cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sources in the Development of Mathematics (Series and Products from the Fifteenth to the Twenty-first Century)

The discovery of infinite products by Wallis and infinite series by Newton marked the beginning of the modern mathematical era. It allowed Newton to solve the problem of finding areas under curves defined by algebraic equations, an achievement beyond the scope of the earlier methods of Torricelli, Fermat and Pascal. While Newton and his contemporaries, including Leibniz and the Bernoullis, concentrated on mathematical analysis and physics, Euler's prodigious accomplishments demonstrated that series and products could also address problems in algebra, combinatorics and number theory. In this book, Ranjan Roy describes many facets of the discovery and use of infinite series and products as worked out by their originators, including mathematicians from Asia, Europe and America. The text provides context and motivation for these discoveries, with many detailed proofs, offering a valuable perspective on modern mathematics. Mathematicians, mathematics students, physicists and engineers will all read this book with benefit and enjoyment.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Is Appropriate for All Patients Requiring Chronic Right Ventricular Pacing: The CON Perspective

There has been compelling evidence for the use of biventricular (BiV) pacing to reduce mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with HF symptoms, depressed ejection fraction (EF), and a broad QRS. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) provides benefit for patients with depressed EF and minimal HF symptoms. Although data from CRT trials are compelling, clinical evidence to recommend BiV pacing to all patients who require a high degree of right ventricular (RV) pacing are lacking. This article summarizes the relevant studies demonstrating that BiV pacing is not appropriate therapy for all patients who require chronic RV pacing.
Effect of Voltage Recovery Rates on Interrupting Performance of Air-Blast Circuit Breakers [includes discussion]

Recovery rate is the term applied to the rate at which voltage rises across a circuit breaker immediately following interruption. Before high-voltage air-blast circuit breakers can be economically applied, a thorough knowledge of the relationships between circuit-breaker duties and recovery rates on systems is necessary. Whereas the performance of the modern oil circuit breaker is relatively unaffected by circuit recovery rate, the authors have found that this factor has a very significant effect on the performance of the radial-type air-blast circuit breaker. Using the minimum pressure required to produce successful interruption as a measure of circuit severity on the circuit breaker, an empirical relationship correlating the influence of both current and recovery rates has been found. As shown by this relationship, reduction of the inherent recovery rates by using linear resistors may be desirable in those circuits possessing unusually high rates. Until the relationships between system recovery rates and circuit-breaker duties have been correlated, it is advisable to apply these circuit breakers only where these factors and the circuit-breaker characteristics are both understood.
Vaginal adenocarcinoma arising in vaginal adenosis.

Abstract Although vaginal adenosis is a rare clinical entity, serial microscopic studies of vaginas obtained at autopsy reveal it to occur rather frequently as an occult finding. It most likely arises after the period of vaginal genesis and is thought to represent gland cell prosoplasia of the normal vaginal squamous epithelium as a tissue reaction to multiple possible factors. It has been considered to pursue a protracted, benign clinical course; however, it is mentioned as possibly a precursor of primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina. Reported is a case wherein adenocarcinoma of the vagina developed from vaginal adenosis, probably of twenty years' duration, and was related to a hematopyocolpos secondary to an imperforate hymen.
Improved Directional Morphological Operations for Separation of Characters from Maps/Graphics

Directional morphological operations for separation of characters from maps/graphics have been proposed previously. In this paper we present an approach to improve the efficiency of this algorithm using run-length-encoded (RLE) image representation. Directional edge images are all represented as directional run-length linked lists. Moreover, we migrate all of the processes used to the RLE data structure. As a result, we reduce significantly both the memory space and the processing time. The improved separation algorithm has all the advantages of the original one. It is independent of font style, font size, and language and map style. It performs well even in cases where lines and characters are connected.
Efficiently Crawling Strategy for Focused Searching Engine

After the analysis and study of focused search engine, we design an efficiently crawling strategy, which include two parts: topic filter and links forecast. The topic filter can filter the web pages having already been fetched and not related to topic; and the link forecaster can predict topic links for the next crawl, which can guide our crawler to fetch topic pages as many as possible in a topic group and when all the topic pages are fetched, it will try to look for another topic group by traversing the unrelated links. This strategy considers not only the precision of fetching web pages but also the recall. With the strategy, the focused search engine can get expected pages without browsing large amount of unnecessary pages, and the user can get the useful information without browsing the huge list which is high recall and low precision. Our extensive simulation studies show that the new strategy has a good efficiency and feasibility.
DISCORDANT TWIN PAIRS: THE RELATION BETWEEN GESTATIONAL AGE AND NEONATAL TEMPERAMENT DIFFERENCES IN COTWINS

