cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iris mattress suture: a technique for sectoral iris defect repair

Achieving a cosmetic and functional outcome from iris defect repair is a surgical challenge. We describe an adaptation of techniques to address a case of 2.5 clock hours of sectoral iris tissue defect. Our method combines Siepser9s modified closed-chamber sliding knot technique with the placement of a double-armed iris mattress suture to approximate iris tissue to the scleral wall and thereby create a pseudo-iris root. This technique reduces glare and achieves a cosmetic outcome for the patient.
Wavelength-Dependent Photolysis of i-Pentanal and t-Pentanal from 280 to 330 nm

Photodissociation of i-pentanal ((CH{sub 3}){sub 2}CHCH{sub 2}CHO; 3-methylbutanal) and t-pentanal ((CH{sub 3}){sub 3}CCHO; 2,2-dimethylpropanal) in the 280--330 nm region was investigated at 5 nm intervals by using dye laser photolysis in combination with cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Absorption cross-sections of i-pentanal and t-pentanal were obtained. Both aldehydes exhibited a broad absorption band peaking at 295 nm, with maximum absorption cross-sections of (5.90 {+-} 0.22) x 10{sup {minus}20} and (4.26 {+-} 0.07) x 10{sup {minus}20} cm{sup 2}, respectively, for i-pentanal and t-pentanal. The formation yield of the HCO radical from photolysis of i-pentanal and t-pentanal was determined by monitoring HCO absorption at 613.8 nm. Except for 325 and 330 nm photolysis of i-pentanal , the HCO yield was found to be independent of aldehyde pressure (2--12 Torr) and total pressure (20--400 Torr). For the photodissociation of t-pentanal, the HCO yield was also determined in the 0.5--2 Torr range and was found to increase with t-pentanal pressure. The variation of HCO radical yield with photolysis wavelength was determined. The peak HCO yields from t-pentanal and i-pentanal photolysis were 0.92 {+-} 0.11 and 0.40 {+-} 0.08 at 315 nm, respectively, where uncertainty reflects experimental scatter only. The difference in the peak HCO yield frommore » t-pentanal and i-pentanal photolysis was attributed to the opening up of the Norrish II channel for i-pentanal. End products from closed-cell photolysis of i-pentanal and t-pentanal were investigated at 290, 310, and 330 nm by using HPLC. Acetaldehyde was found to be a product from the photodissociation of i-pentanal/N{sub 2} mixtures. Photolysis rates of i-pentanal and t-pentanal to form HCO were calculated for two representative atmospheric conditions (noontime at sea level and 40{degree}N latitude on January 1 and on July 1) and were compared to those obtained from acetaldehyde photolysis.« less
Transfers and bequests: a portfolio analysis in a Nash game

This paper develops a two-stage non-cooperative Nash game framework of parental–children interactions to explain the equal division puzzle in bequests. In the analysis, a portfolio approach is adopted for characterizing how altruistic parents allocate their inheritable wealth between inter-vivos transfers and post-mortem bequests. The model includes elements of strategic altruism, exchange of family-specific merit goods, transfer-seeking behavior by competing siblings, and parents’ “post-mortem reputation” in bequest division. Allowing for children’s heterogeneity and interactions, we find that inter-vivos transfers are unevenly distributed between the children, despite an equal degree of parental altruism. Moreover, we show the compatibility of unequal inter-vivos transfers and equal bequests, regardless of earnings differentials across children.
Total energies of structural defects in glassy Se

Abstract The effective Hubbard U is calculated for the interconversion of 1-fold and 3-fold bonding coordination defects in glassy Se. This is accomplished by applying local density total energy calculations directly to charged defects in a superlattice configuration. It is found that the defect remains 1-fold coordinated in the D − and D 0 charge states, but spontaneously forms a 3-fold center in the D + charge state. The structural relaxation energy involved in the bond switching gives rise to a sizable negative contribution to U , but a still larger Coulomb repulsion gives rise to an overall positive U . This result is not , however, inconsistent with a negative U in the compound chalcogenide glasses.
Comment of a recent critique of Hara's theorem for radiative hyperon decay

Abstract Contrary to a recent assertion, infrared sungularities arising from internal bremsstrahlung in radiative hyperon decays do not invalidate Hera's theorem which states that the asymmetry parameters inΣ + →pγ and Ξ − → Σ − γ vanish in the exact flavor SU(3) limit.
Chordin-like CR domains and the regulation of evolutionarily conserved extracellular signaling systems

In fruit flies as well as in humans the Short gastrulation (Sog)/Chordin protein functions as an antagonist of the signaling of decapentaplegic (Dpp)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in the extracellular space. Such antagonism inhibits Dpp/BMP signaling by blocking its binding to the receptor. Modulation of Dpp/BMP signaling is phylogenetically conserved and is a key step for the establishment of the dorso-ventral axis in vertebrates and invertebrates. Molecular studies have shown that the inhibitory activity of Chordin on BMP resides in specific cysteine-rich (CR) domains. Interestingly, Chordin-like CR domains are present in a growing number of extracellular proteins, several of which appear to be involved in BMP signaling regulation. We review here the conservation of the Chordin and Sog proteins, and in particular their functional domain, the CR domain. We discuss how the study of CR domains may provide a general mechanism for the regulation of growth factor signaling in the extracellular space.
Investigation of tape edge wear

