cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arsenate inhibition of denitrification in nitrate contaminated sediments

Short-term and chronic exposure effects of arsenic on sediment denitrification were evaluated. N2O production rates were determined for As-contaminated (chronic treatment) and uncontaminated (short-term treatment) sediments exposed to a range of As concentrations. The As-containing sediments, collected from an herbicide-contaminated shallow aquifer, exhibited significantly lower rates of denitrification with increasing As concentration. With glucose amendment, denitrification rates were ca 10nmol N2Og−1h−1 higher than in unamended treatments, but a similar trend of decreasing N2O production with increasing As concentration was observed. For the uncontaminated sediment, short-term increases in As concentration reduced the rate of denitrification only under glucose amended conditions. This response suggests that carbon limitation is also an important factor influencing denitrification in these sediments. These results indicate that by inhibiting the denitrification potential of the in situ microbial community, As contamination may contribute to nitrate accumulation in shallow aquifers, which underlie cultivated land.
Fate of Bacillus sphaericus 2362 spores following ingestion by nontarget invertebrates.

Abstract Elimination of Bacillus spaericus spores ingested by midge larvae, snails, and oysters was most rapid among midge larvae. Spores remained in oysters up to 21 days and in snails up to 49 days. Viable spores were recovered in snail and oyster feces for these same periods. There was no indication of actively growing B. sphaericus in the animals. Passage through oyster gut detoxified the B. sphaericus mosquito larval toxin, but there was a 33% retention of toxicity following snail gut passage. Midge larvae reared to adults in spore-containing water carried spores in/on the adult body. This suggests that these animals could carry the bacteria to sites beyond the application area.
Models for Integrating and Managing Acute and Long-Term Care Services in Rural Areas

States and the federal government are searching for new managed-care strategies, such as capitated financing and coordinated case management, that integrate the financing and delivery of primary, a...
Crystal structures of the SAM-III/S(MK) riboswitch reveal the SAM-dependent translation inhibition mechanism.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine is a methyl donor in many biological reactions and in bacteria regulates gene expression through binding to the SAM riboswitch. The structure of a third class of SAM riboswitches now indicates which features of SAM the riboswitches have converged on to distinguish it from the closely related S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine.
Diet-induced hypercholesterolemia enhances brain Aβ accumulation in transgenic mice

Epidemiological data show correlations between hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We test the hypothesis that hypercholesterolemia modulates Abeta deposition in mice overexpressing the human APP695 Swedish mutation (K670N and M671L) (TgAPPsw). Feeding mice a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 7-10 months increased total cholesterol levels by 4-fold. The extent of Abeta immunostained plaque-like deposits were significantly higher for mice fed the HFHC diet as compared with mice fed rodent chow. Extent of deposits correlated inversely with plasma levels of HDL and directly to apolipoprotein E. Overall, plasma lipoproteins may be an important factor in induction of AD-like plaques in mice. The lowering of plasma lipids may be therapeutic for AD patients.
GAUSSIAN expansions of anharmonic potentials for vibrational analyses

Abstract An expansion of the pair potential in terms of an optimized set of Gaussian functions is used to analyze anharmonic vibrations. With a basis set of Cartesian Gaussians, only overlap integrals need to be evaluated. The analysis allows the incorporation of environmental effects, such as solvent effects, into the treatment of general vibrations.
Intensified mollusk exploitation on Nevis (West Indies) reveals ~six centuries of sustainable exploitation

In this study, we conducted one of the most detailed and comprehensive analyses to date of a pre-Columbian mollusk assemblage in the Caribbean. The robust sample, from the island of Nevis in the northern Lesser Antilles, comprised more than 58,000 individuals recovered from a 25 m2 (40 cm deep) midden deposit at the Late Ceramic Age (ca. AD 890–1440) site of Coconut Walk. Using this sample, we examined mollusk exploitation over a ca. 600-year time period, which revealed heavy dependence on only a few species. Statistical analysis demonstrates that even though mollusk harvesting intensified through time, there was an increase of more than 10 % in the average individual weight of the three main species and a ten-fold increase in harvesting generally. These data, in conjunction with a previously observed size increase of one of the three taxa (Nerita tessellata)—which was increasingly preyed on through time—infer a level of sustainability contra to prey-choice models in which over-exploitation is an expected outcome. Overall, the foraging of mollusks at this site appears to have been sustainable for ~six centuries based on the absence of evidence for over-harvesting and increase in size during the time of occupation, regardless of its causation (anthropogenic, climatic, environmental, or otherwise).
Induction of Midcycle Gonadotropin Surge by Ovarian Steroids in Women: A Critical Evaluation

