cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connections between Razumikhin-type theorems and the ISS nonlinear small gain theorem

A Razumikhin-type theorem that guarantees input-to-state stability for functional differential equations with disturbances is established using the nonlinear small-gain theorem. The result is used to show that input-to-state stabilizability for nonlinear finite-dimensional control systems is robust, in an appropriate sense, to small time delays at the input. Also, relaxed Razumikhin-type conditions guaranteeing global asymptotic stability for differential difference equations are given.
Risk, susceptibility and the epidemiology of proliferative neoplastic disease: Descriptive vs. mechanistic approaches

Recently there has been a confusing and somewhat frustrating difference of opinion in epidemiology concerning the relative merit and utility of descriptive versus mechanistic knowledge in approaching the comprehension and control of human cancer. This distinction has both historical and evolutionary rationale; it generally being necessary to know something of WHAT is happening before one can be legitimately concerned with HOW it is happening. As outlined below, however, there is little justification for making value judgements based on this distinction, and the situation is more one in which descriptive approaches and mechanistic approaches are equally essential in the development of a systematic viewpoint, a viewpoint providing guidance to meaningful intervention.
Intraduodenal serotonin elicits non-propagating spike potentials in the small intestine of the rat

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an endogenous signalling molecule capable of altering small intestinal motility. Serotonin is normally present in the intestinal lumen and released by enterochromaffin cells of the mucosal epithelium. We found that intraduodenal infusion of exogenous serotonin causes a dose-dependent myoelectric response in the smooth muscle of the small intestine in the conscious rat. The response consists of repetitive bursts of action potentials (RBAP) that are characterized as short bursts of non-propagative myoelectric spiking. RBAP occur intermittently and only during the first 15 min after intralumenal serotonin infusion. After the initial 15 min period, the frequency of RBAP declines, and the myoelectric pattern shifts to prolonged and continuous spiking, eliminating the interdigestive migrating myoelectric pattern. The effects of intralumenal serotonin are not replicated by parenteral or intraperitoneal infusion nor by intralumenal infusion of 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The response to intralumenal serotonin was eliminated by several specific 5-HT receptor antagonists. On repeated intralumenal administration of serotonin, the RBAP response decreased demonstrating a decreased sensitivity of the muscle contraction on re-exposure to serotonin. We conclude that intralumenal infusion of serotonin can temporarily initiate specific small intestinal muscle events that are not generated by serotonin from other non-lumenal administration sites. We speculate that an afferent neuro-pathway is necessary for the induction of RBAP, since RBAP are not observed from in vitro muscle preparations.
Mixed ligand chelates of triethylenetetraminehexa-acetic acid

Abstract A potentiometric investigation of the interactions between representative binuclear transition metal chelates of triethylenetetraminehexa-acetic acid (TTHA) and certain bidentate chelating agents is reported. Evidence is given for the formation of Cu(II) and Fe(III) mixed ligand chelates having a 2:1:2 ratio of metal ion to TTHA to Tiron and similar chelates with a 2:1:2 ratio of metal ion to TTHA to 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulphonic acid. Formation constants are calculated and probable arrangements of co-ordinate bonds in these chelates are deduced.
Atomic charge calculations for quantitative structure-property relationships

A previously published empirical charge scheme has been adapted for use in studies of quantitative structure-property relationships. New parameters have been developed to allow the inclusion of nitrates, nitriles, sulfides, thiols, thiophenes, and sulfoxides. No changes have been made to the original scheme, thus preserving all previous results. A few simple additions to the program have made it possible to calculate atomic charges in a variety of ionic structures containing a formally positive nitrogen or a formally negative oxygen. The results obtained for ions are consistent with a number of concepts surrounding the familiar inductive and resonance effects.
Rock type and dust influx control accretionary soil development on hillslopes in the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico, USA

Lower slopes of the Sandia Mountains are characterized by granitic corestone topography and weathering-limited slopes with thin grusy colluvium and weakly developed soils. In contrast, thick soils with illuvial clay and pedogenic carbonate have developed below aplite outcrops. Aplite is resistant to chemical decomposition, but physically weathers to blocky clasts that enhance surface roughness and erosional resistance of colluvium, promoting accumulation of eolian fines. Thick B horizons on aplite slopes indicate limited erosion and prolonged periods of stability and soil development. Accretion of eolian material limits runoff and prevents attainment of a steady-state balance between soil production and downslope transport.
Characterization of Gastric and Neuronal Histaminergic Populations Using a Transgenic Mouse Model

