cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ariadne/spl minus/an adaptive router for fault-tolerant multicomputers

Adaptive routing has been proposed as a means of improving performance and fault-tolerance in multicomputer networks. While a number of algorithms have been proposed, few adaptive routers have been implemented in hardware. This paper presents the design and implementation of Ariadne/spl minus/a prototype single chip, hardware router. The primary motivation is tolerance to link and router failures, while reconciling conflicting demands on performance. This is achieved by implementing the m-misroute backtracking protocol (MB-m) using the pipelined circuit-switching communication mechanism. Ariadne implements two virtual data channels and one virtual control channel per physical link. The router is self-timed with single flit buffering at the input and output ports, and is fully adaptive. >
Interarytenoid botulinum toxin injection for recalcitrant vocal process granuloma.

Objectives/Hypothesis This study evaluated the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injected into the interarytenoid muscle to treat recalcitrant vocal process granulomas. Study Design Retrospective clinical review at a tertiary care center. Methods Eight patients with vocal process granulomas refractory to a variety of prior treatments including surgical resection, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and voice therapy underwent percutaneous injection of botulinum toxin type A into the interarytenoid muscle, performed in an office setting. Doses ranged from 5 U to 25 U in one to two injections. Results One patient demonstrated no improvement, two patients demonstrated partial resolution, and five patients demonstrated complete resolution of their granulomas. Four patients noted transient breathiness. There were no other side effects. All patients tolerated the injections without difficulty. Conclusion Botulinum toxin injection into the interarytenoid muscle appears to be a safe and effective modality for treating recalcitrant vocal process granuloma. Laryngoscope, 123:3084–3087, 2013
Commodity Price Shocks and the Odds on Fiscal Performance: A Structural VAR Approach

Unanticipated changes in commodity prices can generate significant movements in fiscal aggregates. This paper seeks to understand the dynamics of these fiscal movements in the context of transitory commodity price shocks using sample data from four CIS countries: two oil-producing and two non-oil commodity-intensive countries. It adopts a structural VAR approach and identifies the dynamic effects of commodity price shocks on fiscal performance under two broad tax regimes. Stochastic simulations indicate high probabilities of fiscal over-performance in the short term when commodity prices are high. These probabilities deteriorate significantly, however, in the long term after the transitory positive commodity price shock has dissipated, particularly when lax fiscal policy is adopted during the period of the price boom.
1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (Proxel): irritant or allergen? A clinical study and literature review.

The isothiazolinone, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (Proxel®), is a popular preservative, as well as a skin sensitizer and irritant. Patch test studies have been performed with different concentrations and vehicles. The current suggested patch test concentration is 0.1% BIT in petrolatum (pet). This article evaluates the effects of patch testing at this concentration and reviews the current literature. An irritancy patch test was performed on 56 controls, using BIT in concentrations of 0.002% and 0.05% in aqueous dipropylene glycol (Proxel® GXL) and 0.1% in pet. 10 had positive readings at 4 days with 0.1% BIT in petrolatum. 9 of which were negative at retest. 0.1% BIT is, therefore, irritant and not a suitable concentration for patch testing. Literature review revealed 15 patch test studies, with varying testing techniques. Additional studies with adequate controls and experimental tests should be invaluable in furthering our insight into BIT sensitization and irritation.
Incidence of serious adverse events during nocturnal polysomnography.

Objectives—The purpose of the study was to verify whether minimal concern is warranted in regard to serious adverse effects in the sleep laboratory. Design—A prospective multicenter study Participants—Three scoring teams for 77 sleep laboratories. Methods—Reports of adverse events occurring during polysomnography or identified upon scoring a study were collected over an 18-month time period. Incidence of mortality and adverse events were evaluated using a binomial distribution based on the Bernoulli process. Results—Of 16,084 studies, the mortality rate during or 2 weeks after an adverse event, as noted, was 0.006%, and the overall rate of adverse events was 0.35%. There was no statistically significant difference from 0. Conclusions—Adverse event rates are low; however, procedures for handling medical emergencies or adverse events during or after polysomnography are prudent, and those studies performed for research should include preparedness for the possibility of adverse events.
Colonoscopic diagnosis of cecal worms (Trichuris trichiura).

