cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Large Scale Transcriptome Analysis of Mouse Sinoatrial Node (SAN)

Novel functional analyses and numerical models have led to a paradigm shift in sinoatrial nodal pacemaker cell biology. Recent reports of transcriptional profiles of SAN, however, have focused on a limited number of pre-selected transcripts, while the large-scale transcriptome profile of SAN pacemaker cells remains unknown. Using Illumina Ref8v2 bead chips we performed large-scale transcriptome analysis of sinoatrial node (SAN) and compared it to those of left and right atrium (LA and RA), left and right ventricle (LV and RV) and spontaneously beating cultured HL-1 cells.Principal component analysis of transcriptomic relationship among samples revealed a distinct supraventricular grouping (LA, RA, SAN and HL-1), a ventricular grouping (LV, RV), a native heart tissue grouping, (LA, RA, SAN, LV and RV) and the cultured cell line. Overexpressed genes specific to each native heart tissue (greater than 75th percentile for that group) were 3946 transcripts evenly expressed among its component tissues. The supraventricular group expression of 87 of these genes was specifically enriched in SAN; 95, in RA and 205 in LA; ventricular grouping embraced 2773 common transcripts, with 901 transcripts being enriched in LV and 142 in RV. Some findings in SAN compare to other heart tissues, for example, PDE1A, Tbx3, RGS4, ISL1, were highly overexpressed. The co-expression gene networks by the weighted gene co-expression analysis reveal that neuron projection, fatty acid metabolic process, neuron differentiation and response to endogenous stimulus pathways were highly represented in SAN.In summary, this is the first large-scale transcriptomic analysis of cardiac pacemaker tissue and its comparison to other cardiac tissue. Novel gene markers for SAN were observed. The results provide valuable clues with respect to regeneration of SAN-like beating cells from pluripotent cell lines and to the design of biological pacemakers.
Adult Chronic Lead Intoxication: A Clinical Review

A stained-glass artisan with depression and a retired junkyard worker with congestive cardiomyopathy had increased mobilizable body burdens of lead by calcium ethylenediaminetetaacetic acid testing. Although both patients improved with several months of intramuscular chelation therapy, the efficacy of such therapy in chronic lead poisoning is controversial. Recognition of unusual manifestations of chronic lead poisoning may at least interrupt further exposure, even if specific therapy is not undertaken. ( Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:1718-1720)
Effects of imaging lens f-number on sub-2 Âµm CMOS image sensor pixel performance

Recent efforts in CMOS image sensor design have focused on reducing pixel size to increase resolution given a fixed package size. This scaling comes at a cost, as less light is incident on each pixel, potentially leading to poor image quality caused by photon shot noise. One solution to this problem is to allow the imaging or objective lens to capture more light by decreasing its f-number. The larger cone of accepted light resulting from a lower f-number, however, can lead to decreased optical efficiency and increased spatial optical crosstalk at the pixel level when the microlens is not able to properly focus the incident light. In this work, we investigate the effects of imaging lens f-number on sub-2µm CMOS image sensor pixel performance. The pixel is considered as an optical system with an f-number, defined as the ratio of the pixel height to width, and we predict the performance of a realistic pixel structure subject to illumination from an objective lens. For our predictions, we use finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation with continuous-wave, diffraction-limited illumination characterized by the f-number of the imaging lens. The imaging lens f-numbers are chosen to maintain resolution and incident optical power as pixel size scales, while the pixel f-number is varied by modifying the height of the pixel structure. As long as pixel f-number is scaled to match the imaging f-number when pixel size is scaled, optical efficiency and crosstalk for on-axis illumination will not be significantly affected down to the 1.2 mm pixel node. We find the same trend for system MTF, which does not seem to suffer from diffraction effects.
The unsteady-state energy conservation equation for a small spherical particle in LII modeling

This paper discusses the formalization of the energy variation rate of a small particle encountered in the modeling of an unsteady-state soot particle temperature and diameter during laser-induced incandescence. A derivation of the particle energy equation is presented based on the first law of thermodynamics applied to an open system. Problems associated with an incorrect particle internal energy variation rate used in the literature are discussed. Numerical calculations are presented to demonstrate the effects of several incorrect particle internal energy variation rates on the calculated particle temperature and diameter.
Characterization of spontaneous and action potential-induced calcium transients in developing myotubes in vitro.