Temperament differences between cotwins at least 15% discordant for birth-weight were compared for a group of 66 preterm twin pairs and a group of 70 fullterm twin pairs, assessed in the neonatal period. The assessment focused on irritability, resistance to soothing, activity, reactivity, and reinforcement value. For the most part, significant differences were not obtained between discordant preterm cotwins. Previous research [10] had demonstrated that the larger fullterm twin of discordant pairs was more irritable, more difficult to soothe, more active while awake and during sleep, less reactive to visual and auditory stimuli, and less reinforcing to the examiner than the smaller cotwin. It was concluded that, for the behavioral variables measured, the fullterm group is at higher risk than the preterm group, and that both the lighter and the heavier discordant twins displayed signs of early behavioral risk. The findings suggested that the continued gestation for cotwins discordant in weight may be a risk period for early temperament development of the twins.
The Effect of the Monohydroxy Benzoic Acids on the Respiration of Rat Brain Homogenates

Of the isomeric hydroxy benzoates only the ortho-isomer (salicylic acid) shows analgesic antipyretic activity. A study was made of the effects of these acids on the respiration of rat brain homogenates. Respiration in the presence of glucose or pyruvate was markedly stimulated by 0.015 M salicylate, but not by the meta- nor the para-hydroxy benzoates in the same concentration. Respiration in the presence of glutamate was stimulated somewhat by all three hydroxy benzoates. When succinate was used as the substrate the respiration was inhibited by salicylate in concentrations of 0.015 M and 0.001 M. Neither the meta- nor the para-hydroxy benzoates produced significant effect. The respiration in the presence of lactate was slightly inhibited ty all three isomeric hydroxy benzoates in 0.015 M concentration. Endogenous respiration was inhibited by salicylate to a greater extent than by the meta- or para-hydroxy benzoates.
Comment on the connected‐moments polynomial approach

Bartashevich has recently proposed two new methods for approximating eigenvalues of a Hamiltonian. The first method uses Hamiltonian moments generated from a trial function and his second method is a generalization of local energy methods. We show that the first method is equivalent to a variational one, a matrix eigenvalue problem using a Lanzcos subspace. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Reliability of novice raters in using the movement system impairment approach to classify people with low back pain

Observational cross sectional study. To examine the inter-rater reliability of novice raters in using the Movement System Impairment (MSI) approach system and to explore the patterns of disagreement in classification errors. The inter-rater reliability of individual tests items used in the MSI approach is moderate to good; however, the reliability of the classification algorithm has been tested only preliminarily. Using previously recorded patient data (n = 21), 13 novice raters classified patients according to the MSI schema. The overall percent agreement using the kappa statistic as well as the agreement/disagreement among pair-wise comparisons in classification assignments were examined. There was an overall 87.4% agreement in the pairs of classification judgments with a kappa coefficient of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79, 0.83). Raters were most likely to agree on the classification of Flexion (100%) and least likely to agree on the classification of Rotation (84%). The MSI classification algorithm can be learned by novice users and with training, their inter-rater reliability in applying the algorithm for classification judgments is good and similar to that reported in other studies. However, some degree of error persists in the classification decision-making associated with the MSI system, in particular for the Rotation category.
Virus nuclear import

Many viruses replicate in the nucleus of their host cells. To gain access to this compartment, they must navigate their way from the cell surface, through the endosomal or plasma membrane, across a crowded cytoplasm and finally cross the nuclear envelope. Entry into the nucleus typically occurs via nuclear pores, which have a strict size limit that most viruses cannot traverse without prior uncoating or disassembly. While the majority of the viruses make use of the cellular nuclear import machinery for their nuclear transport, a growing number of viruses seem to use specialized, virus-encoded routes of nuclear import. For nuclear-replicating viruses, entry into the nucleus is highly dependent on prior trafficking and uncoating events that act to prime the virus genome for its final destination.
Characterization of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (O6-MGMT) activity in Xiphophorus fishes

Abstract We utilized a custom-synthesized double-strand oligonucleotide containing a single O 6 -methylguanine ( O 6 -MG) residue within a restriction endonuclease recognition site to determine O 6 -methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase ( O 6 -MGMT) activity in various tissue extracts prepared from Xiphophorus fish. The results suggest Xiphophorus fish O 6 -MGMT activity has many of the same characteristics as Escherichia coli and mammalian O 6 -MGMT’s including rapid reaction kinetics consistent with stoichiometric removal of methyl groups, but exhibits a temperature optimum of 23°C. Results from protein extract activity assays indicate O 6 -MGMT activity patterns among four Xiphophorus tissues followed the order: brain≥testes>gill≥liver. In mammals, O 6 -MGMT activity is high in liver, while activity in brain is minimal (i.e. ≈9% of liver); however, we report that in the Xiphophorus fishes examined, brain tissue extracts exhibited much higher (≈six-fold) O 6 -MGMT activity levels than liver. Comparison of O 6 -MGMT activity between Xiphophorus species employed in tumor induction experiments did not indicate significant differences in ability to clear the pre-mutagenic O 6 -MG from the oligonucleotide substrate.
Effects of reperfusion on arrhythmias and death after coronary artery occlusion in the rat: increased electrical stability independent of myocardial salvage.