Histamine is a potent biogenic amine that mediates numerous physiological processes throughout the body, including digestion, sleep, and immunity. It is synthesized by gastric enterochromaffin-like cells, a specific set of hypothalamic neurons, as well as a subset of white blood cells, including mast cells. Much remains to be learned about these varied histamine-producing cell populations. Here, we report the validation of a transgenic mouse line in which Cre recombinase expression has been targeted to cells expressing histidine decarboxylase (HDC), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of histamine. This was achieved by crossing the HDC-Cre mouse line with Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mice, thus resulting in the expression of the fluorescent Tomato (Tmt) signal in cells containing Cre recombinase activity. As expected, the Tmt signal co-localized with HDC-immunoreactivity within the gastric mucosa and gastric submucosa and also within the tuberomamillary nucleus of the brain. HDC expression within Tmt-positive gastric cells was further confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis of mRNA isolated from highly purified populations of Tmt-positive cells obtained by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). HDC expression within these FACS-separated cells was found to coincide with other markers of both ECL cells and mast cells. Gastrin expression was co-localized with HDC expression in a subset of histaminergic gastric mucosal cells. We suggest that these transgenic mice will facilitate future studies aimed at investigating the function of histamine-producing cells.
Computational Behavior of Gauss–Newton Methods

This paper is concerned with the numerical behavior of Gauss–Newton methods for nonlinear least-squares problems. It is well known that Gauss–Newton methods often cannot be applied successfully without modification. However, no a priori characterization has been given of those problems on which a particular Gauss–Newton method or class of Gauss–Newton methods will or will not work well. The present paper gives some insight into why it is difficult to do so.
State disparities in time trends of adolescent body mass index percentile and weight-related behaviors in the United States.

Evidence is conflicting as to whether youth obesity prevalence has reached a plateau in the United States overall. Trends vary by state, and experts recommend exploring whether trends in weight-related behaviors are associated with changes in weight status trends. Thus, our objective was to estimate between-state variation in time trends of adolescent body mass index (BMI) percentile and weight-related behaviors from 2001 to 2007. A time series design combined cross-sectional Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 272,044 adolescents in 29 states from 2001 to 2007. Self-reported height, weight, sports participation, physical education, television viewing, and daily consumption of 100% fruit juice, milk, and fruits and vegetables were collected. Linear mixed models estimated state variance in time trends of behaviors and BMI percentile. Across states, BMI percentile trends were consistent despite differences in behavioral trends. Boys experienced a modest linear increase in BMI percentile (s = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.30); girls experienced a non-linear increase, as the rate of increase declined over time from 1.02 units in 2001–2002 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.36) to 0.23 units in 2006–2007 (95% CI: −0.09, 0.56). States in which BMI percentile decreased experienced a greater decrease in TV viewing than states where BMI percentile increased. Otherwise, states with disparate BMI percentile trends did not differ with respect to behaviors. Future research should explore the role of other behaviors (e.g., soda consumption), measurement units (e.g., portion size), and societal trends (e.g., urban sprawl) on state and national adiposity trends.
Diffusion and conductivity of plasmas in strong external fields

Abstract The diffusion tensors of a plasma in strong external fields are derived from first principles. A pair of integro-differential equations, which are the first members of a chain analogous to Yvon's hierarchy, is obtained, together with the required boundary conditions and an approximation, called the disjunctive approximation, which makes the solution determinate. It is shown how the diffusion tensors can be calculated from the solution of these equations. A study is made of the influence of the external fields on the encounters between charged particles in a plasma. A generalization of Boltzmann's equation is obtained, which takes into account many-body interactions in the plasma and the effect of the external field on the collision integral. Explicit expressions are obtained for the friction tensors, the diffusion tensors, and the electrical conductivity tensor, for a plasma subject to a strong external magnetic field.
Protocol for Universal Gates in Optimally Biased Superconducting Qubits

We present a new experimental protocol for performing universal gates in a register of superconducting qubits coupled by fixed on-chip linear reactances. The qubits have fixed, detuned Larmor frequencies and can remain, during the entire gate operation, biased at their optimal working point where decoherence due to fluctuations in control parameters is suppressed to first order. Two-qubit gates are performed by simultaneously irradiating two qubits at their respective Larmor frequencies with appropriate amplitude and phase, while one-qubit gates are performed by the usual single-qubit irradiation pulses.
Incentivizing Primary Care Providers to Innovate: Building Medical Homes in the Post‐Katrina New Orleans Safety Net

ObjectiveTo evaluate safety-net clinics’ responses to a novel community-wide Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) financial incentive program in post-Katrina New Orleans. Data Sources/Study SettingBetween June 2008 and June 2010, we studied 50 primary care clinics in New Orleans receiving federal funds to expand services and improve care delivery. Study DesignMultiwave, longitudinal, observational study of a local safety-net primary care system. Data CollectionClinic-level data from a semiannual survey of clinic leaders (89.3 percent response rate), augmented by administrative records. Principal FindingsOverall, 62 percent of the clinics responded to financial incentives by achieving PCMH recognition from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA). Higher patient volume, higher baseline PCMH scores, and type of ownership were significant predictors of achieving NCQA recognition. The steepest increase in adoption of PCMH processes occurred among clinics achieving the highest, Level 3, NCQA recognition. Following NCQA recognition, 88.9 percent stabilized or increased their use of PCMH processes, although several specific PCMH processes had very low rates of adoption overall. ConclusionsFindings demonstrate that widespread PCMH implementation is possible in a safety-net environment when external financial incentives are aligned with the goal of practice innovation.
Correction: Left Ventricular Contractility and Blood-Ionized Calcium

