cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The molecular genetics of cardiovascular disease

The following consideration of this past year's published studies uses the cited reports as important examples of the ongoing characterization of the molecular basis of cardiac disease and the process of cardiac development. Mutations in cardiac troponin T and alpha-tropomyosin have been identified in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as have new beta-myosin heavy chain gene mutations. The general relation between beta-myosin heavy chain gene mutations that produce a charge change versus conservative amino acid replacements and sudden death remains unresolved. New fibrillin 1 gene mutations have been identified in patients with Marfan syndrome, the neonatal form of Marfan syndrome, and ectopia lentis. The same mutation is rarely found in more than one family. The association of supravalvar aortic stenosis and elastin gene mutations was further strengthened. The complexity of the relation between dystrophin mutations and the cell-specific loss of dystrophin expression can result in patients having cardiomyopathy and no myopathy. X-chromosome inactivation was shown to be the basis of cardiomyopathy in women with a single mutated dystrophin allele. New candidate genes that control cardiac morphogenesis and myocyte differentiation were proposed. New evidence to support 22q11 microdeletions as a common basis of nonsyndromic conotruncal malformations was published. These studies represent an important beginning. Although mutant genes have been recognized in affected individuals with various syndromes and congenital cardiac abnormalities, our understanding of how a genotype yields a given phenotype remains to be established.
Assay to measure CD59 mutations in CHO AL cells using flow cytometry

Background A sensitive mammalian cell mutation assay was developed previously using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO AL) that stably incorporates human chromosome 11. The assay measures mutations in the CD59 gene on chromosome 11 but it requires the use of rabbit complement and colony growth for mutant selection. We have developed a more rapid flow cytometry-based mutation assay with CHO AL cells that uses monoclonal antibodies against CD59 to detect mutants and does not require colony formation. Methods CHO AL cells were treated with γ-radiation or N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and then allowed to grow for various times for mutant expression. Cells were labeled with monoclonal antibodies against CD59 and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Negative and positive populations were separated by over 100-fold. Mixing various proportions of CD59-positive and -negative cells demonstrated that the assay is highly linear (r2 = 0.9999) and sensitive (<0.05% background mutants). The yield of CD59-inducible mutants was linearly related to dose for a clastogen (γ-radiation) and point mutagen (MNNG). The mutant yield was time and treatment specific. Conclusions Mutations induced by genotoxic agents can be rapidly and sensitively measured in CHO AL cells using flow cytometry. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Surgical Management of Epithelial Ingrowth

In ten consecutive cases of epithelial ingrowth operated on during the past 33 months, therapy included photocoagulation of the iris followed by excision of involved iris tissue and vitreous gel by means of instruments designed for vitreous surgery. Epithelium remaining on the posterior surface of the cornea, ciliary body, and in the anterior chamber was destroyed by controlled transcorneal and transscleral cryotherapy. An intraocular air bubble was used to provide an insulating effect and a more effective, controllable freeze. All patients except two had improved vision postoperatively, and four of the ten patients had postoperative visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or better.
Progesterone versus estrogen facilitation of female sexual behavior by intracranial administration to female rats

The CNS sites of action for progesterone facilitation of female sexual behavior are disputed. Among the areas most often cited are the ventromedial hypothalamus and the ventral midbrain. There is also a controversy about whether estradiol may substitute for progesterone for the facilitation of receptive behavior when given systemically or intracranially. We tested VMH and ventral midbrain applications of estradiol versus progesterone for the facilitation of female sexual behavior in estrogen-primed, ovariectomized female rats. Subjects were implanted with bilateral guide tubes aimed at ventral hypothalamic or midbrain sites. Estrogen-primed rats received either 28-gauge insert cannulae filled at the lumen with pure progesterone, estradiol, or cholesterol, or empty tubes, and were tested for receptivity with intact, experienced stud males just before, and 1 and 4 hr after, intracranial hormone administration. Significant estrous responsiveness was seen only in the 4-hr test after progesterone was implanted in the VMN in the first intracranial cannula test. We conclude, in contrast to some previous reports, that administration of progesterone to the VMN is more effective in the facilitation of female sexual behavior than when it is implanted in the ventral midbrain, and that administration of estradiol to either site is ineffective.
The Distribution of Radioactivity Following the Administration of Labeled Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) in Rats and Mice*

The distribution of 14C and 3H labeled thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been studied in mice and rats. In the normal rat, 1-3 hours after the injection of 14C or 3H labeled TRH, the tissue to plasma ratio (T/P) exceeded 1 in the anterior pituitary, liver and kidney. This indicated that radioactivity accumulated in these organs. No accumulation of radioactivity was noted in the cerebral cortex or hypothalamus. Fifteen minutes to 2 hours after injection of 14C or 3H labeled TRH into mice, the T/P ratio showed an accumulation of radioactivity in the whole pituitary gland, liver and kidney but none in the hypothalamus or cerebral cortex. Tritiated proline and histidine, but not glutamic acid, also seem to accumulate in the pituitary. However, administration of a large dose of pyroglutamic acid, histidine and proline, together with the 14C TRH, does not decrease the accumulation of the radioactivity in the pituitary. Extraction followed by chromatography and electrophoresis of the radioactivity found in...
Short and long term stability of the Diomed 630PDT laser evaluated with integrating sphere, power meter, and calorimeter