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to delineate salvage-dependent from salvage-independent coronary reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction and the effects on spontaneously occurring arrhythmias and arrhythmic death in rats. Background. Reperfusion of the infarct-related artery might increase electrical stability independently of salvage of ischemic myocardium. Methods. In 98 conscious rats the electrocardiogram was monitored by telemetry for 48 h after MI, and all episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were analyzed. Reperfusion at 45 min (RP45) (n = 15), 90 min (RP90) (n = 18) and 180 min (RP180) (n = 30) min was compared with permanent coronary artery occlusion (CAO) (n = 35) with respect to the post-reperfusion periods. Results. RP45, RP90 and RP180 reduced the incidence of VT by 93%, 98% and 88% and VF by 89%, 97% and 92%, respectively (all p Conclusions. Early and late reperfusion reduce the incidence and duration of VT and VF in conscious rats with acute MI. Thereby, arrhythmia-related mortality is improved through the prevention of fatal VF episodes. Thus, reperfusion increases the electrical stability of the heart independently of myocyte salvage, as proposed by the open artery hypothesis.
A Comparative Study of the Main Pulmonary Artery and Ascending Aorta Biomechanical Behavior

During the prenatal period a state of physiologic pulmonary hypertension exists due to the equalization of pressures by the patent ductus arteriosus, resulting in similar wall thickness of the ascending aorta (AA) and main pulmonary artery (MPA). After birth, as the ductus arteriosus closes and pulmonary arterial pressure decreases, attenuation of medial smooth muscle occurs such that the ratio of medial thickness to external diameter decreases from about 25% in fetuses to less than 10% in infants 3 to 6 months of age. After the first year of life, thickness of the MPA is normally less than half that of the adjacent ascending aorta, although the diameters of the two great arteries remain the same relative to one another [1]. During homeostatic conditions, the total pulmonary and systemic blood flows are essentially identical. In spite of their comparable blood flow rate and common embryologic origin, the anatomic characteristics of these two segments of the cardiovascular system differ substantially [2]. Futhremore, both these arteries are affected by many congenital abnormalities and also are subject to hypertension. Knowledge of the normal biomechanical properties of these great arteries is important for surgical treamtment, angioplasty, and tissue engineering. It can also provide insight into the disease processes and is a prerequisite to the study of mechanical behavior during disease conditions. In this study we characterized the biaxial mechanical behavior of both arteries as a function of location, which has not been previously performed in the pulmonary trunk.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A complete plane strain fictitious stress boundary element method for poroelastic media

A fully coupled generalized plane strain boundary element model for determining the distribution of stress and pore pressure around underground openings in poroelastic media is developed. It is based on the indirect boundary element method of fictitious stress extended to complete plane strain analysis. New fundamental solutions for longitudinal forces were derived for the development of the model which uses elements with a constant variation of fictitious forces and sources in both space and time. As an example, the problem of a borehole drilled in an arbitrary direction in a triaxial stress field is considered. The results indicate that the fictitious stress method is an accurate and suitable means for complete plane strain poroelastic analyses of underground openings.
Effect of diabetes mellitus on responses of the basilar artery in rats to products released by platelets.

Aggregation and adherence of platelets to vascular endothelium are increased during diabetes mellitus, and thus responses of cerebral arteries to products released by platelets may have important implications for the pathogenesis of stroke during diabetes. The goal of this study was to determine whether responses of the basilar artery to products released by platelets are altered during diabetes.A craniotomy was performed over the ventral medulla to expose the basilar artery. Diameter of the basilar artery was measured using intravital microscopy in nondiabetic and diabetic (50-60 mg/kg i.p. streptozotocin) rats in response to adenosine 5'-diphosphate, serotonin, and the thromboxane analogue U-46619.Topical application of 10 and 100 microM adenosine 5'-diphosphate produced only minimal changes in diameter of the basilar artery that were similar in nondiabetic and diabetic rats (p greater than 0.05). At 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 microM serotonin produced dose-related constriction of the basilar artery that was si...
Amygdalar activation associated with positive and negative facial expressions.