Despite major efforts, the roles of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) as signals for triggering the midcycle gonadotropin surge in women remain incompletely defined. In the present study, a preovulatory configuration of E2 and P4 levels was achieved during the midfollicular phase of normal women and in hypogondal women (with E2 implants) by stepwise incremental infusions of E2 and P4. During the 96 h of E2 infusion alone, reproducible and concomitant surges of LH and FSH occurred after latency periods of (mean +/- SE) 58 +/- 6.9 and 68.2 +/- 2.6 h in midfollicular and hypogonadal subjects, respectively. The mean duration of the E2-induced surge was shorter for both normal midfollicular (22.7 +/- 3.9 h) and hypogonadal women (21.8 +/- 2.5 h) than is the spontaneous midcycle surge (48 h). When P4 infusion was superimposed 48 h after the initiation of E2 infusion, a LH/FSH surge that approximated the dimension of the spontaneous surge was achieved in both groups of women. For the hypogonadal women, but not midfollicular women, P4 infusion also advanced the surge onset by 14.7 h (P less than 0.001). Our data represent the first unequivocal demonstration that incremental E2 sustained for about 60 h constitutes the ovarian signal for initiating the midcycle gonadotropin surge and that a small increment of P4 secreted by the preovulatory follicle is required to establish the normal dimension of the surge. Thus, P4, although essential for creating a normal gonadotropic surge, operates by synergizing the obligatory action of E2.
Image segmentation by conventional and information-integrating techniques: a synopsis

Abstract A synoptic discussion of image segmentation is presented. The aim is to provide an overall understanding of the general problems and issues associated with various segmentation techniques. The discussion has been organized in two parts: the first part is on those conventional techniques which use mainly information from one type of data; the second part is on those which try to combine data from several sources to obtain interpretations that cannot be obtained or would be hard to obtain from any single source of data. The paper stresses the importance, for segmentation, of data integration from several sensors and data integration over time, particularly the use of motion. It further emphasizes the importance of stating clearly the assumptions before developing or using a particular image segmentation algorithm.
The chronopotentiometric reduction of oxygen at gold electrodes

Abstract Oxygen reduction at gold cathodes was studied chronopotentiometrically. In sodium hydroxide solutions two waves are observed. The first of these, due to the reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide, is longer than the 2-electron value due to the surface-catalyzed disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide which regenerates more oxygen. This effect is most pronounced at an electrode which has been recently anodized and cathodized (pre-treated). The effect diminishes as the electrode is allowed to stand in contact with the test solution. The total transition time for the two waves is unaffected by electrode treatment. In sulfuric acid a single wave due to the 2-electron reduction is observed at a pre-treated electrode. In other media of pH between 1.6 and 12, two oxygen reduction waves are observed.
Autonomic management of application workflows on hybrid computing infrastructure

In this paper, we present a programming and runtime framework that enables the autonomic management of complex application workflows on hybrid computing infrastructures. The framework is designed to address system and application heterogeneity and dynamics to ensure that application objectives and constraints are satisfied. The need for such autonomic system and application management is becoming critical as computing infrastructures become increasingly heterogeneous, integrating different classes of resources from high-end HPC systems to commodity clusters and clouds. For example, the framework presented in this paper can be used to provision the appropriate mix of resources based on application requirements and constraints. The framework also monitors the system/application state and adapts the application and/or resources to respond to changing requirements or environment. To demonstrate the operation of the framework and to evaluate its ability, we employ a workflow used to characterize an oil reservoir executing on a hybrid infrastructure composed of TeraGrid nodes and Amazon EC2 instances of various types. Specifically, we show how different applications objectives such as acceleration, conservation and resilience can be effectively achieved while satisfying deadline and budget constraints, using an appropriate mix of dynamically provisioned resources. Our evaluations also demonstrate that public clouds can be used to complement and reinforce the scheduling and usage of traditional high performance computing infrastructure.
Atlantic and Pacific stock markets—correlation and volatility transmission

The relationship between stock returns in international capital markets has excited the curiosity of researchers for a long time. Two recent stimuli for this research have been the progressive integration of international capital markets and the globalization of investor portfolios with the concomitant need for effective portfolio diversification strategies. These stimuli have provided the impetus to understand the dynamics of stock prices across national boundaries. The development of increasingly sophisticated statistical techniques and the continued growth of data handling capabilities by ever more powerful computers have established an impressive record of literature which traverses from the simple and mundane to the exotic and esoteric. Most of the earlier literature on this topic only explores the contemporaneous or the lead/lag relationship among international stock markets and seldom questions the underlying sources of interdependence among international capital markets. Some recent papers, which are discussed a little later and which provide the motivation for this study, have begun to address this issue. The objective of this paper is to expand the knowledge of the relationship among international capital markets by examining both their correlations and sources of interdependence. To be specific, this study first examines the correlations (comovements) between six international stock markets, three from the Atlantic region (i.e., New York, London, and Frankfurt) and three from the Pacific region (i.e., Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong), using stock price data between 1984 and 1989. Selecting three stock markets from each region allows us to examine interregional as well as intraregional correlations. The underlying cause of the comovements among the six international stock markets is then investigated by examining the international transmission of stock returns volatility. An understanding of the structure of interdependence and source of comovements among international capital markets has important implications for formulating international portfolio strategies and forecasting. The Generalized Autoregressive
Chiropractic management of musculoskeletal pain in the multiple sclerosis patient