The short and long term stability of the Diomed 630 PDT laser with attached fiberoptic microlens was evaluated by means of integrating sphere, power meter and a calorimetric system. The calorimeter system was designed as a thermal mug with absorbing media (dye and water). Both the tip of the irradiation fiber and the detection probe of a thermocouple thermometer were positioned inside the dye solution and stirred during the measurements. The calorimetric system yielded measurement results consistent with the other two methods, and similar long term variations were observed by all methods. With an indicated laser power of 1 W, the detectors' readings ranged from 0.66 to 1.29 W. For short term stability study, the deviation of laser output assessed by integrating sphere, power meter and calorimetric system were 0.3%, 0.1% and 2.8% with long term deviations of 13%, 7% and 9% respectively. This wide variation in the laser output implies the needs to establish quality control procedures involving measurements pre and post PDT procedures. The calorimetric system has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for clinical laser QA and maintenance of the calibration factor of the detectors used in this work.
Integration and Long-Term Expression in Xenografted Human Glioblastoma Cells Using a Plasmid-Based Transposon System

Gene therapy has the potential to become an effective component of cancer treatment by transferring genes that cause immunomodulation or tumor cell death or that inhibit angiogenesis into tumor cells or tumor-associated stroma. Viral vectors have been the primary gene transfer vehicles used for intratumoral gene transfer to date. Plasmid-based vectors may be safer and more scalable than viral vectors. However, attempts at plasmid-based intratumoral gene transfer have been met with transient expression and poor gene transfer efficiency. Here we report integration and long-term expression of reporter genes in human glial tumors, growing in nude mice, using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. A two-plasmid system was used, in which linear polyethylenimine was complexed with a GFP, NEO, or luciferase transposon plasmid and a SB transposase-expressing plasmid. SB-mediated transposition led to chromosomal integration of the NEO transgene in roughly 8% of tumor cells. SB-mediated insertions were cloned from the genomes of glial tumor cells to provide molecular proof of transposase-mediated integration. Luciferase studies showed that SB facilitated long-term expression of the transgene in glial tumors. SB-mediated intratumoral gene transfer is a novel, nonviral technique that could be used to augment conventional therapy for glioblastoma or other cancers.
Motility abnormality in dogs with gastrojejunostomy

Motility related to gastrojejunostomy were studied in seven dogs which were prepared with a gastric cannula and platinum electrodes placed in the antrum, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Five dogs were equiped with gastrojejunostomy at the time of electrode implantation and the two remaining dogs were used as control. Myoelectric activity recorded revealed several abnormal findings and occasionally spike activity occurred simularenously in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum or it retropropagated from lower ileum to reach the stomach. The study suggests that the dyspeptic symptoms observed in patients after gastrojejunostomy may be associated with similar motility abnormalities as observed in these dogs.
The Female Genital Eminence Is Not a Measure of Future Egg Production

Abstract A MEANS for foretelling the future egg production of a hen by her physical characteristics has been sought by several poultry investigators with little success. A review of this work in available in a paper by Jull, Quinn, and Godfrey (1933) in which they conclude from their experiments that the skeletal type and egg production are not related. It was noted at Beltsville that some female chicks possess male-like genital eminences whereas others have none. It was thought that this might be due to a difference in inherited hormone balance. Such a difference in hormone balance, if it existed, might conceivably influence the sexual functions of the bird throughout its life. On this basis an attempt was made to determine whether or not the appearance or size of the genital eminence in the female chick could be used as a measure of egg production in the hen. During a two-year . . .
Story segmentation of broadcast news in Arabic, Chinese and English using multi-window features

The paper describes a maximum entropy based story segmentation system for Arabic, Chinese and English. In experiments with broadcast news data from TDT-3, TDT-4, and corpora collected in the DARPA GALE project we obtain a substantial performance gain using multiple overlapping windows for text-based features.
Behavioral and pharmacological variables affecting risky choice in rats.

