cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the murine gut microbiota during infection with the parasitic helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus

In a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), treatment of colitis in IL-10 gene deficient mice with the parasitic helminth, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, ameliorates colonic inflammation. The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this therapeutic host response are being studied vigorously. One proposed mechanism is that H. polygyrus infection favors the outgrowth or suppression of certain bacteria, which in turn help modulate host immunity. To begin to address this hypothesis, we quantified the effect of H. polygyrus treatment on the composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota in the absence of inflammation, using wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Here, we present evidence that a significant shift in the abundance and relative distribution of bacterial species in the ileum of mice is associated with H. polygyrus infection. Members of the bacterial family, Lactobacillaceae, significantly increased in abundance in the ileum of infected mice reproducibly in two independent experiments despite having different microbiotas present at the outset of each experiment. These data support the concept that helminth infection shifts the composition of intestinal bacteria. The clinical consequences of these shifts in intestinal flora are yet to be explored.
Investigation of the structure of the reaction center in photosynthetic systems by optical detection of triplet state magnetic resonance

Abstract Properties expected of the triplet state of a pair of interacting pigment molecules in photosynthetic systems are described in terms of the triplet state properties of the monomer pigment. The triplet state zero-field splittings and intersystem crossing rate constants measured in isolated chlorophylls and the same properties measured in vivo are utilized to elucidate the geometry of the eraction center in photosynthetic systems.
Hand Surface Landmarks and Measurements in the Treatment of Trigger Thumb

Purpose To determine hand surface landmarks and measurements that may be useful in localizing the A1 pulley and digital neurovascular structures in the treatment of trigger thumb. Methods We highlighted 4 surface landmarks in 20 adult cadaveric hands: the radial border of the index finger, the ulnar border of the thumb, the thumb interphalangeal joint flexion creases, and the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint creases. We injected the radial arteries with red latex and dissected the thumbs. Results The proximal margin of the A1 pulley was located an average of 0.3 mm proximal (range, 3.2 mm proximal to 2.3 mm distal) to the most proximal metacarpophalangeal joint flexion crease. The ratio of measurements from the thumb tip to the midpoint of the interphalangeal joint flexion creases and from this point to the proximal margin of the A1 pulley averaged 1.1:1. The radial digital nerve crossed obliquely over the flexor pollicis longus tendon and approached the proximal margin of the A1 pulley at a mean distance of 2.7 mm (range, 0–12.9 mm). The ulnar digital nerve was located deep to intersecting lines drawn along the radial border of the index finger and the ulnar border of the thumb and coursed parallel to the A1 pulley at a mean distance of 5.4 mm (range, 0–11.1 mm). At the level of the A1 pulley, the digital arteries were positioned dorsal to the digital nerves, and both nerves were located 1.0 to 4.2 mm from the skin surface. Conclusions The findings from our study clarify hand surface landmarks in localizing the thumb A1 pulley and digital neurovascular structures. Clinical relevance Awareness of topographical landmarks in localizing the A1 pulley and digital neurovascular structures and the relationships between the digital neurovascular structures and the A1 pulley may improve the safety and efficacy of trigger thumb treatment.
On the question of the identity of soybean "lipoxidase" and carotene oxidase.

Abstract It has been previously reported by Kies that controlled heating of a partially purified soybean lipoxidase causes the differential loss of its capacity to destroy carotene in the coupled reaction with methyl linoleate, but does not affect its capacity to promote the peroxidation of linoleic acid. The catalysis of the coupled reaction has long been ascribed to lipoxidase. It is now shown that the homogeneous crystalline preparation of soybean lipoxidase of Theorell and co-workers, which is effective against linoleic acid, is essentially ineffective in the above mentioned coupled reaction and is further resistant to the heat treatment employed. The catalysis of the coupled reaction must therefore be ascribed to a heat sensitive entity which is distinct from the Theorell lipoxidase.
Prevalence of essential fatty acid deficiency in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders

Patients with chronic intestinal disorders causing malabsorption, nutritional losses through diarrhea, or catabolic illness would be expected to have essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency (EFAD), but such deficiency has not been demonstrated in patients treated in accordance with the prevailing standard of care. We studied plasma fatty acid patterns of 56 reference or control subjects and 47 patients with chronic intestinal disorders (mostly Crohn's disease) using high-resolution capillary column gas-liquid chromatography. Patients exhibited a shift in fatty acid metabolism similar to that previously shown to be associated with EFAD. Compared with control subjects, patients had (1) decreased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels (43.7% v 50.4%, P < .0001), (2) increased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels (25.8% v 22.0%, P < .0001), (3) higher ratios of mead (20:3 omega 9) to arachidonic (20:4 omega 6) acid (0.020 v 0.013, P < .04), and (4) lower concentrations of total (214 v 284 mg/dL, P < .01), saturated ([SFA] 63 v 75 mg/dL, P < .001), MUFA (56 v 63 mg/dL, P < .001), and PUFA (93 v 143 mg/dL, P < .001). Patients had metabolic shifts toward increased production of MUFA and an increased ratio of derivatives to precursors of omega 6 fatty acids, shifts that occur when cells are EFA-deficient. More than 25% of the patients had biochemical evidence of EFAD according to at least one criterion. Optimal diagnosis requires a concurrent evaluation of concentrations of fatty acids in plasma and in lipoproteins (percent fatty acids). On indices of EFA status that depend on percents, ratios, or concentrations of fatty acids or on the production of abnormal fatty acids, the patients were between patients with severe whole-body EFAD and healthy subjects, a state referred to as absolute EFA insufficiency. Patients with chronic intestinal disease should be evaluated for likely EFA deficiencies and imbalances, and treated with substantial amounts of supplements rich in EFAs, such as oral vegetable and fish oils, or intravenous lipids if necessary.
A 1.1 THz Gain-Bandwidth $W$ -Band Amplifier in a 0.12 $\mu {\rm m}$ Silicon Germanium BiCMOS Process

A W-band, cascaded constructive wave amplifier realizes high gain and bandwidth in a 0.12 μm SiGe BiCMOS process. The amplifier achieves 37.5 dB gain at 90 GHz with a 3 dB bandwidth of 14.6 GHz. Consequently, this amplifier demonstrates a gain-bandwidth product as high as 1,095 GHz. At nominal bias condition, input and output return losses are better than 11 dB over the entire 3 dB bandwidth and the output-referred P1 dB is -5.5 dBm. The amplifier consumes 65 mW from a 1.8 V at a nominal bias condition and 130 mW from a 2 V at a high-gain bias condition. The chip occupies an area of 0.39 mm2 including the pads.
Neural nets and hidden Markov models: review and generalizations

Abstract Previous work has shown the ability of Srtificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs) in particular, to estimate a posteriori probabilities that can be used, after division by the a priori probabilities of the classes, as emission probabilities for Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). The advantages of aspeech recognition system incorporating both MLPs and HMMs are the best discrimination and the ability to incorporate multiple sources of evidence (features, temporal context) without restrictive assumptions of distributions or statistical independence. While this approach has been shown useful for speech recognition, it is still important to understand the underlying problems and limitations and to consider its consequences on other algorithms. For example, while state of the art HMM-based speech recognizers now model context-dependent phonetic units such as triphones instead of phonemes to improve their performance, most of the MLP-based approaches are restricted to phoneme models. After a short review, it is shown here how such neural network approaches can be generalized to context-dependent phoneme models. Also, it is discussed how previous theoretical results can affect the development of other algorithms like nonlinear Autoregressive (AR) Models and Radial Basis Functions (RBFs).
Midodrine: A Novel Therapeutic for Refractory Chylothorax

Thoracic duct injury is a rare but serious complication following surgery of the neck or chest that leads to uncontrolled chyle leak. Conventional management includes drainage, nutritional modification, or aggressive surgical interventions such as thoracic duct ligation, flap coverage, fibrin glue, or talc pleurodesis; few successful medical therapeutics are available. We report a case of a high-output chylothorax refractory to aggressive medical and surgical interventions. Chyle output decreased substantially after initiating midodrine, an α1-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction of the lymph system, reducing chyle flow. This case report suggests that midodrine may be a novel therapeutic for refractory chyle leaks.
Genome regulation in mammalian cells