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disabling disease. Five to 10% of MS patients will enter a long-term care facility. The majority of MS patients suffer from some type of pain syndrome. Pain syndromes in MS can be divided into three categories: acute; subacute or paroxysmal and chronic. Chronic pain syndromes have been anecdotally reported to respond to mechanical treatments. Chiropractic care has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic spinal pain. Chiropractic care may represent a viable treatment option for the MS patient suffering from chronic pain syndromes. Chiropractic care has been successfully integrated into a chronic care facility which is affiliated with a private university medical school. Chiropractic has been utilized in this setting for pain management of MS patients suffering from chronic pain syndromes. Preliminary findings from this clinic suggest that chiropractic may represent one treatment alternative for chronic pain in MS patients in a long-term care facility. Further studies will be needed to definitively determine the efficacy of chiropractic for the management of chronic pain in the MS patient.
How American Adolescents Interpret Success and Failure in Classroom Music: Relationships among Attributional Beliefs, Self-Concept and Achievement

Research involving early adolescents highlights systematic declines in motiva- tion for learning as students progress from elementary school to secondary school. Students' attributions or explanati...
AlAsSb-based distributed Bragg reflectors using InAlGaAs as high-index layer

The optical and electrical properties of InAlGaAs/AlAsSb distributed Bragg reflectors for long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers are reported. This materials combination shows much lower resistances for p-type mirrors compared to AlGaAsSb/AlAsSb mirrors, resulting from a smaller valence band discontinuity.
Tail-flick related activity in medullospinal neurons

Using the classification system of Fields et al. 131 neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of lightly anesthetized rats were divided into 3 groups according to their response during tail-flick (TF) testing: those with an abrupt increase in activity prior to TF (on-cells); those with a sudden pause in activity prior to TF (off-cells); those with no change in activity prior to TF (neutral cells). Collision testing was performed using a cervical spinal cord stimulating electrode to determine whether these neurons projected to the cord. Conduction velocities were determined for all cord-projecting neurons. All 3 cell types projected to the cord and approximately 38% of cord-projecting neurons were flick-related (off-or on-cells). All projecting neurons were within or immediately adjacent to the nucleus raphe magnus. The mean conduction velocity of on-cell axons (17.7 m/s) was significantly greater than that of off-cell axons (10.7 m/s) and neutral cell axons (12.4 m/s). Conduction velocities for all cells were within the range for myelinated axons. These findings support the hypothesis that off-and on-cells in the RVM play a significant role in pain modulation at the spinal cord level.
Unprotected Operator Eye Lens Doses in Oncologic Interventional Radiology Are Clinically Significant: Estimation from Patient Kerma-area-product Data

Purpose To correlate operator lens dose to patient-delivered kerma-area-product ( P KA ) to evaluate the usefulness of P KA as a surrogate for operator eye dose if collar monitor readings are unavailable or deemed unreliable, and to evaluate if unprotected lens dose is clinically significant. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of peak skin doses for consecutive interventional radiology procedures performed during 2006 that had P KA estimates recorded was performed. Unshielded operator lens dose equivalents (LDE) were obtained from dosimetry monitors worn outside the collar shield of operating interventional radiologists. Operator LDE were correlated with patient P KA . Results Average LDE for 2006 was 35.7 mSv ± 32.7 (range 5.2–89.9 mSv). Patient-delivered P KA correlated directly with LDE, where 1 Gy cm 2 to the patient resulted in an average of 4.2 μSv to the unprotected eyes of the primary operator ( r 2 = 0.7). Conclusions P KA may be useful as a surrogate measure of operator LDE if collar monitor readings are unavailable or deemed unreliable. For this study, the dose-effect threshold for cataract formation could be surpassed for some physicians within 11 years if lens dose-mitigating strategies are not routinely employed.
A method for the analysis of lincomycin in porcine and bovine kidney