Excerpt To the Editor:The transition to SI units for reporting clinical chemistry results has been difficult enough for the reader accustomed to the old method. It becomes more difficult, therefore...
Neutron damage in beryllium oxide irradiated at high temperatures

Abstract Neutron irradiation of beryllium oxide at elevated temperatures produces dislocation loops lying on {0001} basal and prism planes. Diffraction contrast experiments in the electron microscope show that both types of loops are interstitial in nature and of pure edge orientation. The Burgers vector of the basal loops is c/2〈0001〉, and that of the prism loops is . Both types of loops increase in size with increasing neutron dose, but basal loops, which far outnumber prism loops, appear to grow at the expense of the prism loops. High dose specimens contain tubular hexagonal voids presumably filled with helium.
Ecdysone-induced accumulation of mosquito cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Abstract We have established baseline conditions for investigating the interaction of the insect steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) with the cell cycle in the C7-10 cell line from the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. As is the case with Drosophila melanogaster cells, treatment of C7-10 cells with 20E inhibits proliferation. In the presence of 10−6 M 20E, a gradual decline in cell number is typically apparent at 24 h. Media components such as phenol red and the potential presence of endogenous steroids in serum have no effect on the response to 20E. Pre-treating the cells with 10−8 M 20E, with or without an intervening hormone-free period, did not alter the response to 10−6 M 20E. However, replenishment of the medium appeared to synchronize the response to 10−6 M 20E, causing an abrupt and complete cessation of cell division by 48 h. Flow cytometry over a 20 h period showed a decrease in the proportion of cells in S within 4–6 h after exposure to 20E. By 6–10 h, a transient increase in G2 was followed by the accumulation of more than 70% of the cells in G1. These data suggest that after treatment with 20E, cells complete the ongoing cycle before arresting in G1. Consistent with the decrease in the proportion of cells in S and G2, western blots show that levels of cyclin A, which is required during the S phase of the cycle, decreased in 20E-treated cells.
Improvement of polarized double-zeta basis sets for molecular interactions. Complexes of NH3, OH2, and FH with H+ and Li+

Abstract Interaction energies of a proton and lithium cation with NH 3 , OH 2 , and HF axe computed at the SCF and Moller-Plesset levels. It is found that the basis set superposition errors at all levels with the 6-3 1G** basis set may be greatly reduced by including an additional diffuse sp shell on first-row atoms; the exponent of this shell has been optimized to 0.1.
NRL-803 Space Test Program Experiment: Far-Ultraviolet Imaging And Photometry

AbstractThe Naval Research Laboratory is developing a payload, planned for Shuttle sortiemissions sponsored by the Space Test Program, for imaging and photometry of natural andartificial sources of far -ultraviolet radiation. The experiment objectives emphasize, andthe instrumentation is optimized for, detection and measurement of faint, diffuse sources.The NRL -803 experiment package consists of two far -UV electrographic Schmidt cameras, adedicated pointing platform, and a low light level TV camera for target acquisition. The dedicated platform allows the number of useable flight opportunities to be maximized, byminimizing interfaces with the Shuttle and requirements on Shuttle support systems, butallows maximum use of the available time in orbit. A fine stabilization system, based onthe use of magnetic deflection for image motion compensation, is currently under develop- ment. The dedicated platform and fine stabilization systems can also be used by othersmall experiments in Shuttle sortie missions.IntroductionThe NRL -803 experiment has been proposed, and is currently under development, for flighton Shuttle sortie missions under the sponsorship of the Space Test Program. It is intendedfor imaging and photometry of natural and artificial sources of radiation in the far -ultraviolet (1050 -2000 A) spectral range, including both terrestrial upper -atmosphere andcelestial targets. The experiment objectives emphasize the mapping and measurement ofdiffuse sources, such as airglow and auroras, emission and reflection nebulae, and thegeneral ultraviolet sky background. The experiment is based on the use of electrographicSchmidt cameras similar to those which have been the basis of the NFL ultraviolet astronomyprogram for the past 15 years. These detectors, because of their combination of fastfocal ratios and high overall detection efficiencies, are particularly applicable to sensi-tive measurement of faint, extended objects.The experiment concept and implementation also includes the development of a dedicatedpointing system, so that useable flight opportunities and available observing time permission are maximized, and the interfaces with the Shuttle system are minimized.
Combined Effect of Salt Water and High‐Temperature Exposure on the Strength Retention of Nextel™720 Fibers and Nextel™720‐Aluminosilicate Composites