Two unrelated Bangladeshi women, a 61-year-old with chronic diarrhea, lower abdominal pain, poor appetite, and weight loss for two years with normal physical exam and unremarkable laboratory tests; and a 58-year-old with epigastric pain, bloating, poor appetite, weight loss for three months, and iron-defi ciency anemia, presented for colonoscopy. Colonoscopy revealed two white-colored worms in the cecum (Figs. 1, 2). Th e worms had a narrow anterior part embedded in the mucosa and a wide posterior part shaped like a whip protruding in the lumen. Th e worms were removed with biopsy forceps. Pathology/microbiology revealed Trichuris trichiura. Edematous colonic mucosa with focally increased eosinophils was reported in the latter case. Stool studies revealed few Trichuris trichiura ova. Both patients were treated with albendazole with subsequent symptom resolution. Trichuris t richiura infection is endemic in tropical and subtropical countries [1]. When the infestation is limited, the carriers are usually asymptomatic. However, when the whipworm burden is high, anemia, abdominal pain, weight loss, appendicitis, obstruction, rectal prolapse, perforation, or bloody diarrhea may ensue [2]. Diagnosis is usually made by identifi cation of barrel-shaped ova in stool. Th e parasite anchors to the mucosa at its anterior end, which makes it diffi cult to treat with anthelminthic agents. Colonoscopy is an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic modality in infected persons living in non-endemic areas. Th e worm can be retrieved with the use of biopsy forceps. Aft er endoscopic removal of the attached whipworms, anthelminthic therapy should be initiated. Anisakis, another parasitic worm with similar morphologic features, may confound the diagnosis [3].
Technology roadmapping: the integration of strategic and technology planning for competitiveness

Technology planning is becoming critical with the rapid development and obsolescence of technologies. Technology roadmapping provides a tool for selecting which technologies to pursue in what timeframes. This paper provides a framework for technology roadmaps, describes the roadmapping process, and reviews its application.
Scaling unstructured peer-to-peer networks with multi-tier capacity-aware overlay topologies

The peer to peer (P2P) file sharing systems such as Gnutella have been widely acknowledged as the fastest growing Internet applications ever. The P2P model has many potential advantages due to the design flexibility of overlay networks and the server-less management of cooperative sharing of information and resources. However, these systems suffer from the well-known performance mismatch between the randomly constructed overlay network topology and the underlying IP layer topology for packet routing. This paper proposes to structure the P2P overlay topology using a capacity-aware multi-tier topology to better balance load at peers with heterogeneous capacities and to prevent low capacity nodes from downgrading the performance of the system. To study the benefits and cost of the multi-tier capacity aware topology with respect to basic and advanced routing protocols, we also develop a probabilistic broadening scheme for efficient routing, which further utilizes capacity-awareness to enhance the P2P routing performance of the system. We evaluate our design through simulations. The results show that our multi-tier topologies alone can provide eight to ten times improvements in the messaging cost, two to three orders of magnitude improvement in terms of load balancing characteristics, and seven to eight times lower topology construction and maintenance costs when compared to Gnutellas random power-law topology.
Signalling and entry deterrence: a multidimensional analysis

I consider whether a privately informed incumbent can use limit pricing and upward distortions in advertising to deter profitable entry. Profitable entry is not deterred when the incumbent is privately informed only about its cost type. Profitable entry may be deterred, however, if the incumbent is privately informed about its cost type and its patience level. An equilibrium foundation is thus provided for the traditional hypothesis that limit pricing and aggressive advertising by an incumbent may deter profitable entry. At a methodological level, the article contributes by characterizing the refined equilibria of a signalling model with multiple dimensions of private information and multiple signals.
Distribution of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in normolipidemic and dyslipidemic plasma

Plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase levels and cholesterol esterification rates have been reported to be different between normolipidemic and dyslipidemic subjects. Since apolipoprotein A-I is the presumed primary physiological activator of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, the distribution of the enzyme among A-I-containing lipoprotein particles and A-I-free plasma in normolipidemic and dyslipidemic subjects was examined. A-I-containing lipoprotein particles with and without apolipoprotein A-II were isolated from plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography, and the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase mass in these particles and in the A-I-free plasma was quantified by radioimmunoassay. The plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase concentration was comparable between normolipidemic men (5.9±1.1 μg/ml,n=15) and women (5.8±1.1 μg/ml,n=19), with 71±8% located in particles without apolipoprotein A-II, 17.6±6% in particles containing A-II, and 12±6% in the A-I-free plasma. In patients with elevated cholesterol (n=12), triglyceride (n=10), and with renal failure (n=15) plasma levels of the enzyme were significantly higher (6.7±1.2, 6.9±1.3, and 6.6±1.3 μg/ml, respectively) (P<0.05). In all three patient groups, a higher proportion of the enzyme (27±12%, 33±12%, and 19±9%) was not apo A-I associated. This phenomenon was also observed in plasma samples after incubation at 37°C. Since the characteristics of lipoproteins differ between native and incubated plasma, and between normolipidemic and dyslipidemic plasma, the increased presence of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in dyslipidemic apolipoprotein A-I-free plasma may be related to differences in lipoprotein composition, and may contribute in part to the reported differences in the plasma cholesterol esterification rate.
Reply to "Comment on 'Saddle-point shifts in ionizing collisions' "

It is argued that the electron plate-impact contamination reported in the preceding Comment [G. Bernardi and W. Meckbach, Phys. Rev. A 51, 1709 (1995)] cannot be considered as insignificant.
Responses of ecologically dissimilar populations of the water snakeNatrix s. sipedon to chemical cues from prey

