" along with ancient pagodas, imperial palaces, and newly opened parks. One guidebook insisted that "it will be one's greatest regret if one comes to Beijing from afar but does not have a glance at Tianqiao" (Tian Yunjin, 1935: 7). But Tianqiao was also distinguished from other places, for it was seen as the best example of "modem society" (Ma Zhixiang, [1935] 1997: 88). In the words of Zhong Ruoxia, a Republican-era writer, "Tianqiao is the epitome of Beiping; it is the front face of life" (Zhong Ruoxia, [1936] 1989: 86). Part of the Qing imperial lands off-limits to most construction, Tianqiao (Bridge of Heaven) acquired its name from the nearby Altar of Heaven. During the early Republican years, it became the largest market serving the city's poor residents with the lowest prices and various forms of entertainment (Ma Zhixiang, [1935] 1997: 88). It was squalid, noisy, and chaotic but also boisterous and infectious-a mix of face-lifted junk and the occasional jewel. It was where the police first hunted criminals on the lam, and to some members of the elite, it symbolized the difficult lives of common folk. In the 1930s, at least
RNA-specific adenosine deaminase ADAR1 suppresses measles virus-induced apoptosis and activation of protein kinase PKR.

ADAR1 (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) catalyzes the conversion of adenosine to inosine, a process known as A-to-I editing. Extensive A-to-I editing has been described in viral RNAs isolated from the brains of patients persistently infected with measles virus, although the precise role of ADAR during measles virus infection remains unknown. We generated human HeLa cells stably deficient in ADAR1 (“ADAR1kd cells”) through short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown, and using these cells, we tested the effect of ADAR1 deficiency on measles virus (MVvac strain) growth and virus-induced cell death. We found that the growth of mutant viruses lacking expression of the viral accessory proteins V and C (Vko and Cko, respectively) was decreased in ADAR1-deficient cells compared with ADAR1-sufficient cells. In addition, apoptosis was enhanced in ADAR1-deficient cells following infection with wild type and Vko virus but not following infection with Cko virus or treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α or staurosporine. Furthermore, in Cko-infected ADAR1-sufficient cells when ADAR1 did not protect against apoptosis, caspase cleavage of the ADAR1 p150 protein was detected. Finally, enhanced apoptosis in ADAR1kd cells following infection with wild type and Vko virus correlated with enhanced activation of PKR kinase and interferon regulatory factor IRF-3. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ADAR1 is a proviral, antiapoptotic host factor in the context of measles virus infection and suggest that the antiapoptotic activity of ADAR1 is achieved through suppression of activation of proapoptotic and double-stranded RNA-dependent activities, as exemplified by PKR and IRF-3.
Chemical properties of carbon-modified titanium: reaction pathways of cyclohexene and ethylene over Ti(0 0 0 1) and C/Ti(0 0 0 1)

Abstract The reaction pathways of cyclohexene and ethylene on clean and carbon-modified Ti(0 0 0 1) surfaces were studied using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). As typically observed for early transition metals, the clean Ti(0 0 0 1) surface interacted strongly with ethylene and cyclohexene upon adsorption at 100 K, leading to the complete decomposition to atomic carbon and hydrogen at higher temperatures. On the other hand, the C/Ti(0 0 0 1) surfaces showed chemical activity similar to Pt-group metals. The formation of carbon overlayers on Ti(0 0 0 1) resulted in the selective dehydrogenation of cyclohexene to produce gas-phase benzene. The reactivity of the C/Ti(0 0 0 1) surfaces toward ethylene was also very similar to those typically observed on Pt-group metal surfaces. At 100 K, ethylene molecules adsorbed to the C/Ti(0 0 0 1) surface in the di- σ bonded configuration, which was converted to an intermediate consistent with ethylidyne (CCH 3 ) species by 300 K. The results reported here corroborate well with previous studies on C/V(1 1 0), C/Mo(1 1 0), C/W(1 1 1) and C/W(1 1 0). This manuscript also represents one of the first surface science investigations of the surface reactivity of Ti(0 0 0 1) and C/Ti(0 0 0 1).
SMASH imaging with an eight element multiplexed RF coil array