Abstract An experimental investigation of parameters influencing edge wear of magnetic recording tape during its passage through a magnetic transport has been conducted. Critical conditions of velocity ( V c ) and load ( W c ) are seen to exist, below which edge wear is negligible, but above which edge wear is excessive due to frictional heating. This transition from mild to severe wear can be represented by the general form W c V c 2 = C , where the constant C depends on the thermal conductivity of the material in sliding contact with the tape. Theoretical calculations of the interfacial temperature, based on an extension of existing theory to account for multiple contacts and variable material properties, were in excellent agreement with temperatures which would cause plastic flow of the tape.
Externalization of research and development in Europe

This paper has two objectives. First, it records the reality of interaction with public sector research science for firms in two manufacturing industries, the flow measuring and electronic component industries, in three countries, the UK, France and Belgium. Secondly, by analyzing the patterns of interaction, a conceptualization of one dimension of the spatial process of technological change is approached. This paper develops the notion that the links created by externalization between universities and national laboratories and industry are elements in a filiere which integrate fundamental and applied research. The concept of filiere is used to analyze patterns of interaction in the case study industries and countries.
Metallorganische Verbindungen der dritten Hauptgruppe, XXVI1) Relative Reaktivitäten von Alkinen bei der Hydroaluminierung und deren Bedeutung zur π-Komplex-Frage

Die Hydroaluminierung einer Reihe von Alkinen folgender Typen, R–C ≡C–R (RC6H5,p-CH3C6H4, n-C3H7, n-C4H9, t-C4H9), R–CC-H (Rn-C6H13, n-C8H17, C6H5),c -C6H11-C≡C -CH3 und C6H5-C≡C-E [ECH3, t-C4H9, SC2H5, Si(CH3)3, N(CH3)2,Al(C6H5)2], wurde untersucht, urn die sterischen und polaren Beitrage der Substituenten auf die Alkinreaktivitaten zu ermitteln. Die Berucksichtigung der relativen Anlagerungsgeschwindigkeiten sowie der cis-trans-Isomerie der Produkte und der Richtung der A1 — H-Addition an die C≡C-Bindung fuhrt zu dem Schlus, das im geschwindigkeitsbestimmenden Schritt monomeres elektrophiles Dialkylaluminiumhydrid das Alkin unter Ausbildung eines Ubergangszustandes angreift, dessen Struktur der eines π-Komplexes sehr ahnlich ist. Sollte anschliesend ein Zwischenprodukt entstehen, so mus dieses relativ schnell in das cis-Addukt ubergehen. Als Stutze fur die Struktur eines solchen π-Komplexes werden die kurzlich berichteten rontgenographisch ermittelten Daten des dimeren Diphenyl(phenylathinyl)aluminiums herangezogen. Organometallic Compounds of Group ITI, XXVI1)— Relative Reactivities of Alkynes towards Hydroalumination and their Significance for the π-Complex Problem The hydroalumination of a series of alkynes of the types, R–C≡C–R (RC6H5,p-CH3C6H4, n-C3H7, n-C4H9, t-C4H9), R–C≡C-H (Rn-C6H13, n-C8H17, C6H5),c -C6H11-C≡C-CH3, and C6H5-C≡C-E [ECH3, t-C4H9, SC2H5, Si(CH3)3, N(CH3)2,Al(C6H5)2] was investigated in order to evaluate the steric and polar effects of substituents on the reactivity of these alkynes. Consideration of the relative rates of hydroalumination, the cis, trans nature of the addition and the regiospecificity leads to the conclusion that monomeric dialkylaluminium hydride attacks the alkyne electrophilically in the rate-determining step to give a transition state best approximated by a π-complex. If an intermediate is subsequently formed it would have to collapse relatively rapidly to the cis-adduct. Support for a π-complex-type structure is gleaned from crystallographic data recently obtained on dimeric diphenyl(phenylethynyl)aluminium.
Smoking Behavior and Risk Perception Among the Parents of Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The goal of this study was to explore the prevalence of smoking and attitudes and behaviors relevant to smoking cessation among parents of babies treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Participants were 235 mothers and 83 fathers of infants admitted to the NICU of a large, university-based hospital. The 38-item survey included questions that assessed smoking status (current, former, never-smoker), motivation to quit, perceived health risks from smoking, and whether or not they received smoking cessation advice or counseling from a health care provider. A total of 26% of all participants were current smokers. Compared with mothers, fathers were more likely to be current smokers (22% vs. 31%) and smoked more cigarettes per day (11.3% vs. 17.2%). Among participants, 57% reported that smoking affected their own health "a little" or "not at all," and 70% believed that others' smoking would affect the baby's health "a little" or "somewhat." Mothers were more likely than fathers to report health care provider intervention for smoking cessation. Indeed, none of the fathers in this study reported being offered assistance with quitting smoking. More than half of smokers were willing to receive counseling for smoking cessation, and health care provider intervention was positively associated with both motivation to quit and perceived health risk to their infant (p<.01). The NICU may provide a teachable moment in which parents can be assisted with quitting smoking, thus improving their own health and the health of their babies.
Ground Motion Model for the 1989 M 6.9 Loma Prieta Earthquake Including Effects of Source, Path, and Site