Three populations of the water snake,Natrix s. sipedon, were tested for their responses to surface water extracts prepared from various prey species. It was clearly shown that these snakes can distinguish between different prey genera on the basis of chemical cues alone. Adult snakes caught at a fish hatchery where goldfish (Carassius auratus) were abundant responded most to goldfish extract, as did laboratory-born snakes reared on goldfish for one year. However, snakes caught in a relatively undisturbed mountain stream environment and naive young born to a mountain female responded more to the extracts of various sympatric-mountain fish and amphibians. The evidence indicates that newborn snakes have genetic predispositions for sympatric species of the classes of prey normally eaten. These preferences can be enhanced or inhibited during ontogeny.
MATCHED PAIRS DISCRIMINATION: METHODOLOGY AND AN INVESTIGATION OF CORPORATE ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The matched-pairs methodology is becoming increasingly popular as a means of controlling extraneous factors in business research. This paper develops discriminant procedures for matched data and examines the properties of these methods. Data from a recent study by Hunt [14] on the determinants of inventory method choice are used to contrast the performance of the different methods. While all of the methods yield the same set of discriminating variables, those procedures that allow for the dependence among observations within a pair provide greater classificatory power than traditional multivariate techniques.
Simultaneous multi-analyte urinary protein assay for bladder cancer detection

The ability to accurately measure multiple proteins simultaneously in a single assay has the potential to markedly improve the efficiency of a myriad of clinical assays. Here, we tested the performance of a new, multiplex protein array platform to quantitate three bladder cancer-associated proteins in urine samples. The following analytes, interleukin 8 (IL8), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were monitored using Q-plex, a customized multiplex ELISA system from Quansys Biosciences, and individual target commercial ELISA kits. The performance of the two approaches was compared by evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarker assays in samples from a cohort of 73 subjects of known bladder cancer status. The combination biomarker panel analyses revealed an AUROC value of 0.9476 for the Q-plex assay, and 0.9119 for the combination of the single-target ELISA assays. The Q-plex assay achieved an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.81, and the individual target ELISA assays achieved an overall sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.91. Based on these encouraging preliminary data, we believe that the Q-Plex technology is a viable platform that can be exploited as an efficient, highly accurate tool to quantitate multiplex panels of diagnostic proteins in biologic specimens.
Seismicity characterization around the Farnsworth field site for combined large-scale CO2 storage and EOR

Abstract Induced seismicity at levels noticeable to the public or higher is a concern for long-term, large-scale geologic carbon storage. To lower the risk of induced seismicity, it is desirable to sequester CO2 within a region where earthquakes are rare. We characterize the natural seismicity around the Farnsworth field site for the Phase III project of the U.S. Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration. We study all available catalog earthquake information within a region of approximately 180 km × 220 km (2 × 2 degrees) centered at the Farnsworth field. We find that there is no recorded catalog earthquake within a region of approximately 30 km in radius from planned CO2 injection well No. 13-10A. The earliest earthquake recorded within our study region occurred in 1907, and the maximum magnitude of all recorded earthquakes since then is 4.8. Out of all the earthquakes recorded in this region, only four of them have magnitudes larger than 4. Our seismicity study indicates that the seismic risk for large-scale geologic carbon storage combined with enhanced oil recovery at the Farnsworth field may be relatively low. This characterization of natural seismicity around the Farnsworth field also benefits the ongoing monitoring of induced seismicity at the site.
Parameter adaptive estimation of random processes

This paper is concerned with the parameter adaptive least squares estimation of random processes. The main result is a general representation theorem for the conditional expectation of a random variable on a product probability space. Using this theorem along with the general likelihood ratio expression, the least squares estimate of the process is found in terms of the parameter conditioned estimates. The stochastic differential for the a posteriori probability and the stochastic differential equation for the a posteriori density are found by using simple stochastic calculus on the representations obtained. The results are specialized to the case when the parameter has a discrete distribution. The results can be used to construct an implementable recursive estimator for certain types of nonlinear filtering problems. This is illustrated by some simple examples.
The Gordian Knot of dysbiosis, obesity and NAFLD

The development of obesity and NAFLD is known to be determined by host genetics, diet and lack of exercise. In addition, the gut microbiota has been identified to influence the development of both obesity and NAFLD. Evidence for the role of the gut microbiota has been shown by preclinical studies of transfer of gut microbiota from lean and obese individuals, with the recipient developing the metabolic features of the donor. Many bidirectional interactions of the gut microbiota, including with food, bile and the intestinal epithelium, have been identified. These interactions might contribute to the distinct steps in the progression from lean to obese states, and to steatosis, steatohepatitis and eventually fibrosis. The predominant steps are efficient caloric extraction from the diet, intestinal epithelial damage and greater entry of bacterial components into the portal circulation. These steps result in activation of the innate immune system, liver inflammation and fibrosis. Fortunately, therapeutic interventions might not require a full understanding of these complex interactions. Although antibiotics are too unselective in their action, probiotics have shown efficacy in reversing obesity and NASH in experimental systems, and are under investigation in humans.
THE CLASSICAL CONSERVATISM OF PETER VIERECK

