cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Methyl and Propyl Parabens with Selected Sucrose Esters

The interaction of methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoates with two sucrose esters, sucrose monotallowate and sucrose monococoate, was studied at different temperatures and concentrations of the sucrose ester by the solubility method. Aspects of the qualitative and quantitative nature of the interaction are reported and a possible mechanism of interaction based on hydrogen and hydrophobic bonding is proposed. Predictive effects on preservative activity due to intermolecular association were tested by microbiologic studies.
Deep rifts as sources for alkaline intraplate magmatism in eastern North America

Intracontinental magmatism in eastern North America does not exhibit the regular time progression associated with mantle plume activity. Instead, the magmatism is sporadic but locally persistent, suggesting that the magmas rise from a mantle source that drifts with the continental plate. A spatial association with ancient rifts further suggests that this source is 'fertile9, melt-generating material emplaced in the mantle lithosphere during the early stages of rifting.
On the stability of flexible aircraft

The problem of aircraft stability has been a subject of concern since the beginnings of flight. Traditionally, aircraft stability has been treated within the confines of two separate disciplines, namely, flight dynamics and aeroelasticity. Based on some recent developments in the dynamics and control of flexible aircraft, this investigation uses the system concept to provide a broader approach to aircraft stability in an attempt to bridge the gap between stability as understood in flight dynamics and stability as envisioned in aeroelasticity. To this end, stability is studied in the following four cases: 1) dynamics of whole flexible aircraft using the unified formulation, 2) flight dynamics of quasi-rigid aircraft (aircraft treated as rigid), 3) aeroelasticity of flexible components, such as cantilever wing, cantilever horizontal stabilizer, etc., and 4) aeroelasticity of restrained flexible aircraft (aircraft fixed to a point, hence, having no rigid body degrees of freedom). The paper also presents a method to address the stability of flexible aircraft when the compressibility correction factor is known only at some discrete Mach numbers.
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of PF-01354082, a novel partial agonist selective for the 5-HT4 receptor

Abstract The pharmacological profile of PF-01354082, a selective 5-HT 4 receptor partial agonist, was investigated. PF-01354082 displayed high affinity for human 5-HT 4d and dog 5-HT 4h receptors in binding studies, having Ki values of 2.0 nM and 4.2 nM, respectively. By contrast, PF-01354082 did not show significant affinity for several other 5-HT receptors (5-HT 1A , 5-HT 1B , 5-HT 1D , 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 2B , 5-HT 2C , 5-HT 3A , and 5-HT 7 ) or the dopamine D 2long receptor. Functional assays using either cells expressing human recombinant 5-HT 4d receptors or rat tunica muscularis mucosae demonstrated that PF-01354082 exhibited partial agonist activity at the 5-HT 4 receptor. The effects of PF-01354082 on in vitro receptor binding, ion channel activity, and sites of uptake were further investigated. PF-01354082 did not show biologically relevant binding activity at concentrations up to 10 µM except for binding to the 5-HT 4e receptor. Furthermore, PF-01354082 decreased I HERG current by only 11% at a concentration of 300 µM, indicating that the compound had greater than 150,000-fold selectivity for the human 5-HT 4d receptor over hERG channels. An in vivo study using a gastric motility model in conscious dogs demonstrated that oral administration of PF-01354082 resulted in marked and sustained stimulation of gastric motility in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that PF-01354082 is an orally active, highly selective, partial agonist of the human 5-HT 4 receptor that is expected to exert a favorable effect on gastrointestinal motor disorders with reduced adverse effects mediated by other related receptors.
α-C−H Bond Dissociation Energies of Some Tertiary Amines

The α-C−H bond dissociation energies of 14 tertiary, trialkyl- and arylalkylamines have been measured by photoacoustic calorimetry (PAC). In general, the data lead to an upward revision of the bond dissociation energies (BDE's). The effects of α-phenyl and α-vinyl substitution have been quantified for the first time. α-Phenyl substitution was found to have a significantly smaller effect on lowering α-C−H BDE's than α-vinyl substitution. These data provide a thermochemical confirmation of the stereoelectronic hypothesis proposed by Lewis et al. in 1982.
Tumor promotion by regenerative epidermal hyperplasia in mouse skin.