A method of analysis has been developed for the estimation of lincomycin in porcine and bovine kidney. The method employed high performance liquid chromatography and Sep‐Pak clean‐up of methanolic tissue extracts and nitrogen specific gas Chromatographic detection. Using spiked (0·1 mg kg−1) extracts recoveries in the range 40–50% were obtained. Analysis at the 0.05 mg kg−1 level is possible. Fifty four samples of kidney destined for UK sale were analysed for the presence of this drug. No samples were found to contain lincomycin.
Development of the Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment

Initial reliability and validity studies were completed for a newly created assessment tool called the Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment (POTA). The POTA was designed to examine fine motor and sensory motor skills relevant to preschool academic function. Forty-five children, both typically developing and developmentally delayed, participated in the initial research. Results of data analysis support further development of this tool.
Cell cooperation during in vivo anti-hapten antibody responses: V. Two synergistic Ly-1+23− helper T cells with distinctive specificities

Experiments were carried out to determine the antigen specificity of two distinct helper T cells (Th) that act synergistically in adoptive secondary in vivo anti-hapten antibody responses. Both Th were present in anti-Ly-2 and complement-treated spleen T cell populations, implying that both Th are Ly-1+,23−. Adding normal T cells or T cells primed to other carriers to specific carrier-primed T cells, using a variety of different protocols did not affect the helper activity of the specifically primed Th. Thus, both Th apparently are antigen-specific. Furthermore, Th primed with one carrier and boosted with that carrier plus hapten linked to a noncross- reactive carrier cannot help B cells. However, if a mixture of Ly-1 T cells from mice primed with two different carriers is transferred along with B cells, and the mice are boosted with hapten coupled to one of the two priming carriers, then giving the other carrier induces a significant increase in antibody production. Thus, only one of the two Th (Th1) requires a hapten-carrier bridge, while the other does not (Th2). However, both Th 1 and Th2 are clearly antigen-specific and require stimulation with antigen to exert helper activity. Furthermore, these experiments strongly suggest that Th 2 cannot express helper function in vivo in the absence of Th 1. These findings, and the absence of Th2-like cells in agammaglobulinemic mice, were correlated with other studies in which two helper activities have been described. It was concluded that in vivo responses require an effective Th 1-B cell interaction, whereas Th2, if stimulated with antigen, will augment certain portions of the antibody response, such as idiotype or allotype, and thus influence the quality of the antibody response directly.
Poverty eradication and human development: A UN view on issues for the 21st century

(1994). Poverty eradication and human development: A UN view on issues for the 21st century. Cambridge Review of International Affairs: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 76-86.
On the Chromatic Number of Subsets of the Euclidean Plane

The chromatic number of a subset of the real plane is the smallest number of colors assigned to the elements of that set such that no two points at distance 1 receive the same color. It is known that the chromatic number of the plane is at least 4 and at most 7. In this note, we determine the bounds on the chromatic number for several classes of subsets of the plane such as extensions of the rational plane, sets in convex position, infinite strips, and parallel lines.
Power calculations for matched case-control studies.

Power calculations are derived for matched case-control studies in terms of the probability po of exposure among the control patients, the correlation coefficient phi for exposure between matched case and control patients, and the odds ratio psi for exposure in case and control patients. For given Type I and Type II error probabilities alpha and beta, the odds ratio that can be detected with a given sample size is derived as well as the sample size needed to detect a specified value of the odds ratio. Graphs are presented for paired designs that show the relationship between sample size and power for alpha = .05, beta = .2, and different values of po, phi, and psi. The sample size needed for designs involving M matched control patients can be derived from these graphs by means of a simple equation. These results quantify the loss of power associated with increasing correlation between the exposure status of matched case and control patients. Sample size requirements are also greatly increased for values of po near 0 or 1. The relationship between sample size, psi, phi, and po is discussed and illustrated by examples.
Structure of helium and neon in zeolite

We have measured the structure of helium and neon adsorbed in zeolite 13X at temperatures in the range 5.5--80 K. No evidence for bulklike liquid or solid behavior is observed for the temperatures studied. Instead, both the He and Ne atoms adsorb into well-defined sites in the zeolite structure. The sites occupied appear to be the same for He and Ne and are consistent with the adsorption sites previously identified for ${\mathit{D}}_{2}$ in 13X. We have also measured the dependence of the structure on pore filling for helium over a limited range of filling.
Mechanisms of honing in the male baboon canine

Male baboons use their sharp upper canines in aggressive interactions. These teeth are sharpened against specialized lower third premolars. The honing premolar is protected against wear by having very thick enamel and the upper canine having very thin enamel, not by structural or mineral differences between the two enamels. Evidence is presented which shows the interactions of enamel ultrastructure and both dentin and enamel wear in canine sharpening.
Live 4D Imaging of the Embryonic Vertebrate Heart with Two-Photon Light Sheet Microscopy and Simultaneous Optical Phase Stamping