This paper explores the political philosophy of the conservative thinker Peter Viereck, and the implications of his thought for understanding contemporary American conservatism. Viereck, a historian and Pulitzer prize-winning poet was a leading figure in the post-World War II resurgence of American conservatism, yet he fell into disrepute among many conserva-tives who claimed he was more liberal than conservative. He is still a pariah among many conservatives. Viereck praised the New Deal, applauded Brown v. Board of Education and criticized conservatives such as William F. Buckley, Barry Goldwater and Russell Kirk. On the surface Viereck would appear to be a closet liberal, but a closer examination of his thought reveals him to be exactly what he claimed—a classical conservative. His “liberal” issue positions are defensible on classical conservative grounds. His conservatism still speaks to the American situation. He deserves more study by scholars of conservatism.
Benthic metabolism and nutrient cycling in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts

To gain insight into the importance of the benthos in carbon and nutrient budgets of Boston Harbor and surrounding bays, we measured sediment-water exchanges of oxygen, total carbon dioxide (DIC), nitrogen (ammonium, nitrate+nitrite, urea, N2O), silicate, and phosphorus at several stations in different sedimentary environments just prior to and subsequent to cessation of sewage sludge disposal in the harbor. The ratio of the average annual DIC release to O2 uptake at three primary stations ranged from 0.84 to 1.99. Annual average DIC:DIN flux ratios were consistently greater than predicted from the Redfield ratio, suggesting substantial losses of mineralized N. The pattern was less clear for P: some stations showed evidence that the sediments were a sink for P while others appeared to be a net source to the water column over the study period. In general, temporal and spatial patterns of respiration, nutrient fluxes, and flux ratios were not consistently related to measures of sediment oxidation-reduction status such as Eh or dissolved sulfide. Sediments from Boston Harbor metabolize a relatively high percentage (46%) of the organic matter inputs from phytoplankton production and allochthonous inputs when compared to most estuarine systems. Nutrient regeneration from the benthos is equivalent to 40% of the N, 29% of the P, and more than 60% of the Si demand of the phytoplankton. However, the role of the benthos in supporting primary production at the present time may be minor as nutrient inputs from sewage and other sources exceed benthic fluxes of N and P by 10-fold and Si by 4-fold. Our estimates of denitrification from DIC:DIN fluxes suggests that about 45% of the N mineralized in the sediments is denitrified, which accounts for about 17% of the N inputs from land.
Genetic testing in the epilepsies—developments and dilemmas

In the past two decades, the number of genes recognized to have a role in the epilepsies has dramatically increased. The availability of testing for epilepsy-related genes is potentially helpful for clarification of the diagnosis and prognosis, selection of optimal treatments, and provision of information for family planning. For some patients, identification of a specific genetic cause of their epilepsy has important personal value, even in the absence of clear clinical utility. The availability of genetic testing also raises new issues that have only begun to be considered. These issues include the growing importance of educating physicians about when and how to test patients, the need to ensure that affected individuals and their families can make informed choices about testing and receive support after receiving the results, and the question of what the positive and negative consequences of genetic testing will be for affected individuals, their family members, and society.
CHEMISTRY OF SINGLET OXYGEN—XVIII. RATES OF REACTION AND QUENCHING OF α‐TOCOPHEROL AND SINGLET OXYGEN*

—α-Tocopherol scavenges singlet oxygen (produced by methylene blue photosensitization in methanol) by a combination of chemical reaction (4.6 times 107M-1s-1) and quenching (6.2 times 108M-1 s-1). The total rate of scavenging (6.7 times 108 M-1s-1) makes it an effective protective agent against photooxidation mediated by singlet oxygen.
A fine balance: an autoregulatory gene therapy approach to treat obesity and achieve energy homeostasis.

A fine balance: an autoregulatory gene therapy approach to treat obesity and achieve energy homeostasis
Using Social Media to Improve Continuing Medical Education: A Survey of Course Participants

Objective To determine continuing medical education (CME) course participants' use of social media (SM) and their attitudes about the value of SM for enhancing CME education and to examine associations between participants' characteristics and attitudes toward SM.
Liposomes for cardiovascular targeting.

Liposome-based pharmaceuticals used within the cardiovascular system are reviewed in this article. The delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents by plain liposomes and liposomes with surface-attached targeting antibodies or polyethylene glycol to prolong their circulation time and accumulation at vascular injuries, ischemic zones or sites of thrombi are also discussed. An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of liposome-mediated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo targeting is presented, including discussion of the targeting of liposomes to pathological sites on the blood vessel wall and a description of liposomes that can be internalized by endothelial cells. Diagnostic liposomes used to target myocardial infarction and the relative importance of liposome size, targetability of immunoliposomes and prolonged circulation time on the efficiency of sealing hypoxia-induced plasma membrane damage to cardiocytes are discussed as a promising approach for therapy. The progress in the use of targeted liposom...
Nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy.