We have investigated the onset and maturation of action potential- and calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during the differentiation of excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. Microfluorometry and video imaging of cultured myotubes loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator fluo-3 revealed the dynamics, time course, and physiological properties of calcium transients as well as their changes during development. Spontaneous and stimulated contractions in well-differntiated myotubes are accompanied by brief (200–500 ms) increases in the concentration of free cytoplasmic calcium. These transients are modulated by sub-threshold concentrations of caffeine, resulting in a plateau of elevated calcium. Two novel types of calcium transients were observed in non-contracting myotubes. (1) Fast localized transients (FLTs) are radially restricted focal release events that occur spontaneously within the myoplasm at various densities and frequencies. (2) Upon addition of caffeine, propagating calcium waves are generated (35–70 μm/s velocity), which are accompanied by contractures. Aside from caffeine sensitivity, calcium waves and contractionrelated sustained release events are similar in amplitude and duration, as well as in their inactivation and refractory properties. Thus, these transients may represent calcium-induced calcium release in quiescent and active myotubes, respectively. Following one calcium-induced calcium release event, myotubes become refractory to new calcium-induced transients; however, action potential-induced transients and FLTs are not blocked. This suggests that these transients occur by distinct release mechanisms and that dual modes of calcium release exist prior to the coupling of calcium release to excitation. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Crosslinked actin networks show liquid crystal elastomer behaviour, including soft-mode elasticity

Crosslinked actin networks show liquid crystal elastomer behaviour, including soft-mode elasticity
Scalable, efficient ASICS for the square kilometre array: From A/D conversion to central correlation

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a future radio telescope, currently being designed by the worldwide radio-astronomy community. During the first of two construction phases, more than 250,000 antennas will be deployed, clustered in aperture-array stations. The antennas will generate 2.5 Pb/s of data, which needs to be processed in real time. For the processing stages from A/D conversion to central correlation, we propose an ASIC solution using only three chip architectures. The architecture is scalable - additional chips support additional antennas or beams - and versatile - it can relocate its receiver band within a range of a few MHz up to 4GHz. This flexibility makes it applicable to both SKA phases 1 and 2. The proposed chips implement an antenna and station processor for 289 antennas with a power consumption on the order of 600W and a correlator, including corner turn, for 911 stations on the order of 90 kW.
Practical points in the care of patients recovering from a colostomy

The nursing implications for care of colostomy patients is discussed. Colostomysurgery has more than doubled in the last 15 years, making it common to see several patients with colostomies on medical-surgical floors on a daily basis. Because enterostomal nurses are not always available, staff nurses have the responsibility to provide proper care for these patients.
Spatial distribution of Ataenius spretulus, Aphodius granarius (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and predaceous insects across golf course fairways and roughs.

In Michigan, scattered damage to fairway turf from Ataenius spretulus (Haldeman) or Aphodius granarius (L.) is reported by golf course superintendents every year. Yet, little is known about the distribution of these insects on golf courses or why outbreaks occur. In 1992 and 1993, A. spretulus and A. granarius larvae were 10-fold more abundant on fairways compared with adjacent roughs of 3 Michigan golf courses. In 1994, glass vials were used as pitfall traps to sample adult A. spretulus and A. granarius and surface-dwelling insects at 2 golf courses. A. spretulus adults were 4-fold more abundant in the fairway, whereas staphylinids and formicids were 5- to 10-fold more abundant in the rough. At 1 location in 1995, and at a different location in 1996, pitfall traps were placed along replicated transects running into the fairway and rough. In total, 112 pitfall traps were changed weekly from early May to early July. In 1995, 341 A. granarius , 1,131 A. spretulus , 4,703 Formicidae, 2,693 Carabidae, 2,304 Staphylinidae, and 579 Histeridae were captured in pitfall traps. Approximately ⅓ as many insects were trapped in 1996. A. spretulus adults were again more abundant in the fair-way, whereas the numbers of A. granarius adults captured in the fairway and rough were similar. The numbers of predatory insects captured in pitfall traps declined sharply when crossing from the rough into the fairway. We found a strong inverse relationship ( r = −0.62) between the distribution of A. spretulus adults and predators caught in pitfall traps, and a weaker inverse relationship between larvae and predators. At all 5 golf course sites, plots in the fairway and rough received a similar level of irrigation, fairways were mowed at an average height of 13 mm and roughs at 51 mm, more fertilizer was applied to fairways (1.25 kg N/yr) than roughs (0.75 kg N) and no insecticides were applied. In 1996, grass species composition was the same in the fairway and rough. Potential causes of a high density of A. spretulus and a low density of surface predators in golf course fairways are discussed.
The Effects of Competition and Cooperation on Level of Prejudice

Summary This study investigated the effects on prejudice of either a cooperative or competitive strategy adopted by either a white or a black partner. It indicated that involvement in a game situation led to a reduction in prejudice when a white S had a white partner who cooperated or competed, or a black partner who cooperated. If the black partner competed, however, there was a statistically nonsignificant increase in prejudice. Further, Ss tended to imitate the strategy of their partner. The results were considered in relation to the general effect of competition and cooperation in society.
Fire Behavior In Southern California Chaparral Before Fire Control: The Mount Wilson Burns at the Turn of the Century