Most theories of amygdalar function have underscored its role in fear. One broader theory suggests that neuronal activation of the amygdala in response to fear-related stimuli represents only a portion of its more widespread role in modulating an organism’s vigilance level.To further explore this theory, the amygdalar response to happy, sad, angry, fearful, and neutral faces in 17 subjects was characterized using 3 T fMRI. Utilizing a random eiects model and hypothesis-driven analytic strategy, it was observed that each of the four emotional faces was associated with reliable bilateral activation of the amygdala compared with neutral. These ¢ndings suggest a broader role for the amygdala in modulating the vigilance level during the perception of several negative and positive facial emotions. NeuroReport13:1737^1741 � c 2002 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Transgenic mouse models for studies of the role of polyamines in normal, hypertrophic and neoplastic growth

Transgenic mice expressing proteins altering polyamine levels in a tissue-specific manner have considerable promise for evaluation of the roles of polyamines in normal, hypertrophic and neoplastic growth. This short review summarizes the available transgenic models. Mice with large increases in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase or antizyme, a protein regulating polyamine synthesis by reducing polyamine transport and ODC in the heart, have been produced using constructs in which the protein is expressed from the alpha -myosin heavy-chain promoter. These mice are useful in studies of the role of polyamines in hypertrophic growth. Expression from keratin promoters has been used to target increased synthesis of ODC, spermidine/spermine-N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT) and antizyme in the skin. Such expression of ODC leads to an increased sensitivity to chemical and UV carcinogenesis. Expression of antizyme inhibits carcinogenesis in skin and forestomach. Expression of SSAT increases the incidence of skin papillomas and their progression to carcinomas in response to a two-stage carcinogenesis protocol. These results establish the importance of polyamines in carcinogenesis and neoplastic growth and these transgenic mice will be valuable experimental tools to evaluate the importance of polyamines in mediating responses to oncogenes and studies of cancer chemoprevention.
One Person’s Enjoyment is Another Person’s Boredom: Mood Effects on Responsiveness to Framing

This study examined the effects of induced mood on susceptibility to question-framing effects. Participants were placed in either a happy, sad, or neutral mood and performed an impression-formation task under different phrasings of Martin, Ward, Achee, and Wyer’s (1993) stop rule instructions. For the enjoy rule, participants were told to stop reading behaviors either when they no longer enjoyed the task or when they became bored with the task. For the performance-based rule, participants were told to stop either when they had enough information to form an impression of the target or when they did not need to collect additional information. Results indicated that neutral mood participants were strongly influenced by the framing of the stop rule. Participants in valenced moods, however, were unaffected by framing, suggesting that they based their decisions about when to stop solely on the informational value of their moods. The implications of these results are discussed.
In vitro processing of tropoelastin: investigation of a possible transport function associated with the carboxy-terminal domain.

Summary In vitro translation systems were used to characterize the processing of bovine tropoelastin isoforms and to investigate the possibility that the carboxy-terminal 19 amino acids of tropoelastin encode a molecular domain that directs intracellular transport. Immuno-precipitation with domain-specific antibodies demonstrated that multiple tropoelastin isoforms corresponding to those identified in tissue and cell culture studies were correctly translated and were processed by dog pancreas microsomes. Our results demonstrate that all tropoelastin isoforms are translocated completely into the microsomal vesicle and do not remain associated with the microsomal membrane. These results exclude the possibility that the carboxy-terminal domain of tropoelastin functions as a trafficking signal by effecting an association between tropoelastin and an intracellular membraneous compartment.
Electron Relaxation Time Anisotropy in Copper

A method for determining electron relaxation time anisotropies in metals is suggested and presented along with preliminary data taken at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K using a single crystal grown from 99.999% pure copper. The analysis is based on the behavior of the attenuation of ultrasonic waves by conduction electrons in the high magnetic field limit. The data are discussed in terms of the Pippard model of the Fermi surface of copper. The technique also allows a rather direct test of the free electron theory of ultrasonic attenuation in that shear wave wave measurements are used in determining the total attenuation caused by the conduction electrons. It is suggested that a study of high-field shear wave attenuation will allow the total electronic attenuation to be found in any metal, whereas previously it has been possible to determine this quantity only for superconductors. On the rough experimental model used it is found that the relaxation time of electrons in neck orbits is several times larger than that of the other orbits studied. The relaxation times are of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ sec, and are impurity limited at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Mean free paths are found to be about 20 times smaller than estimated from the number of magnetoacoustic oscillations.
Structural mobility of molecular bottle-brushes investigated by NMR relaxation dynamics