Chemically induced epidermal carcinogenesis is usually divided into two stages: initiation, which involves the conversion of epidermal cells into latent neoplastic cells; and promotion, which allows the expression of this neoplastic change. One of the characteristics of promotion is the transformation of the normal epidermis into a hyperplastic epidermis. One of the unanswered questions about epidermal tumor promotion is whether the epidermal hyperplasia that characterizes promoted skin is simply a regenerative epidermal hyperplasia resulting from damage produced by the promoter. The opinion currently held is that the epidermal hyperplasia produced by tumor promoters is not simply a regenerative epidermal hyperplasia and possesses characteristics which a regenerative hyperplasia does not have, enabling it to evolve into an epidermal neoplasm. The purpose of this review is to present recent evidence which strongly suggests that promoter induced hyperplasia is a regenerative hyperplasia. Two principal lines of evidence arc reviewed. The first demonstrates that an epidermal regenerative hyperplasia repeatedly produced by wounding or abrasion can promote epidermal carcinogenesis in the initiated skin of mice. The second line of evidence demonstrates that the epidermal hyperplasia produced by the application of 12-O-tetradccanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the most powerful and widely used promoter of skin carcinogenesis, is preceded by damage to the epidermis. This strongly suggests that the epidermal hyperplasia which ensues is a regenerative hyperplasia. The review concludes that during epidermal tumor promotion there is a chronic regenerative epidermal hyperplasia, and that there is no evidence for any other necessary factors during tumor promotion in appropriately initiated mouse skin.
Quantifying the Value of Flexibility in Supply Chains for High-Risk Products

A model is developed to motivate financially-driven decision makers in companies that make high-risk products to invest in infrastructural changes to support postponement or other forms of flexibility. Data collected at the manufacturer of a high-risk product forms the basis of the effort. The model is used to estimate the magnitude of costs associated with a traditional speculative supply strategy. A customized version of the classic newsvendor model is developed and applied, based on non-normal demand distributions and carrying costs. It is shown that a speculative strategy based on capacity smoothing and production cost minimization can result in excessive overstock, understock, and inventory carrying costs. Specifically, a cost increase of 52% can be expected when production is initiated nine months prior to peak sales. The cost increase is reduced to 24% if the product is produced three months prior to peak sales. The model can help supply chain managers convince corporate executives of the need to redesign the supply chain for speed and flexibility.
Evidence of an imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in massive perivillous fibrin deposition (maternal floor infarction): a placental lesion associated with recurrent miscarriage and fetal death

Objective Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) is associated with serious complications of pregnancy including recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction, and fetal demise. The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in MPFD differ from those of uncomplicated pregnancies. Study Design This retrospective longitudinal case-control study included MPFD cases (n = 10) and control patients (n = 175) with uncomplicated pregnancies who were enrolled in a longitudinal study and delivered at term. Serial plasma concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 and -2 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cases, n=28 samples; controls, n=723 samples). Individual analyte concentrations were averaged across gestational age at specimen collection intervals. Linear mixed models were used to test for differences in log-transformed mean analyte concentrations both overall and as a function of time. Results The following results were found: (1) patients with MPFD had a lower mean plasma PlGF concentration ( P = .03) and higher mean plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sEng (both P P P = .09 and P = .11, respectively); (3) patients with MPFD had lower mean plasma concentrations of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ( P P P Conclusion An imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors is present in patients with MPFD prior to the diagnosis. We propose that these changes participate in the mechanisms responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with MPFD.
Multiple-Color Electrochromism from Layer-by-Layer-Assembled Polyaniline/Prussian Blue Nanocomposite Thin Films

The creation of new materials systems for lightweight and flexible displays is an extremely active research field. Electrochromic displays possess a keen advantage over other technologies because it is possible for a single electrochromic pixel to produce multiple colors in addition to white, depending on applied potential. This possibility has proven quite challenging to achieve in practice. Here we present the successful fabrication of a multiply colored electrochromic electrode using layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly. The electrode films are created by exploiting intrinsic electrostatic attraction between the polycation poly(aniline) (PANI) and a negatively ionized Prussian Blue (PB) nanoparticle dispersion. The resultant organic/inorganic nanocomposites exhibit excellent smoothness and a classical linear increase in film thickness with assembly exposure steps. Electrochemical and spectrophotometric characterization confirms the distinct and noninteracting contributions from PANI and PB and reveals that bo...
Developmental explanations of delinquent behavior among siblings: Common factor vs. transmission mechanisms

We compare the statistical fit of two developmental explanations of delinquent behavior using longitudinal sibling data. The transmission effects model relates future delinquency to prior delinquency, delayed sibling effects, and unique environment. The common-factor effects model adds to these influences a latent variable representing persistent causes shared by siblings. These two models were fit to longitudinal data on 470 sibling pairs interviewed on three occasions. The common-factor effects model fit the data more closely than the transmission model. Nonmutually exclusive interpretations of the common effects model include (a) personality dispositions and (b) unchanging aspects of the social environment such as concurrent sibling effects and siblings' common friends.
Cell sorting but not serum starvation is effective for SV40 human corneal epithelial cell cycle synchronization