SMASH (SiMultaneous Acquisition of Spatial Harmonics) is a technique which can be used to acquire multiple lines ofk-space in parallel, by using spatial information from a radiofrequency coil array to perform some of the encoding normally produced by gradients. Using SMASH, imaging speed can be increased up to a maximum acceleration factor equal to the number of coil array elements. This work is a feasibility study which examines the use of SMASH with specialized coil array and data reception hardware to achieve previously unattainable accelerations. An eight element linear SMASH array was designed to operate in conjunction with a time domain multiplexing system to examine the effectiveness of SMASH imaging with as much as eightfold acceleration factors. Time domain multiplexing allowed the multiple independent array elements to be sampled through a standard single-channel receiver. SMASH-reconstructed images using this system were compared with reference images, and signal to noise ratio and reconstruction artifact power were measured as a function of acceleration factor. Results of the imaging experiments showed an almost constant SNR for SMASH acceleration factors of up to eight. Artifact power remained low within this range of acceleration factors. This study demonstrates that efficient SMASH imaging at high acceleration factors is feasible using appropriate hardware, and that time domain multiplexing is a convenient strategy to provide the multiple channels required for rapid imaging with large arrays.
Single-phase flow in composite poroelastic media

SUMMARY The mathematical formulation and analysis of the Barenblatt–Biot model of elastic deformation and laminar 2ow in a heterogeneous porous medium is discussed. This describes consolidation processes in a 2uid-saturated double-di>usion model of fractured rock. The model includes various degenerate cases, such as incompressible constituents or totally (ssured components, and it is extended to include boundary conditions arising from partially exposed pores. The quasi-static initial–boundary problem is shown to have a unique weak solution, and this solution is strong when the data are smoother. Copyright ? 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Any model of 2uid 2ow through a deformable solid matrix must account for the coupling between the mechanical behaviour of the matrix and the 2uid dynamics. For example, compression of the medium leads to increased pore pressure, if the compression is fast relative to the 2uid 2ow rate. Conversely, an increase in pore pressure induces a dilation of the matrix in response to the added stress. The concept of total stress is the essence of coupled deformation-2ow behaviour within porous media and sets it apart from the theory of 2ow through a rigid structure. This coupled pressure–deformation interaction is the basis of the development of poroelasticity starting with the work of Terzaghi [1; 2]. The (rst detailed studies of the coupling between the pore-2uid pressure and solid stress (elds were described by Biot [3]. The basic constitutive equations relate the total stress to both the e ective stress given by the strain of the structure and to the pressure arising from the pore 2uid. Timedependent 2uid 2ow is incorporated by combining the 2uid mass conservation with Darcy’s law, and the displacement of the structure is described by combining Hooke’s law for elastic deformation with the momentum balance equations. The transient 2ow and deformation behaviour in a deformable porous medium may result from changes in either the 2uid pressure, 2ux, displacements, or traction conditions applied to the boundary of the medium. The model for consolidation requires the quasi-static assumption that the dynamic momentum equations be replaced by the corresponding equilibrium equations. The representation of porosity and permeability in heterogeneous media often requires several distinct spatial scales. Thus, the need arises for more general models incorporating
From societal fragility to sustainable robustness: Some tentative technology trajectories

Abstract Centralization of production has allowed great increases to efficiency, and specialization has allowed advances that would otherwise be almost impossible. But centralized production leads to long supply lines, and specialization causes decreased accessibility of alternatives; together these increase the consumers’ vulnerability to disruption of access to essential goods and services. Assessing these vulnerabilities and making at least preliminary proposals for amelioration, is a topic of this paper. Initially, the functional needs of individuals are reviewed and classified. The paper then reviews and attempts to quantify the vulnerabilities associated with present approaches to meeting those needs. Having identified both specific vulnerabilities, and common factors associated with vulnerability, the paper then considers some general principles for increasing technological and social robustness. With vulnerabilities and indicative principles for improved robustness identified, some coarse but illustrative technology trajectories are proposed. The paper covers a broad scope in limited detail: it is presented in the hope that real advance towards a more robust and decentralized sophistication can be encouraged.
Molecular Genetics and Clinical-Pathology Features of Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Carcinoma (Lynch Syndrome)