Abstract The objective of this study is to assess the effects of source finiteness, crustal wave propagation, and site response upon recorded strong ground motions from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Our analysis uses band limited white noise (BLWN) with random vibration theory (RVT) to produce site‐specific estimates of peak acceleration and response spectral ordinates for both a point‐source and finite‐source model. Effects of nonlinear soil response are modeled through an equivalent‐linear approach. The point‐source model additionally accommodates crustal propagation effects in terms of direct‐plus‐postcritical reflections.
Polymer membrane-based ion-, gas- and bio-selective potentiometric sensors

Recent progress in the design of new polymer membrane-based potentiometric ion-, gas- and bio-selective electrodes in chemistry laboratories at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on describing the performance of devices for measuring anions (e.g., salicylate, thiocyanate, chloride and heparin) and gases (e.g., ammonia, carbon dioxide and oxygen) in biological samples, both in vitro and in vivo. Beyond direct measurement of key ions and gases in complex matrices, some of the new membrane electrode systems reported can serve as base transducers for the development of biosensors containing integrated biological reagents, including enzymes and antibodies. New approaches for mass fabricating solid-state ion and biosensor devices as well as future directions for research in the entire field of polymer membrane sensors are also described.
Use of Carbowaxes (Polyethylene Glycols) as Osmotic Agents.

Polyethylene glycols (trade name "Carbowaxes"3) of various assumed average molecular weights are now used extensively in a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It has been established that in the concentrations employed they have a low order of toxicity in animals, including man (Smyth et al., 19). Shortly after these compounds became available, their use as carriers of plant growth regulators was investigated (Zimmerman & Hitchcock, 25). But the paucity of references to their use in the ensuing years, plus the findings of these early studies, suggest that they are not satisfactory for this purpose. The polyethylene glycols are available in what is generally assumed to be a graded series of average molecular weight from approximately 300 to 20,000. The initial objective of the present study was to use them for this purpose in studying the action of auxins and antiauxins in controlling rate of root hair elongation. But, the strongly inhibitory effects of very low concentrations of Carbowaxes upon rate of elongation of root hairs suggested that the Carbowaxes were not acting solely as osmotic agents. That is, the data indicated that the Carbowaxes were exerting some direct effects upon the process of elongation of root hairs quite apart from an osmotic effect. Since the Carbowaxes are being used by various workers (Thimann et al., 21, Janes, 12, Lagerwerff et al, 14) as osmotic agents without, apparently, a proper appreciation of their non-osmotic effects, the following results should be of interest.
An Opposed-Piston Diesel Engine

Typical conventional diesel engine designs are based on arrangements of single piston and cylinder sets placed sequentially either in-line or offset ( V'') along the crank shaft. The development of other engines, such as the opposed piston type, has been motivated by potential advantages seen in such designs, which may not be viable in conventional in-line or V engine arrangements. Several alternatives to conventional engine design have been investigated in the past and some aspects of these designs have been utilized by engine manufacturers. The design and development of a proof-of-concept opposed piston diesel engine is summarized in this paper. An overview of opposed-piston engines is presented from early developments to current designs. The engine developed in this work is a two stroke and uses four pistons, which move in two parallel cylinders that straddle a single crankshaft. A prechamber equipped with a single fuel injector connects the two cylinders, forming a single combustion chamber. The methodology of the engine development process is discussed along with details of component design. Experimental evaluations of the assembled proof-of-concept engine were used for determining feasibility of the design concept. An electric dynamometer was used to motor the engine and for loading purposes. Themore » dynamometer is instrumented for monitoring both speed and torque. Engine parameter measured include air flow rate, fuel consumption rate, inlet air and exhaust temperatures, and instantaneous cylinder gas pressure as a function of crank position. The results of several testing runs are presented and discussed.« less
Targeting the DNA repair pathway in Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a tumor of the bone and soft tissue that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. With current therapies, 70% of patients with localized disease survive, but patients with metastatic or recurrent disease have a poor outcome. We found that EWS cell lines are defective in DNA break repair and are sensitive to PARP inhibitors (PARPis). PARPi-induced cytotoxicity in EWS cells was 10- to 1,000-fold higher after administration of the DNA-damaging agents irinotecan or temozolomide. We developed an orthotopic EWS mouse model and performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies using three different PARPis that are in clinical development for pediatric cancer. Irinotecan administered on a low-dose, protracted schedule previously optimized for pediatric patients was an effective DNA-damaging agent when combined with PARPis; it was also better tolerated than combinations with temozolomide. Combining PARPis with irinotecan and temozolomide gave complete and durable responses in more than 80% of the mice.
Job Analysis, Personnel Selection, and the ADA