The effects of manipulations of response requirement, intertrial interval (ITI), and psychoactive drugs (ethanol, phencyclidine, and d-amphetamine) on lever choice under concurrent fixed-ratio schedules were investigated in rats. Responding on the "certain'' lever produced three 45-mg pellets, whereas responding on the "risky" lever produced either 15 pellets (p = .33) or no pellets (p .67). Rats earned all food during the session, which ended after 12 forced trials and 93 choice trials or 90 min, whichever occurred first. When the response requirement was increased from 1 to 16 and the ITI was 20 s, percentage of risky choice was inversely related to fixed-ratio value. When only a single response was required but the ITI was manipulated between 20 and 120 s (with maximum session duration held constant), percentage of risky choice was directly related to length of the ITI. The effects of the drugs were investigated first at an ITI of 20 s, when risky choice was low for most rats, and then at an ITI of 80 s, when risky choice was higher for most rats. Ethanol usually decreased risky choice. Phencyclidine did not usually affect risky choice when the ITI was 20 s but decreased it in half the rats when the ITI was 80 s. For d-amphetamine, the effects appeared to he related to baseline probability of risky choice; that is, low probabilities were increased and high probabilities were decreased. Although increase in risky choice as a function of the ITI is at variance with previous ITI data, it is consistent with foraging data showing that risk aversion decreases as food availability decreases. The pharmacological manipulations showed that drug effects on risky choice may be influenced by the baseline probability of risky choice, just as drug effects can be a function of baseline response rate.
Calculations concerning Kato's equations

Calculations of Kato's equations have been carried out as a function of the coordinates of the system using a number of approximate wave functions in order to determine the effects of the energy, electron density, constraints, and the functional form of the wave functions on how well Kato's equations are obeyed. It is shown that by putting constraints on the functional form of some wave functions, the wave functions will give the exact value of Kato's equations.
STUDIES USING FLUORESCENT TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE ESTROGENS FOR IN SITU VISUALIZATION OF THE ESTROGEN RECEPTOR IN LIVING CELLS

We have analyzed four fluorescent nonsteroidal estrogens for their potential to serve as vital cytological stains to visualize the estrogen receptor (ER) in a model receptor expression system. The novel estrogen fluorophores are based on the rigidified stilbene-like structure of 5,6,11,12-tetrahydrochrysene (THC), and they embody electron-donor (hydroxyl) and electron-acceptor groups (nitrile, amide, ester, or ketone) that afford efficient, long wavelength, and environment-sensitive fluorescence. These probes bind with high affinity to human ER (relative binding affinity, 22-85 vs. estradiol, 100), and they stimulate the transcriptional activity of this receptor. The strong fluorescence of the estrogenic THCs permits visualization, using conventional epifluorescence microscopy, of ER in transfected Cos-7 cells that express elevated levels of receptor. Cell staining by the donor-acceptor THCs characteristically displays a nonuniform pattern of nuclear fluorescence that can be fully inhibited by nonfluoresc...
Compression Tests of Circular Timber Column Confined with Carbon Fibers Using Inorganic Matrix

Many engineering wooden components in our nation's infrastructure are deteriorating and are in need of repair and strengthening. Timber piles, timber poles, timber posts, and naval fender systems are examples of timber infrastructure elements that are experiencing significant deterioration due to moisture, extreme temperatures, and weathering and are in need of repair and upgrade. The use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) has proven to be effective in rehabilitating and upgrading infrastructure elements. FRPC are also now being considered for new structures to improve strength, ductility, predictability, and durability. This note describes an experimental investigation of circular columns made of poplar wood confined with carbon fibers in an inorganic matrix and subjected to axial compression. Results from this study showed that carbon fiber confinement increased strength, stiffness, ductility, and reduced the variability in timber column behavior under axial loads. The study showed that the full fiber wrap and full fabric wrap confinement were more effective than spirals and hoops and will make the timber column behavior much more reliable and provide protective coating.
Scale dependent inference in landscape genetics

Ecological relationships between patterns and processes are highly scale dependent. This paper reports the first formal exploration of how changing scale of research away from the scale of the processes governing gene flow affects the results of landscape genetic analysis. We used an individual-based, spatially explicit simulation model to generate patterns of genetic similarity among organisms across a complex landscape that would result given a stipulated landscape resistance model. We then evaluated how changes to the grain, extent, and thematic resolution of that landscape model affect the nature and strength of observed landscape genetic pattern–process relationships. We evaluated three attributes of scale including thematic resolution, pixel size, and focal window size. We observed large effects of changing thematic resolution of analysis from the stipulated continuously scaled resistance process to a number of categorical reclassifications. Grain and window size have smaller but statistically significant effects on landscape genetic analyses. Importantly, power in landscape genetics increases as grain of analysis becomes finer. The analysis failed to identify the operative grain governing the process, with the general pattern of stronger apparent relationship with finer grain, even at grains finer than the governing process. The results suggest that correct specification of the thematic resolution of landscape resistance models dominates effects of grain and extent. This emphasizes the importance of evaluating a range of biologically realistic resistance hypotheses in studies to associate landscape patterns to gene flow processes.
Characteristics of postictal generalized EEG suppression in children.