The relative contribution of fiber strength loss to reported degradation in the mechanical behavior of Nextel™720-aluminosilicate composites after exposure to salt fog (ASTM B117) was explored. Single filament tension tests were performed on Nextel™720 (3M, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) fibers after immersion in NaCI solutions followed by high-temperature exposure in air. The results were compared with the behavior of control specimens which received high-temperature exposure but were not immersed in NaCl solution. There was no degradation in fiber strengths for NaCI solutions below 1 wt%. However, significant degradation was observed at 5 wt% NaCI upon exposure to temperatures between 900° and 1150°C, while no degradation was observed upon an exposure to 1200°C. The relative contribution of fiber strength loss to composite degradation was estimated as nearly 50%, indicating that both fibers and matrix/ interface degrade from exposure to salt water. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy of the exposed fibers and composites were conducted to help rationalize the observations. Microstructure of degraded fibers showed presence of Na at grain boundaries near the surface, without any evidence of a crystalline phase, indicating weakening from segregation or formation of an amorphous phase. The degraded composites showed that matrix and fiber/matrix interfaces had Na rich regions/phases.
Tools for teen moms to reduce infant obesity: a randomized clinical trial

Unhealthy infant feeding practices, such as a combination of formula feeding and early introduction of solids may lead to rapid or excessive weight gain in early infancy. Adolescent mothers’ feeding behaviors are most directly related to infant weight gain in the first year of life. Compared to adult mothers, adolescent mothers are less knowledgeable, less responsive, more controlling, and less skilled in infant feeding, which interferes with infants’ healthy growth. The Tools for Teen Moms trial aims to compare the effect of a social media intervention for low-income adolescent, first-time mothers of infants 2 months of age or younger, versus standard care on infant weight, maternal responsiveness, and feeding style and practices. The intervention is conducted during the infant’s first four months of life to promote healthy transition to solids during their first year. Tools for Teen Moms is an intervention delivered via a social media platform that actively engages and coaches low-income adolescent mothers in infant-centered feeding to reduce rapid/excessive infant weight gain in the first six months of life.
Structure of insect-cell-derived IL-22.

The crystal structure of interleukin-22 expressed in Dros­ophila melanogaster S2 cells (IL-22Dm) has been determined at 2.6 A resolution. IL-22Dm crystals contain six molecules in the asymmetric unit. Comparison of IL-22Dm and IL-22Ec (interleukin-22 produced in Escherichia coli) structures reveals that N-linked glycosylation causes only minor structural changes to the cytokine. However, 1–4 A main-chain differences are observed between the six IL-22Dm monomers at regions corresponding to the IL-22R1 and IL-­10R2 binding sites. The structure of the carbohydrate and the conformational variation of IL22Dm provide new insights into IL-22 receptor recognition.
Assessment of Depression: Using the MMPI, Millon, and Millon-II:

The analysis examined how the MMPI, original Millon, and Millon-II may be used for the assessment of clinical and personality characteristics of depressed patients. High-point code-type analysis of data from 133 depressed inpatients yielded seven MMPI personality profiles (incapacitated-depressive, intropunitive-depressive, caught psychopath, hysteroid-dysphoric, schizotypal-depressive, ruminative-depressive, and psychotic-depressive) and eight Millon personality profiles (avoidant-depressive, conforming-depressive, hostile-depressive, hysteroid-depressive, disenfranchised-depressive, guilty-depressive, passive aggressive-depressive, and anaclitic-depressive). These profiles reflect important similarities in the personalities of the tested depressed inpatients and differences among them as well. Our interpretive framework is speculative but offers a basis for clinical hypothesis generation.
Parametric polymorphism for Java: is there any hope in sight?

In spite of years of research toward a solution for the problem of extending Java with parametric polymorphism (genericity) the officially accepted solution already in its beta release allows violation of the Java type system and turns a type safe language into an unsafe one. The run-time type information in this release is incorrect which leads to major problems for the programmers relying on the Java reflective capabilities. We show that there are two basic reasons for these problems. The first one is that the idiom underlying this solution is provably incorrect. The second one is that the problem of extending Java with parametric polymorphism does not have a correct solution unless the Java Virtual Machine is extended to handle it properly. This paper elaborates the subtleties required by a correct implementation technique that includes representation of parametric classes in the standard Java class file format, representation of the instantiated parametric class objects, extensions of the Java Core Reflection to report type information about (instantiated) parametric classes, and the loading techniques required by this solution for extending Java with generics. Previous solutions for this problem are analyzed as well.
Emerging functional roles for the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol membrane protein anchor.