Abstract The ADA will change the way employers screen and hire applicants. The notion of essential functions is central to hiring under the ADA. We explore the meaning of essential functions, including changes in perspective due to the ADA, how to conduct a job analysis to provide information in determining essential functions, and the role of essential functions in selection. We conclude by noting some challenges for job analysis under the ADA and directions for research.
Limits of propriety for linear-quadratic regulator problems

Abstract The linear-quadratic-regulator (LQR) theory, as presented in existing textbooks, restricts the Q-matrix to be positive-definite (or positive-semidefinite). In the present paper it is shown that this restriction on Q is unwarranted because there exist practical applications of LQR theory involving sign-indefinite (and even negative-definite!) Q-matrices that lead to well-defined well-behaved optimal solutions. A general class of scalar-control LQR problems is examined in detail and the fundamental theorem governing ‘propriety’ of such problems is derived. A procedure is then described for finding the set Q of all Q-matrices (including indefinite and negative-definite Q) that satisfy the propriety condition, i.e. lead to well-behaved optimal solutions. The procedure is illustrated by several worked examples, including explicit general solutions for Q for the cases n = 1 and n = 2.
SU‐FF‐J‐91: Linear Methods for Hepatic Perfusion Imaging

Purpose: Hepatic perfusion imaging could be valuable for assessment of therapeutic response and normal tissue toxicity in patients undergoing treatment for hepatic lesions. However, visual‐by‐visual estimation of liver perfusion using non‐linear least squares (NLLS) fits of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) CT or MRI data to a compartmental model with dual input functions is a computational expensive process. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate efficiency, stability, and bias of three linear methods for computation of hepatic perfusion parameters. Method and Materials: Through simple mathematical manipulation, the single compartmental model is converted into a linear equation (linear in three unknown parameters: arterial perfusion ka , portal vein perfusion kp , and the outflow rate k2 ). The ordinary least squares (OLS), total least squares (TLS), generalized linear least squares (GLLS), and NLLS methods were used for estimates of the perfusion parameters from simulated data that mimic normal liver perfusion. Gaussian‐distributed random noise was added into the theoretic time‐contrast concentration curves. The stability and bias of the three parameters were calculated from 5000 simulations as a function of contrast‐to‐noise ratio of the liver parenchyma, CNRL, and the temporal sampling interval, Δt, for each of the four methods. Results: Dependencies of the stability on CNRL (varied from 10 to 20) and Δt (1 to 8 seconds) were similar among all four methods, with NLLS and GLLS having slightly better stability. The increase in bias with Δt was greater for NLLS and GLLS than for TLS and OLS, particularly for estimates of ka . However, the computation time for NLLS was 10–100 times greater than for the linear methods. Conclusion: This study suggests that the linear methods can achieve the stability and bias similar to or better than NLLS, but substantially reduce the computation time, making liver perfusion imaging practical for use in clinical trials.
Bridging the gap between MRI and postmortem research in autism

Autism is clearly a disorder of neural development, but when, where, and how brain pathology occurs remain elusive. Typical brain development is comprised of several stages, including proliferation and migration of neurons, creation of dendritic arbors and synaptic connections, and eventually dendritic pruning and programmed cell death. Any deviation at one or more of these stages could produce catastrophic downstream effects. MRI studies of autism have provided important clues, describing an aberrant trajectory of growth during early childhood that is both present in the whole brain and marked in specific structures such as the amygdala. However, given the coarse resolution of MRI, the field must also look towards postmortem human brain research to help elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of MRI volumetric findings. Likewise, studies of postmortem tissue may benefit by looking to the findings from MRI studies to narrow hypotheses and target specific brain regions and subject populations. In this review, we discuss the strengths, limitations, and major contributions of each approach to autism research. We then describe how they relate and what they can learn from each other. Only by integrating these approaches will we be able to fully explain the neuropathology of autism.
The importance of trust: creating wealth in a connective economy

Outlines some of the major reasons why trust has eroded in contemporary organizations: overwork, changing work schedules, lack of financial resources, and lack of managerial integrity. Provides strategies corporations can use to rebuild trust: including surveying employees about their attitudes toward work; by acting on their suggestions, by being honest, demonstrating empathy and by being sensitive to family issues.
A quantitative analysis of numerical diffusion introduced by advection algorithms in air quality models