Summary Although the pathophysiologic mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is unknown, autonomic dysfunction is thought to be the most likely. It has been hypothesized that respiratory depression resulting in SUDEP may be secondary to postictal generalized electroencephalography suppression (PGES). We sought to determine the characteristics of PGES in children. This included whether PGES was associated with ictally mediated autonomic changes and potential increased risk of SUDEP. Children admitted to our Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit between 3/2009 and 10/2011 were prospectively recruited. Clinical and electrophysiological data from children with PGES were compared to those without PGES. Data included the occurrence of peri-ictal tachycardia, bradycardia, and hypoxemia. Potential SUDEP risk was assessed using SUDEP-7 Inventory scores. Thirty seven children with 168 seizures were analyzed. PGES was observed following 27/168 (16.1%) seizures in 12/37 (32.4%) children. Only primary and secondarily generalized tonic clonic seizures were marked by PGES. PGES was significantly associated with peri-ictal tachycardia ( p =0.019) and hypoxemia ( p =0.005). Children with PGES had significantly higher SUDEP-7 Inventory scores than those without PGES (4.2±1.3 versus 2.8±1.4, p =0.007). SUDEP-7 scores were not significantly different between children with and without peri-ictal tachycardia (3.4±1.3 versus 2.5±1.6, p =0.12), bradycardia (4±2 versus 2.9±1.4, p =0.45), or hypoxemia (3.4±1.5 versus 2.4±1.3, p =0.051). Based on our data, PGES is not rare in children. Children with PGES may be at greater risk for SUDEP as measured by the SUDEP-7 Inventory.
Utilization of mental health services by minority urban adults: psychosocial predictors.

Although most mental disorders have their first onset by young adulthood, there are few longitudinal studies of these problems and related help-seeking behavior. The present study examined some early and current predictors of the use of mental health services among African-American and Puerto Rican participants in their mid-30s. The 674 participants (52.8 % African Americans, 47.2 % Puerto Ricans; 60.1 % women) in this study were first seen in 1990 when the participants attended schools serving the East Harlem area of New York City. A structural equation model controlling for the participants’ gender, educational level in emerging adulthood, and age at the most recent data collection showed significant standardized pathways from both ethnicity (β = −0.28; z = −4.82; p < 0.001) and psychological symptoms (β = 0.15; z = 2.41; p < 0.05), both measured in emerging adulthood, to smoking in the early 30s. That, in turn, was associated with certain physical diseases and symptoms (i.e., respiratory) in the mid-30s (β = 0.16; z = 2.59; p < 0.05). These physical diseases and symptoms had a cross-sectional association with family financial difficulty in the mid-30s (β = 0.21; z = 4.53; p < 0.001), which in turn also had a cross-sectional association with psychiatric disorders (β = 0.30; z = 5.30; p < 0.001). Psychiatric disorders had a cross-sectional association with mental health services utilization (β = 0.65; z = 13.25; p < 0.001). Additional pathways from the other domains to mental health services utilization in the mid-30s were also supported by the mediating role of psychiatric disorders. Results obtained from this research offer theoretical and practical information regarding the processes leading to the use of mental health services.
When we don't know the costs or the benefits: Adaptive strategies for abating climate change

Most quantitative studies of climate-change policy attempt to predict the greenhouse-gas reduction plan that will have the optimum balance of long-term costs and benefits. We find that the large uncertainties associated with the climate-change problem can make the policy prescriptions of this traditional approach unreliable. In this study, we construct a large uncertainty space that includes the possibility of large and/or abrupt climate changes and/or of technology breakthroughs that radically reduce projected abatement costs. We use computational experiments on a linked system of climate and economic models to compare the performance of a simple adaptive strategy - one that can make midcourse corrections based on observations of the climate and economic systems - and two commonly advocated ‘best-estimate’ policies based on different expectations about the longterm consequences of climate change. We find that the ‘Do-a-Little’ and ‘Emissions-Stabilization’ best-estimate policies perform well in the respective regions of the uncertainty space where their estimates are valid, but can fail severely in those regions where their estimates are wrong. In contrast, the adaptive strategy can make midcourse corrections and avoid significant errors. While its success is no surprise, the adaptive-strategy approach provides an analytic framework to examine important policy and research issues that will likely arise as society adapts to climate change, which cannot be easily addressed in studies using best-estimate approaches.
Capacity Building: Sustaining Urban Secondary Schools as Resilient Self-Renewing Organizations in the Face of Standardized Educational Reform