Experimental evidence has accumulated over the past few years to suggest that the GPI protein anchor may play a broad role in the regulation of membrane protein function. The significant changes in the biophysical properties of proteins that are membrane-anchored through GPI in lieu of a hydrophobic transmembrane peptide indicates a variety phobic transmembrane peptide indicates a variety of potential new functions served by the anchor structure itself. Moreover, the number of structural variations within the family of GPI molecules indicates a further opportunity for subspecialization of such anchored proteins, especially regarding cellular localization, mobility, metabolism and susceptibility to enzymatically-induced release. It is likely that further exploration of the structure and function of the GPI anchor may reveal additional roles for this unusual mechanism of membrane-protein attachment.
Near-optimality bounds for greedy periodic policies with application to grid-level storage

This paper is concerned with periodic Markov Decision Processes, as a simplified but already rich model for nonstationary infinite-horizon problems involving seasonal effects. Considering the class of policies greedy for periodic approximate value functions, we establish improved near-optimality bounds for such policies, and derive a corresponding value-iteration algorithm suitable for periodic problems. The effectiveness of a parallel implementation of the algorithm is demonstrated on a grid-level storage control problem that involves stochastic electricity prices following a daily cycle.
Computer data collection and editing for hemodynamic studies

This paper presents a description of a computer system used in our laboratory for data collection, editing and analysis in cardiovascular research. Analog data are converted on-line into digital form by an A-D converter, and the raw data are stored on digital tapes in a format which expedites editing by the computer. Editing algorithms are discussed, with comments on their usefulness, reliability and possible errors. Computing modules available to analyze data are described very briefly. We further discuss the situations and types of experiments which justify the use of such a computer-based system.
Exposing Accounting Students to Multiple Factors Affecting Ethical Decision Making

This learning exercise describes one possible method to engage students in discussion about ethical issues. It focuses on recognition of ethical issues, professionalism, and individual differences in ethical orientations. The goal of this learning exercise is to stimulate discussion and resolution of ethical dilemmas among groups with heterogeneous ethical orientations. It consists of four sections. First, the Ethics Position Questionnaire is introduced as a means of classifying students based on their ethical orientation. Second, evaluation of what constitutes an ethical dilemma is explained. Third, how the concept of professionalism affects ethical decision making is discussed. Fourth, breaking students into groups with heterogeneous ethical orientations should stimulate lively discussion of ethics vignettes. Completion of this learning exercise should make students aware of several factors that impact ethical decision making and allow them an opportunity to discuss ethical issues with students who have...
Congenital pancreatic cyst

True congenital pancreatic cysts are extremely rare, with less than 20 cases reported in the literature. A 3-month-old infant with a giant congenital cyst of the pancreas is reported. The cyst, located in the head and body of the pancreas, was diagnosed by ultrasound and completely excised. The clinical presentation and treatment of this anomaly are discussed.
The phylogenetic position of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), a model system in developmental biology: an invitation to the comparative method.

The zebrafish, Danio (Brachydanio) rerio, has become one of the most widely studied model systems in developmental biology. We present a DNA-based phylogeny of zebrafish and other species of the genus Danio, and the genera Rasbora, Puntius and Cyprinus. Homologous regions of the large (16S) mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. The phylogeny revealed: (i) the zebrafish, Danio (Brachydanio) rerio, is identical in its 16S sequence to its aquarium breeding morph, the leopard danio; (ii) the pearl danio (Danio albolineatus) is more closely related to the zebrafish than the giant danio (Danio aequipinnatus); and (iii) species of the genus Rasbora (hetermorpha, trilineata, elegans, pauciperforata, dorsiocellata) are more closely related to the danios than members of the genus Puntius (tetrazona, conchonius) and Cyprinus, the carp. All of these species are readily available in the aquarium trade, easily kept and bred in captivity, and amenable to developmental work. It is hoped that this molecular phylogeny will invite developmental biologists to use the comparative method to ask questions about function (e.g. cellular and genetic aspects) and evolution of zebrafish developmental biology in a phylogenetic context.
Mandatory Microcomputers: Potential Effects on Medical School Recruitment and Admissions

To inform discussions about a proposal that required incoming medical students own a microcomputer, applicants accepted for admission to the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University were mailed a survey which focused on microcomputer literacy, ownership and perceptions of a mandatory microcomputer proposal. The response rate was 79%. Two-thirds of respondents had access to a microcomputer at home; more had access at school. Microcomputer ownership ranged from 95% for respondents with graduate education to 28% for underrepresented minorities. Reactions to the proposal were mixed: male and graduate-educated respondents were most in favor whereas underrepresented minority respondents reported that such a policy would negatively influence their decision to attend our medical school. Cost was a concern for respondents independent of their support for the proposal. The results suggest that despite increased computer literacy, this proposal could undermine efforts to recruit a diverse matriculating class. Other computer-based innovations in medical school admissions will favor computer literate students.
The longitudinal susceptibility of ferromagnetic alloys

Abstract A theory for the longitudinal susceptibility in ferromagnetic alloys which reduces to the correct limits is presented and compared with that ordinarily employed in the discussion of magnetic impurities in such systems.
Complement plays a minimal role in Sm-p80-mediated protection against Schistosoma mansoni.