Abstract Reconstruction from written accounts of three chaparral burns (1896, 1898, 1900) before fire control on Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains, California reveals an erratic smoulder-and-run fire behavior pattern. Although these burns persisted for two to three months during summer drought, their ultimate sizes were relatively small. Chaparral in southern California watersheds before 1900 was described as having been fragmented by previous burns. Such patchy stand structure can develop from frequent anthropogenic ignitions because the growth of fires is constrained by previous burns; fire size is inversely related to ignition rates. Season-long burns from relatively few ignitions can also result in complex vegetation fragmentation owing to irregular fire behavior and to development of secondary burns from smouldering or by movement of embers long distances beyond the fire zone. Lightning alone could be responsible for widespread fire occurrence because ignitions can be stored in large fuels un...
SU‐E‐T‐36: Comprehensive End to End Data Transfer Integrity Check of Delivery Parameters Using TrueBeam Trajectory Log Files Analysis

Purpose: Traditional manual quality assurance checks of a patient treatment plan beam parameters transfer involve visually checking the information printed from the treatment planning system against the record‐and verify system for one‐to‐one correspondence. To provide the efficiency and accuracy of data transfer check, we have utilized the Varian TrueBeam log files which contain the complete delivery parameters. Methods: The approved plans are transferred to the Record and Verify (R&V) system, and the beams are delivered in the Truebeam Linac. The expected and actual status of TrueBeam delivery parameters are recorded during the delivery. Compared to traditional dynalog files from Varian, TrueBeam log files offer complete delivery parameters, which enable complete data transfer QA. An automatic program was designed to read the planned parameters from TPS and delivered parameters from Linac workstation. The program can verify the delivered parameters for all the external deliveries, including 3D conformal, EDW delivery, IMRT, VMAT, and electrons treatments. Results: The patient ID, beam ID, photon or electron energy, beam MU, gantry angle, couch angle, cough positions, collimator angle, jaw positions, EDW wedge angle and orientations, MLC positions, number of segments, gantry speed, dose rate, applicator size are all checked. The data transfer and/or delivery errors are flagged in the report for each type of delivery. Conclusion: The end‐to‐end data transfer check using TrueBeam log files provides an efficient, reliable and complete beam parameter plan check process for variety of radiation delivery technique. It is more efficient than human chart checking and improves the robustness and quality of chart checking.
Surgical technique of temporary arterial occlusion in the operative management of spinal hemangioblastomas.

Background Spinal hemangioblastomas (SH) are definitively treated by en bloc microsurgical resection. Although benign, their highly vascular nature makes resection challenging. A major difficulty involves intraoperative differentiation of vessels supplying the tumor from those supplying the spinal cord. Methods Twenty patients with SH treated surgically at a single institution were reviewed. Median age was 49 years (range 24 to 70 years). Eleven patients had von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Six underwent preoperative angiography, of which five underwent embolization. All tumors were posterior and resected through a laminectomy approach. Temporary arterial occlusion (TAO) by aneurysm clip placement with concurrent neuromonitoring was used at the tumor edge to differentiate arteries supplying the tumor from those supplying the healthy spinal cord. Arteries were assumed to not supply important regions of the cord and divided at the tumor surface if there was no change in evoked potentials after 4 minutes of occlusion. Results Of the 20 patients, 5 improved, 13 remained stable, and 2 worsened. Of the five treated with TAO, two improved, three remained stable, and none worsened. Median McCormick's functional grade of patients treated with TAO was II and improved to I after the operation, whereas that of those not treated with TAO remained unchanged at II (Wilcoxon rank-sum, P = .35). Conclusions Temporary arterial occlusion with neuromonitoring is a safe, effective, and simple method of differentiating arteries supplying the tumor only from those that supply the functionally normal spinal cord in the operative management of difficult SH.
High silica granites: Terminal porosity and crystal settling in shallow magma chambers

Abstract High silica (>70 wt.% SiO2) granites (HSGs) are important carriers of highly incompatible elements, thus, understanding their origin is relevant to understanding how the composition of the continental crust evolves. We examined a large-scale geochemical study of plutons in the Peninsular Ranges Batholith in southern California (USA) to better understand the petrogenetic relationships between HSGs and the batholith. Using highly incompatible and compatible elements, we show that HSGs represent residual liquids within a felsic (69–72 wt.% SiO2) magmatic crystal mush at crystal fractions of 50–60% and residual liquid fractions of 40–50%. Trace element systematics show that separation of the HSG liquid from the crystal mush is inefficient, such that no more than 70–80% of the HSG is fully extracted and the remaining greater than 20–30% remains trapped in cumulate mush. We find little evidence of more efficient liquid–crystal segregation, which suggests that compaction-induced segregation may be too slow to be important on a large scale. Instead, the terminal porosity of 20–30% coincides with theoretical maximum packing fraction of unimodal particles settled out of suspension (∼0.74), which may indicate that crystal settling – perhaps in the form of hindered settling – drives segregation of viscous silicic melts and crystals. Unlike compaction, settling operates on timescales of 1–10 ky, fast enough to generate large volumes of HSG and complementary cumulates with trapped melt before magma chambers freeze. Many felsic plutons may thus be cumulates, but because of trapped melt, they are difficult to geochemically distinguish from plutons whose compositions fall along liquid lines of descent. The approach here, using a combination of highly incompatible and compatible elements, provides a way of identifying and quantifying trapped melt fractions. Finally, we show that HSGs appear to form only in the shallow crust (
Anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. VI. Age-dependent isotype and auto anti-immunoglobulin variation during secondary immune response in 129 mice.