Historically, the progressive ideas of innovative schools have influenced the professional practice of North American educators since the latter part of the 19th century. Indeed, since the beginning of an industrial society, and now with the birth of globalization and a knowledge economy, there has been a need for public schools to sustain their capacity for innovative self-renewal. Yet, much of the classic literature on change in schools leans implicitly towards overcoming resistance, or the building of short-term capacity enhancements to implement specific reform mandates. Insufficient attention has been paid to understanding the internal and external conditions that are necessary for all schools, particularly those in urban areas, to build and sustain sufficient resilient capacity to self-renew as contextually specific challenges unfold and intersect over time. Building on data from the 1970’s and 1980’s, this article focuses on the resiliency of two innovative and activist urban secondary schools located in New York State and Ontario, Canada, during a decade of standardized educational reform (1990–2000). A picture of rapid capacity derogation emerges as a result of the particularly inflexible forms of contextually indifferent standardized reform imposed in the 1990’s. However, the data suggest that, although much eroded by the cumulative negative impact of socio-economic and political forces over time, the resilient self-renewing capacity of these innovative schools, when coupled with teacher activism, can delay, and even defeat, unwarranted standardization in a bid to ensure the survival of their progressive vision.
Effect of Load on Active Friction Control using Ultrasonic Vibrations

The ability to control the effective friction coefficient between sliding surfaces is of particular fundamental and technological interest for automotive applications. It has been shown that the friction force between sliding surfaces can be reduced by superimposing ultrasonic vibrations on the macroscopic sliding velocity. We developed a systematic approach based on experiments and models to describe and characterize the friction force between sliding surfaces in the presence of ultrasonic vibrations generated by a piezoelectric transducer. The controlling parameters in this study are static contact pressure, relative velocity, voltage, and frequency. Using a low power PMN-PT driver, we experimentally demonstrate a decrease of up to 68 % in effective friction coefficient and analytically show the underlying principle behind the friction reduction. The trends show a decrease in the effect with increasing sliding velocity and normal load. The results underscore the role of ultrasonic power in harnessing the friction control concept in applications.
Design and characterization of polymers and polymer blends for high temperature structural applications

Reviewing the development of new polymeric materials for high temperature structural applications (T > 200°C) over the past several decades, reveals a paradox which, to date, has not been completely resolved. Polymers which exhibit very high temperature stability tend to be either intractable or brittle, whereas, easily processible polymers tend to fall short of property targets. Approaches to resolving this paradox include modification of the chain backbone chemistry and polymer blending (especially to form miscible systems). Recent research has shown that, in contrast to low temperature flexible polymers, many high temperature aromatic heterocyclic polymers form miscible systems which permit the design of the desired processibility and performance into the blend. An example of such a system is the blend of Poly(2,2′-(meta-phenylene-5,5′-bibenzimidazole) (PBI) with a series of polyamides, including commercially available polyether imide (PEI) and imide copolymers containing sulfone and fluorinated isopropylidene (6F) units. Other examples include all polyimide blends and blends of polyimides with polyethersulfone.
Electrical Conductivity of a Docusate Sodium Coacervate System

The conductivity of three xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) and three sugars (glucose, sucrose, and glucose-6-phosphate) was measured as part of a docusate coacervate system. The conductivity of the coacervate phase was always lower than the equilibrium phase. Conductivity of xanthines showed that caffeine had the highest conductivity, followed by theobromine and theophylline. At high concentrations, these values fell and the highest conductivity was seen in samples containing theobromine, caffeine, and theophylline. For sugars at high concentrations, the lowest values of conductivity were seen in sucrose samples. Saturated theophylline samples exhibited an increased volume in the coacervate phase volume. These findings are discussed with reference to various clinical parallels and thus supply evidence that coacervates can provide a useful model for human cytoplasm.
Cocaine-Induced Incomplete Bundle Branch Block in Dogs

Cocainization of a segment of the right or left bundle branch in the canine heart permitted observation of the phenomenon of incomplete bundle branch block in its dual expressions, namely, alterations in the action potential of the respective bundle branch and alterations in the ventricular complexes of the limb-lead electrocardiogram. As the effects of cocainization waned, the bundle action potential reflected intermediate stages between complete block of conduction and normal conduction. Likewise, the attendant ventricular complexes reflected intermediate stages between that form traditionally associated with complete block of the corresponding bundle and normal form. Characteristic shift in direction of the near-terminal QRS axis occurred with and without significant prolongation in QRS. Cocainization of a segment of the common bundle resulted in first, second, or third degree atrioventricular block, unattended by changes in form of associated ventricular complexes. As in bundle branch block, regression of common bundle block occurred also in stepwise fashion.
What factors are associated with high-frequency drug treatment use among a racially and ethnically diverse population of injection drug users?