SV40 human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) populations are readily used as a substitute for primary corneal epithelial cells that are difficult to maintain in vitro. To initiate cell-cycle experiments with the SV40-HCEC cells, two separate methods of cell synchronization were compared including serum starvation and sterile cell sorting. We hypothesized that SV40 cells are synchronized at higher efficiencies into each cell cycle phase (G1, S, G2M) when cell sorting is performed when compared to alternative methods of synchronization. SV40 cells were synchronized by deprivation of serum over 96 h or labeled with Hoechst 33342 dye and sorted based on DNA content. Cells were synchronized using both methods and harvested at time points up to 72 h after release. To define more precisely the nature of sorted fractions, cells were pulsed with BrdU prior to sorting. SV40-HCEC cells exhibit a well-defined cell cycle profile. Serum deprivation up to 96 h was ineffective for cell synchronization of SV40-HCECs. In comparison, we achieved efficient synchronization of the SV40-HCECs with sterile cell sorting. SV40-HCEC cells gated into G1, S and G2M were synchronized up to 85% following the sort and maintained synchronization up to 24 h. Our findings indicate that serum starvation is not effective for synchronization of the SV40-HCEC cell line. We present a more effective approach, the use of cell sorting for cell synchronization of the SV40-HCEC cells.
A Lattice and Bypass Design for a Coherent XUV Facility

The design of a magnet lattice and bypass for a coherent radiation facility is discussed. The lattice is the missing magnet FODO structure first proposed by Vignola [3] for a 6 GeV light source. This has been adapted for a 750-1300 MeV electron storage ring for use with both conventional insertion devices and a high gain FEL optimized for output at 400 A. The latter device requires that the electron bunch be deflected into a small aperture bypass, then reinjected into the ring where the perturbing effects of the FEL are damped out.
Alcohol abuse and employment: a second look

Based on data from the 1988 Alcohol Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey, Mullahy and Sindelar (1996) (M&S) find, for both men and women, that alcohol abuse results in reduced employment and increased unemployment. The estimates from which they drew these inferences were obtained via the instrumental variables (IV) method, which was implemented in order to account for the potential endogeneity of problem drinking. Though these IV estimates qualitatively supported the prior expectation that problem drinking damages individuals' labour market prospects, they were not found to be statistically significant. The present paper revisits this research and offers a new estimation method which, in addition to accounting for endogeneity, explicitly allows for the inherent non-linearity of the underlying regression structure. The new method is applied to the same data and variable specifications as those used by M&S for the male subpopulation. Consistent with their results, problem drinking is found to have a positive effect on the probability of unemployment and negative effect on the likelihood of being employed. Unlike their result, however, the latter estimate is statistically significant. An appealing feature of the new method is that it accommodates the likely possibility that alcohol abuse effects are heterogeneous with respect to the observed and unobserved characteristics of individuals in the population. To illustrate this fact, abuse effects are computed for two widely differing subgroups of the population. The large differential between the estimated effects for these two subpopulations demonstrates the potential importance of accounting for heterogeneity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host range of the mesquite cutworm, Melipotis indomita (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a potential biocontrol agent for mesquite (Prosopis spp.).

Abstract The mesquite cutworm, Melipotis indomita (Walker), is the major defoliator of mesquite in central Texas. In the laboratory, the cutworm larvae developed normally on honey mesquite (P. glandulosa Torrey var. glandulosa) and the Argentine vinal (P. ruscifolia Grisebach). Velvet mesquite (P. velutina Wooton), western honey mesquite (P. g. var. torreyana (Benson) Johnston), the Mexican P. laevigata (H. and B. ex. Willdenow) Johnston and P. juliflora (Swartz) DC, and the Argentine P. flexuosa DC were slightly less suitable hosts. Larvae developed occasionally on a natural hybrid of the Argentine P. alba Grisebach from Tucson, Arizona, but not on a commercial P. alba hybrid developed in southern Texas. Larvae did not develop on the two screw-bean mesquites tested (P. pubescens Bentham and P. reptans Bentham var. cinerascens (A. Gray) Burkart) or on 12 other species of woody legumes from central Texas, although an occasional larva fed for a few days on some of them. Among 11 species of mostly tropical leguminous trees tested, larvae developed and produced adults normally on manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxburgh) Bentham) and one adult was produced on monkeypod (Samanea saman (Jacquin) Merrill). In a biological control program, the mesquite cutworm would complement the damage from other foliage feeders that could be introduced from South America. It could be a candidate for introduction into other countries where mesquite has become a pest, provided that a foliage feeder were the type of control agent wanted.
Fitting It All In: Adapting a Green Chemistry Extraction Experiment for Inclusion in an Undergraduate Analytical Laboratory

Several principles of green chemistry are introduced through this experiment designed for use in the undergraduate analytical chemistry laboratory. An established experiment of liquid CO2 extraction of d-limonene has been adapted to include a quantitative analysis by gas chromatography. This facilitates drop-in incorporation of an exciting experiment into an existing curriculum. The experiment provides an introduction to natural product extraction, calibration curves, and internal standards while simultaneously demonstrating alternative solvent selection for pollution prevention and increased chemical safety.
Laboratory spawning and rearing of a marine fish, the silverside Menidia menidia menidia