Abstract The structural mobility of monomeric units of molecular bottle-brushes was studied by a systematic evaluation of NMR relaxation dynamics. The spin–spin relaxation time (T2) was determined by Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) NMR spectroscopic measurements. T2 for protons that reside on the exterior and interior of the bottle-brush macromolecules varied with the grafting density and side chain length in bottle-brush copolymers. Poly((2-(2-bromopropionyloxy)ethyl methacrylate-stat-methyl methacrylate)-graft-butyl acrylate) (poly((BPEM-stat-MMA)-graft-PBA) was studied as a model brush copolymer. The T2 values for protons of MMA units in the brush backbone significantly decreased with increasing side chain length and grafting density of PBA. The mobility and relaxation times T2 for the side chain PBA protons decreased with grafting density. However, after initial increase, the relaxation times eventually decreased with PBA side chain length.
Developing a photonics education program at college level from the ground up

While graduate level optics and photonics education in the state of Michigan has a rich tradition, college level programs that produce photonics technicians are virtually non-existent. Baker College has started the first two-year photonics program in the state in fall 2013. The program is leveraging support from Mi-Light, the Michigan Photonics Cluster; OP-TEC, the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education; and an NSF Project Grant awarded to the College. In its first year the photonics program has achieved important milestones - convening an Advisory Board with industry participation, developing almost the entire curriculum, and creating a fully functional optics and photonics laboratory. Outreach activities have also taken place. The paper will describe the steps taken to introduce the new program and the lessons learned along the way.
Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Texas: Historical Distributions

Abstract I compiled data from several museum collections to map historical distributions of species of bumble bees across Texas. Bombus auricomus, B. bimaculatus, B. fervidus, B. fraternus, B. griseocollis, B. impatiens, B. pensylvanicus, B. sonorus, and B. variabilis were confirmed from the state based on vouchered specimens. As currently understood, the bumble bee fauna of Texas consists of nine documented species.
Abstract 5333: A mathematical model for the kinetics of metastasis formation based on SEER data

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Metastasis is responsible for most cancer mortality, yet many questions remain about how best to describe the kinetics of metastasis formation mathematically. Because the initial step of metastasis is the detachment of cells from a tumor mass, the rate of formation of new metastases is assumed to depend on the size of the original tumor mass. A power-law dependence, rather than linear proportionality, has been assumed, since access to blood vessels and lymphatics becomes more limited as tumor mass increases. Under this assumption, the cumulative distribution of fraction of patients not showing detectable metastases at diagnosis should decrease monotonically as tumor size at detection increases. Using data from the NCI's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) 1973-2010 database, it is shown here that this relation in fact shows non-monotonic behavior at larger detection sizes. A mathematical model for tumor growth and metastasis kinetics is developed to show that this implies that proliferation rates and metastatic rates are not independently distributed across the patient population, but rather, show some correlation. The model is further applied to deduce quantitative information about the size-dependence of the rate of metastasis. Kaplan-Meier curves stratified by tumor size, also computed from SEER 1973-2010 data, provide an additional data source for determining model parameters. It is found that accounting for age dependence is necessary for fitting these curves. Two possible age-related effects: a lower lethal tumor burden threshold; and an increased coefficient of metastatic rate due to declining immunity; are considered in the model, and a comparison is made of their ability to describe the observed age-dependence. In sum, the model shows how SEER data can be used to deduce information about the kinetics of metastasis formation, and is expected to have application in optimization of the treatment of metastatic tumors as well as screening schedules. Citation Format: Ardith W. El-Kareh, Timothy W. Secomb. A mathematical model for the kinetics of metastasis formation based on SEER data. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5333. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5333
The Autoimmune Basis of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagonic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and disturbed nocturnal sleep patterns. Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of hypocretin (orexin)-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Evidence, such as a strong association with HLA DQB1*06:02, strongly suggests an autoimmune basis targeting hypocretin neurons. Genome-wide association studies have strengthened the association between narcolepsy and immune system gene polymorphisms, including the identification of polymorphisms in the T cell receptor alpha locus, TNFSF4 (also called OX40L), Cathepsin H (CTSH) the purinergic receptor P2RY11, and the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1. Recently, attention has been raised regarding a spike in cases of childhood narcolepsy in 2010 following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (pH1N1) in China and vaccination with Pandemrix, an adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine that was used in Europe. How the immune system may be involved in disease initiation and/or progression remains a challenge to researchers. Potential immunological pathways that could lead to the specific elimination of hypocretin producing neurons include molecular mimicry or bystander activation, and are likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as upper airway infections.
Association between DNA Damage Response and Repair Genes and Risk of Invasive Serous Ovarian Cancer

Background We analyzed the association between 53 genes related to DNA repair and p53-mediated damage response and serous ovarian cancer risk using case-control data from the North Carolina Ovarian Cancer Study (NCOCS), a population-based, case-control study.
Phase Correction In Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)