A theory is presented proposing that genetic regulation in mammalian cells is at least a two-tiered effect; that one level of regulation involves the transition between gene exposure and sequestration; that normal differentiation requires a different spectrum of genes to be exposed in each separate state of differentiation; that the fiber systems of the cell cytoskeleton and the nuclear matrix together control the degree of gene exposure; that specific phosphorylation of these elements causes them to assume a different organizational network and to impose a different pattern of sequestration and exposure on the elements of the genome; that the varied gene phosphorylation mechanisms in the cell are integrated in this function; that attachment of this network system to specific parts of the chromosomes brings about sequestration or exposure of the genes in their neighborhood in a fashion similar to that observed when microtubule elements attach through the kinetochore to the centromeric DNA; that one function of repetitive sequences is to serve as elements for the final attachment of this fibrous network to the specific chromosomal loci; and that at least an important part of the calcium manifestation as a metabolic trigger of different differentiation states involves its acting as a binding agent to centers of electronegativity, in particular proteins and especially phosphorylated groups, so as to change the conformation of the fiber network that ultimately controls gene exposure in the mammalian cell. It would appear essential to determine what abnormal gene exposures and sequestrations are characteristic of each type of cancer; which agonists, if any, will bring about reverse transformation; and whether these considerations can be used in therapy.
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with movement disorders

Autonomic dysfunction is common in parkinsonian syndromes, particularly those involving dysregulation of alpha-synuclein, and may result from neurodegeneration in autonomic regulatory regions of the brain or peripherial autonomic ganglia. The most limiting cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in these diseases is orthostatic hypotension, which is particularly prominent in multiple system atrophy. Postprandial hypotension and supine hypertension, as well as dopaminergic therapy, often complicate the management of orthostatic hypotension in patients with parkinsonian syndromes.
Using Eclipse to demonstrate positive static assurance of Java program concurrency design intent

Assuring and evolving concurrent programs requires understanding the concurrency-related design decisions used in their implementation. Source code often does not reveal these design decisions because they may not have purely local manifestations in the code, or because they cannot be inferred from code. As a result, this design intent is usually not expressed, and it is therefore generally infeasible to assure that concurrent programs are free of race conditions.We describe a prototype Eclipse-based tool developed as part of research toward a practicable approach to capturing and assuring design intent. Through the use of annotations and composable static analyses we can help assure consistency of code and intent as both evolve. The dominant design consideration for the tool is the principle of "early gratification"---some assurance can be obtained with minimal or no annotation effort, and additional increments of annotation or other effort are rewarded with additional increments of assurance.
Social control and imprisonment during the American revolution: Newgate of Connecticut

During the period immediately before the American Revolution, Connecticut colonists became increasingly concerned with citizens who retained sympathies for the British Crown. The possession of such sympathies by Loyalists became the occasion for escalating informal and formal efforts to contain this newly troubling form of deviance. This paper details briefly the origins of the fractionalization of Connecticut society into patriot and loyalist factions and then presents a case study of the use of Newgate Prison of Connecticut as a tool for the suppression of such deviance. Newgate Prison, it may be argued, was the first true colonial prison for the long-term punishment of serious offenders. Although the prison was designed for conventional offenders, the war transformed the mission of the facility so that it confined common and political offenders simultaneously in a nonsegregated institutional environment. The wartime experience of the prison is described, the use of incarceration in Newgate is considere...
Outpatient Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Destination Rather Than a Bridge

Background To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of outpatient left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation, we reviewed the initial clinical experience with this modality at our institution. Methods During January 1993 to November 1995, 12 male and 2 female patients with an average age of 47±17 years were supported for an average of 117±24 days with the Thermo Cardiosystems VE wearable left ventricular assist device. Seven patients were discharged home an average of 35±4 days after implantation. Results No device failures occurred, although 29 controller malfunctions were identified during 1,640 total support days. All patients were able to safely maintain their devices. Outflow graft bleeding and driveline infection were responsible for two readmissions. No long-term anticoagulation treatment was used; one small thromboembolic episode occurred, but without significant long-term sequelae. Conclusions None of the 7 patients released from the hospital died, and all were able to successfully maintain their devices at home. Hospital discharge of patients supported with left ventricular assist devices has allowed long-term evaluation of this technology, and the findings should prompt study of their use as a long-term alternative treatment to medical management for congestive heart failure.
Moving acid boundary (pH gradient) paper ionophoresis of bile salts.