Abstract The secondary and tertiary immune responses to TNP-KLH and the autoanti-immunoglobulin response were studied in 1-, 3- and 6-month-old 129/J and 129/Sv mice. A profound inability of aging 129/Sv mice (lifespan: 9 months) to produce γ2a anti-TNP antibodies relative to their normal counterparts was observed. However, this markedly low response could not be related to clearance of antibody by RFs since all 129 mice studied produced significant amounts of RFs after immunization with this T-dependent antigen. Furthermore, the results of the plaque forming cell assays indicated that young (1 month old) 129/Sv mice have an accelerated immune response while older mice produce significantly low direct and indirect responses compared to the control groups. The data suggest a fundamental dysfunction of B and/or T cells in 129/Sv mice and that spontaneous production of RFs in older mice may affect the ability of B and T cells to cooperate in a secondary response.
Differences Between High and Low Coping Children and Between Parent and Staff Behaviors During Painful Medical Procedures

Coded behaviors of pediatric oncology patients undergoing bone marrow aspirations and lumbar punctures, parents, and medical staff using the Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale. Children were grouped into high and low coping groups for three analyses. Results indicated that adults with the high coping children engaged in more coping-promoting behaviors than adults with the low coping children. Further, high coping children were more likely to respond with coping to coping-promoting prompts. However, both groups of children were more likely to respond by coping following coping-promoting antecedents than following distress-promoting or adult neutral antecedents. Both groups were more likely to respond with distress following distress-promoting antecedents. When interacting with children, staff engaged in a higher proportions of giving control to the child and apologies than did parents. Also, children were more likely to display coping than distress following staff's and parents' nonprocedural talk (distraction).
A method for maintaining routing data in automated record keeping systems

An economical method for maintaining routing records in an automated record keeping system is described. Routing records are stored separately from data records on secondary storage devices. A "time stamp" is stored in each routing record, and all routing records associated with the same data record are linked by a "time link". The method is shown to have better performance and lower impact on the remainder of the system than several alternative strategies.
Differences and Similarities in Insular and Temporal Pole MRI Gray Matter Volume Abnormalities in First-Episode Schizophrenia and Affective Psychosis

Context: Whether psychoses associated with schizo- phrenia and affective disorder represent manifestations of different disorders or the same disorder is an impor- tant but unresolved question in psychiatry. Results of pre- vious volumetric magnetic resonance imaging investi- gations indicate that gray matter volume reductions in neocortical regions may be specific to schizophrenia. Objective: To simultaneously evaluate multiple olfac- tocentric paralimbic regions, which play crucial roles in human emotion and motivation, in first-episode pa- tients with schizophrenia and affective psychosis. tion magnetic resonance imaging, the gray matter vol- umes of 2 olfactocentric paralimbic regions of interest, the insular cortex and the temporal pole, were evaluated. Results: A bilateral volume reduction in insular cortex gray matter was specific to first-episode patients with schizo- phrenia. In contrast, both first-episode psychosis groups showed a volume reduction in left temporal pole gray mat- ter and an absence of normal left-greater-than-right asym- metry. Region of interest correlations showed that only pa- tients with schizophrenia lacked a positive correlation between left temporal pole and left anterior amygdala- hippocampal complex gray matter volumes, whereas both psychosis groups were similar in lacking normal positive correlations between left temporal pole and left anterior su- perior temporal gyrus gray matter volumes. Conclusions: These partially different and partially simi- lar patterns of structural abnormalities in olfactocentric paralimbicregionsandtheirassociatedabnormalitiesinother temporolimbic regions may be important factors in the dif- ferential and common manifestations of the 2 psychoses. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60:1069-1077
Isolation of transcription factors that discriminate between different promoters recognized by RNA polymerase II

A new fractionation procedure separates a whole-cell HeLa extract into three components required for accurate in vitro transcription. One component (Sp1) is a promoter-specific factor required for transcription of the SV40 early and late promoters, but not for transcription of other promoters we have tested. The second component (Sp2) is a general factor required for transcription of the SV40 promoters and a series of others, including the adeno-virus 2 major late promoter, the human beta-globin promoter and the avian sarcoma virus promoter. The third component is a fraction containing the endogenous RNA polymerase II. When SV40 and adenovirus templates were present simultaneously in an in vitro transcription reaction, addition of the Sp1 factor stimulated SV40 early promoter transcription 40-fold, and inhibited adenovirus major late promoter transcription by 40%. This finding suggests that Sp1 is involved in promoter selection, and is not merely a general transcription stimulatory factor.
Poverty and Child Malnutrition in Bangladesh