In rapid scanning FT-IR, several sources of errors can lead to reduced photometric accuracy and faulty results, especially in the area of spectral subtraction. Poor phase correction is one and can lead to misleading features such as false residuals in the subtraction spectra. The most common algorithm employed for phase correction is the Mertz method where a phase error array is calculated from a short double sided interferogram and the correction applied to the results of a complex Fourier transform. An alternative method discussed by Forman, Steel and Vanasse2 used the phase error array to generate a convolution function which "symmetrizes" the interferogram. The spectrum is then calculated with a real Fourier transform. This method has several advantages; i.e., less sensitivity to the location of the center burst and the ability to easily iterate on the phase error. The results with both methods will be discussed for ideal asymmetric interferograms and actual instrumental data.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Larkspur poisoning: toxicology and alkaloid structure-activity relationships

Abstract Systematic approaches to taxonomic classifications of the tall larkspur spp. have been developed using traditional chemical methods to profile alkaloids, comparison of relative toxicity of individual alkaloids, plant morphology/taxonomy and molecular genetics. Using these methods (papers published in this series) toxicology of three distinct species of tall larkspurs including Delphinium glaucum, Delphinium barbeyi and Delphinium occidentale is described. Tall larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) continue to be the most serious cause of cattle losses on mountain rangelands in the western US. Over 40 norditerpenoid alkaloids have been reported in species of larkspurs and toxicology data on 25 of these have been reported by the authors. These alkaloids can be classified into three general types based on their structural characteristics and toxicity: the N-(methylsuccinyl) anthranoyl lycoctonine (MSAL)-type, having high toxicity; the lycoctonine-type, with moderate toxicity; and the 7,8-methylenedioxylycoctonine (MDL)-type, of low toxicity. The structural importance of the methylsuccinimido anthranilic acid ester group at the C18 position is evident in the high toxicity of MSAL alkaloids, particularly methyllycaconitine (MLA), Nudicauline (NUD) and 14-deacetylnudicauline (14-DAN). Other structural aspects of these alkaloids such as the C14 functionality are also important, as demonstrated by the reduced toxicity of barbinine. MLA is the alkaloid of most importance in toxicity of larkspurs on mountain rangelands because of its prevalence in most larkspurs and high toxicity. While NUD and 14-DAN also possess high toxicity, they are relatively minor components in few larkspur species (generally the plains and low larkspurs), but when present at concentrations approaching 1 mg/g dry weight they contribute significantly to overall toxicity. Deltaline (DLT) is often found in high concentrations in many larkspurs but because of low toxicity, its contribution to larkspur poisoning in the field is relatively minor and it will probably not cause toxicosis in the absence of the MSAL-type alkaloids.
Two novel species representing a new clade and cluster of Phytophthora

Phytophthora stricta sp. nov. and Phytophthora macilentosa sp. nov. are described based on morphological, physiological and molecular characters in this study. Phytophthora stricta represents a previously unknown clade in the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based phylogeny. Phytophthora macilentosa, along with nine other species, consistently forms a high temperature-tolerant cluster within ITS clade 9. These observations are supported by the sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. Both species are heterothallic and all examined isolates are A1 mating type. Phytophthora stricta produces nonpapillate and slightly caducous sporangia. This species is named after its characteristic constrictions on sporangiophores. Phytophthora macilentosa produces nonpapillate and noncaducous sporangia, which are mostly elongated obpyriform with a high length to breadth ratio. Both species were recovered from irrigation water of an ornamental plant nursery in Mississippi, USA and P. stricta was also recovered from stream water in Virginia, USA.
Invited Talk: Structural-Functional Model SimRoot and its Applications

SimRoot is a structural-functional model with, in contrast to most structural-functional models, emphasis on the architecture and function of the root system. We use SimRoot as a heuristic tool in our efforts to understand the function of different root traits for acquisition of nutrients and water in low fertility soils and drought environments. We parameterized SimRoot for both maize and bean and are currently able to simulate nutrient uptake for phosphorus and nitrogen in combination with water uptake and photosynthesis. SimRoot is designed to simulate stress responses in a virtual plant with a 'sound' carbon balance sheet. SimRoot is a modular model and can be run in different configurations. The main modules are root growth and shoot growth modules, carbon module, nutrient and water uptake and stress modules. The carbon module is based on LinTul. Both the Barber-Cushman model and Simunek's SWMS can be used for simulating nutrient uptake & transport in the soil. Nutrient stress effects growth by reducing for example the leaf area expansion rate or photosynthetic efficiency of the leaves. SimRoot is designed to work with measurable parameters and uses a predictor-corrected integration method to obtain accurate results, even when positive feedbacks are simulated. We have used SimRoot for:
Effects of ozone inhalation on polyamine metabolism and tritiated thymidine incorporation into DNA of rat lungs.