Sm-p80, the large subunit of Schistosoma masoni calpain, is a leading antigen candidate for a schistosome vaccine. Prophylactic and antifecundity efficacy of Sm-p80 has been tested using a variety of vaccine approaches. However, the mechanism of Sm-p80-mediated killing is still unknown. In this study, potential role of complement in Sm-p80-mediated protection was studied using both in vitro (cobra venom factor inhibition) and in vivo using mice deficient in C3 (C3 −/−; B6.129S4-C3tm1Crr/J). In the absence of C3, Sm-p80-based vaccine was able to provide significant reduction in adult worm burden following challenge with schistosome cercariae in mice suggesting the effector functions of complement may be limited in this vaccine-induced protection.
Determination of nicotinamide and pyridoxine in an elemental diet by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection

Abstract The determination of nicotinamide and pyridoxine in an elemental diet containing 46 compounds was performed by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 260 and 290 nm, respectively. The method is simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible. The calibration graphs for the two vitamins were linear in the ranges 0–0.2 and 0–0.015 μg, respectively. The recoveries of both vitmins by the standard addition method were over 95%. There was good agreement between the concentrations indicated and found for both vitamins.
Detection of renal scarring by DMSA scanning : an experimental study

Abstract Using the established piglet model, renal scars were produced by a combination of vesicoureteric reflux and urinary infection. The presence and extent of scarring, as determined by postmortem examination, was compared with that detected by technetium 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans performed before sacrifice. Sixty female piglets (62 refluxing units) were studied. Overall the sensitivity (true-positive/(true-positive + false-negative)) of DMSA scanning in detecting macrosocopic scarring was 85% and the specificity (true-negative/(true-negative + false-positive)) was 97%. There were five false-negatives, four of which were in kidneys with minor scarring and one in which there was major scarring. There were three false-positives. We conclude that DMSA scanning has a high specificity and sensitivity in detecting renal scars in female piglets, and suggest it is the preferred method for detecting renal scars in clinical practice.
Molecular regulation of NKCC2 in the thick ascending limb

The kidney plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation by controlling short-term and long-term NaCl and water balance. The thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) reabsorbs 25–30% ...
Design of a novel pinhole collimator system for SPECT imaging of small animals with different sizes

This study aims to develop a novel pinhole collimator system for high resolution and detection efficiency imaging of mice, rats and rabbits using a 3-head SPECT camera (Philips IRIX). Utilizing the entire camera by a single pinhole (SPH) collimator with a larger collimator length (CL) and magnification offers higher spatial resolution, while using a multi-pinhole (MPH) collimator increases the detection efficiency, provided that a shorter CL with less magnification is used with minimum multiplexing and loss of resolution. Optimum imaging of different sized animals also requires adjustable CL. The proposed collimator system consists of a base of 14 cm and two cones with heights of 3.5 cm and 11 cm. They can be assembled into a SPH collimator with a CL of 25 cm, or two MPH collimators with CLs of 17.5 cm and 14 cm that contain changeable pinhole patterns. Resolution and detection efficiency of this system were computed using theoretical predictions and Monte Carlo simulations. The determined FWHMs of the point spread functions for imaging mice, rats and rabbits were 1.14 mm, 1.27 mm and 1.69 mm, respectively for a SPH collimator with 1 mm aperture size. The detection efficiency ratio of a 7-pinhole collimator with CL of 17.5 cm and the SPH collimator was 6:1 at a point-to-aperture distance of 3.8 cm. Our results demonstrate that the proposed collimator system allows flexible SPH and MPH SPECT imaging of different sized small animals while achieving high resolution and detection efficiency
Pain as a predictor of sleep problems in youth with autism spectrum disorders

Evidence suggests that pain interferes with sleep in youth with developmental disabilities. This study examined the relationship between pain and sleep problems in a sample of youth with parent-reported autism spectrum disorder (N = 62). Mothers reported on standardized measures of pain and sleep problems. Youth demonstrated atypically high levels of both observed pain and sleep problems. Pain predicted overall sleep disturbance and three specific sleep problems: sleep duration, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing. These specific sleep problems were predicted by specific modalities of nonverbal pain communication (e.g. sleep duration problems were predicted by social communication of pain). Effects were consistent across probing of relevant moderators. These findings suggest that comprehensive assessment of both pain and sleep problems may provide important information for medical and behavioral treatment planning for youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Calcium and zinc absorption from lactose-containing and lactose-free infant formulas.