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also termed Lynch syndrome, was originally called cancer family syndrome. Historically, in 1913 Aldred Warthin, a pathologist, published a family, now known as Family G, which had features of HNPCC. It was first delineated as a hereditary cancer syndrome in the mid-1960s by Lynch. There was an apparent autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of colorectal cancer and certain integral cancers, the most prominent of which was endometrial carcinoma. Prior to the discovery in 1993 and 1994 of genes (hMSH2, hMLH1, hPMS1, hPMS2) known as mismatch repair genes or mutator genes, the diagnosis of HNPCC rested exclusively upon evaluation of clinical findings in concert with a well-documented and extended pedigree. Thus, this disorder has evolved from a medical curiosity into a clinical syndrome wherein molecular biologists provided proof of its hereditary status. These discoveries should aid in elucidating its pathogenesis and carcinogenesis and in the next decade we likely will learn more about chemoprevention and surgical prophylaxis of HNPCC.
Efficient and scalable runtime for GAS programming models on petascale systems

Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: GAS programming models; petascale systems; computational power; global address space; PGAS models; GAS models; GAS run-time systems; hierarchical cooperation; HiCOO; ARMCI process management; communication server; memory scalability; network contention; and virtual topologies.
Investigation of Spectroscopic Intermediates during Copper-Binding and TPQ Formation in Wild-Type and Active-Site Mutants of a Copper-Containing Amine Oxidase from Yeast†

Copper amine oxidases possess the unusual ability to generate autocatalytically their organic cofactor, which is subsequently utilized in turnover. This cofactor, 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ), is formed within the active site of these enzymes by the oxidation of a single tyrosine residue. In vitro, copper(II) and oxygen are both necessary and sufficient for the conversion of tyrosine to TPQ. In this study, the biogenesis of TPQ has been characterized in an amine oxidase from Hansenula polymorpha expressed as the apo-enzyme in Escherichia coli. With the WT enzyme, optical absorbances which are copper or oxygen dependent are observed and characterized. Active-site mutants are used to investigate further the nature of these spectral species. Evidence is presented which suggests that tyrosine is activated for reaction with oxygen by liganding to Cu(II). In the following paper in this issue [Schwartz, B., Dove, J. E., and Klinman, J. P. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 3699-3707], the initial reaction of...
Intra-articular metacarpal head fractures

One hundred and three intra-articular metacarpal head fractures in 100 patients are presented and classified by anatomical involvement on roentgenographic examination. The fractures were epiphyseal (Salter-Harris type III, n = 4), ligament avulsions from metacarpal head (n = 17), osteochondral (n = 8), oblique (sagittal, n = 22), vertical (coronal, n = 4), horizontal (transverse, n = 4), comminuted (n = 31), boxer's fractures with extension into the joint (n = 3), loss of substance (n = 6), and occult compression with avascular necrosis (n = 4). Experience with fractures involving large intra-articular defects suggests that they should be reconstructed to give a congruous metacarpal head; the digit should then be mobilized as early as technically feasible.
Circulating cytokines and outcome prediction of burned children with concomitant inhalation injury

Being able to accurately predict probability of death is important for the intensivist. Serum cytokine levels parallel physiological derangements observed in critically ill patients and are used in commonly applied scoring systems and prediction models. Thus, serum cytokine based prediction models of outcome seem to be reasonable and of great interest. In this issue of Critical Care, Gauglitz and colleagues present their prediction equation for paediatric burn patients with concomitant inhalation injury. They found that IL-10 on admission, or IL-6 and IL-7 five to seven days later, may predict outcome in an excellent way. Increased mortality is observed as serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels increase and serum IL-7 levels decrease. However, the complexity of cytokine kinetics in critically ill patients and the variety of factors capable to affect circulating cytokines even in a subgroup of critically ill patients may affect the valitidy of the results. Also, serum cytokine based prediction models need to be compared to commonly applied prediction models based on clinical parameters. This will enable identification of the most suitable, accurate, cheapest, and easiest to use model to predict outcome.
The cyclophilin-like domain mediates the association of Ran-binding protein 2 with subunits of the 19 S regulatory complex of the proteasome.