This study explored the frequency of drug treatment utilization by 36,081 injection drug users (IDUs) in Massachusetts, 1996–2002. A number of multiple and logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between demographic characteristics, parental status, level of and type of drug use, history of mental health treatment use, types of drug treatment entered, and the number of times an IDU had entered drug treatment for the seven-year time period. Homelessness, using heroin as the primary drug of choice, and health insurance status were all associated with number of treatments entered. Logistic regression analysis identified that health insurance was a key factor associated with more frequent treatment: those with private health insurance were ten times more likely to be in the 90th percentile (12–107 entries) with respect to number of treatment entries. (Am J Addict 2006;15:440–449)
Synthesis of the floresolide B hydroquinone lactone core using ring-closing metathesis

The hydroquinone lactone core of the floresolides was synthesized through a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) approach. Optimal RCM efficiency was obtained at higher reaction concentration. An unexpected Lewis acid-promoted rearrangement of the hydroquinone and other observations relevant to on-going total synthesis efforts are discussed.
Simulation of Nonharmonic Interactions in a Crystal by Self-Consistent Reservoirs

Independent heat reservoirs are postulated to interact with the atoms in a harmonic system as a substitute for real nonharmonic forces. The temperature of each reservoir is determined by the condition that it exchange no energy with the system in the steady state. An explicit solution for the covariance matrix is obtained for the case of the linear chain. The thermal conductivity is finite and inversely proportional to the coupling to the reservoirs.
A Review of the Genus Amphipsylla in Nepal, Pakistan and Northern India, with the Description of a New Taxon and a Key to the Species Treated (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae)

Seven species of Amphipsylla , 1 of them described as new to science, are reported from the Himalayan complex of mountains in Nepal, Pakistan, and northwestern India. Where available, data concerning distribution and host associations are presented. Keys to both males and females are included.
Genetic Variations in Cell-Cycle Pathway and the Risk of Oral Premalignant Lesions

BACKGROUND. Cell-cycle checkpoint controls regulate cell-cycle progression and proliferation. Alterations in cell-cycle control mechanisms are linked to tumorigenesis. METHODS. This case-control study included 147 cases and 147 controls. The authors used a pathway-based approach to assess the association between 10 potential functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 7 cell-cycle control genes and the risk of oral premalignant lesions (OPLs). They also used classification and regression tree analysis to examine high-order gene-gene and gene-smoking interactions. RESULTS. Compared with the homozygous wild-type GG genotype of CCND1 P241P, individuals with the AG genotype exhibited an increased risk of OPL (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-2.83), and carriers of the AA genotype had a significantly increased risk of OPL (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.71), with risk increasing significantly with the increasing number of variant alleles (P = .006). The risk of OPL increased significantly as the number of unfavorable genotypes in the pathway increased (P = .002). The final decision tree in the classification and regression tree analysis contained 5 terminal nodes. Compared with the never smokers (the lowest risk group), the odds ratios for terminal nodes 2 through 5 ranged from 1.21 to 5.40. CONCLUSIONS. The results illustrated the advantage of using a pathway-based approach for analyzing gene-gene and gene-smoking interactions. Specifically, the authors showed that genetic polymorphisms in cell-cycle control pathway genes may contribute to the risk of OPL. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
An overview and the latest status of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) will provide continuity in the multi-decadal land use/land cover change measurements of the Landsat Program for scientific research. The project office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is responsible for the development, launch and post launch activation and check out for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. The LDCM project is currently in its development phase with launch scheduled for December 2012 on an Atlas V launch vehicle provided by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) from the Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). The project is a partnership between NASA and the Department of the Interior (DOI)/United States Geological Survey (USGS). DOI/USGS is responsible for development of the ground system and will assume responsibility for satellite and ground system operations following the check-out period. This paper will provide an overview and the latest status of the LDCM mission.
A study of the reformation of severed gingival fibers in aging mice using 3H-proline autoradiography.

The present study monitored the healing responses at sites of attached but severed gingival fibers by following matrix production and turnover using 3H-proline in mice of different ages. Fifty-six BNL short-lived mice of mixed sex to 78-week-old were used. A vertical gingival incision was made at the mesial papilla of the right maxillary first molar to the alveolar bone crest severing the gingival fibers. The left side was used as a control. Periodontal regions adjacent to the incision and some distance from the incision were studied. All mice were given a s.q. dose of 2μCi of 3H-proline/gm. b. wt. and killed from 1 to 90 days later. Autoradiographs were prepared from routinely processed histologic sections for grain counting. The control crestal region exhibited the greatest matrical turnover of all sites tested regardless of age. With increasing age, however, the rates of uptake and turnover were significantly reduced in all regions. Post-injury, additional peaks of activity occurred in young mice. In old mice, the injured cemental side exhibited significant uptake and prolonged matrical turnover. It was concluded that the matrix on the injured corium side was the most stable, while the cemental region was the least stable. Aging did not impede the tissue response to injury but increased the long term response.
An analytical and experimental comparison of orthotropic sandwich panels using the Hydromat Test System