Methodologies that quantify numerical diffusion errors associated with advection algorithms are discussed. Diffusion errors in four flux-form advection schemes are analyzed, and the order of accuracy of each scheme is determined. The relationship between numerical diffusion and important parameters of air quality models such as the grid resolution, Courant number, and the wavelength of pollutant plume are described. Then, numerical diffusion introduced by the least diffusive advection scheme (among the four analyzed here) is compared with explicit horizontal diffusion introduced by two parameterizations, one for subgrid-scale diffusion and another for grid-scale diffusion. This quantitative analysis of numerical diffusion can be used for improving the formulation of horizontal diffusion as well as the treatment of subgrid-scale plumes in air quality models.
Hepatic ultrastructural effects of cholic acid overload

Abstract The effects of cholic acid infusion on hepatic ultrastructure has been studied in rats. Within 30 minutes of infusion, hepatocyte mitochondria become rounded and the number of cristae is reduced, with elongation of remaining cristae. At this time a number of mitochondria show apparent division. The endoplasmic reticulum simultaneously shows a striking tendency to approximate and encircle the mitochondria, and occasional hepatocytes show prominent liposome accumulation. The observed changes indicate that cholic acid overload, directly or indirectly, may play a role in the initiation and/or aggravation of significant hepatocyte structural change.
Agreement between emergency medical services and expert blood pressure measurements.

Abstract Background Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-measured blood pressures (BPs) are utilized for administering medications in the field and for triage decisions. Retrospective work has demonstrated poor agreement between EMS and Emergency Department (ED) BP but has lacked a valid, reliable reference standard. Study Objectives To compare EMS BP measurements with those of trained research assistants (RA) and observe measurement technique for sources of error. Methods A prospective study was performed with a large urban EMS. BP measurements were made by RA within 5 min of patients presenting to the ED. EMS personnel were asked about technique. EMS personnel were then observed while RA simultaneously measured BP. Analysis was performed using methods outlined by Bland and Altman. Results There were 100 patients enrolled for each phase. In the first phase, the mean difference in systolic BP was −3.8 ± 18.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] −8.3 to 0.59), and the mean difference in diastolic BP was 0.42 ± 13.8 mm Hg (95% CI −3.3 to 4.1). In the second phase, the mean difference in systolic BP was −4.6 ± 10.1 mm Hg (95% CI −6.6 to −2.6) and the mean difference in diastolic BP was −3.6 ± 10.6 mm Hg (95% CI −3.6 to −0.2). EMS personnel failed to properly place the cuff or deflate it 2–3 mm Hg/s in over 90% of the readings. They failed to properly inflate the cuff in 74% of the patients, and failed to properly place the stethoscope in 40%. EMS personnel demonstrated a significant preference for the terminal digit of "0" ( p Conclusions EMS and expert BP measurements showed smaller discrepancies than those previously noted, especially with simultaneous measurements. However, EMS demonstrated poor adherence to American Heart Association recommendations for measuring BP. EMS also showed terminal digit preference.
Distributed and integrated response of a geographic information system‐based hydrologic model in the eastern Palouse region, Idaho

Verification of distributed hydrologic models is rare owing to the lack of spatially detailed field measurements and a common mismatch between the scale at which soil hydraulic properties are measured and the scale of a single modelling unit. In this study, two of the most commonly calibrated parameters, i.e. soil depth and the vertical distribution of lateral saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks, were eliminated by a spatially detailed soil characterization and results of a hillslope-scale field experiment. The soil moisture routing (SMR) model, a geographic information system-based hydrologic model, was modified to represent the dominant hydrologic processes for the Palouse region of northern Idaho. Modifications included Ks as a double exponential function of depth in a single soil layer, a snow accumulation and melt algorithm, and a simple relationship between storage and perched water depth (PWD) using the drainable porosity. The model was applied to a 2 ha catchment without calibration to measured data. Distributed responses were compared with observed PWD over a 3-year period on a 10 m × 15 m grid. Integrated responses were compared with observed surface runoff at the catchment outlet. The modified SMR model simulated the PWD fluctuations remarkably well, especially considering the shallow soils in this catchment: a 0·20 m error in PWD is equivalent to only a 1·6% error in predicted soil moisture content. Simulations also captured PWD fluctuations during a year with high spatial variability of snow accumulation and snowmelt rates at upslope, mid-slope, and toe slope positions with errors as low as 0·09 m, 0·12 m, and 0·12 m respectively. Errors in distributed and integrated model simulations were attributed mostly to misrepresentation of rain events and snowmelt timing problems. In one location in the catchment, simulated PWD was consistently greater than observed PWD, indicating a localized recharge zone, which was not identified by the soil morphological survey. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open nesting in software transactional memory