Abstract The combination of the Ran-binding domain 4 and cyclophilin domains of Ran-binding protein 2 selectively associate with a subset of G protein-coupled receptors, red/green opsins, uponcis-trans prolyl isomerase-dependent and direct modification of opsin followed by association of the modified opsin isoform to Ran-binding domain 4. This effect enhances in vivo the production of functional receptor and generates an opsin isoform with no propensity to self-aggregate in vitro. We now show that another domain of Ran-binding protein 2, cyclophilin-like domain, specifically associates with the 112-kDa subunit, P112, and other subunits of the 19 S regulatory complex of the 26 S proteasome in the neuroretina. This association possibly mediates Ran-binding protein 2 limited proteolysis into a smaller and stable isoform. Also, the interaction of Ran-binding protein 2 with P112 regulatory subunit of the 26 S proteasome involves still another protein, a putative kinesin-like protein. Our results indicate that Ran-binding protein 2 is a key component of a macro-assembly complex selectively linking protein biogenesis with the proteasome pathway and, thus, with potential implications for the presentation of misfolded and ubiquitin-like modified proteins to this proteolytic machinery.
Ultra-high resolution video rate in vivo retinal imaging with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Ultra-high resolution images of the human retina in vivo were acquired at rates of 10.000 and 29.000 A-lines per second at a 99% duty cycle and axial resolution in the retina of 3.6 µm.
FACTOR-V LEIDEN: A RISK FACTOR FOR CEREBRAL PALSY

Inherited and acquired thrombophilic disorders have recently been associated with cerebral palsy (CP) and complications in pregnancy. Thrombophilic disorders are not diseases per se, but are recognized risk factors for a variety of diseases across all ages, including atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, inflammatory bowel disease, Legg–Perthes disease, deep venous thromboses, and preeclampsia. In healthy individuals, the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant mechanisms is exquisitely regulated, protecting against both excessive bleeding and excessive clotting (thrombophilia). This annotation is intended to be a broad overview of thrombophilia, with special attention to the factor-V Leiden (fVL) mutation, an autosomal dominant point mutation resulting in resistance to activated protein C (APC). This thrombophilic disorder has wide clinical implications for the management of carrier women and their offspring, as illustrated by the accompanying case report.
Evidence that DNA polymerase delta isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography exhibits high-molecular weight characteristics and is associated with the KIAA0039 protein and RPA.

DNA polymerase δ, the key enzyme for eukaryotic chromosomal replication, has been well characterized as consisting of a core enzyme of a 125 kDa catalytic subunit and a smaller 50 kDa subunit. However, less is known about the other proteins that may comprise additional subunits or participate in the macromolecular protein complex that is involved in chromosomal DNA replication. In this study, the properties of calf thymus pol δ preparations isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography were investigated. It is demonstrated for the first time using highly purified preparations that the pol δ heterodimer is associated with other polypeptides in high-molecular weight species that range from 260000 to >500000 in size, as determined by FPLC gel filtration. These preparations are associated with polypeptides of ca. 68−70, 34, 32, and 25 kDa. Similar findings were revealed with glycerol gradient ultracentrifugation. The p68 polypeptide was shown to be a PCNA binding protein by overlay methods with biotinylated PCNA....
Facile synthesis of copper oxide nanostructures and their application in non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensing

Abstract In this research, different CuO nanostructures (heart/dumbbell-like and grass-like) were successfully synthesized via simple hydrothermal reactions at 130 °C with different amounts of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ·2.5H 2 O in 20 mL H 2 O and 12 mL NH 3 ·H 2 O for 6 h in the absence of any additive. The initial amount of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ·2.5H 2 O was found to be critical for CuO morphology evolution. In addition to morphology study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crystal structure study by X-ray diffraction (XRD), as-synthesized samples were characterized systematically by electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetry (CV), amperometric detection ( i – t ) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was found that both heart/dumbbell-like and grass-like CuO nanostructures exhibited good electrochemical performance toward low concentrations of H 2 O 2 . High sensitivity, fast and linear response were achieved, which was mainly due to their large specific surface areas and efficient electron transport in corresponding reactions, making them promising candidates for efficient and precise non-enzymatic detection of H 2 O 2 .
Plasma physics and its applications