Abstract A new two-dimensional test system, called the Hydromat Test System, simulates the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loading conditions which are often present in actual sandwich structures, such as marine hulls. The test fixture uses a square 24 inch×24 inch panel sample which is simply supported all around and has a distributed load provided by a water-filled bladder. In this study, the Hydromat Test System has been used to obtain data on sandwich panels with orthotropic face sheets and isotropic cores. This data has been compared to analytical expressions for the deflection and the in-plane strains based on small deflection sandwich panel theory. The engineering constants needed for the analytical solution were obtained from characterization tests of the face sheet materials. Core shear properties were obtained experimentally using two different ASTM standards. Four panels, with two different core materials and two different face sheets, were tested. Face sheet properties varied from slightly orthotropic (plane weave) to highly orthotropic (unidirectional), with an axial to transverse tensile moduli ratio of 1.2 and 3.9, respectively. The cores were closed cell foams with both a low and a high shear stiffness. The analytically obtained center panel deflection varied from 1 to 10% of that obtained by experiment. Most of the analytical tensile strains were less than 10% different from the measured ones. Both experimental deflection and strain data are in excellent agreement with the small deflection theory. It was concluded that the Hydromat Test System provides predictable and repeatable boundary conditions and loading mechanism and is a suitable method for testing soft cored, highly orthotropic sandwich panels.
MRI of the ankle and hindfoot.

MRI of the ankle and hindfoot has become a widely used diagnostic test. The major indications for MRI of this region are disorders of tendons and bones. Avascular necrosis is common in the foot, usually seen after talus fractures or spontaneously in the metatarsal heads. Other causes of a marrow edema pattern included occult fractures, arthritic disorders, reactions to altered biomechanics, osteomyelitis, and regional migratory osteoporosis. The most frequently diseased tendons in the ankle are the Achilles, posterior tibial, and peroneal. MRI can be used to diagnose most disorders of these tendons, as well as stage these disorders to allow appropriate therapy. Most of these tendon disorders follow a recognized sequence of progression using the Achilles tendon as a model.
On the energy of possible Saturnian lightning

Abstract The lightning hypothesis for Saturn's electrostatic discharges is discussed from the point of view of terrestrial lightning energetics. The total energy of a Saturnian lightning source is inferred to be about 10 13 J; however, some SED characteristics are not consistent with a terrestrial-like lightning source.
Amorphization of Silicon by Boron Ion Implantation

Amorphization of silicon due to implantation of boron ions which is the lightest element used for I.C. fabrication processes, has been systematically studied for various temperatures, voltages and dose rates. A model for formation of amorphous silicon by light ion implantation is proposed. It is suggested that accumulation of point defects and/or clusters is required at the initial stage of amorphization process. Diinterstitial-divacancy pairs are suggested to be the embryos of amorphous zones formed during implantation at room temperature. Out diffusion of highly mobile interstitials during amorphization is thought to explain differences in the critical energy for amorphization with low and high energy implantation at liquid nitrogen temperature.
Lectin binding to newt epidermis: fluorescent localization and effects on motility.

The ability of seven lectins to bind to newt epidermal cells and influence their motility was examined. Of the seven fluoresceinated lectins applied to frozen sections containing intact newt skin and migrating epidermis (wound epithelium), only Con A (concanavalin A), WGA (wheat germ agglutinin), and PNA (peanut agglutinin) produced detectable epidermal fluorescence. Con A and WGA each heavily labeled all layers of intact epidermis, but PNA bound only to the more superficial layers. In contrast to a single population of labeled cells in migrating epidermal sheets after treatment with Con A, there were both labeled and unlabeled cells after exposure to either WGA or PNA. The wound bed was labeled by both Con A and WGA, but not by PNA. DBA (Dolichos bifloris agglutinin), RCA I (Ricinus communis agglutinin), and UEA (Ulex europaeus agglutinin), did not produce significant fluorescence with either migrating or intact epidermis. In general, inhibitory effects on epidermal motility correlated with the binding studies. Thus, Con A, WGA, and PNA, the lectins which clearly bound to the epidermis, all produced a concentration-dependent depression in the rate of epidermal wound closure. RCA was somewhat paradoxical in that it was moderately inhibitory despite showing essentially no binding. The effects of SBA and UEA were equivocal. DBA had no effect. These results indicate that the inhibition of motility produced by Con A that we have described previously is not peculiar to this mannose-binding lectin, but is shared by at least one lectin with an affinity for D-GlcNAc (WGA), and one with an affinity for B-D-Gal(1-3)-D-GalNAc (PNA). The fact that PNA labeled some migrating cells and the superficial layers of intact epidermis suggests that wound epithelium is derived, in part, from cells in the outer layers of the epidermis, or that the cell surface of the deeper cells becomes more like superficial cells during migration.
Early visual experience prevents but cannot reverse deprivation-induced loss of refinement in adult superior colliculus