Adult silversides, Menidia menidia menidia (Linnaeus), were collected in early March, 1974 and maintained in 3 recirculating seawater tanks in the laboratory. Respective groups were fed Moore-Clark Fry Fine at 3, 7 and 10% of their body weight per day. The photoperiod (light intensity approximately 2000 lux) was increased in increments of 10 min/day from 12 h light to 14 h light. The water temperature was increased by 1C°/day from the ambient collection temperature, 14°C, to 22°C. Twenty-four days after beginning laboratory conditioning, fish in each tank were stripped. There was a significant increase (χ2, α=0.05) in the number of ripe males at all three feeding levels, compared to an initial field-collected group that was checked at the beginning of the conditioning period. Females also showed significant increases in ripeness at the 7 and 10% but not at the 3% feeding level. The gonadal indices (gonad weight expressed as percentage of body weight) of both sexes were significantly greater than those measured for the initial field-collected group, but did not differ from those of adults collected from the field at the time laboratory conditioning was terminated. Techniques for maintaining eggs from field-ripened adults in the laboratory have been developed, and the effect of salinity on the percentage emergence of larvae determined. The highest emergence rate of larvae was 61% when eggs were maintained at 30‰ S. Emergence was 56% at 20‰ S and 47% at 10‰ S. The effect of delayed feeding on survival and growth of larvae was determined at 20 and 30‰ S and 25°C. Survival and growth was best for larvae fed Artemia sp. nauplii immediately after emergence at 30‰ S.
Effect of Implanted Satellite Transmitters on the Nesting Behavior of Murres

We implanted 6 Common Murres (Uria aalge) and 10 Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) with satellite transmitters and compared subsequent presence at the colony, nesting status, and provisioning to a control group that underwent a simple surgical procedure. In the 10 days following implantation, we resighted 10 of 11 control birds at the colony and 6 of 16 implanted birds. Of the birds that returned, 7 of 10 control birds retained breeding status, whereas zero of six implanted birds retained breeding status. We conclude that abdominal implantations alter murre nesting behavior.
Quantitative measures for the management and comparison of annotated genomes.

The ever-increasing number of sequenced and annotated genomes has made management of their annotations a significant undertaking, especially for large eukaryotic genomes containing many thousands of genes. Typically, changes in gene and transcript numbers are used to summarize changes from release to release, but these measures say nothing about changes to individual annotations, nor do they provide any means to identify annotations in need of manual review. In response, we have developed a suite of quantitative measures to better characterize changes to a genome's annotations between releases, and to prioritize problematic annotations for manual review. We have applied these measures to the annotations of five eukaryotic genomes over multiple releases – H. sapiens, M. musculus, D. melanogaster, A. gambiae, and C. elegans. Our results provide the first detailed, historical overview of how these genomes' annotations have changed over the years, and demonstrate the usefulness of these measures for genome annotation management.
Error estimates on homogenization of free boundary velocities in periodic media

In this paper we consider a free boundary problem which describes contact angle dynamics on inhomogeneous surface. We obtain an estimate on convergence rate of the free boundaries to the homogenization limit in periodic media. The method presented here also applies to more general class of free boundary problems with oscillating boundary velocities.
Adolescent Maturation of Cocaine-Sensitive Neural Mechanisms

Both clinical and animal studies have shown that adolescents undergo a late maturation of the central nervous system, which may underlie adolescent typical behaviors. In particular, decreased behavioral response to cocaine has been found in adolescents as compared to adults. In the present study, cocaine was used as a tool to explore adolescent brain maturation. Juvenile (postnatal day (P) 27), adolescent (P37), and adult (P90) male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated acutely with cocaine (750 μg/kg/injection × 2, i.v.), and c-fos mRNA expression, a marker of neuronal activation, was evaluated by in situ hybridization. Cocaine-induced c-fos mRNA was similar across ages in the dorsal caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens, and lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. In contrast, there was a diminished response in juvenile/adolescent ventral CPu and in juvenile central nucleus of the amygdala, and an increased response in juvenile/adolescent cortex. Further studies evaluated the mechanism of the late maturation of cocaine response in ventral CPu. No significant age differences were observed in regional dopamine (DA) transporter binding. Although striatal DA content was significantly reduced at P27 as compared to adult, there was no difference between dorsal and ventral subregions. In contrast, basal- and cocaine-induced extracellular DA overflow, as measured by in vivo microdialysis, was lower in juvenile ventral CPu than in the adults. This age difference was not observed in dorsal CPu. These findings suggest that impulse activity in DA afferents to ventral CPu is immature in adolescents. In conclusion, the present study showed that cocaine-sensitive neuronal circuits continue to mature during adolescence.
Three-component analysis of blood sedimentation by the method of characteristics

Equations proposed to describe the sedimentation velocities of suspensions of two particle species are compared with previous experimental data and theoretical results. The method of characteristics is developed to analyze the sedimentation of suspensions of two particle species. The theory is applied to the separation of granulocytes from whole blood by sedimentation. The effect of dilution of the blood with plasma before sedimentation is considered.
Pitfalls in the computed tomographic diagnosis of toruloma