METHODS have been devised for the separation of bile acids and their conjugates with glycine or taurine using partition chromatography on columns1,2 or paper3,4. These methods, however, may confuse certain glycine conjugated acids with the unconjugated bile acids containing a greater number of hydroxyl groups4. Thus ambiguous separations may result if unconjugated bile acids are also present in the mixture.
Stimulus-dependent muscarinic effects on evoked unit activity in the rat barrel cortex

The cerebral cortex receives a prominent cholinergic innervation, which is thought to play an important role in the regulation of its normal function. Electrophysiological studies have shown that activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors results in a marked enhancement of excitatory stimuli onto cortical neurons. In the present study, we examined the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and its muscarinic agonists (applied by pressure injection) on the response components of individual cortical neurons in layers IV and V of the rat somatosensory cortex in identified barrels (C2 and C3). It was found that the muscarinic agonists could modify the evoked unit activity (in most cases, they caused units to respond to previously minimally effective whisker stimuli), but the modulatory effect was highly dependent on the stimulus parameters, and in most cases, the effect was limited to only one component of 'on' or 'off' responses consisting of 2-4 spikes.
Two-dimensional modeling with inhomogeneously magnetized bodies

Abstract Formulas are presented for computing the magnetic field of an inhomogeneously magnetized twodimensional structure of arbitrary cross-section. Both horizontal and vertical components of the magnetization vector can vary linearly in both horizontal and vertical directions. The algorithm is illustrated using a long profile across the Greater Antilles.
Fast polynomial transform algorithms for digital convolution

We have recently introduced new transforms, called polynomial transforms, which are defined in rings of polynomials and give efficient algorithms for the computation of multidimensional DFT's and convolutions. In this paper we present a method for computing one-dimensional convolutions by polynomial transforms. We show that this method is computationally efficient, even for large convolutions, and can be implemented with FFT-type algorithms, while avoiding the use of trigonometric functions and complex arithmetic. We then extend this technique to complex convolutions and to multidimensional convolutions.
Intravital microscopy demonstrating antibody-mediated immobilisation of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites injected into skin by mosquitoes

Previous studies have shown that mosquitoes inject Plasmodium sporozoites into avascular portions of the skin of their rodent host rather than directly into the blood circulation. Then, over time, these sporozoites move into the circulation, from where they reach the liver to initiate a malaria infection. By use of intravital microscopy of the skin, we present direct morphological evidence of mosquito probing that introduces sporozoites into avascular tissue, of the migration of these sporozoites through the dermis and into blood vessels, and of the role of anti-sporozoite antibodies in blocking sporozoite invasion of these dermal blood vessels.
Mass transport in a Czochralski crystal puller with an axial magnetic field: Melt mouton due to crystal growth and buoyancy

Abstract The mass transport of dopants and impurities in a silicon melt is considered for a Czochralski crystal puller with a uniform axial magnetic field. For magnetic field strengths 1≤ B O ≤5 T, the dominant flow fields are those driven by buoyancy and the growth of the crystal (the pulling of the crystal and the raising of the crucible bottom). The mass transport is intrinsically unsteady, and the concentration of a crystallizing particle depends on the entire history of the particle. The buoyancy driven flow provides a mechanism for the recirculation of fluid particles. However, the character of the flow in the diffusion boundary layers and the convection dominated cores depends on the competition between the crystal growth and buoyancy driven velocities, which in turn depends on the magnetic field strength and depth.
Integration of diverse remote sensing data sets for geologic mapping and resource exploration

The use of high-quality multispectral images in the visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, thermal infrared, and microwave regions of the spectrum for producing thematic maps showing details of the surface geology is reported. The airborne data sets used in the study include the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner, and the airborne SAR. Ancillary data include a digital elevation model, National High Altitude Photography, Landsat Multispectral Scanner data, Landsat Thematic Mapper data, laboratory and field spectral measurements, and traditional geologic mapping. The integrated, multispectral images are shown to provide new geologic information that can be used in mineral deposit models to provide exploration targets.
Task-Relevant Control in Organizations

Studies of organizational power using questionnaire measures of perceived control have usually asked respondents, “How much influence do (various groups in the hierarchy) have on what goes on in your organization?” The present study measured such general control, plus control over specific task-relevant responsibilities. Data were obtained from 526 individuals at four hierarchical levels in 20 regional offices of an insurance company. Predicted relationships between total general control and task-relevant control and an independent measure of effectiveness were only partially supported. The general manager's control was more important than expected. However, measuring task-relevant control could be a useful management tool, and could help future research explicate relationships between control and effectiveness.
Delineating dambo catenary soil-landscape units using aerial gamma-ray and terrain data: a comparison of classification approaches