Transactional memory (TM) promises to simplify concurrent programming while providing scalability competitive to fine-grained locking. Language-based constructs allow programmers to denote atomic regions declaratively and to rely on the underlying system to provide transactional guarantees along with concurrency. In contrast with fine-grained locking, TM allows programmers to write simpler programs that are composable and deadlock-free.TM implementations operate by tracking loads and stores to memory and by detecting concurrent conflicting accesses by different transactions. By automating this process, they greatly reduce the programmer's burden, but they also are forced to be conservative. Incertain cases, conflicting memory accesses may not actually violate the higher-level semantics of a program, and a programmer may wish to allow seemingly conflicting transactions to execute concurrently.Open nested transactions enable expert programmers to differentiate between physical conflicts, at the level of memory, and logical conflicts that actually violate application semantics. A TMsystem with open nesting can permit physical conflicts that are not logical conflicts, and thus increase concurrency among application threads.Here we present an implementation of open nested transactions in a Java-based software transactional memory (STM)system. We describe new language constructs to support open nesting in Java, and we discuss new abstract locking mechanisms that a programmer can use to prevent logical conflicts. We demonstrate how these constructs can be mapped efficiently to existing STM data structures. Finally, we evaluate our system on a set of Java applications and data structures, demonstrating how open nesting can enhance application scalability.
Tiller development and yield of standard and semidwarf spring wheat varieties as affected by nitrogen fertilizer.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of applying N-fertilizer to standard and semidwarf spring wheat varieties on the components of grain yield, and especially on the ability of tillers to develop and produce ears under semiarid conditions. For two growing seasons at Mandan, North Dakota, tillers were identified and tagged according to the leaf axil from which they originated. The survival and development of these tillers, identified as M, T1, T2, and T3 for main stem and tillers from axils of first, second and third true leaves respectively, were observed and measured from emergence to maturity. N-fertilizer was applied at 0, 50 and 270 kg N/ha annually, representing deficient, adequate and excessive N supply.N-fertilizer application increased grain yield of both varieties, with the increase between 50 and 270 kg N/ha being significant for the standard variety only. Most of this response to N resulted from an increase in the number of ears/ha, arising from reduced mortality of tillers, particularly T2 and T3 tillers during the latter part of the season when water was limited. For a given variety, grain production by M and by T1 tillers was seldom affected by N treatment. Although data were analysed by several means, all results indicate that improved N nutrition enables the later-developing tillers to survive and produce ears more competitively. Final grain yield was closely correlated with N content of a given tiller at the tillering stage, and to dry weight of individual tillers at both tillering and heading. Order of tiller had no appreciable effect on N content of grain. The proportion of final grain yield originating from M decreased from about 60% without N to about 36% for 270 kg N/ha, primarily because of increased survival and production from T2 and T3 tillers following the application of N-fertilizer.
Investigations of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 toxin receptor structure and function

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 proteins are highly toxic to some species of lepidopteran larvae. Cry proteins act on the brush border membrane through a multi-step process. The process includes Cry1 crystal solubilisation, activation by proteinases, attachment to receptors, then membrane insertion and permeation followed by cell lysis. Toxin binding to receptors is a pivotal event necessary for insect mortality. We review research that identified aminopeptidase N and cadherin-like proteins as Cry1 toxin receptors. Since enteric toxins recognise glycolipid receptors, we examined Manduca sexta brush border lipids as potential toxin receptors. M. sexta brush border membrane glycolipids lipids bound Cry1Ac toxin selectively on thin-layer chromatograph overlays. Because pore formation is necessary for toxicity, a functional receptor should catalyse Cry1-induced pore formation. Various data support aminopeptidases, cadherin-like proteins and glycolipids as “true” Cry1 receptors.
A Visual Language for Programming Reality-Based Interaction

Reality-based interfaces (RBIs) offer the promise of natural interfaces that are intuitive to use. By allowing users to leverage their innate skills and knowledge about the real-physical world, RBIs could benefit disadvantage populations that rely on physical I/O modalities and tangible representations. We present our research which is aimed at simplifying the development of RBIs by providing a technology-independent visual language for modeling and programming these interfaces. Such a language will enable developers to systematically analyze and compare interaction designs as part of the development process while addressing issues such as users' skills and needs. Ultimately, we expect this research to lower the barriers for developing RBIs
Bacteria and the Aging and Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans

The molecular genetic analysis of longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans has yielded fundamental insights into evolutionarily conserved pathways and processes governing the physiology of aging. Recent studies suggest that interactions between C. elegans and its microbial environment may influence the aging and longevity of this simple host organism. Experimental evidence supports a role for bacteria in affecting longevity through distinct mechanisms--as a nutrient source, as a potential pathogen that induces double-edged innate immune and stress responses, and as a coevolved sensory stimulus that modulates neuronal signaling pathways regulating longevity. Motivating this review is the anticipation that the molecular genetic dissection of the integrated host immune, stress, and neuroendocrine responses to microbes in C. elegans will uncover basic insights into the cellular and organismal physiology that governs aging and longevity.
THE PARADOX OF DEBT AND MINSKY'S FINANCIAL INSTABILITY HYPOTHESIS: Paradox of Debt

Some authors have claimed that the paradox of debt invalidates Minsky's theory of financial instability. Their theoretical frameworks are radically different from Minsky's in several aspects. Important Minskian elements, the role of margins of safety as a basis of financial decisions and the effects of asset prices on debt dynamics, among others, are absent in the critics' frameworks. We maintain that the thrust of the paradox of debt-based criticism to Minsky's theory has been exaggerated and key insights of Minsky's theory of financial instability can be formalized in an alternative macroeconomic framework. We provide a stock-flow consistent model of Minskian long waves.
Global Data Flow Analysis and Iterative Algorithms