The developing vertebrate heart is a highly dynamic organ that starts to function early on during embryonic development, even as it continues to undergo dramatic morphological changes and cellular differentiation. Fast and high resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging is needed to document the intrinsic cellular dynamics of the beating heart, as a critical step in understanding its development. To meet the challenges of obtaining sub-cellular resolution imaging of a dynamic 100-micron length scale 3D structure, which moves quasi-periodically at frequency of a few Hertz, over tens of microns amplitude, we have employed two-photon light sheet microscopy (2p-SPIM) and a novel independent optical phase stamping method to generate well-resolved 3D movies (4D) of the beating heart. Applying this 4D imaging modality to zebrafish embryos, we have found remarkable heterogeneity in cardiomyocyte morphology, gene expression, and behavior both during the cardiac cycle, and over the developmental time. The observed heterogeneity appears to play a key role in the maintenance of tissue geometry and cardiac output as the heart undergoes cycles of contraction and expansion. The variation in cellular morphology and behavior provide new insights into the tight link between cellular dynamics, mechanical environment exerted and felt by the beating heart, and the genetic program that governs not only the differentiation and construction but also the maintenance of this important organ.
A Comparison Theorem for Higher Order Elliptic Differential Equations

Utilizing the quadratic functional criteria and positive functionals, the author develops a comparison theorem for oscillation of partial differential equations. This result parallels a comparison of the oscillation of scalar ordinary differential equations to oscillation of vector-matrix differential equations established by LEWIS and WRIGHT. We want to look at the matrix partial differential equation.
Three Reasons Samples Become Separated From Their Populations in Communication Research

There are three reasons why probability samples often become separated from their putative populations in mass communication research. First, researchers sometimes believe populations must surely exist when in fact they do not exist. Yet they relentlessly pursue these phantom populations rather than heed classic warning signs that something is wrong. Second, researchers often struggle with underpowered samples. Rather than render those samples using more appropriate qualitative methods, they plow ahead using misapplied statistical methods and thus never inferentially connect to a population. Third, researchers frequently and incorrectly use random assignment rather than random selection as a sample method. This, in turn, can leave a sample unconnected to a population if the population can be drawn only through random selection. As obvious as these three errors are, researchers nonetheless stumble into them regularly. We examine why that is and what researchers can do to avoid these errors.
Tidal evolution of the Uranian satellites. I - Passage of Ariel and Umbriel through the 5:3 mean-motion commensurability

A significant chaotic zone is associated with the 5:3 mean-motion commensurability resonance through which Ariel and Umbriel would have passed, in the event that Uranus' specific dissipation function were less than 100,000; the standard theory for passage through orbital resonances would in this case be inapplicable, in view of significant changes in the probability and the mechanism of capture into the resonance. It is suggested that tidal evolution within the chaotic zone may have pushed eccentrocities to comparatively high values at which the probability of escape from resonance remained. Eccentricities sufficiently great to affect Ariel's thermal history have not been found.
Combining expert advice in reactive environments

“Experts algorithms” constitute a methodology for choosing actions repeatedly, when the rewards depend both on the choice of action and on the unknown current state of the environment. An experts algorithm has access to a set of strategies (“experts”), each of which may recommend which action to choose. The algorithm learns how to combine the recommendations of individual experts so that, in the long run, for any fixed sequence of states of the environment, it does as well as the best expert would have done relative to the same sequence. This methodology may not be suitable for situations where the evolution of states of the environment depends on past chosen actions, as is usually the case, for example, in a repeated non-zero-sum game.A general exploration-exploitation experts method is presented along with a proper definition of value. The definition is shown to be adequate in that it both captures the impact of an expert's actions on the environment and is learnable. The new experts method is quite different from previously proposed experts algorithms. It represents a shift from the paradigms of regret minimization and myopic optimization to consideration of the long-term effect of a player's actions on the environment. The importance of this shift is demonstrated by the fact that this algorithm is capable of inducing cooperation in the repeated Prisoner's Dilemma game, whereas previous experts algorithms converge to the suboptimal non-cooperative play. The method is shown to asymptotically perform as well as the best available expert. Several variants are analyzed from the viewpoint of the exploration-exploitation tradeoff, including explore-then-exploit, polynomially vanishing exploration, constant-frequency exploration, and constant-size exploration phases. Complexity and performance bounds are proven.
Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions Using Patellar Tendon Autograft or Allograft