Abstract A case of multiple intracerebral mass lesions is presented in which significant “improvement” in the computed tomographic appearance was noted following steroid and radiation therapies. Nonetheless, the patient's clinical course was one of rapid deterioration, and an autopsy revealed multiple torulomas. It seems that the computed tomographic appearance of torulomas can mimic those of other intracranial mass lesions and can be greatly altered by steroid and radiation therapies, either singly or in combination.
Initial Operation of the MSU Superconducting Cyclotron

On August 31, 1982, the first beam was extracted from the Michigan State University superconducting K500 cyclotron. Shortly thereafter, the first experiment was performed with a 35 MeV/n carbon beam. The known operating characteristics of the K500 cyclotron are reported. Some of the technological innovations of the machine are described. Progress on the next phase of the project, the K800, is discussed.
1 Bioengineering of Coagulation Factor VIII for Improved Secretion

PURPOSE: Mechanisms that limit recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) within heterologous systems (eg. commercial rFVIII production or gene therapy applications) include: 1) inefficient expression of FVIII mRNA, 2) inefficient folding of the primary translation product within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with retention by chaperone proteins and 3) a requirement for facilitated transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. The B domain of FVIII shares no homology with any identified protein, is dispensable for functional activity and is extensively glycosylated (18 asparagine (N)-linked glycosylation attachment sites). B domain-deleted (BDD)-FVIII generates higher concentrations of mRNA compared to full-length FVIII and therefore increased primary translation product but exhibits a reduced rate of secretion and increased intracellular retention. Bioengineering of the FVIII B domain effectively improves the trafficking of rFVIII through facilitated ER-Golgi transport. METHODS: We have used a series of B domain variants to map key regions of the B domain that regulate mRNA levels and secretion efficiency. Each construct has increased B domain size (ranging from 29 to 774 amino acids (aa) and increased number of N-linked oligosaccharides (from 1 through 18). RESULTS: BDD-FVIII, FVIII wild-type (WT) and FVIII B domain variants were transfected into COS and CHO cell lines and the media harvested for analysis of FVIII activity and antigen. The addition of even a few N-linked oligosaccharides within a short B domain spacer (optimal at 226 aa and 6 N-linked oligosaccharides) improves secretion of BDD-FVIII approximately 5 to 10-fold. With additional increase in B domain size and oligosaccharide content, secretion efficiency declined in a stepwise fashion to similar levels observed for FVIII WT. An alternative construct was prepared in which the human FVIII B domain was replaced with the FVIII B domain from puffer fish (fugu rubripes). The fugu FVIII B domain is 224 aa and shares only 6% sequence identity to the human FVIII B domain, yet has a high density of N-linked oligosaccharides (11). This construct was secreted as efficiently as the 226aa/N6 human construct. CONCLUSIONS: The secretion efficiency of FVIII can be regulated by the size and oligosaccharide content of the B domain. The results suggest that it is primarily the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides that improves secretion efficiency. FVIII bioengineered for improved secretion will be an alternative for gene therapy strategies as well as recombinant FVIII production in manufacturing or transgenic strategies.
Longitudinal assessment of lung function from infancy to childhood in patients with cystic fibrosis

Rationale Infant pulmonary function testing (IPFT) has become an important clinical tool for the evaluation of lung function in infants with Cystic Fibrosis (CF); however, it is still unclear whether lung function in infancy is predictive of lung function later in life. We hypothesized that measures of airflow obstruction by IPFT would correlate strongly with lung function by conventional spirometry later in childhood. Study Design and Methodology A retrospective analysis was performed of all CF infants studied with IPFT at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital between September 1994 and March 2003. A total of 41 patients underwent IPFT and had valid spirometry results available at age 6 or later. IPFT values, such as I:E ratio, respiratory rate, tidal volume, and Tptef/Te, were calculated from tidal breathing loops. Passive respiratory system mechanics, which included Crs, Rrs, and τrs, were measured by the single breath end-inspiratory occlusion technique. Forced expiratory flows, including VmaxFRC, FVC, FEF50, and FEF75, were obtained by rapid thoracic compression and included a full vital capacity maneuver by the multiple inflation method. FRC measurements were calculated from data obtained via nitrogen washout in a subset of patients. In addition, information on age at diagnosis and results of oropharyngeal (OP) cultures at diagnosis and on subsequent visits was recorded. Standard spirometry was performed in all patients starting at age 5. The first valid flow-volume loop after age six was selected for analysis. Results Significant correlations were observed for the Rrs and the FEF50 by IPFT and the FEV1 and the FEF25–75 by standard spirometry (r > 0.4 and P < 0.03 for all correlations). These correlations were the strongest for those IPFT measurements obtained within 1 month of diagnosis and when Rrs was expressed as sGrs. The correlations observed were independent of the effects of age at diagnosis, gender and presence of Pseudomonas in oropharyngeal cultures at the time of diagnosis. Mean Rrs declined from 0.050 to 0.027 cm H2O/ml/sec with treatment (P < 0.0001). There were no other significant associations found between other IPFT values measured and FEV1 by spirometry. Conclusions Measures of airflow obstruction on IPFT, specifically Rrs, sGrs, and FEF50, were strongly correlated with future lung function. IPFT measurement of Rrs in addition to forced expiratory flows may help select patients at the greatest risk of early lung function decline. This study supports the use of Rrs as a surrogate variable to help assess the impact of early therapies in CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:330–339. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Occurrence and significance of formaldehyde in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite

Meteorites may disperse formaldehyde to planets where, in the proper conditions, the compound could then serve as a precursor for carbohydrates.
EVIDENCE FOR NATURAL BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: INSECTS DECREASE SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF A NATIVE THISTLE

Native thistles, in contrast to exotic species, are seldom noxious weeds. In this study, we evaluated one hypothesis for this difference: that the growth and fitness of native thistles are limited by natural enemies. Specifically, we tested the effect of insect foliage feeding on the survival and growth of large and small rosettes of tall thistle, Cirsium altissimum, using an insecticide exclusion experiment. Large juveniles were proportionally more damaged than were small ones. Insecticide reduced insect feeding, including overall intensity of plant damage and area removed or damaged on each of the two longest leaves, compared to controls treated only with water. As a result, both leaf growth and plant size increased significantly by the end of the growing season. Growth parameters showing major increases with the reduction in insect herbivory included upper rootcrown diameter, the total number of leaves, and the length of the two longest leaves on both large and small rosettes. Insecticide also reduced the mortality of large juveniles to half that of the controls. Thus, the study shows that the suite of naturally occurring, coevolved, foliage-feeding insects significantly reduces the growth and survival of rosettes of this native thistle under field conditions. The results provide strong support for the hypothesis underlying biological control of weeds programs.
The protection of invertebrates, fish, and vascular plants against inorganic mercury poisoning by sulfur and selenium derivatives

Protection of organisms against mercury (Hg) poisoning is most commonly associated with the antagonistic effects of selenium (Se)-compounds against mercury alkyls in higher animals. This study shows that there is no consistent difference among Periodic Group VIA derivatives including S(IV), S(II) organic, Se (IV), Se (II) organic, possibly Se VI, as well and Te (IV) in their ability to protect against mercury poisoning. The organisms used in assays were:Coleus expiants (leaf abscission); turnip (germination); pea (growth inhibition and Hg uptake); a planarian (regeneration); the brineshrimp (excystment, phototaxy); the mealworm larvaTenebrio (metamorphosis) and the fish “tilapia” (survival, Hg uptake).
Physiological effects of transforming growth factor in the newborn mouse

Transforming growth factor-type alpha accelerated incisor eruption and eyelid opening in the newborn mouse and also retarded the growth rates of hair and body weight when administered in high dosage (0.7 to 4 micrograms per gram of body weight). The results of whole animal studies indicate that transforming growth factor-type alpha and epidermal growth factor do not differ significantly in these effects and suggest that transforming growth factor-type alpha may be important in immature animals.
Clinical outcome of long-term survivors of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the brain caused by the polyomavirus JC (JCV) in immunosuppressed people. There is no cure for PML but 1-year survival has increased from 10% to 50% in HIV-infected individuals treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy. We describe herein the clinical outcome of 24 PML patients whose survival exceeded 5 years, with a mean follow-up of 94.2 months (range, 60-188 months). Of all patients, only two were females including one who had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was HIV negative. All 23 HIV-positive patients received highly active antiretroviral therapy, and additional experimental therapies were not associated with a better clinical outcome. Marked neurological improvement occurred in 4/24 (17%) of patients, while 11/24 (46%) had partial improvement and 9/24 (37%) remained stable. By the end of the period of observation, 8/24 (33%) of patients had no significant disability despite persistent symptoms (modified Rankin disability scale (MRDS) =1), 6/24 (25%) had slight disability and were living independently (MRDS=2), 5/24 (21%) were moderately disabled, requiring some help during activities of daily living (MRDS=3) and 5/24 (21%) had moderately severe disability, requiring constant help or institutionalisation (MRDS=4). Patients with cerebellar lesions tended to have a worse clinical outcome. MRI showed leukomalacia with ventricular enlargement secondary to destruction of the white matter at the site of previous PML lesions, and focal areas of subcortical atrophy with preservation of the cortical ribbon. Of 20 patients tested, 19(95%) had detectable CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes against JCV in their blood. In absence of a specific treatment, immunotherapies aiming at boosting the cellular immune response against JCV may improve the prognosis of PML.
The decompensated detrusor III: impact of bladder outlet obstruction on sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum protein and gene expression.