Kildall has developed data propagation algorithms for code optimization in a general lattice theoretic framework. In another direction, Hecht and Ullman gave a strong upper bound on the number of iterations required for propagation algorithms when the data is represented by bit vectors and depth-first ordering of the flow graph is used. The present paper combines the ideas of these two papers by considering conditions under which the bound of Hecht and Ullman applies to the depth-first version of Kildall's general data propagation algorithm. It is shown that the following condition is necessary and sufficient: Let ƒ and g be any two functions which could be associated with blocks of a flow graph, let x be an arbitrary lattice element, and let 0 be the lattice zero. Then (*) (∀ƒ,g,x) [ƒg(0) ≥ g(0) ∧ ƒ(x) ∧ x]. Then it is shown that several of the particular instances of the techniques Kildall found useful do not meet condition (*).
Ephedrine-type alkaloid content of nutritional supplements containing Ephedra sinica (Ma-huang) as determined by high performance liquid chromatography.

Nutritional supplements containing Ephedra sinica (ma-huang), a botanical source of ephedrine-type alkaloids, have been linked to numerous episodes of ephedrine (EPH) toxicity. With passage of the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, nutritional supplements are no longer subject to the same FDA preapproval requirements as food additives, prescription, or nonpre-scription medications. As a consequence, EPH content is not a label requirement for Ephedra-containing supplements. Less stringent labeling requirements, therefore, may contribute to toxicity associated with these products. A validated HPLC method for the determination of ephedrine-type alkaloids, commonly found in Ephedra supplements, is presented. Nine commercially available supplements exhibited considerable variability in alkaloid content (EPH range: 1.08-13.54 mg). Only three products listed EPH content on the label while one exhibited lot to lot variations in EPH of 137%.
Low holotranscobalamin II is the earliest serum marker for subnormal vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption in patients with AIDS

In AIDS, as previously found in pernicious anemia (PA), the earliest serum marker of subnormal vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption, and therefore of negative B12 balance, is low serum holotranscobalamin II (holo-TC II; B12-TC II) despite normal total serum B12 level, normal serum homocysteine, and normal classic (oral free radio-B12) Schilling test. This may be accompanied by subtle and insidious damage to hematopoietic, immunologic, neuropsychiatric, nutritional and alimentary systems, confirmed by correction on therapeutic trial with B12 therapy. Our studies suggest such selective B12 deficiency occurs in about half of the HIV-1 infected, in part due to frequent depression of B12 absorption by HIV-1 attack on the gastric mucosa and/or opportunistic infection attack on the small bowel, and in part due to a telescoping of the continuum of the stages of negative B12 balance in relation to damage to B12 delivery by the infective and/or systemic disease process. In AIDS, when total serum B12 is normal despite tissue depletion of B12, if the classic Schilling test does not reveal subnormal food B12 absorption, the food Schilling test does. We hypothesize that DNA-synthesizing cells of the hematopoietic, immunologic, neurologic and other systems which have surface receptors solely for holo-TC II, and which have low B12 stores, rapidly become dysfunctional due to B12 deficiency when holo-TC II is low, while cells (such as liver cells) which also have surface receptors for holohaptocorrin (B12-haptocorrin) remain B12-replete. We believe this to be another example of the concept of selective nutrient deficiency in one cell line but not another.
Mitogenic effect of a factor from rat somatomammotrophs on mammary epithelial cells.

We have previously established a somatomammotroph cell line (rPC0) derived from normal rat pituitary that secretes GH and PRL. In this study we report that conditioned medium from rPC0 cells (CM-rPC0) exhibited a stimulatory effect on the growth of rat mammary epithelial cells in culture. Fractionation of CM-rPC0 revealed that the growth-promoting activity of CM-rPC0 was associated with a fraction eluting from a diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel column at 0.5 M NaCl. The growth-promoting activity of this fraction was abolished by trypsin and was resistant to dithiothreitol treatment. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the predominant components of the 0.5-M NaCl fraction were proteins migrating at the 14-18K region of the gel. The 0.5-M NaCl fraction did not contain immunodetectable GH or PRL. Further fractionation of CM-rPC0 on a heparin-agarose column showed that the growth-promoting activity eluted at 0.9 M NaCl. The two predominant proteins in this fraction had apparent mol...
FuzzyProp: a symbolic superstrate for connectionist models

A fuzzy propositional model of categorization and pattern identification is described and then shown to be isomorphic to a nonrecurrent, semilinear connectionist system under certain common conditions. This model may be considered to be a symbolic-level description of such a connectionist system. It is argued that connectionist models need this sort of associated symbolic interpretation for both theoretical and practical reasons. >
Emerging insights into head and neck cancer metastasis