Soil data are largely absent for most of Africa. For landscapes with recognizable catenary elements, this data gap can be filled by mapping the catenary units and assigning them with known soil properties. An example is the landscape map for a region with dambos in central Uganda, which shows the four catenary units in order from well-drained to seasonal wetland: uplands, margins, floors, and bottoms. However, this map was created using optical data, which are cost prohibitive and are also limited by cloud cover. We evaluated the potential of freely available aerial gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) data as an alternative source of classification inputs. Analysis of variance based upon field data for a region with dambos in central Uganda showed gamma activity to differ along the catenary sequence, with landscape position explaining an appreciable proportion of variation of potassium (28%), thorium (27%), and uranium (46%). Using the three gamma channels, together with terrain indices derived from the Shuttle...
Acinic cell tumor of the lung. A histologic and ultrastructural study.

This is the first description, to our knowledge, of a primary neoplasm of the lower respiratory tract having the cytologic appearance of a salivary gland acinic cell tumor. When examined by light microscopy, the cells have cytoplasmic granules which are positive with PAS and negative with mucicarmine, alcian blue, and Masson-Fontana stains. Ultrastructurally, two cell types are seen: a dark cell resembling the normal serous cell of the bronchial submucosal gland and a light cell similar to the cells of previously reported acinic cell tumors of the parotid. It seems likely that the lesion described herein originated from the serous cell of the bronchial submucosal gland and can be designated as an acinic cell tumor analogous to that occurring in the salivary gland. Salivary gland acinic cell tumors are histologically distinctive neoplasms which may have their metastases appear more than 10 years after removal of the primary. Our patient is well nearly 2 years after lobectomy.
A review of empirical likelihood methods for time series

Abstract We summarize advances in empirical likelihood (EL) for time series data. The EL formulation for independent data is briefly presented, which can apply for inference in special time series problems, reproducing the Wilks phenomenon of chi-square limits for log-ratio statistics. For more general inference with time series, versions of time domain block-based EL, and its generalizations based on divergence measures, are described along with their distributional properties; some approaches are intended for mixing time processes and others are tailored to time series with a Markovian structure. We also present frequency domain EL methods based on the periodogram. Finally, EL for long-range dependent processes is reviewed as well as recent advantages in EL for high dimensional problems. Some illustrative numerical examples are given along with a summary of open research issues for EL with dependent data.
Biological properties of human melanoma cells in culture

Three human melanoma cell lines derived from one primary and two metastatic tumors from three different patients were characterized for growth properties usually associated with malignant transformation; these include cell morphology, growth rate, saturation density, growth in semisolid media, colony-forming ability on contact-inhibited monolayers of normal fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and tumorigenicity in immunosuppressed mice. Variations in expression of aberrant properties were evident among the lines. One of the metastatic lines satisfied all the parameters of malignancy tested and the other showed a number of these properties, whereas the primary essentially fulfilled only one. These results suggest that cultured melanoma cells reflect the clinical variability often observed among melanoma patients and the metastatic melanoma seems to display a higher degree of malignant transformation than the primary.
Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab, Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Radiation for Rectal Cancer

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and pathologic complete response rate of induction bevacizumab + modified infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) 6 regimen followed by concurrent bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and radiation for patients with rectal cancer. Methods and Materials Eligible patients received 1 month of induction bevacizumab and mFOLFOX6. Patients then received 50.4 Gy of radiation and concurrent bevacizumab (5 mg/kg on Days 1, 15, and 29), oxaliplatin (50 mg/m 2 /week for 6 weeks), and continuous infusion 5-FU (200 mg/m 2 /day). Because of gastrointestinal toxicity, the oxaliplatin dose was reduced to 40 mg/m 2 /week. Resection was performed 4−8 weeks after the completion of chemoradiation. Results The trial was terminated early because of toxicity after 26 eligible patients were treated. Only 1 patient had significant toxicity (arrhythmia) during induction treatment and was removed from the study. During chemoradiation, Grade 3/4 toxicity was experienced by 19 of 25 patients (76%). The most common Grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea, neutropenia, and pain. Five of 25 patients (20%) had a complete pathologic response. Nine of 25 patients (36%) developed postoperative complications including infection ( n = 4), delayed healing ( n = 3), leak/abscess ( n = 2), sterile fluid collection ( n = 2), ischemic colonic reservoir ( n = 1), and fistula ( n = 1). Conclusions Concurrent oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, continuous infusion 5-FU, and radiation causes significant gastrointestinal toxicity. The pathologic complete response rate of this regimen was similar to other fluorouracil chemoradiation regimens. The high incidence of postoperative wound complications is concerning and consistent with other reports utilizing bevacizumab with chemoradiation before major surgical resections.
The Nature of Exemplary Doctoral Advisors' Expectations and the Ways They May Influence Doctoral Persistence:

The high attrition rate from doctoral programs has been called a “hidden crisis” in graduate education (Lovitts & Nelson, 2000). Previous research has identified a constellation of factors that may contribute to doctoral attrition. However, the literature suggests that one of the most powerful influences on doctoral persistence is the relationship doctoral students develop with their advisors (Berg & Ferber, 1983; Ferrer de Valero, 2001; Girves & Wemmerus, 1988). Although there is a growing body of literature that has explored the advisor-advisee relationship with respect to persistence, little attention has been given to the examination of the expectations that advisors have of their advisees and how these expectations might impact degree completion. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative study examined the expectations that 25 exemplary advisors have of their doctoral advisees. Findings revealed 5 specific expectations advisors hold that, if met, could lead to improved doctoral student retention.
Computerized mammographic image analysis for reducing false positive rate for biopsy recommendation

There are two major issues which would be raised during the panel discussion: 1. There is a need to develop a computerized image analysis system to help physcians making decisions about the biopsy recommendation based on certain mammographic signs. The computerized analysis must be compared with the ROC analysis of best experts and trained to perform as good as human experts or better, if possible. Various types of presentations of computer generated analysis/images from original digital mammograms should be tested to search for the better form of presentation of data to the physician to help making correct decisions about the biopsy recommendation. 2. To make the computer system versatile performing at the best level, it is essential that a large database of critical as well as nominal mammographic cases should be developed and presented to a group of best experts for ROC analysis. Such an analysis will serve as a gold standard for the performance evaluation and comparison of the individual computer systems.
Notch signaling in the nervous system. Pieces still missing from the puzzle.

Notch has been known for many years as a receptor for inhibitory signals that shapes the pattern of the nervous system during its development. Genes in the Notch pathway function to prevent neural determination so that only a subset of the available ectodermal cells become neural precursors. The localization of Notch signaling is crucial for determining where neural precursor cells arise on a cell-by-cell basis. The unresolved problem is that studies of the expression of Notch protein and its ligands are inconsistent with the pattern of neurogenesis. During neural cell fate specification, distributions of Notch protein and of its ligand Delta appear uniform. Under the reigning paradigm, such widespread expression should lead to N signal transduction in all cells and thereby prevent any neural specification. Yet, contrary to this expectation, neural elements still form, in characteristic patterns, hence, Notch signal transduction must have been inactive in the precursor cells. The mechanism preventing Notch signaling in certain cells must be posttranslational but it has not yet been identified. This review will outline the experimental evidence supporting this view of Notch signaling, and briefly evaluate some of the possible mechanisms that have been suggested. BioEssays 22:264–273, 2000. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Radiation induced interface states and ESR evidence for room temperature interactions between molecular hydrogen and silicon dangling bonds in amorphous SiO 2 films on Si

Abstract We establish strong experimental evidence linking reactions between molecular hydrogen and E' center hole traps to the radiation induced interface state generation process in metal/oxide/silicon (MOS) devices.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Multifamily Group Therapy in Child Abuse and Neglect

This article compares the effectiveness of multifamily group therapy (MFGT) with traditional family therapy in the treatment of abusing and neglectingfamilies. Eighty-one families were ran domly as...
Classics and the acquisition and validation of power in Britain’s “imperial century” (1815–1914)