Background: Calcium absorption is enhanced by the presence of lactose, but the quantitative significance of this effect in infant formulas is uncertain. It is also not known whether lactose affects zinc absorption. Objective: We measured the absorption of calcium and zinc from infant formulas by using a multitracer, stable-isotope technique. Design: Eighteen full-term infants (aged 8-12 wk at enrollment) were fed 2 partially hydrolyzed whey-protein-based formulas ad libitum for 2 wk per formula. The carbohydrate source was lactose in one formula and glucose polymers in the other (lactose-free). Infants were studied in a blinded crossover fashion after 2 wk of adaptation to each formula. Isotope absorption studies were conducted with a 4-tracer method in which 70 Zn and 44 Ca were provided orally and 67 Zn and 46 Ca intravenously. Zinc and calcium absorption was measured from the fractional excretion of the oral and intravenous isotopes in urine. Results: Fractional and total calcium absorption was significantly greater from the lactose-containing formula than from the lactose-free formula. For total calcium absorption, the mean difference between formulas was 10.3% (P = 0.002) and 60 mg/d (P = 0.006). For zinc, fractional absorption (32 ± 11%), total absorption, and intake did not differ significantly between the 2 formulas. Conclusions: The presence of lactose in a formula based on cow-milk protein increases absorption of calcium but not of zinc. Absorption of calcium from a lactose-free infant formula is, however, adequate to meet the calcium needs of full-term infants when the formula's calcium content is similar to that of lactose-containing, cow-milk-based infant formulas.
What Works in Gifted Education Documenting the Effects of an Integrated Curricular/Instructional Model for Gifted Students

The heart of effective programming for gifted students lies in the integration of advanced curricula with effective instructional strategies to develop leaning activities that will enhance student learning outcomes. However, empirical evidence of the effectiveness of units based on such curricular and instructional interventions from large-scale experimental studies in multiple settings are limited. To document the effectiveness of units that integrated the principles from curricular and instructional models in the field of gifted education, two language arts units for gifted third graders were developed and tested in a randomized cluster design. Multilevel analyses of data collected from more than 200 classrooms document statistically significant differences favoring the treatment group over the comparison group on standards-referenced assessments.
The effects of serine protease inhibitors on morphological differentiation of murine neuroblastoma cells (NB15).

Morphological differentiation of neuroblastoma cells (NB15) was induced by cAMP effectors in the presence and absence of serine protease inhibitors. In all conditions tested, the percent differentiation was inhibited by protease inhibitors antipain, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), leupeptin, and soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). The level of morphological differentiation obtained in medium containing fetal calf serum was significantly less than the percent differentiation obtained with serum-free medium alone, so serum-free medium was the principal method of induction and comparisons were made to control uninduced cultures or cultures induced with the phospho-diesterase inhibitor R020–1724. Secreted or cell surface caseinolytic protease activity was higher in differentiating cells than in control cultures and was inhibited by the serine protease inhibitors. The effects of the protease inhibitors on growth and differentiation are discussed.
Implementation of a prototype superdatabase

The Harmony heterogeneous database system with superdatabase architecture for heterogeneous transaction processing has been developed. The authors report on the implementation experience of the Harmony prototype, including the Supernova, an instance of superdatabase and three different component databases. The Supernova glues the system together. It distributes the global supertransaction to the component databases, logs the supertransaction for recovery, and validates the global serialization of the component transactions when they complete. Supernova has two important parts: The first maintains global concurrency control; the second is the distributed commit. The key problem in heterogeneous commit is the translation between different commit protocols. Supernova maintains a table of procedures that implements the commit process for each type of commit protocol. The actual commit protocol is table driven to allow easy addition of new protocols. Supernova/Ultrix currently integrates three different component databases: a modified version of university INGRES running on SUNOS, a CAMELOT server running on the MACH operating system (on a Microvax), and the Nova relational database manager. >
Characterization of an InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained-layer distributed-feedback ridge-waveguide quantum-well heterostructure laser

InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained-layer distributed-feedback (DFB) ridge-waveguide lasers requiring a single metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth step are shown to operate in a single longitudinal mode up to 2.2*I/sub th/ with an antireflection (AR) coating applied to one facet under room temperature, pulsed conditions. A value of kL=0.33 has been determined from threshold gain calculations for coated and uncoated devices. Weak lateral optical confinement, provided by unpumped lateral gratings is demonstrated by the absence of antiguiding effects, and a real lateral index step of approximately 4*10/sup -3/ is determined from near-field emission patterns. >
Bringing Light to the Dark Side of Insulin A Journey Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