Abstract Seventy-eight of 113 consecutive patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (autograft, 47 of 66; allograft, 31 of 47) were evaluated at an average of 34 months. Reconstructions were compared with Lysholm and Tegner knee-rating scales, physical examination findings, instrumented laxity values, single-leg hop distances, and isokinetic strength results. Lysholm scores ≥90 were achieved by 69% of autograft patients versus 67% of allograft patients. Desired Tegner activity scores were achieved by 80% of autograft patients versus 74% of allograft patients. Patellofemoral signs and symptoms were absent in 40% of autograft patients versus 44% of allograft patients. Side-to-side laxity differences ≤3 mm were achieved in 80% of autograft patients versus 70% of allograft patients. Single-leg hop scores ≥90% of the nonoperated leg were obtained in 76% of autograft patients versus 81% of allograft patients. Isokinetic results between groups were also similar. Traumatic ruptures were sustained by four allograft patients at an average of 11 months postoperatively compared with no traumatic ruptures in the autograft group ( P = .011). This was the only difference of statistical significance.
An elementary approach to short interval results for k-free numbers

Abstract An elementary proof is given that there exists a constant c2 = c2(k) such that for x sufficiently large (depending on k), the interval (x, x + c2x0], where θ = 5 (10k + 1) , contains a k-free number. This result improves on a previous result of Halberstam and Roth [J. London Math. Soc. (2) 26 (1951), 268–273] .
Calculation of the photoelectron asymmetry parameters for the J = 0 → J1 = 2 transition in H2

Abstract The photoelectron asymmetry parameter for the J = 0 → J 1 = 2 transition in H 2 is calculated using p and f coupled partial waves and two different initial orbitals. The results are compared with experimental and other theoretical results.
Congenital difficulties with swallowing and breathing associated with maternal polyhydramnios: neurocristopathy or medullary infarction?

Two babies with congenital difficulties in swallowing and breathing are presented and contrasted. Both were associated with maternal polyhydramnios, but one was due to medullary infarction and the other to a malformation ("neurocristopathy"). In the former case, isolated tenth and twelfth cranial nerve palsies provided the clue as to the correct etiology, whereas the latter baby had dyscoordination of swallowing and breathing with sleep apnea ("Ondine's curse"). It is somewhat ironic that the case without a difficult delivery had the infarct, probably prenatal in onset, whereas the one with a difficult delivery had the congenital malformation. Neural crest cells are known to migrate widely and to develop greatly different functions, but the fact that their central associations of neural tube origin may also be affected has not previously been emphasized in the etiopathogenesis of the congenital malformation. A variety of syndromes with combinations of many defects may be seen in which too many or too few ...
A mass balance approach to assess carbon dioxide evolution during erosional events

The accelerated greenhouse effect and the degradation of land resources by water and wind erosion are two major, yet interrelated global environmental challenges. Accelerated decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) in cultivated soils results in decline in SOC stocks over time and also contributes to increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Off-site transport of SOC in runoff waters during erosional events also contributes to SOC depletion, but there is a paucity of data in the literature documenting erosional SOC losses and the fate of eroded SOC. In this paper, we present a mass balance approach to compute CO2 evolved from mineralization of SOC during transport and deposition of eroded soils. Erosion-induced CO2 emission rates ranging between 6 and 52 g C m−2 yr−1 were computed using data on SOC stocks and dynamics from a series of long-term experiments conducted across a range of ecological regions. For the cropland of the world, we estimated an annual flux of 0.37 Pg CO2-C to the atmosphere due to water erosion. This flux is significant and suggests that water erosion must be taken into consideration when constructing global and regional C budgets. Through its contribution to atmospheric CO2 increase, water erosion can have a positive feedback on the accelerated greenhouse effect. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feller continuity, recurrence, and stabilization of regime-switching diffusions

This work is based on our results in [30]. Dealing with two-component Markov processes having continuous dynamics and discrete events, we develop asymptotic properties of regime-switching diffusions. First, strong Feller property is established. Next, classifying the underlying processes as recurrence (positive recurrence or null recurrence) or transience, sufficient conditions for such processes are obtained. In addition to providing general criteria for recurrent and transient switching diffusions, for processes that are linearizable with respect to the continuous component, we establish easily verifiable conditions. Furthermore, we provide conditions for controlled switching diffusions in which the feedback controls ensure weak stability (or ergodicity). Finally, we give a simple example to demonstrate the results.
The α-Isoform of Caveolin-1 Is a Marker of Vasculogenesis in Early Lung Development:

SUMMARY Caveolin-1 is a scaffolding protein component of caveolae, membrane invaginations involved in endocytosis, signal transduction, trans- and intracellular trafficking, and protein sorting. In adult lung, caveolae and caveolin-1 are present in alveolar endothelium and Type I epithelial cells but rarely in Type II cells. We have analyzed patterns of caveolin-1 expression during mouse lung development. Two caveolin-1 mRNAs, full-length and a 5 � variant that will translate mainly into caveolin-1 � and – � isoforms, are detected by RT-PCR at embryonic day 12 (E12) and afterwards in the developing and adult lung. Immunostaining analysis, starting at E10, shows caveolin-1 � localized in primitive blood vessels of the forming lung, in an overlapping pattern to the endothelial marker PECAM-1, and later in all blood vessels. Caveolin-1 � is not detected in fetal or neonatal lung epithelium but is detected in adult epithelial Type I cells. Caveolin-1 was previously shown to be expressed in alveolar Type I cells. These data suggest that expression of caveolin-1 isoforms is differentially regulated in endothelial and epithelial cells during lung development. Caveolin-1 � is an early marker for lung vasculogenesis, primarily expressed in developing blood vessels. When the lung is fully differentiated postnatally, caveolin-1 � is also expressed in alveolar Type I cells. (J Histochem Cytochem 50:33–42, 2002)
Anomalous B penetration through ultrathin gate oxides during rapid thermal annealing

We have observed accelerated diffusion of B in ultrathin gate oxides during rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of the gate stack. Enhanced diffusion by 10-100 times over standard furnace annealing has been measured in SiO/sub 2/. The activation energy for B diffusion in SiO/sub 2/ during RTA is decreased by about 0.5 eV when compared to furnace annealing results. We propose a model that involves the capture of optically generated holes by diffusion defects which results in reduced B migration enthalpy through the modified defect, whose bonding has been weakened by the presence of captured positive charge. No similar optical radiation effect was observed when F was present in the oxide.
Lithium niobate fibers and waveguides: fabrications and applications

In this paper, we shall briefly present some recent works done on lithium niobate fibers and waveguides. There are two major parts. The first part introduces the fabrication techniques for LiNbO/sub 3/ fibers and waveguides, which include the growth of lithium niobate fibers by laser-heated pedestal growth method and the fabrication of high aspect ratio submicron lithium niobate waveguide by focused ion beam lithography. The second part focuses on the application of lithium niobate fibers and waveguides, which include holographic storage in lithium niobate fibers, fast speed wavelength tunable filter, subpicosecond true time delay line, and low crosstalk microchannel plate spatial light modulator. Finally, a brief summary is provided.
Adenovirus E1A expression controlled by the red pigment promoter in transgenic mice: a model for developmental abnormalities of the eye.

Abstrad Four transgenic founder mice were produced that carry the adenovirus E1A gene under control of the human red pigment promoter. Two of the founder animals passed the transgene to progeny, and one line was bred to homozygosity. The line of mice homozygous for the transgene expressed E1A-specific RNA at a low level in their eyes; no expression could be deteded in other tissues that were tested. Either the founder animals or their progeny exhibited developmental abnormalities of their eyes, including a small eye phenotype, retinal dysplasia, anterior cleavage syndrome, and retinal pigment epithelium dysplasia. Individuals from the same line of mice exhibited subsets of the abnormalities, e.g., many animals had one normal size eye and one small eye, even though both eyes contained E1A-specific RNA. No tumors resulted from E1A expression in animals monitored for 22 months.
new approaches to modeling complex biochemistry

Combining rule-based descriptions of biochemical reactions with agent-based computer simulation opens new avenues for exploring complex cellular processes.
Patient preferences for heart failure treatment: Utilities are valid measures of health-related quality of life in heart failure

Background: Current standards hold that cost-effectiveness analyses should incorporate measures of both quantity and quality of life, and that quality of life in this context is best measured by a utility. We sought to measure utility scores for patients with heart failure and to assess their validity as measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods and Results: We studied 50 patients with heart failure. We measured utilities with the time trade-off technique, exercise capacity with a 6-minute walk test, and HRQL with the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and a visual analogue score. Validity was assessed by establishing correlation between utilities and these other measures. Mean utility score was 0.77 ± 0.28. There were significant (P < .05) curvilinear relationships between utility score and visual analogue score, the physical function summary scale of the SF-36, 6-minute walk distance, and the Living With Heart Failure score. Utility scores on retest at 1 week were unchanged in a subset of 12 patients. Utilities did not vary systematically with age, sex, or ethnicity. Conclusion: Utilities are valid measures of HRQL in patients with heart failure, and cost-effectiveness analyses of heart failure treatments incorporating utilities in the outcome measure can be meaningful.
The effect of bacterial pyrogen on the distribution of intrarenal blood flow