Child malnutrition is pervasive in Bangladesh, with nearly one-half of all children below the age of five years being either underweight or stunted. The country has, however, made significant progress in reducing the incidence of child malnutrition during the last 15 years. There are large disparities in child malnutrition across gender, geographical regions, and economic groups. The empirical evidence reviewed in this article suggests that public transfer and relief programs that provide food to the poor, such as the Vulnerable Group Feeding program and the Food-for-Work program, as well as interventions by nongovernmental organizations have had significant impacts on reducing child malnutrition, especially among the poor. To attain the millennium development goal of halving child undernutrition by 2015, Bangladesh will have to scale up targeted income-poverty interventions, public food transfer programs targeted to the poor and to the regions with the largest number of malnourished children, interventio...
Body fat estimation in late pregnancy and early postpartum : comparison of two-, three-, and four-component models

Accurate methods for determining body fat mass during reproduction are necessary to evaluate energy balance. However, determination of fat mass is complicated during pregnancy by the accretion of water, which invalidates assumptions underlying standard two-compartment models. The extent to which the variability in body water during pregnancy invalidates use of pregnancy-corrected two-compartment models for determination of fat mass in individual women is unknown. Moreover, it is unclear whether body water returns to nonpregnant values by 2 wk postpartum, which is frequently used as the baseline in studies of postpartum women. The present study uses a four-component model as a criterion for evaluating two- and three-component models. Fifty-six healthy, normotensive women between the ages of 19 and 35 y were studied at 36 +/- 1 wk gestation and 15 +/- 2 d postpartum. Total body water (TBW), total body potassium (TBK), body density, and bone mineral content were measured by deuterium dilution, whole-body potassium counting, hydrodensitometry, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (postpartum only), respectively. At 2 wk postpartum, hydration and density of fat-free mass (FFM) had not returned to nonpregnant values, and differed between lactating and nonlactating women (P 3 kg from the four-component value. Fat mass by TBK may differ by > 10 kg from fat mass by the four-component model during pregnancy, and by 6 kg postpartum. Use of standard two-compartment models to estimate fat mass results in significant error both during pregnancy and at 2 wk postpartum. Pregnancy-corrected two-compartment models produce reliable mean fat mass estimates during pregnancy, but individual fat mass estimates may vary widely from four-component values.
US Environmental Regulation and FDI: Evidence from a Panel of US-Based Multinational Firms

This paper measures the response of US-based multinationals to the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). Using a panel of firm-level data over the period 1966―1999, I estimate the effect of regulation on a multinational's foreign production decisions. The CAAA induced substantial variation in the degree of regulation faced by firms, allowing for the estimation of econometric models that control for firm-specific characteristics and industrial trends. I find that the CAAA caused regulated multinational firms to increase their foreign assets by 5.3 percent and their foreign output by 9 percent. Heavily regulated firms did not disproportionately increase foreign investment in developing countries.
Quantitation of Ranitidine Hydrochloride in Tablets and Injections Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

AbstractA stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method without the use of a counterion has been developed to quantify ranitidine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method is accurate and precise with a percent relative standard deviation of 1.5 based on 5 injections. The extraction procedure for ranitidine from tablets is very simple and there was no interference from the excipients present. Ranitidine appears to be stable to heat on the acidic side and very susceptible to decomposition on the basic side. It lost 84.4% of potency on 20 minute boiling with sodium hydroxide with a new peak in the chromatogram. It lost 37.8% of the potency on treatment with hydrogen peroxide solution for 20 minutes at room temperature with 2 new peaks in the chromatogram.
Effects of Experimental Forest Management on Density and Nesting Success of Bird Species in Missouri Ozark Forests