We examined the effects of low-level ozone (O3) inhalation on polyamine metabolism and tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation into DNA in rat lungs. We have also compared the activities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the key enzyme of the pentose phosphate cycle and a typical marker of oxidant injury, to assess whether ODC can serve as a sensitive marker of O3 effects on the lung. We exposed 90-day-old male specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats to either 0.45 ± 0.05 ppm (882 ± 98 μg/m3) O3 or filtered room air continuously for 3 days. After exposure, the rats were terminated and the lungs examined for enzyme activities, polyamine contents, DNA content, and 3H-TdR incorporation. We found that in exposed rats, the enzyme activities were significantly increased (p < 0.05) relative to air controls, G6PD, 25%, ODC, 147%, and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMet DC), 86%. Polyamine contents were also affected by O3; putrescine increased 80%, p < 0.05, spermidine did not change, and spermine decreased 23%, p < 0.05. 3H-TdR incorporation into DNA was significantly elevated, 155%, p < 0.001, after O3 exposure while total lung DNA content remained unchanged. The concomitant and large increase in ODC activity (reflecting polyamine metabolism) and DNA labeling (reflecting DNA synthesis and/or repair), indicates a strong correlation between the two and suggests that polyamine metabolism may play an important role in the accelerated cell proliferation associated with O3 injury. Moreover, the greater increase in lung ODC activity compared to other enzymes offers a sensitive marker of the lung response to inhaled O3. We conclude that inhalation of O3 at levels similar to what may be encountered during some smog episodes can result in significant pulmonary biochemical alterations with a potential for long-term consequences. The possible association between ODC activity and DNA labeling may offer a new insight into the mechanism of tissue injury and repair. We also speculate that the changes in lung polyamines may reflect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions associated with the cellular defense against oxidant injury.
Effect of perinatally administered ethanol on the development of the cerebellar granule cell

The effect of perinatally administered ethanol on the postnatal development of cerebellar granule cells was studied in mice which received 25% of their caloric intake as ethanol. Timed-pregnant females were given ethanol in a chocolate-flavored liquid from gestation day 12 until postnatal day 7, then the mice were returned to a chow and water regime. The pups were killed on postnatal day 14 and the tissue processed for Golgi analysis of the dendritic arbor. Camera lucida drawings were made of the granule cells and these drawings were subsequently analyzed using a Zeiss Videoplan. Examination of the granule cells revealed that there was a significant decrease in dendritic length and in the extent of the dendritic field. In addition, there was a delayed maturation of the terminal dendritic processes. These results are in accord with other reports in the literature which suggest that the altered dendritic patterns seen in ethanol toxicity may be one of the causative factors in the minimal brain dysfunction that is characteristic of the fetal alcohol syndrome.
The Effects of Student and Text Characteristics on the Oral Reading Fluency of Middle-Grade Students.

We evaluated the effects of student characteristics (sight word reading efficiency, phonological decoding, verbal knowledge, level of reading ability, grade, gender) and text features (passage difficulty, length, genre, and language and discourse attributes) on the oral reading fluency of a sample of middle-school students in Grades 6–8 (N = 1,794). Students who were struggling (n = 704) and typically developing readers (n = 1,028) were randomly assigned to read five 1-min passages from each of 5 Lexile bands (within student range of 550 Lexiles). A series of multilevel analyses showed that student and text characteristics contributed uniquely to oral reading fluency rates. Student characteristics involving sight word reading efficiency and level of decoding ability accounted for more variability than reader type and verbal knowledge, with small, but statistically significant effects of grade and gender. The most significant text feature was passage difficulty level. Interactions involving student text characteristics, especially attributes involving overall ability level and difficulty of the text, were also apparent. These results support views of the development of oral reading fluency that involve interactions of student and text characteristics and highlight the importance of scaling for passage difficulty level in assessing individual differences in oral reading fluency.
Generalized modulus-ratio tests for analysis of factorial designs with zero degrees of freedom for error

A method of statistical analysis of single replicate and fractional factorial designs requiring no estimate of error variance is given. By comparison of the relative magnitudes of independent effect .estimates, effects corresponding to relatively large effect estimates may be asserted to be nonzero. The procedure maintains a prespecified experimentwise error rate for a general class of modulus-ratio statistics.
Physician Knowledge and Attitudes around Confidential Care for Minor Patients.