Abstract Hemodynamic and biochemical measurements were made before and 90 min after 50 μg of Pseudomonas -derived pyrogen was infused into nine awake dogs. Six control dogs received no pyrogen. Total renal blood flow (RBF) and intrarenal distribution of blood flow to four equal cortical zones (outer to juxtamedullary) were determined by the radioactive microsphere method. Pyrogen administration produced tachycardia, pyrexia, polyuria, natriuresis, and increased RBF. Cardiac output, arterial pressure, hematocrit, creatinine clearance, and white blood cell count did not change significantly. Despite increased total RBF, distribution of blood flow within the renal cortex did not change significantly after pyrogen administration. When compared with the effect of live bacteria, these studies suggest that polyuria and natriuresis result from any increased juxtamedullary blood flow without being dependent on redistribution, per se. Furthermore, the detrimental renal effect of bacterial sepsis may be related to the relative outer cortical hypoperfusion in contrast to the benign renal effect of pyrogen where no redistribution of blood flow occurs.
Employment, gender, and smoking cessation outcomes in low-income smokers using nicotine replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION This study examines the presence and correlates of gender disparities in smoking cessation among lower income smokers prescribed nicotine replacement medication. METHODS We examined quit rates (7-day abstinence point prevalence) among a cohort of smokers who filled prescriptions for nicotine replacement (N = 1,782), using Minnesota Health Care Programs' (e.g., Medicaid) pharmacy claims databases (2005-2006) and mixed-mode survey protocols. A cohort of smokers who recently filled a prescription for nicotine replacement was stratified by race, and then subjects were selected by simple random sample from each race, oversampling the nonWhite groups (N = 1,782). The primary outcome was point prevalence of 7-day abstinence, and outcomes were assessed about 8 months after the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) index prescription fill date using a mixed-mode survey protocol. Final interaction models were constructed using backward elimination. RESULTS Abstinence rates were 11.4% among women and 19.2% among men (p = .02) and remained marginally significant after controlling for demographics, mental and physical health, period of cigarette abstinence, social environment, religious attendance, perceived stress, and NRT prescription type (p = .08). There was a significant Gender x Employment interaction (p = .02). Among men, quit rates were higher among the employed (26%) compared with the unemployed (16%); among women, quit rates were lower among those who were employed (8%) compared with those who were unemployed (14%). DISCUSSION Results suggest the need for research on factors specific to women's work roles or workplaces that inhibit cessation as well as cessation programs tailored to low-income, employed female smokers. On-site workplace interventions and flexible counseling programs may be especially beneficial.
Is Rectally Administered Cisapride an Effective Prokinetic Agent

OBJECTIVE:To summarize the published data on the efficacy of rectally administered cisapride.DATA SOURCES:Published double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on rectally administered cisapride identified by MEDLINE (January 1966–December 1998) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 1970–December 1998) searches.DATA SYNTHESIS:Cisapride is an oral prokinetic agent that increases lower esophageal sphincter tone, accelerates gastric emptying, and increases small-bowel motility. Clinical trials of rectal cisapride have used both single- and multiple-dosing regimens. Typically, patients received one or two 30-mg suppositories (provided by the manufacturer). Rectal cisapride was effective in enhancing gastric emptying of solid or semisolid meals in healthy patients or patients with chronic gastric emptying disorders. Rectal cisapride was not effective in antagonizing the gastrointestinal effects of narcotic analgesics or promoting the return of small-bowel activity in adults with postoperative ileus. ...
Inhibition of RIP2's tyrosine kinase activity limits NOD2-driven cytokine responses

Upon intracellular bacterial exposure, the Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis susceptibility protein NOD2 (nucleotide oligomerization domain protein 2) binds to the protein kinase RIP2 (receptor-interacting protein 2) to coordinate NF-κB (nuclear factor κ B)-mediated cytokine responses. While RIP2 clearly has kinase activity, the function of its kinase domain has been enigmatic. Although originally classified as a serine–threonine kinase based on homology scans, we find that RIP2 also has tyrosine kinase activity. RIP2 undergoes autophosphorylation on Tyr 474 (Y474). This phosphorylation event is necessary for effective NOD2 signaling and does not occur in the presence of the most common Crohn's disease-associated NOD2 allele. Given this tyrosine kinase activity, a small-molecule inhibitor screen designed to identify pharmacologic agents that inhibit RIP2's tyrosine kinase activity was performed. At nanomolar concentrations, the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) tyrosine kinase inhibitors gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva) were found to inhibit both RIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation and MDP (muramyl dipeptide)-induced cytokine release in a variety of NOD2 hyperactivation states. This effect is specific for RIP2 and does not depend on EGFR. The finding that RIP2 has tyrosine kinase activity and the finding that gefitinib and erlotinib, two agents already used clinically for cancer chemotherapy, can inhibit this activity suggest that RIP2's tyrosine kinase activity could be targeted specifically in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.