CIGARETTE smoking is a major preventable cause of fetal death and injury, yet many women continue to smoke cigarettes throughout pregnancy. The most effective pharmacologic adjunct to smoking cessation therapy is nicotine replacement, including nicotine chewing gum or transdermal nicotine. However, the use of nicotine replacement therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy. The analysis presented herein suggests that the benefits of nicotine replacement therapy to aid smoking cessation in pregnant women who cannot stop smoking without such therapy substantially outweigh the risks of continued smoking or the risks of nicotine replacement per se. PREVALENCE OF CIGARETTE SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY Although the prevalence of smoking has declined in recent years and many women quit smoking when they become pregnant, 20% to 25% of pregnant American women continue to smoke throughout pregnancy; many of these women are heavy smokers. The National Health Interview survey of women pregnant in 1985 or with a birth
Building and Testing an a priori Geophysical Model for Western Eurasia and North Africa

We construct and evaluate a new three-dimensional model of crust and upper mantle structure in Western Eurasia and North Africa (WENA) extending to 700 km depth and having 1° parameterization. The model is compiled in an a priori fashion entirely from existing geophysical literature, specifically, combining two regionalized crustal models with a high-resolution global sediment model and a global upper mantle model. The resulting WENA1.0 model consists of 24 layers: water, three sediment layers, upper, middle, and lower crust, uppermost mantle, and 16 additional upper mantle layers. Each of the layers is specified by its depth, compressional and shear velocity, density, and attenuation (quality factors, Q P and Q S ). The model is tested by comparing the model predictions with geophysical observations including: crustal thickness, surface wave group and phase velocities, upper mantle n velocities, receiver functions, P-wave travel times, waveform characteristics, regional 1-D velocities, and Bouguer gravity. We find generally good agreement between WENA1.0 model predictions and empirical observations for a wide variety of independent data sets. We believe this model is representative of our current knowledge of crust and upper mantle structure in the WENA region and can successfully be used to model the propagation characteristics of regional seismic waveform data. The WENA1.0 model will continue to evolve as new data are incorporated into future validations and any new deficiencies in the model are identified. Eventually this a priori model will serve as the initial starting model for a multiple data set tomographic inversion for structure of the Eurasian continent.
Noninvasive Measures of Reproductive Function and Disturbance in the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Spotted Owl

There is an urgent need for noninvasive methods to study reproduction and environmental stress in at-risk species such as the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Two related owl species (barred owl and great horned owl) were used as surrogates to validate hormone assays for fecal metabolites of progesterone, 17beta-estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone. Infusions of radiolabeled hormones showed that the owls excreted most hormone within 6 h. Feces and urine contained roughly equal amounts of hormone, and most fecal hormone metabolites were quite polar. The testosterone and corticosterone assays in this study bound to the major excreted metabolites of these hormones, but two progesterone assays did not appreciably bind to the major progesterone metabolites. All assays showed excellent parallelism with hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed samples and with previously dried or undried fecal samples. Thus, samples do not require hydrolysis or prior drying. Samples from a female barred owl had significantly higher fecal estrogen, lower fecal testosterone, and higher fecal estrogen/testosterone ratio than samples from two male barred owls. The fecal estrogen/testosterone ratio was the most accurate predictor of owl gender, particularly if two or more samples are available from the same individual. Fecal corticosterone metabolites also demonstrated considerable utility for wild northern spotted owls. Fecal glucocorticoid levels varied by gender and breeding stage, being highest in male northern spotted owls early in the breeding season and highest in females when nestlings were fledging. Collectively, these studies show that noninvasive fecal hormone measurements show great promise for noninvasive assessment of reproduction and stress in wild owls.
Application of an inductively coupled argon plasma axial viewing absorption technique using a power modulated plasma

Abstract An atomic absorption technique has been developed which utilizes axial viewing of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) incorporating linear-flow argon coolant gas using a power-modulated plasma discharge. Limits of detection and linear dynamic ranges have been measured with this configuration for Ag, Cu, Mg, Sm, Pr and Ca. Detection limits of 0.010, 0.009, 0.0027, 0.020, 1.2 and 0.0002 μg ml−1 were determined for each element, respectively. Each of these analytes displayed a linear dynamic range of one to two orders of magnitude in concentration.
An in vitro transcription termination system to analyze chloroplast promoters: identification of multiple promoters for the spinach atpB gene.