A critical step in understanding the relationship between forest management and bird populations is conducting studies that employ rigorous experimental designs, relate forest management to avian demog- raphy, and explore relationships at expanded temporal and spatial scales. The Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosys- tem Project (MOFEP) is a long-term, large-scale manipulative experiment that is testing the effects of even- aged (i.e., clearcutting) and uneven-aged (i.e., selection cutting) forest management on a suite of response variables in Missouri oak-hickory forests. We report on the short-term effects of these management systems on the density and reproductive success of birds by evaluating 5 years of preharvest and 3 years of postharvest data from MOFEP. Densities of mature forest species declined 24-69% on the control (i.e., no timber harvest) sites during post-treatment years, confounding interpretation of treatment effects. Densities of both Kentucky Warblers ( Oporornis formosus ) and Worm-eating Warblers ( Helmitheros vermivorus ) increased in treatment sites relative to control sites. Conversely, even-aged management negatively affected Ovenbird ( Seiurus aurocapillus ) density. Treatment significantly and positively affected density of four of the six early succes- sional species. Densities of Indigo Bunting ( Passerina cyanea ) and Yellow-breasted Chat ( Icteria virens ) were significantly higher in both even-aged and uneven-aged treatments, whereas densities of Prairie Warbler ( Dendroica discolor ) and White-eyed Vireo ( Vireo griseus ) were significantly higher in even-aged treatments than in the controls. Nest success rates averaged 29% for all species and did not change significantly from pre- to post-treatment years. Mature forest bird populations declined as trees were removed, but significant changes in nest predation and brood parasitism did not occur. In addition, openings associated with timber removal provided habitats for early successional species. We suggest that a mixed strategy of timber manage- ment may be necessary to support the full range of breeding birds in this region.
Arterial blood acid-base regulation during exercise in rats.

For the first time in the rat, we described the effects of exercise on arterial acid-base status and examined the role of chemical stimuli as determinants of the hyperventilatory response in this s...
A Randomized Trial of CT Fluoroscopic-Guided Bronchoscopy vs Conventional Bronchoscopy in Patients With Suspected Lung Cancer

Background Prior case series have shown promising diagnostic sensitivity for CT scan-guided bronchoscopy. Methods This was a prospective randomized trial comparing CT scan-guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. All procedures were performed using a protocolized number of passes for forceps, transbronchial needles, and brushes. Cytologists and pathologists were blinded as to bronchoscopy type. Patients with negative results underwent open surgical biopsy (for nodules or lymph nodes) or were observed for ≥ 2 years if they had a nodule Results Fifty patients were enrolled into the study (CT scan-guided bronchoscopy, 26 patients; conventional bronchoscopy, 24 patients). Two patients, one from each arm, dropped out of the study. Ultimately, 36 patients were proven to have cancer, and 27 of these patients (75%) had their diagnosis made by bronchoscopy. The sensitivity for malignancy of CT scan-guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for peripheral lesions was similar (71% vs 76%, respectively; p = 1.0). The sensitivity for malignancy of CT guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for mediastinal lymph nodes was higher (100% vs 67%, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.26). On a per-lymph-node basis, there was a trend toward higher diagnostic accuracy with CT scan guidance (p = 0.09). The diagnostic yield was higher in larger lesions (p = 0.004) and when CT scanning confirmed target entry (p = 0.001). Conclusion We failed to demonstrate a significant difference between CT scan-guided bronchoscopy and conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. Further study of improved steering methods combined with CT scan guidance for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions is warranted.
Expected Educational Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

The current national preoccupation with the results of education must shift to include students with disabilities. It is time to move beyond concern over equal access to education and to examine the extent to which students with disabilities achieve the goals set for other students. In this paper we provide some definitions of key terms in the discussion of educational outcomes. We discuss current national and international practices in the assessment of educational outcomes and describe some activities of states in outcomes assessment. We highlight the recently funded National Center on Educational Outcomes and then delineate several major considerations in the development of a comprehensive system of outcome indicators for students with disabilities.
Shaking up the salt and pepper: origins of cellular heterogeneity in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst

The inner cell mass (ICM) of the mammalian blastocyst contains pluripotent epiblast (EPI) and differentiating primitive endoderm (PE) cells, intermingled like salt and pepper. In mouse, the earliest known driver of EPI and PE cell fates is FGF4, but it was unclear whether cellular or molecular heterogeneity existed upstream of Fgf4. In a new study, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, researchers in the lab of Takashi Hiiragi take us one step closer to understanding the origins of cellular heterogeneity in the ICM. Using single cell transcriptional profiling, Ohnishi and colleagues show that cellular heterogeneity is unlikely to precede the role of FGF4, and that FGF4 may help specify EPI as well as PE cell fates, providing exciting new insight into the origins of pluripotency.
Stochastic inventory management for tactical process planning under uncertainties: MINLP models and algorithms

We address in this article the mid-term planning of chemical complexes with integration of stochastic inventory management under supply and demand uncertainty. By using the guaranteed service approach to model time delays in the flows inside the network, we capture the stochastic nature of the supply and demand variations, and develop an equivalent deterministic optimization model to minimize the production, feedstock purchase, cycle inventory, and safety stock costs. The model determines the optimal purchases of the feedstocks, production levels of the processes, sales of final products, and safety stock levels of all the chemicals. We formulate the model as a mixed-integer nonlinear program with a nonconvex objective function and nonconvex constraints. To solve the global optimization problem with modest computational times, we exploit some model properties and develop a tailored branch-and-refine algorithm based on successive piecewise linear approximation. Five industrial-scale examples with up to 38 processes and 28 chemicals are presented to illustrate the application of the model and the performance of the proposed algorithm. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Chronopotentiometry with current reversal forward electrochemical reaction accompanied by immediate irreversible decomposition to electrochemically-active species