This paper deals with the nature of plasma (which is becoming more and more to be considered as a fourth state of matter), its methods of generation, the sometimes paradoxical motion of the charge ...
Disfluency Behavior of Elementary School Stutterers and Non-Stutterers: The Adaptation Effect

A group of 184 elementary school children, 92 stutterers and 92 matched nonstutterers, performed a speaking task three times consecutively. Kindergarten and first grade children repeated a series o...
Differential scanning calorimetric study of low melting organic chlorogallate systems

Abstract The thermal stabilities of mixtures of Ga 2 Cl 6 with 1-butylpyridinium chloride (BPC) and 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEIC) have been investigated in the temperature range −65 to +125° C. Solid-liquid transition temperatures along with enthalpies of fusion or glass transition data, determined by differential scanning calorimetry, are reported. MEIC based chlorogallate melts are found to possess lower phase transition temperatures than the corresponding BPC based melts. The liquidus range at room temperature for the MEIC based chlorogallate system extends from mole fraction GaCl 3 , N = 0.3 to 0.8.
Transgenic PVR Tg-1 mice for testing of poliovirus type 3 neurovirulence: comparison with monkey test.

Transgenic mice susceptible to poliovirus were recently produced by two groups of investigators. In this study, we compared the sensitivity of PVR Tg-1 transgenic mice and rhesus monkeys to poliovirus type 3. We found that intracerebrally inoculated Tg-1 mice are able to differentiate wild-type strain from attenuated strains and from a vaccine revertant. However, this mouse system can not discriminate between live poliovirus vaccine lots which passed the intraspinal (i.s.) monkey neurovirulence safety test (WHO) and those that failed. Unlike the monkey test which can detect as failed those vaccine lots which possess above 1% revertants at the 472 (U-->C) position, the test in Tg-1 mice inoculated intracerebrally (i.c.) did not recognize virus preparations containing even three percent revertants. Thus, the PVR Tg-1 i.c. mouse model is suitable for epidemiological and other virological studies, but it does not appear to be useful for neurovirulence testing of live poliovirus vaccines. A solution to the latter may be found in the use of a more sensitive i.s. route of inoculation of PVR Tg mice.
Electrophysiologic Evaluation of Phrenic Nerves in Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

Diaphragmatic paralysis in patients with respiratory insufficiency compounds the problems in the management. In the presence of lower lobe atelectasis, pleural effusion, or a patient's poor respiratory effort, fluoroscopic examination is often not a reliable way to diagnose diaphragmatic paralysis. We observed that transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation in the neck and recording the diaphragmatic potentials from electrodes placed on the lower part of the chest is a simple, reliable, and noninvasive technique to diagnose diaphragmatic dysfunction at the bedside in critically ill patients. In 14 postoperative patients and one with cervical spinal cord injury with respiratory failure, we found ten patients who showed phrenic nerve dysfunction. Besides diagnostic utility, the electrophysiologic evaluation of phrenic-diaphragmatic function provides critical information needed for therapy.
Effect of probucol on development of diabetes mellitus in BB rats.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) results from an inflammatory process leading to destruction of the insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. Genetically mediated autoimmune processes are considered the most likely explanation for IDDM in humans, while viral infections, toxic agents, nutritional alterations and stress are also considered possibilities. The precise mechanisms by which autoimmunity, infections, toxins or other agents produce β cell damage are not known. Toxin-induced diabetes in animals can be prevented by antioxidant therapy, while an agent that inhibits hydroxyl radical formation, desferrioxamine, extends the survival time of free allotypic islets in nonobese diabetic mice. The BB/W rat develops IDDM secondary to a pervasive autoimmune defect. This well-studied animal model develops IDDM with a highly predictable frequency and timing. This study describes the effects of the potent antioxidant, probucol, on the development of diabetes in BB rats by introducing it into standard rat chow at a 1% concentration at the time of weaning, and continuing this feeding schedule through 160 days of life. Control rats from split litters received standard chow only. Diabetes developed in 86.2% of the control rats at a mean age of 90.4 days. Probucol administration was associated with a reduction to 62% and a delay in diabetes diagnosis to 99.6 days. These very preliminary results suggest that probucol may be altering the inflammatory process, resulting in β cell destruction in these genetically diabetes-prone rats.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Features of Unieuspid Aortic Valve

The usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of congenital unieuspid aortic valve is described.
What Can We Learn From Longitudinal Studies of Adult Development

This article distinguishes between normal and pathological aging, provides an interdisciplinary context, and then considers a sample case of cognitive aging. Developmental influences on cognition include the physiological infrastructure, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences. Different types of longitudinal studies are distinguished, and contrasting findings of cross-sectional and longitudinal are examined in the sample case of the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Also considered is the longitudinal context for intervention studies and the role of longitudinal family studies in assessing rate of aging and generational differences in rates of aging. Finally, attention is given to the role of longitudinal studies in the early detection of risk for dementia in advanced age.
Adaptive peer-to-peer topologies

We present a peer-level protocol for forming adaptive, self-organizing topologies for data-sharing P2P networks. This protocol is based on the idea that a peer should directly connect to those peers from which it is most likely to download satisfactory content. We show that the resulting topologies are more efficient than standard Gnutella topologies. Furthermore, we show that these adaptive topologies have the added benefits of increased resistance to certain types of attacks, intrinsic rewards for active peers and punishments for malicious peers and free riders.
Plasmacytic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a case series of nine patients.

Summary Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation. Although PTLD typically has a B-cell histology, an uncommon variant, plasmacytic PTLD can present as a monoclonal plasma cell proliferation similar to plasmacytomas seen in multiple myeloma. A retrospective analysis was performed on nine patients at our center with plasmacytic PTLD as characterized by plasmacytic histology with the presence of CD138 and lack of CD20. Of the 210 adult solid organ transplant PTLD patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2012, 9 (4%) had a histological appearance consistent with plasmacytic PTLD. The median time from transplant to diagnosis was 3.7 years (range 8 months–24 years). All patients presented with extranodal and often subcutaneous solid tumors. Laboratory features included elevated LDH and beta-2 microglobulin levels, monoclonal gammopathy, and EBV positivity of the tumor. Unlike conventional multiple myeloma, patients had normal calcium levels and only mild anemia. Six patients who have completed treatment achieved complete responses with radiation therapy and/or reduction in immunosuppression with two patients now greater than 5 years in continuous complete response. Plasmacytic PTLD, despite its plasmacytic histology, is responsive to conventional therapies used for B-cell PTLD including reduction in immunosuppression and radiation therapy.
Role of central vagal 5-HT3 receptors in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology

Vagal neurocircuits are vitally important in the co-ordination and modulation of GI reflexes and homeostatic functions. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) is critically important in the regulation of several of these autonomic gastrointestinal (GI) functions including motility, secretion and visceral sensitivity. While several 5-HT receptors are involved in these physiological responses, the ligand-gated 5-HT3 receptor appears intimately involved in gut-brain signaling, particularly via the afferent (sensory) vagus nerve. 5-HT is released from enterochromaffin cells in response to mechanical or chemical stimulation of the GI tract which leads to activation of 5-HT3 receptors on the terminals of vagal afferents. 5-HT3 receptors are also present on the soma of vagal afferent neurons, including GI vagal afferent neurons, where they can be activated by circulating 5-HT. The central terminals of vagal afferents also exhibit 5-HT3 receptors that function to increase glutamatergic synaptic transmission to second order neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius within the brainstem. While activation of central brainstem 5-HT3 receptors modulates visceral functions, it is still unclear whether central vagal neurons, i.e., nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons themselves also display functional 5-HT3 receptors. Thus, activation of 5-HT3 receptors may modulate the excitability and activity of gastrointestinal vagal afferents at multiple sites and may be involved in several physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including distention- and chemical-evoked vagal reflexes, nausea, and vomiting, as well as visceral hypersensitivity.
Influence of L2 proficiency on kinematic duration of single words: Real and novel word production by Bengali-English speakers