Purpose: Regulation of calcium ion homeostasis has a significant role in smooth muscle contractility. The sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum, calcium, magnesium, adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA) is a regulatory ion pump that may have a role in the functional outcome after outlet obstruction. We investigate what correlation if any existed between SERCA protein and gene expression, and the contractile properties in the same bladder.Materials and Methods: Standardized partial bladder outlet obstructions were created in adult New Zealand white rabbits, which were divided into control, sham operated and obstructed groups. Muscle strip studies subcategorized the obstructed group into compensated (force greater than 50% of control) and decompensated (force less than 50% of control). Microsomal membrane and total RNA fractions were prepared from the same bladder tissue. Membrane proteins were used for Western blot analysis using a SERCA specific monoclonal antibody, and total RNA was assessed with Northern blot a...
Operational stability of 980-nm pump lasers at 200 mW and above

The understanding of failure mechanisms in InGaAs/AlGaAs 980 nm pump lasers has gained significantly in the last couple of years. Random failure reduction has been observed as a result of improved facet-passivation techniques, and improved packaging and chip technology. With todays wear-out extrapolation data and random-failure activation estimates, there is clearly outlook for operation at higher output- power levels (200 - 250 mW) than used so far at reasonably low random-failure rates and low failure-rate operation at lower power levels (e.g. 60 mW, 25 degree(s)C, towards 25 FIT?), which clearly stimulates the interest for application of 980 nm pumps in submarine applications.
Twisted world-sheet gauge fields and string models

Abstract We examine two-dimensional gauge fields coupled to fermions on the world-sheet and show that gauge fields which possess sectors obeying both periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions can be used to describe string models possessing spontaneous symmetry breaking.
Measuring the condensate fraction of rapidly rotating trapped boson systems: Off-diagonal order from the density profile

We demonstrate a direct connection between the density profile of a system of ultracold trapped bosonic particles in the rapid-rotation limit and its condensate fraction. This connection can be used to probe the crossover from condensed vortex-lattice states to uncondensed quantum-fluid states that occurs in rapidly rotating boson systems as the particle density decreases or the rotation frequency increases. We illustrate our proposal with a series of examples, including ones based on models of realistic finite trap systems, and comment on its application to freely expanding boson density profile measurements.
Complement C4 Inhibits Systemic Autoimmunity through a Mechanism Independent of Complement Receptors Cr1 and Cr2

The complement system enhances antibody responses to T-dependent antigens, but paradoxically, deficiencies in C1 and C4 are strongly linked to autoantibody production in humans. In mice, disruption of the C1qa gene also results in spontaneous autoimmunity. Moreover, deficiencies in C4 or complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1/CR2) lead to reduced selection against autoreactive B cells and impaired humoral responses. These observations suggest that C1 and C4 act through CR1/CR2 to enhance humoral immunity and somehow suppress autoimmunity. Here we report high titers of spontaneous antinuclear antibody (ANA) in C4 −/ − mice. This systemic lupus erythematosus–like autoimmunity is highly penetrant; by 10 mo of age, all C4 − / − females and most males produced ANA. In contrast, titers and frequencies of ANA in Cr2 − / − mice, which are deficient in CR1 and CR2, never rose significantly above those in normal controls. Glomerular deposition of immune complexes (ICs), glomerulonephritis, and splenomegaly were observed in C4 − / − but not Cr2 − / − mice. C4 − / −, but not Cr2 − / −, mice accumulate activated T and B cells. Clearance of circulating ICs is impaired in preautoimmune C4 − / −, but not Cr2 − / −, mice. C4 deficiency causes spontaneous, lupus-like autoimmunity through a mechanism that is independent of CR1/CR2.
Grain Boundary Phases in a Hot-Pressed MgO Fluxed Silicon Nitride

Although high-temperature strength loss in ceramics such as silicon nitride has been attributed to the presence of intergranular amorphous phases, until now no direct proof has been offered. The present paper describes high resolution electron microscopy lattice imaging studies of an MgO fluxed hot-pressed silicon nitride. These studies indicate that intergranular second phases do indeed exist, but they are heterogeneously distributed, appearing especially at multiple grain junctions. These room temperature observations are compatible with the microstructures expected at elevated temperatures.
A simulation-based investigation of the staircase method for fatigue strength testing

A critical evaluation of the statistics of the fatigue strength distribution as determined by the staircase (or up-and-down) method is presented. The effects of test parameters (namely, step size and sample size) were analyzed using numerical simulation to determine the accuracy of fatigue strength standard deviation calculations using traditional staircase statistics, resulting in a quantification of standard deviation bias as a function of step size and sample size. A non-linear correction was formulated to mitigate this standard deviation bias inherent in small-sample tests. In addition, the simulation was used to investigate the effectiveness of a bootstrapping algorithm on standard deviation estimates. The bootstrapping algorithm was found to significantly reduce the potential of large standard deviation errors in small-sample tests. Together, the use of the non-linear correction factor and the bootstrapping algorithm may allow an improved method to estimate the statistics of a material’s fatigue strength distribution using a small-sample staircase test strategy. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Some Experiments in Short Distance Short-Wave Radio Transmission