Abstract The transition time ratios for chronopotentiometry with current reversal are derived for the case in which the product of the forward electrochemical reaction decomposes immediately and irreversibly to two or more species which are not electrochemically active at the potential of the forward reaction but which do react consecutively following current reversal. The usual assumptions of semi-infinite linear diffusion control of mass transport are made. The derived results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results of G eske 1 .
Co-occurrence of Psychiatric Disorders and Alcoholism in Untreated Alcoholic Patients in a VA Medical Walk-in (Triage) Clinic Population

The authors identified 1,836 male veterans who were seeking treatment for various medical disorders at a walk-in (triage) clinic and screened these patients for the presence of alcohol problems by administering a brief interview and the CAGE questionnaire. Patients who screened positive for alcohol problems and who had little or no prior treatment for these problems were then interviewed using a structured psychiatric interview to establish the presence of alcohol dependence and cooccurring psychiatric disorders. The rate of alcohol dependence and co-occurring disorders was substantial, and the pattern was consistent with studies of veteran patients surveyed in other clinical settings.
Apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein E receptors modulate Aβ-induced glial neuroinflammatory responses

Large numbers of activated glia are a common pathological feature of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several different stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dibutyryl (db)cAMP, and aged amyloid-beta 1-42 (A beta), can induce glial activation in vitro, as measured by morphological changes and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress molecules. Only A beta-induced activation is attenuated by the addition of exogenous apolipoprotein E (apoE)-containing particles. In addition, only A beta also induces an increase in the amount of endogenous apoE, the primary apolipoprotein expressed by astrocytes in the brain. The functional significance of the increase in apoE appears to be to limit the inflammatory response. Indeed, compared to wild type mice, glial cells cultured from apoE knockout mice exhibit an enhanced production of several pro-inflammatory markers in response to treatment with A beta and other activating stimuli. The mechanism for both the A beta-induced glial activation and the increase in apoE appears to involve apoE receptors, a variety of which are expressed by both neurons and glia. Experiments using receptor associated protein (RAP), an inhibitor of apoE receptors with a differential affinity for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and the LDLR-related protein (LRP), revealed that LRP mediates A beta-induced glial activation, while LDLR mediates the A beta-induced changes in apoE levels. In summary, both an apoE receptor agonist (apoE) and an antagonist (RAP) inhibit A beta-induced glial cell activation. Thus, apoE receptors appear to translate the presence of extracellular A beta into cellular responses, both initiating glial cell activation and limiting its scope by inducing apoE, an anti-inflammatory agent.
Recent Advances in the Management of the Infant, Child, and Adolescent With Chronic Renal Failure

The prognosis of the infant, child, or adolescent with chronic renal failure, defined as an irreversible reduction in glomerular filtration rate, has improved during the past quarter century because of the use of dialysis and renal transplantation. These have prolonged lives in previously fatal situations. Because the potential not only to sustain life but also to effect full rehabilitation exists with the introduction of these treatments, it is now imperative that the multisystem consequences of uremia be either minimized or totally avoided in the pediatric patient with chronic renal failure. The role of the pediatrician in managing the infant, child, or adolescent with chronic renal failure should be directed toward minimizing the potentially devastating consequences of uremia so that the patient is in optimal clinical condition when end stage renal disease occurs. INCIDENCE It is difficult to know the incidence and prevalence of chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease in children. Surveys in Europe and North America have been conducted to obtain precise information regarding these issues; not only have the definitions included in these surveys differed, but the upper and lower age limits defining pediatric patients have not been uniform. The available data suggest a prevalence of chronic renal failure of 18.5 per 1 million child population and an incidence of end stage renal disease of from 3 to 6 children per 1 million total population.
Effects of delayed stabilization on fracture healing.

Previous studies have revealed that delayed internal fixation can stimulate fracture callus formation and decrease the rate of non-union. However, the effect of delayed stabilization on stem cell differentiation is unknown. To address this, we created fractures in mouse tibiae and applied external fixation immediately, at 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours after injury. Fracture healing was analyzed at 10 days by histological methods for callus, bone, and cartilage formation, and the mechanical properties of the calluses were assessed at 14 days post-injury by tension testing. The results demonstrate that delaying stabilization for 24 to 96 hours does not significantly affect the volume of the callus tissue (TV) and the new bone (BV) that formed by 10 days, or the mechanical properties of the calluses at 14 days, compared to immediate stabilization. However, delaying stabilization for 24 to 96 hours induces 10–40 times more cartilage in the fracture calluses compared with fractures stabilized immediately. These findings suggest that delaying stabilization during the early phase of fracture healing may not significantly stimulate bone repair, but may alter the mode of bone repair by directing formation of more cartilage. Fractures that are not rigidly stabilized form significantly larger amount of callus tissues and cartilage by 10 days post-injury than fractures stabilized at 24 to 96 hours, indicating that mechanical instability influences chondrocytes beyond the first 96 hours of fracture healing.
Glutamatergic medications for the treatment of drug and behavioral addictions