I think it's remarkable that only a few months after Banting introduced insulin to the world of diabetes, on the heels of one of medicine's greatest discoveries, Elliot Joslin wrote, “insulin is not a cure for diabetes, but a potent preparation alike . . . for evil and for good.” Today, 85 years later, with all the advances in insulin therapy, there is still a dark side to this potent preparation, and it is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is the major barrier preventing insulin from achieving its full, therapeutic promise. My story begins 30 years ago. Bill Tamborlane came to me with a portable, battery-powered pump being used in pediatrics to infuse the iron-chelating drug desferrioxamine continuously via the subcutaneous route into children with thalassemia major. He hoped to use it to treat children with glycogen storage disease, a study we never performed. This relatively small pump, the Autosyringe Model AS2C, was at that time relatively unique. It had an “instant dose” button that allowed for bolus dose administration as well as the ability to deliver solutions continuously. In short, it was a “perfect” vehicle to infuse insulin in diabetes. Improved glucose control had been demonstrated earlier in the inpatient setting in type 1 diabetic patients given continuous intravenous insulin delivered at preprogrammed basal rates with increments before meals. Such systems were not practical outside of a controlled environment. This device, however, was small enough to be used for continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery. My enthusiasm for this idea was based on experiments Luigi Sacca and I performed 2 years earlier in the mid 1970s. We demonstrated that overnight basal insulin infusion in doses sufficient to normalize fasting glucose the next morning restored the ability of hyperglycemia to suppress hepatic glucose production in type 1 diabetic patients, despite their failure to release insulin …
An all-sharing load balancing protocol in distributed systems on the CSMA/CD local area network

A protocol for dynamic load balancing in distributed systems on the CSMA/CD local area network is presented. Using the protocol, the workload is evenly distributed throughout the system when load-balancing activity is triggered, and effective load distribution is accomplished through transmission of load-balancing messages in a collision-free manner. Analytical and simulation results are presented to show the efficiency of the protocol. >
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Gene Family Encoding ACT Domain Repeat Proteins in Arabidopsis

In bacteria, the regulatory ACT domains serve as amino acid-binding sites in some feedback-regulated amino acid metabolic enzymes. We have identified a novel type of ACT domain-containing protein family in Arabidopsis whose members contain ACT domain repeats (the “ACR” protein family). There are at least eight ACR genes located on each of the five chromosomes in the Arabidopsis genome. Gene structure comparisons indicate that the ACR gene family may have arisen by gene duplications. Northern-blot analysis indicates that each member of the ACR gene family has a distinct expression pattern in various organs from 6-week-old Arabidopsis. Moreover, analyses of an ACR3 promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion in transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that the GUS activity formed a gradient in the developing leaves and sepals, whereas low or no GUS activity was detected in the basal regions. In 2-week-old Arabidopsis seedlings grown in tissue culture, the expression of the ACR gene family is differentially regulated by plant hormones, salt stress, cold stress, and light/dark treatment. The steady-state levels of ACR8 mRNA are dramatically increased by treatment with abscisic acid or salt. Levels of ACR3 and ACR4 mRNA are increased by treatment with benzyladenine. The amino acid sequences of Arabidopsis ACR proteins are most similar in the ACT domains to the bacterial sensor protein GlnD. The ACR proteins may function as novel regulatory or sensor proteins in plants.
THE ROLE OF ONE HEALTH IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: A CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY

Numerous emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have arisen from or been identified in wildlife, with health implications for both humans and wildlife. In the practice of wildlife conservation, to date most attention has focused on the threat EIDs pose to biodiversity and wildlife population viability. In the popular media and public eye, however, wildlife is often only portrayed as the cause of EIDs and resultant human health impacts. There is little coverage on the roles of human-induced habitat destruction or wildlife population stress in EID spread, nor the negative impacts of disease on wildlife. Here, we focus on a little-studied and seldom discussed concern: how real and perceived risks of wildlife-associated diseases for human and companion animal health might erode public support for wildlife conservation. We believe that wildlife-associated EIDs and public perceptions of these risks are among the most important threats to wildlife conservation. In light of this concern, we explore the challenges and opportunities for addressing this situation in a One Health context that emphasizes the interdisciplinary collaboration and the inextricable nature of human and animal health and disease.
The population biology and ecology of the Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus, in the Cockpit Country, Jamaica

The Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), is an endangered species of butterfly endemic to Jamaica. As the largest species of the genus Papilio in the world and the largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, this rare butterfly once inhabited most of Jamaica but has now dwindled into two tiny populations: an eastern population, found where the Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains merge, and a western population in the Cockpit Country. The present research focused on the previously unstudied Cockpit Country population of P. homerus; most previous information about this species is derived from studies of the eastern population. The purpose was to estimate the size of the remaining population in the Cockpit Country using MRR protocols, while making observations to better understand its ecology. Sampling consisted of carefully netting the butterfly, marking a permanent ink number on the wing (metallic Sharpie® marker), and recording winglength, wing condition, time, and sex. The population was found to be very small, estimated at fewer than 50 flying individuals. Many observations were made about the ecology of the species. These new data suggest a conservation plan is strongly needed, coupled with a breeding program to increase numbers of this extraordinary butterfly.