Promoters for spinach chloroplast genes were cloned 5′ to a strong factor-independent transcription terminator from E. coli. These “minigene” constructions were transcribed in vitro by a transcriptionally active extract of spinach chloroplasts. Transcription of super-coiled DNA templates resulted in synthesis of discretely-sized RNAs that were readily quantifiable. The efficiency of transcription was up to 3.5 RNAs per template. The transcription termination system described in this report was used to identify the primary transcripts for the plastid atpB gene. Four in vivo transcripts for the atpB gene have been previously identified with 5′ untranslated leaders of approximately 455, 275, 180 and 100 nucleotides, respectively. In this report we show that the “-455”, “-275” and “-180” regions function as chloroplast promoters in vitro. In addtion, a fourth promoter was found that yields a primary transcript totally lacking an untranslated leader.
The role of acid and alkaline reflux in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Hypothesis At present, main factors considered responsible for the onset of squamous cell carcinoma are tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, and exposure to viral and toxic agents. In last years, great interest has been focused on gastroesophageal reflux as independent carcinogenic factor and co-carcinogen in association with smoking and alcohol assumption. Study Design Initially, the aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the presence of distal and proximal esophageal reflux with multielectrode pH measurement in patients with cancer of the larynx and/or hypopharynx (group A). However, in the course of the study, pharyngolaryngeal cancer was also observed in 4 patients with achlorhydria; therefore, the hypothesis that alkaline reflux might be involved in the onset of laryngeal cancer was tested (group B). Methods Twenty-one consecutive patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (group A) entered the study. Twenty-one patients without laryngo-pharyngeal diseases were used as control subjects. A validated questionnaire of the clinical history was completed by all patients who underwent 24-hour pH monitoring. Group B included 40 consecutive gastrectomized patients (28 males and 12 females) in whom biliary or alkaline reflux was directly consequent to Billroth I or Billroth II operation. The control group was composed of 40 non-gastrectomized dyspeptic patients. The clinical history was controlled and obtained; EDGS and ENT examination with videolaryngoscopy was performed in all patients. Results In group A, pH measurement showed pathological reflux in 80.9% (17 of 21) of patients with no typical symptoms in 63.7% of them. The difference was significant with respect to the control group. In group B, 6 of 40 (15%) had preneoplastic lesions or a history of laryngeal tumor. The difference was significant with respect to the control group. A total of 7.5% of group B patients had previously undergone CO2 laser cordectomy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 7.5% had leukoplakia. We found a significantly higher incidence (<.05) of neoplastic and preneoplastic disease of the larynx in patients undergoing Billroth II and total gastrectomy than in those undergoing Billroth I and Roux-en-Y resection. We also found a significant increase (<.01) in ENT lesions in the group of patients who had undergone gastrectomy more than 20 years previously. Conclusions In agreement with literature reports, results obtained in group A confirmed that gastroesophageal reflux is often present in patients with neoplastic lesions of the pharynx and larynx. Furthermore, gastric resection is indicated for the first time as an additional risk factor or cofactor of precancerosis and squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx or larynx. Further studies are necessary to establish the cause and effect relationship between biliary reflux and pharyngo-laryngeal tumors.
Participants’ Perceptions of a Violence Prevention Curriculum for Middle School Students: Was It Relevant and Useful?

School-based youth violence prevention programs, particularly those focused on middle school students, have generally had limited effects that are often not sustained over time. Although many interventions focus on teaching social-cognitive skills, few studies have explored the extent to which students master these skills, actually use them, and find them effective in dealing with problem situations. This study examined these issues based on interviews with 141 students attending one county and two urban middle schools in classrooms where the Second Step violence prevention program had been implemented. We coded interviews to assess participants' general reactions to the interventions, use of skills, and effectiveness of skills. We also asked participants to describe outcomes they experienced when they used specific skills taught in the intervention in response to problem situations. Participants had generally positive reactions to the intervention. Their suggestions for improving the intervention primarily concerned improving its relevance. Participants described changes they had made based on the intervention, particularly controlling anger and improving relations with others. Their responses indicated that they sometimes misunderstood or misused specific intervention skills, especially problem solving and empathy. Students' descriptions of the outcomes they experienced when using intervention skills were not uniformly positive. This was especially true for situations involving peers such as peer pressure and bullying. These results underscore the need for more intensive efforts to ensure that students master intervention skills and are able to use them correctly. In addition, interventions should address the broader social context (e.g., peers, school) to maximize the effectiveness of skills.
Thermodynamics of the carbon dioxide system in the oceans

In the next ten years, a number of studies on the carbonate system are planned as part of the JGOFS/WOCE programs. The carbon dioxide system will be studied by measuring at least two of the controlling parameters; pH, total alkalinity (TA), total inorganic CO2 (TCO2), and the fugacity of CO2 (fCO2). The other parameters can be calculated using thermodynamic relations. In the present paper the thermodynamic equations necessary to characterize the CO2 system in the oceans as a function of salinity and temperature are given. This includes equations for the dissociation of carbonic acid, boric acid, phosphoric acid, silicic acid, water, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia in seawater as a function of temperature (0 to 45°C) and salinity (0 to 45). The equations are of the form ln Ki = A + BT + C ln T, where A, B, and C are functions of salinity. Equations are also given for calculating the effect of temperature and salinity on the fugacity and pH of seawater using the carbonic acid constants of Roy et al. (1993a).
The metalloprotease Kuzbanian (ADAM10) mediates the transactivation of EGF receptor by G protein–coupled receptors