The study explored the influence of second language proficiency on the kinematic duration of single words. Participants produced real and novel words with variable stress targets (e.g., trochaic and iambic) embedded in first language (L1) and second language (L2) sentence frames. Participants were monolingual English speakers (n=10) and Bengali-English bilinguals with early exposure to English (n=10) and late exposure to English (n=10). Bengali was the L1 and English was the L2 for all 20 bilingual participants. Duration of lip movements for the target real and novel words was analysed. Results suggest that kinematic duration of single words was not influenced by speakers' L2 proficiency. However, L2 proficiency influenced foreign accent ratings for the real words, but not the novel words. Kinematic duration and perception of accent were not correlated, which might imply that accent reduction might not always be a direct consequence of shorter word duration.
Is school community readiness related to physical activity before and after the Ready for Recess intervention

The purpose of this study was to determine: (i) the effect of schools' baseline community readiness (CR) on youth physical activity (PA) at recess prior to the Ready for Recess intervention; (ii) if changes in PA due to the intervention were explained by baseline CR and (iii) if specific components of the intervention altered an association between baseline CR and changes in youth PA. Methods that were employed included: six informants from each of 17 schools participated in CR interviews at baseline (N = 101). CR scores were calculated based on the CR model's nine stages. Direct observation was used to measure PA. Poisson models evaluated the association between baseline CR and PA. Results were that seven schools were in denial, eight in vague awareness and two in pre-planning stages. CR marginally predicted pre-intervention PA. When compared with youth at schools in denial, youth at schools in vague awareness and pre-planning demonstrated significant increases in moderate/vigorous PA. Ready for Recess strengthened this association. This is the first study to demonstrate that school CR may explain changes in PA at recess after a school-based PA intervention. Low CR levels may contraindicate interventions. Efforts to increase school CR a priori may be critical to increasing PA among youth.
Time-interval distribution and photon-burst-correlation spectroscopy of a strontium atomic beam

Photon-correlation spectroscopy, using both time-interval distribution and burst multiplicity measurements, has been used to investigate the 460.7-nm resonance line of strontium in a low-density atomic beam. A model that considers transit times and thermal velocity distributions for the interval measurements is presented and compared with experimental results. The measurements can determine detection efficiency and absolute beam densities and evaluate nonstatistical behavior such as photomultiplier afterpulsing and dark-count correlation. Photon correlation provides substantial improvements in spectroscopic measurements: linewidths less than the natural lifetime limit are observed, and suppression of Lorentzian tails reduces isotopic interferences by several orders of magnitude. Signal-to-background noise ratios are also improved, with detection limits (1-sec integration) of 10 atoms per second.
Coherent anti-stokes raman spectra of isoalloxazines

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra (1700–1100 cm−1) of 7,8-dimethyl-10-tetraacetylisoalloxazine (tetracetylriboflavin) in chloroform and several other solvents of higher polarity and proton availability are reported. Solvent polarity has no influence on either the intensities or frequencies of the Raman modes, whereas the influence of protic solvents is more marked. As well as altering the effective mass of the particular atoms in the isoalloxazine involved, hydrogen bonding is known to change the bond hybridization throughout the entire ring system. A similarly mild electronic perturbation can be produced by changing the methyl substitution on the benzene subnucleus of the isoalloxazine, and this is shown to produce significant changes in the Raman spectrum. Isotopic substitution with 13C and 15N is used to mimic the effective mass changes that would occur on hydrogen bonding. For the model compounds in chloroform, the effect of isotopic substitution on some modes is different from that reported for the same substitution in riboflavin bound to riboflavin binding protein. Frequencies of the prominent bands in all spectra were determined by lineshape analysis. On the basis of these results a tentative interpretation is made of the changes that occur in the Raman spectra of flavins when they bind to flavoproteins.
HIDROLOGIA DE ZONAS ARIDAS Y SEMIARIDAS

La hidrologia de cuencas de zonas aridas y semiaridas es de suma importancia para el desarrollo y manejo de los recursos hidraulicos. En este articulo se describen caracteristicas climaticas, hidrologicas, y geomorfologicas propias de dichas zonas; modelos matematicos de las componentes principales del ciclo hidrologico tales como la precipitacion, infiltracion y escorrentia; modelos matematicos de cuencas, y el efecto de cambios climaticos en el analisis y sintesis de datos hidrologicos en zonas aridas y semiaridas. Este articulo es una version modificada de la conferencia magistral dada por el autor con motivo de la II Conferencia Internacional sobre “Hidrologia Mediterranea” realizada en Valencia, Espana, Nov. 27-28, 1996.
Expression of CAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBP β) in Cervix and Endometrium