Historically, most pharmacological approaches to the treatment of addictive disorders have utilized either substitution-based methods (i.e., nicotine replacement or opioid maintenance) or have targeted monoaminergic or endogenous opioidergic neurotransmitter systems. However, substantial evidence has accumulated indicating that ligands acting on glutamatergic transmission are also of potential utility in the treatment of drug addiction, as well as various behavioral addictions such as pathological gambling. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological mechanisms of action and general clinical efficacy of glutamatergic medications that are currently approved or are being investigated for approval for the treatment of addictive disorders. Medications with effects on glutamatergic transmission that will be discussed include acamprosate, N-acetylcysteine, d-cycloserine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, memantine, modafinil, and topiramate. We conclude that manipulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission is a relatively young but promising avenue for the development of improved therapeutic agents for the treatment of drug and behavioral addictions.
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF STREPTOCOCCUS HEMOLYTICUS TO THE RHEUMATIC PROCESS : III. OBSERVATIONS ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF RHEUMATIC SUBJECTS TO HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCUS.

In the first two papers findings were presented which point to a close relationship between the incidence of rheumatic fever and the distribution of Streptococcus hemolyticus . The fact was emphasized that in the rheumatic subject a recrudescence of the disease process is usually preceded by pharyngeal infection with hemolytic streptococci. These organisms conspicuous in the throat flora during the period of infection preliminary to an attack of acute rheumatism fell into six antigenic groups and produced toxins which in 70 per cent were neutralized by a monovalent streptococcus antiserum. In the present study, four series of observations have been presented, demonstrating the development of immune bodies to hemolytic streptococcus during the course of rheumatic fever. The agglutination and complement fixation reactions of sera from patients with acute rheumatism suggest recent infection with streptococcus. Precipitin tests indicate that at the time of appearance of the rheumatic attack, individuals develop, in their blood, precipitins to the protein fractions of hemolytic streptococcus. That these precipitins may not be entirely specific is recognized from their cross-reactions with antigens of chemically related organisms. The studies made in association with E. W. Todd of England have demonstrated that at the onset of an attack of acute rheumatism, there occurs in each instance a rise in the antistreptolysin titer of the patient's serum. This titer is much higher than that observed in normal subjects or in patients with bacterial infection other than hemolytic streptococcus. This presence of antistreptolysin with an N.D. of 0.005 cc. is considered strong evidence of recent infection by hemolytic streptococcus. In conclusion, the relationship between the incidence of hemolytic streptococcus and the geographical distribution of rheumatic fever, the relationship between the recrudescence in the rheumatic subject and infection of the throat with hemolytic streptococcus, the development of immune bodies for hemolytic streptococcus at the onset of the rheumatic attack and the apparently specific relationship of antistreptolysin formation to infection with hemolytic streptococcus,—together this combined evidence indicates that the infectious agent initiating the rheumatic process is Streptococcus hemolyticus .
Optical-phonon anisotropies in layered crystals

We have used infra-red reflectivity to investigate the nature of the intralayer bonding forces in a variety of layered crystals. Analysis of the reflectance spectra of PbI2, CdI2, SnS2 and SnSe2 indicates significant anisotropies in the frequencies of the long-wave-length TO phonons: the frequency of theA2u mode for out-of-plane atomic displacements (E‖c) is greater than that of theEu mode for in-plane displacements (E⊥c). For CdI2-structured crystals, these frequency differences can be attributed to dipolar interactions and as such provide a measure of the charge localized on the atomic sites. The analysis is extended to the group IVB and VIB transition metal dichalcogenides. The IVB crystals, ZrS2, HfS2, etc., are found to be substantially more ionic,fi∼0.5, than the group VIB crystals, MoS2, WS2, etc.,fi∼0.1.
Measurement of Arsenic Implantation Profiles in Silicon Using an Electron Spectroscopic Technique

A method is described for analyzing implanted semiconductors in which the chemical state of the substrate and impurity atoms is determined from the X-ray photoelectronic spectrum of a narrow surface layer. For the As /Si system, measurements on the As (3d) and Si(2p) lines have established the impurity profile and indicated residual damage after anneal of high dose implants.
Religion and environmental politics in the US House of Representatives

ABSTRACTDoes religion affect legislators’ behavior on environmental policy in the US? Studies of environmental policy making have not examined this question, although the literature suggests that religion might affect legislative behavior on environmental policy. This study examines the relationship between US House members’ religion and roll-call voting on environmental legislation from 1973 to 2009. It finds significant differences across religious traditions. Legislators’ party and characteristics of constituencies relevant to environmental politics increasingly, but not entirely, mediate these differences.