Communication between different signaling pathways enables cells to coordinate the responses to diverse environmental signals. Activation of the transmembrane growth factor precursors plays a critical role in this communication and often involves metalloprotease-mediated proteolysis. Stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) transactivates the EGF receptors (EGFRs), which occurs via a metalloprotease-dependent cleavage of heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF). However, the metalloprotease mediating the transactivation remains elusive. We show that the integral membrane metalloprotease Kuzbanian (KUZ; ADAM10), which controls Notch signaling in Drosophila, stimulates GPCR transactivation of EGFR. Upon stimulation of the bombesin receptors, KUZ increases the docking and activation of adaptors Src homology 2 domain-containing protein and Gab1 on the EGFR, and activation of Ras and Erk. In contrast, transfection of a protease domain-deleted KUZ, or blocking endogenous KUZ by morpholino antisense oligonucleotides, suppresses the transactivation. The effect of KUZ on shedding of HB-EGF and consequent transactivation of the EGFR depends on its metalloprotease activity. GPCR activation enhances the association of KUZ and its substrate HB-EGF with tetraspanin CD9. Thus, KUZ regulates the relay between the GPCR and EGFR signaling pathways.
Ethics and reference services

Reference archivists face challenging ethical dilemmas in the course of seemingly mundane daily tasks. While newly revised ethical codes provide helpful guidelines, there are many ethical questions without clear answers. Rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations, and inconsistent privacy laws place pressures on reference work. These issues also open a window on the society whose cultural property archivists manage.
Aromatic Annelation. II. Synthesis of phenols.

Abstract The preparation of substituted phenols from cycloalkanones by elaboration of an aromatic ring is described.
Oxygen transport in the intact hypoxic newborn lamb: acute effects of increasing P50.

Summary: We examined the acute effects of a change in hemoglobin oxygen affinity (P50) on systemic oxygen transport and oxygen consumption during hypoxia. Ten awake, intact, newborn lambs were studied during four consecutive conditions: normoxia (Fio2=0.21); hypoxia (Fio2=0.10); hypoxia after isovolemic exchange transfusion, raising P50 8 ± 3 Torr without changing hematocrit; and normoxia after the exchange transfusion. With hypoxia, oxygen extraction rose, cardiac output increased minimally, and systemic oxygen transport and oxygen consumption fell. After exchange transfusion during hypoxia, oxygen consumption rose to resting levels due to a significant augmentation of systemic oxygen transport, which resulted from an increase in cardiac output. This change in cardiac output was due to an increased stroke volume, most likely due to an improved inotropic state. The above findings are consistent with observations in newborn infants with respiratory distress syndrome who underwent exchange transfusion.
Norms of Reaction: Do They Include Molecular Events?

����� In his book Factors ofEvolution, Schmalhausen [2] stresses several important concepts: norms of reaction [3], adaptive norms, and morphoses. Every genotype, according to Schmalhausen, "is characterized by its own specific 'norm ofreaction,' which includes adaptive modifications of the organism to different environments." Lewontin [4, 5] has stressed the importance of norms of reaction. These norms place severe constraints on the interpretation of results obtained through analyses of variance, as Lewontin [4] demonstrated in his classic account, "The Analysis of Variance and the Analysis of Causes." Adaptive norms are adaptive modifications that involve striking, discontinuous transformations of the organism. Schmalhausen mentions ecophenotypes as examples. Further examples to be found in elementary texts are provided by (1) the aquatic and terrestrial forms of plants such as Sagittaria and Ranunculus, (2) the diapausing and nondiapausing eggs produced by many species of insects, and (3) the sexual and asexual generations of aphids and rusts. To these examples one can add temperature-dependent sex determination in sea turtles [6] and predatorinduced phenotypic alterations [7]. Morphoses are changes induced in organisms by environmental stresses that rarely, ifever, have been previously encountered during the history of the species. Ionizing radiation was a frequently cited example
In vivo small animal imaging for early assessment of therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer

We are developing in vivo small animal imaging techniques that can measure early effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for prostate cancer. PDT is an emerging therapeutic modality that continues to show promise in the treatment of cancer. At our institution, a new second-generation photosensitizing drug, the silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4, has been developed and evaluated at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this study, we are developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that provide therapy monitoring and early assessment of tumor response to PDT. We generated human prostate cancer xenografts in athymic nude mice. For the imaging experiments, we used a high-field 9.4-T small animal MR scanner (Bruker Biospec). High-resolution MR images were acquired from the treated and control tumors pre- and post-PDT and 24 hr after PDT. We utilized multi-slice multi-echo (MSME) MR sequences. During imaging acquisitions, the animals were anesthetized with a continuous supply of 2% isoflurane in oxygen and were continuously monitored for respiration and temperature. After imaging experiments, we manually segmented the tumors on each image slice for quantitative image analyses. We computed three-dimensional T2 maps for the tumor regions from the MSME images. We plotted the histograms of the T2 maps for each tumor pre- and post-PDT and 24 hr after PDT. After the imaging and PDT experiments, we dissected the tumor tissues and used the histologic slides to validate the MR images. In this study, six mice with human prostate cancer tumors were imaged and treated at the Case Center for Imaging Research. The T2 values of treated tumors increased by 24 ± 14% 24 hr after the therapy. The control tumors did not demonstrate significant changes of the T2 values. Inflammation and necrosis were observed within the treated tumors 24 hour after the treatment. Preliminary results show that Pc 4-PDT is effective for the treatment of human prostate cancer in mice. The small animal MR imaging provides a useful tool to evaluate early tumor response to photodynamic therapy in mice.
Keratinocyte membrane-associated epidermal cell-derived thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF).

This study describes the association between secreted keratinocyte interleukin 1 (IL-1) and its presence on the keratinocyte cell surface. These properties were studied in normal and transformed human keratinocytes as well as in transformed murine keratinocytes. we will present evidence that the secretion of IL-1 by human and murine keratinocytes is associated with the presence of IL-1 on the keratinocyte membrane. In addition, although transformed murine keratinocytes secrete other cytokines, namely keratinocyte T-cell growth factor (KTGF) and IL-3, no KTGF or IL-3 activity can be demonstrated on the cell surface.
Stimulus novelty, task relevance and the visual evoked potential in man

The effect of task relevance on P3 (waveform of human evoked potential) waves and the methodologies used to deal with them are outlined. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded from normal adult subjects performing in a visual discrimination task. Subjects counted the number of presentations of the numeral 4 which was interposed rarely and randomly within a sequence of tachistoscopically flashed background stimuli. Intrusive, task-irrelevant (not counted) stimuli were also interspersed rarely and randomly in the sequence of 2s; these stimuli were of two types: simples, which were easily recognizable, and novels, which were completely unrecognizable. It was found that the simples and the counted 4s evoked posteriorly distributed P3 waves while the irrelevant novels evoked large, frontally distributed P3 waves. These large, frontal P3 waves to novels were also found to be preceded by large N2 waves. These findings indicate that the P3 wave is not a unitary phenomenon but should be considered in terms of a family of waves, differing in their brain generators and in their psychological correlates.
Leukocyte traffic in the central nervous system: the participants and their roles.

While the central nervous system has long been considered immunologically privileged, over the past decade it has become evident that a wide variety of leukocyte types traffic through the nervous system. It is also apparent that the rules governing the trafficking of these disparate cell types are different for each. Some arrive, and probably depart, continuously as part of normal physiology. Others only appear to seek a specific antigen or in response to tissue damage. In this review the nature and function of individual cell types are discussed and our current knowledge regarding the parameters governing their entry into the CNS is examined.
Human arylsulfatase B: MOPAC cloning, nucleotide sequence of a full-length cDNA, and regions of amino acid identity with arylsulfatases A and C.

cDNAs encoding the human lysosomal hydrolase, arylsulfatase B (ASB; N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase, EC 3.1.6.1), were isolated from a hepatoma cell cDNA library using an ASB-specific oligonucleotide generated by the MOPAC (mixed oligonucleotide primed amplification of cDNA) technique. To facilitate cDNA cloning, human ASB was purified to apparent homogeneity and a total of 112 amino acid residues were microsequenced from the N-terminus and four internal tryptic peptides of the 47-kDa subunit. Based on the ASB N-terminal amino acid sequence, two oligonucleotide mixtures containing inosines to reduce the mixture complexity were constructed and used as primers to amplify an ASB-specific product from human placental cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequencing of this MOPAC product demonstrated colinearity with 21 N-terminal ASB amino acids. Based on this sequence and on codon usage for the adjacent conserved amino acids in human arylsulfatases A and C, a unique 66-mer was synthesized and used to screen a human hepatoma cell cDNA library. Four putative positive cDNA clones were isolated, and the largest insert (pASB-1) was sequenced in both orientations. The 1834-bp pASB-1 insert had a 1278-bp open reading frame encoding 425 amino acids that was colinear with 85 microsequenced amino acids of the purified enzyme, demonstrating its authenticity. Using the pABS-1 cDNA as a probe, a full-length cDNA clone, pASB-4, was isolated from a human testes library and sequenced in both orientations. pASB-4 had a 2811-bp insert containing a 559-bp 5′ untranslated sequence, a 1602-bp open reading frame encoding 533 amino acids (six potential N-glycosylation sites), a 641-bp 3′ untranslated sequence, and a 9-bp poly(A) tract. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequences of arylsulfatases A, B, and C revealed regions of identity, particularly in their N-termini.