Abstract Study Objective Minor adolescent patients have a legal right to access certain medical services confidentially without parental consent or notification. We sought to assess physicians' knowledge of these laws, attitudes around the provision of confidential care to minors, and barriers to providing confidential care. Design An anonymous online survey was sent to physicians in the Departments of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan. Results Response rate was 40% (259/650). The majority of physicians felt comfortable addressing sexual health, mental health, and substance use with adolescent patients. On average, physicians answered just over half of the legal knowledge questions correctly (mean 56.6% ± 16.7%). The majority of physicians approved of laws allowing minors to consent for confidential care (90.8% ± 1.7% approval), while substantially fewer (45.1% ± 4.5%) approved of laws allowing parental notification of this care at the physician's discretion. Most physicians agreed that assured access to confidential care should be a right for adolescents. After taking the survey most physicians (76.6%) felt they needed additional training on confidentiality laws. The provision of confidential care to minors was perceived to be most inhibited by insurance issues, parental concerns/relationships with the family, and issues with the electronic medical record. Conclusions Physicians are comfortable discussing sensitive issues with adolescents and generally approve of minor consent laws, but lack knowledge about what services a minor can access confidentially. Further research is needed to assess best methods to educate physicians about minors' legal rights to confidential healthcare services.
Factors that influence the reinforcing value of foods and beverages

Behavioral economic principles state that as the cost of a product increases, purchasing or consumption of that product will decrease. To understand the impact of behavioral economics on ingestive behavior, our laboratory utilizes an operant behavior paradigm to measure how much work an individual will engage in to get access to foods and beverages. This task provides an objective measure of the reinforcing value. We have shown that consumption of the same high fat snack food every day for two weeks reduces its reinforcing value in lean individuals, but increases its reinforcing value in a subset of obese individuals. This increase in the reinforcing value of food predicts future weight gain. Similarly, we have shown that repeated intake of caffeinated soda increases its reinforcing value in boys, but not in girls. This increase in reinforcing value is not related to usual caffeine consumption, but may be associated with positive, subjective effects of caffeine that are more likely to be reported by boys than by girls. Because food and beverage reinforcement relates to real-world consumption, it is important to determine factors that increase or decrease the reinforcing value and determine the consequences of these responses. We are especially interested in determining ways to shift the behavioral economic curve in order to develop novel strategies to decrease the reinforcing value of less healthy snack foods and beverages, such as soda, potato chips and candy and to increase the reinforcing value of healthier foods and beverages, such as water, fruits, and vegetables.
Positive and negative contrast effects with hypothalamic reward

Abstract Rats trained to press a bar for hypothalamic reinforcement exhibited negative or positive contrast effects when current intensity was decreased or increased, respectively. Both contrast effects were large and persistent. The positive contrast effect was highest during the first 3 post shift min and lasted for approximately 8 min. Negative contrast was maximal during the second and third post shift min and lasted for the whole 15 min post shift period. The ease of obtaining positive incentive contrast with hypothalamic reward as compared with conventional reward is hypothesized to be due to two factors: the use of a shift in quality rather than quantity of reward and the use of low drive levels during testing.
Improved Growth Factor Directed Vascularization into Fibrin Constructs Through Inclusion of Additional Extracellular Molecules

Abstract Using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) and a novel histological technique, we investigated the ability of blood vessels to directly invade fibrin-based scaffolds. In our initial experiments utilizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165), we found no direct invasion. Instead, the fibrin was completely degraded and replaced with highly vascularized new tissue. Addition of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) to the fibrin construct also did not result in construct vascularization. Because natural and regenerating tissues exhibit complex extracellular matrices (ECMs), we hypothesized that a more complex scaffold may improve blood vessel invasion. Addition of fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen type I within 20 mg/mL fibrin constructs resulted in no significant improvement. However, the same additive concentrations within 10 mg/mL fibrin constructs resulted in dramatic improvements, specifically with hyaluronic acid. Overall, we believe that these results indicate the importance of structural and functional cues of not only in the initial scaffold but also as the construct is degraded and remodeled. Furthermore, the CAM assay may represent a useful model for understanding ECM interactions as well as for screening and designing tissue-engineered scaffolds.
Sustained root culture for generation and vegetative propagation of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

Excised roots of wild-type and nitrate-reductase deficient mutant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. can be propagated as sustained root cultures in liquid medium. Culture initiation from a single seedling required a two-day indoleacetic acid treatment at 0.05 mg/l concentration. Indoleacetic acid facilitated subculture but was not essential for sustained growth. This procedure has allowed the clonal propagation of roots derived from individual wildtype and mutant seedlings for more than 21 months. The cultured roots retained their shoot regeneration ability; however, a controlled desiccation treatment was required to restore it to the level of freshly excised roots. The chromosome number remained diploid and no evidence for the accumulation of recessive mutations was observed. The cultured roots are competent for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The sustained root culture technology allowed the maintenance of transgenic tissues in which expression of a dominant, seed-lethal gene (seed-specific pea vicilin promoter fused to diphtheria toxin A chain gene) precluded generative propagation.