The role of sensory experience in the development and plasticity of the visual system has been widely studied. It has generally been reported that once animals reach adulthood, experience-dependent visual plasticity is reduced. We have found that visual experience is not needed for the refinement of receptive fields (RFs) in the superior colliculus (SC) but instead is necessary to maintain them in adulthood (Carrasco et al., 2005). Without light exposure, RFs in SC of hamsters refine by postnatal day 60 as usual but then enlarge, presumably reducing visual acuity. In this study we examine whether a brief period of light exposure during early postnatal development would be sufficient to prevent RF enlargement in adulthood, and whether prolonged light exposure in adulthood could reverse the deprivation-induced increase in RF size. We found that an early postnatal period of at least 30 days of visual experience was sufficient to maintain refined RFs in the adult SC. Prolonged visual experience in adulthood could not reverse the RF enlargement resulting from long-term dark rearing, reflecting a loss of plasticity at this age. Our results suggest that, unlike in visual cortex, dark rearing does not indefinitely extend the critical period of plasticity in SC. Rather, there is a limited time window when early experience can protect RFs from the detrimental effects of visual deprivation in adulthood. These results contribute to understanding adult brain plasticity and argue for the importance of early visual experience in protecting the adult visual system.
Computing the likelihood and its dierivatives for a gaussian ARMA model

A fast algorithm is obtained for computing the likelihood of a Gaussian ARMA (p,q) model and its derivatives by combining the algorithms of Pearlman (1980) and Ansley (1979). Only p + 3 q + 2 operations are required per observation. In seasonal models structural zeros are exploited to speed up the computation.
Social Networks and the Practice of Medicine: Harnessing Powerful Opportunities

W hen uttering these words in a speech to the Radio Television News Directors Association, Edward R. Murrow was not railing against the newest Facebook fad. He was discussing broadcasting’s professional responsibility to use television not to just entertain the American people, but to instigate thoughtful debate and foster learning. He could as easily have been talking about today’s ‘‘social media’’ (SM) and its applications in medical practice. SM is an Internet application inwhichusers generate thematerial. Although a journal’s sponsoring society decides what to put on its ownWeb site, Facebook (www.facebook.com),Twitter (www.twitter.com), or YouTube (www.youtube.com), users determinewhat is publishedvia blogposts, status updates, and videos. SMalsohelps usersmake connections by suggesting other users with whom one might want to be ‘‘friends.’’ One potential pitfall regarding SM concerns medical professionalism. Unprofessional actions on SM have been well documented and recently summarized in The Journal. But SM is highly individual and expressive, and thus can be used as a self-reflective tool to help teach medical professionalism. Medical schools are actively developing policies to help guide learners in using SM. These concerns should not detract from the powerful opportunities to use SM to teach the future generation of pediatricians, empower patients to become more involved in their medical care, foster connections among pediatricians, and improve public health. The so-called ‘‘net generation’’ is now entering higher education. Born between 1982 and 1991, this future generation of medical professionals has been called ‘‘digital natives’’ due to the ubiquitousness of computers in their childhood environment. The net generation has a unique learning style highlighted by interactivity, multimedia, immediate response, and the use of technology. These are also the hallmarks of SM. Medical educators in the 21st century must accommodate this learning style. Because of its connectivity, SM provides an excellent avenue for empowering patients in caring for themselves. In January 2009, Farmer et al found 290 000 Facebook members participating in 757 different Facebook groups related to such disorders as cancer, asthma, and Down syndrome. In an analysis of
Gubernatorial and Senatorial Primary Elections: Determinants of Competition

This study examines why some American states experience more competitive gubernatorial and senatorial primaries than others. A number of possible explanatory variables are isolated and related to s...
Metal Extraction by Silyl‐Substituted Diphosphonic Acids. III. Ester Group Substituent Effects on Phosphoryl Oxygen Basicity

Abstract Partial esters of alkylenediphosphonic acids are powerful metal ion extractants for actinides in all oxidation states. A study of americium extraction by silyl‐substituted alkylenediphosphonic acids revealed higher extraction efficiency for these ligands compared to their 2‐ethylhexyl analogs. The increased efficiency of silyl extractants could arise from differences in phosphoryl oxygen basicity and/or metal complex aqueous phase solubility. Substituent effects for alkyl‐, silyl‐, and fluoroalkyl‐ substituted tetraesters of methylenediphosphonic acid were investigated to gain insight into these differences. Tetraesters were used to avoid potential complications from the strong hydrogen bonding and aggregation of the partial esters. Nitric acid and Am(III) extraction by the 2‐ethylhexyl, 3‐(trimethylsilyl)propyl, and 3‐(perfluorohexyl)propyl tetraesters of methylenediphosphonic acid were measured. The shift in the phosphoryl stretching band that accompanies nitric acid extraction was followed by ...
Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: comparison of solvents.

Various gallstone solvents are compared to evaluate their efficacy. Cholesterol gallstones from 5 patients were weight matched and incubated in 5 different solutions at 37° C. These solutions consisted of methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), 90% mono-octanoin (MO), absolute alcohol, normal saline, and water. Absolute alcohol and MTBE were found to induce faster stone dissolution than the mono-octanoin derivative. Concentrations of alcohol below 80%, normal saline, and water were not effective in dissolving stones. Newer agents such as MTBE may prove valuable in dissolution of stones in the human gallbladder or bile ducts.