Some experiments in short-wave radio transmission over a distance of 55 miles are described, the results of which are interpreted to indicate the presence of strong "sky" waves, with "ground" waves of negligible amplitude in comparison with the "sky" waves as received. Upon decreasing the transmitter wavelength, at a given time of day, a minimum wavelength was reached below which no communication could be obtained; this wavelength is termed the "cut-off" wavelength. The average value of the cut-off wavelength, for various times of day, is given for several different months. The minimum observed wavelength upon which communication was possible was 28 meters. A series of experiments in which an orientable half-wavelength antenna was employed served to indicate definitely an optimum position of the antenna for transmission over the 55-mile distance. The indicated transmission path left the transmitter at an angle of approximately 65 degrees to the horizontal. In long distance communication the position of the antenna was found to have no appreciable effect.
Thermal inactivation of Listeria innocua in salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) caviar using conventional glass and novel aluminum thermal-death-time tubes.

Differences in the come-up times and thermal inactivation parameters of Listeria innocua in salmon (Oncorhynchus keta ) caviar containing 2.5% salt using conventional thermal-death-time (TDT) glass tubes and a novel aluminum tube were tested and compared. Generally, the come-up times and decimal reduction times ( D-values) were shorter and the change in temperature required to change the D-value (z-value) was longer in the aluminum than in the glass tubes. The D-values at 60, 63, and 658C for the aluminum TDT tubes were 2.97, 0.77, and 0.40 min, respectively, and for the glass TDT tubes, these values were 3.55, 0.84, and 0.41 min. The z-values were 5.7 8C in the aluminum and 5.3 8C in the glass. Because of the shorter comeup time, the aluminum TDT tubes may provide a more precise measurement of microbial thermal inactivation than the glass TDT tubes, particularly for viscous materials, solid foods, and foods containing particulate matter.
Processing Instruction and Meaningful Output-Based Instruction: Effects on Second Language Development

This study investigates the effects of meaningful input- and output-based practice on SLA. First-semester Spanish students ( n = 45) were assigned to processing instruction, meaningful output-based instruction, or control groups. Experimental groups received the same input in instruction but received meaningful practice that was input or output based. Both experimental groups showed significant gains on immediate and delayed interpretation and production tasks. Repeated-measures analyses of variance showed that overall, for interpretation, both experimental groups outperformed the control group. For production, only the meaningful output-based group outperformed the control group. These results suggest that not only input-based but also output-based instruction can lead to linguistic development. We thank Ron Leow, Alison Mackey, and Cristina Sanz for their continual support and valuable input throughout the various phases of this research and for their comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. Likewise, we express our gratitude to Bill VanPatten and the various anonymous reviewers for their comments on the manuscript. We also thank the Linguistics Department for the use of its laboratory and equipment during data collection and Ru San Chen for assistance with statistical analyses. Special thanks to Gorky Cruz and Cristina Sanz for the use of digital photographs. Any errors or omissions are ours alone.
Effects of maternal care on the development of midbrain dopamine pathways and reward-directed behavior in female offspring

Variation within mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathways has significant implications for behavioral responses to rewards, and previous studies have indicated long-term programming effects of early life stress on these pathways. In the current study, we examined the impact of natural variations in maternal care in Long Evans rats on the development of DA pathways in female offspring and the consequences for reward-directed behaviors. We found that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the ventral tegmental area was elevated by postnatal day 6 in response to maternal licking/grooming (LG), and that these effects were sustained into adulthood. Increased TH immunoreactivity was not found to be associated with altered epigenetic regulation or transcriptional activation of Th, but probably involved LG-associated changes in the differentiation of postnatal DA neurons through increased expression of Cdkn1c, and enhanced survival of DA projections through LG-associated increases in Lmx1b and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. At weaning, high-LG offspring had elevated DA receptor mRNA levels within the nucleus accumbens and increased conditioned place preference for a high-fat diet. In contrast, high-LG, as compared with low-LG, juvenile offspring had a reduced preference for social interactions with siblings, and haloperidol administration abolished group differences in conditioned place preference through a shift towards increased social preferences in high-LG offspring. The effects of maternal care on developing DA pathways and reward-directed behavior of female offspring that we have observed may play a critical role in the behavioral transmission of maternal LG from mother to daughter, and account for individual differences in the mesolimbic DA system.
A capacitance sensor suite evaluation

An experiment was set up to evaluate a sensor suite containing an affordable commercially available capacitance to digital converter and a simple custom-built capacitance sensor. A set of surface mount capacitors was thoughtfully assembled for evaluation purposes. The results show good short-term stability, allowing the effective use of the sensor suite in an object classification application.