The purpose of this review was to provide biological concepts of head and neck cancer metastasis. To attain this goal, we analyzed peer-reviewed articles related to head and neck cancer metastasis obtained though PubMed and archived articles. Articles related to the biologic principles of head and neck cancer metastasis were reviewed and summarized. As locoregional control has improved for patients with head and neck cancer, rates of distant metastasis have not decreased. As patients live longer, many will die of complications related to the development of disease at sites below the clavicles. Emerging evidence now suggests a more complicated framework of metastatic behavior for head and neck cancer. Here, we review the role of regional lymph nodes in containing advanced head and neck cancer, evidence for active as opposed to passive tumor cell metastasis, and clinical implications these concepts have on both treatment of head and neck cancer and future research.
The Effects of Ballot Position on Election Outcomes

This article presents evidence of name-order effects in balloting from a study of the 1998 Democratic primary in New York City, in which the order of candidates' names was rotated by precinct. In 71 of 79 individual nominating contests, candidates received a greater proportion of the vote when listed first than when listed in any other position. In seven of those 71 contests the advantage to first position exceeded the winner's margin of victory, suggesting that ballot position would have determined the election outcomes if one candidate had held the top spot in all precincts.
Preterm outcomes research: a critical component of neonatal intensive care.

While early preterm outcome studies described the lives of preterm survivors to justify the efforts required to save them, subsequent studies demonstrated their increased incidence of cerebral palsy, mental retardation, sensory impairments, minor neuromotor dysfunction, language delays, visual-perceptual disorders, learning disability and behavior problems compared to fullterm controls. Because infants born at the lower limit of viability require the most resources and have the highest incidence of neurodevelopmental disability, there is concern that resources have gone primarily to neonatal intensive care and are not available for meeting the followup, health, educational and emotional needs of these fragile infants and their families. Despite many methodological concerns, preterm outcome studies have provided insight into risk factors for and causes of CNS injury in preterm infants. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to predict neurodevelopmental outcome for individual preterm infants. Perinatal and neonatal risk factors are inadequate proxies for neurodevelopmental disability. Recent randomized controlled trials with one to five year neurodevelopmental followup have provided valuable information about perinatal and neonatal treatments. Recognizing adverse longterm neurodevelopmental effects of pharmacological doses of postnatal steroids is a sobering reminder of the need for longterm neurodevelopmental followup in all neonatal randomized controlled trials. Ongoing longterm preterm neurodevelopmental studies, analysis of changes in outcomes over time and among centers, and evaluation of the longterm safety, efficacy and effectiveness of many perinatal and neonatal management strategies and proposed neuroprotective agents are all necessary for further medical and technological advances in neonatal intensive care.
Harvest Timing Effects on Estimates of Rumen Degradable Protein from Alfalfa Forages

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) proteins ingested by dairy cows typically degrade at rapid rates and exhibit extensive ruminal degradability. Although the effects of conservation method (hay or silage) on these characteristics have been evaluated extensively, agronomic factors, such as harvest timing, have not. Our objective was to quantify rumen degradable protein (RDP) for ‘Affi nity’ alfalfa harvested over a range of ages (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 d following Stage 2) within each of four harvest periods (spring, early and late summer, and fall). For 2004, there were no interactions (P ≥ 0.372) between harvest period and days within harvest period for any protein component. Crude protein (CP), neutral-detergent soluble CP (NDSCP; g kg –1 dry matter [DM]), and RDP (g kg –1 DM) declined in a quadratic (P ≤ 0.026) relationship with days following Stage 2. A quadratic (P = 0.002) pattern also was observed for rumen undegradable protein (RUP), but the overall range
Mouse cerebellar granule neurons arrest the proliferation of human and rodent astrocytoma cells in vitro.

To understand the control of glial tumor cell proliferation, we have examined the effects of neurons on a number of human and rodent glioma lines. These included C6, G26–24, U-251, HTB-16, and A-172 cells of astroglial lineage and G26–20 of bipotential astrocytic and oligodendrocytic lineage. Rapid, specific binding of granule neurons to the human A-172, HTB-16, and U-251 and mouse G26–24 cell lines occurred, after which 3H-thymidine incorporation by these astrocytoma cells dropped 2–5-fold within 12 hr. The number of glial cells remained constant for 5–7 d when the glia were cocultured with granule neurons. Thereafter many neurons detached from the glial cells and glial proliferation commenced again. No effects on glial cell number were seen when PC12 cells were substituted for cerebellar granule neurons. To test the mechanism of neuronal control of glioma cell growth, we added granule neurons or PC12 cells that had been fixed lightly with paraformaldehyde, a plasma membrane fraction of purified granule cells, PC12 cells or astrocytoma cells, or medium conditioned by either granule cells or a mixed population of cerebellar neurons and astroglia. The proliferation of responsive glioma cell lines ceased in the presence of either fixed granule neurons or plasma membranes purified from granule neurons. The addition of fixed PC12 cells or plasma membranes purified from PC12 cells, 3T3 cells, or astrocytoma cells had no effect on glial cell growth.