The CCAAT element binding protein family of transcriptional factors consists of at least six members of the basic leucine zipper DNA binding proteins that bind to the same CCAAT palindromic DNA sequence through homo- or hetero-dimerization with the same family members. C/EBP β has been shown to play an important role in mediating the effects of the LH/hCG in ovarian development. C/EBP β was also found increased in ovarian cancer and correlated to ovarian cancer progression. We assessed the C/EBP β expression pattern in the normal and neoplastic conditions of the female genital tract by immunostaining the normal cervix – 10 cases, squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL)-10, invasive squamous carcinomas of cervix – 10 cases, normal endometrial tissue – 10 cases, and invasive endometrial adenocarcinomas carcinomas-10 cases. The staining pattern and intensity were graded from 0 to 2+. Results were statistically analyzed utilizing JMP 4.1. C/EPB β expression was detected in the normal proliferative squamous, dysplastic and malignant squamous epithelial cells. There was no statistical correlation between C/EPB β staining in benign squamous, endocervical tissue, SIL, and squamous cancer, as the majority of all stained positively (91%, 79%, 71% and 89%, respectively, p = 0.3448). However, endometrial carcinoma was significantly more likely to stain positively with C/EPB β than benign endometrial glands (92% versus 3% respectively, p < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). C/EBP β is more likely to be preferentially expressed in endometrial adenocarcinoma as compared to benign endometrial tissue. There is no difference of C/EPB β expression in squamous neoplasia of the cervix.
Relationship between Personality Change and the Onset and Course of Alcohol Dependence in Young Adulthood

Aims To examine the reciprocal effects between the onset and course of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and normative changes in personality traits of behavioral disinhibition and negative emotionality during the transition between adolescence and young adulthood. Design Longitudinal–epidemiological study assessing AUD and personality at ages 17 and 24 years.Setting Participants were recruited from the community and took part in a day-long, in-person assessment. Participants Male (n = 1161) and female (n = 1022) twins participating in the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Measurements The effects of onset (adolescent versus young adult) and course (persistent versus desistent) of AUD on change in personality traits of behavioral disinhibition and negative emotionality from ages 17 to 24 years. Findings Onset and course of AUD moderated personality change from ages 17 to 24 years. Adolescent onset AUD was associated with greater decreases in behavioral disinhibition. Those with an adolescent onset and persistent course failed to exhibit normative declines in negative emotionality. Desistence was associated with a ‘recovery’ towards psychological maturity in young adulthood, while persistence was associated with continued personality dysfunction. Personality traits at age 11 predicted onset and course of AUD, indicating personality differences were not due to active substance abuse.Conclusions Personality differences present prior to initiation of alcohol use increase risk for alcohol use disorder, but the course of alcohol use disorder affects the rate of personality change during emerging adulthood. Examining the reciprocal effects of personality and alcohol use disorder within a developmental context is necessary to improve understanding for theory and intervention.
A low-power CMOS thyristor based delay element with programmability extensions

This paper presents a low-power CMOS thyristor based delay element for inclusion in standard cell ASIC libraries, and a reconfigurable delay element designed for reconfigurable devices. Our design is based on a basic delay element, which serves as a buffer which has been specially designed to have a fixed propagation delay. We present leakage power optimizations, which when applied to the circuit reduces the on-state leakage power consumption by more than 99%, while reducing the off-state leakage power by roughly 96%. We have created delay elements with delay lengths of 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 17 ns for inclusion in a standard cell library targeting the IBM 0.13 μm technology. The delay element is then further extended to introduce a programmability feature which allows the delay to be varied. Two reconfigurable delay elements are then added to the delay element standard cell library. The first can be configured for delays of 4, 5, or 7 ns, while the second can be programmed for delays of 9, 11, or 17 ns. Finally, potential uses of the circuits in application specific, as well as reconfigurable systems are explored.