During Britain’s ‘imperial century’ (1815–1914) the curriculum of the typical upper-class education was dominated by classics (liberal education). Commonly perceived at the time as a ‘general’ subject with no application to any profession, and, by extension, with no worldly or political ramifications, classics was, in fact, as argued in this piece, intimately connected with both access to and validation of imperial power during this period. As the hallmark of an elite a classical education provided access to positions in imperial administration where recruitment operated through patronage. Following reforms of the Indian Civil Service in the 1850’s, which abolished the patronage system in favor of competitive examination, a classical education continued nonetheless to be vital to success since knowl-edge of Latin and Greek was favorably weighted in the marking scheme. Throughout the imperial century, and increasingly self-consciously towards the end, analogies between the Roman empire and the British were made in a variety of ways to validate the British imperial enterprise and provide it with venerable precedents.
CDF GlideinWMS usage in Grid computing of high energy physics

Many members of large science collaborations already have specialized grids available to advance their research in the need of getting more computing resources for data analysis. This has forced the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) collaboration to move beyond the usage of dedicated resources and start exploiting Grid resources. Nowadays, CDF experiment is increasingly relying on glidein-based computing pools for data reconstruction. Especially, Monte Carlo production and user data analysis, serving over 400 users by central analysis farm middleware (CAF) on the top of Condor batch system and CDF Grid infrastructure. Condor is designed as distributed architecture and its glidein mechanism of pilot jobs is ideal for abstracting the Grid computing by making a virtual private computing pool. We would like to present the first production use of the generic pilot-based Workload Management System (glideinWMS), which is an implementation of the pilot mechanism based on the Condor distributed infrastructure. CDF Grid computing uses glideinWMS for its data reconstruction on the FNAL campus Grid, user analysis and Monte Carlo production across Open Science Grid (OSG). We review this computing model and setup used including CDF specific configuration within the glideinWMS system which provides powerful scalability and makes Grid computing working like in a local batch environment with ability to handle more than 10000 running jobs at a time.
Autonomic arousal and pain sensitivity in women with premenstrual syndrome at different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Abstract Eleven women with a clinical diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and ten non-PMS control women were compared on physiological measures in the intermenstrual and premenstrual phases of their menstrual cycle. Heart rate (HR) and skin conductance level (SCL) were monitored during baseline conditions and in response to a stressful laboratory procedure. Analyses for HR revealed a three-way interaction (groups × phase × tests) which approached significance indicating that the PMS group was generally lower during the intermenstrual testing but was higher in the premenstrual phase. No significant differences were observed on behavioral measures (pain threshold, pain tolerance) between the groups. Pain intensity ratings were found to be overall higher in the PMS group irrespective of menstrual cycle phase. The role of cognitive-perceptual processes is discussed in the context of the acquisition and maintenance of PMS symptomatology.
Interventions Using Scales Measuring Expected and Actual Adjustment to College

This study evaluates the consequences of intervention by interview with college freshmen identified by questionnaires as being at risk in three respects: (a) low prematriculation expectations regarding capacity for dealing with the transition into college, (b) significant postmatriculation disillusionment regarding adjustive capacity, and (c) low self-assessed adjustment in the first semester. Effects were analyzed in terms of score change on scales of adjustment, freshman year grade point average (GPA), number of credits earned in the freshman year, and continuance of enrollment.
On the sampling theory roundations of item response theory models

Item response theory (IT) models are now in common use for the analysis of dichotomous item responses. This paper examines the sampling theory foundations for statistical inference in these models. The discussion includes: some history on the “stochastic subject” versus the random sampling interpretations of the probability in IRT models; the relationship between three versions of maximum likelihood estimation for IRT models; estimating θ versus estimating θ-predictors; IRT models and loglinear models; the identifiability of IRT models; and the role of robustness and Bayesian statistics from the sampling theory perspective.
Association between aortopulmonary collateral flow and clinical status late after Fontan operation

Excessive aortopulmonary collateral (APC) flow is hypothesized to negatively affect outcome after a Fontan operation. Lack of an accurate and readily applied technique to measure APC flow has hindered research on this issue.
Key factors in the implementation of a clinical quality improvement project: successes and challenges.

This article describes the successful implementa tion of a clinical quality improvement project at a 720-bed academic medical center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and provides some insight into key factors that contributed to the successes and the chal lenges that we encountered during the process.
Discrete-time stability of continuous-time controller designs for large space structures

In most of the stable control designs for flexible structures, continuous time is assumed. However, in view of the implementation of the controllers by on-line digital computers, the discrete-time stability of such controllers is an important consideration. In the case of direct-velocity feedback (DVFB), involving negative feedback from collocated force actuators and velocity sensors, it is not immediately apparent how much delay due to digital implementation of DVFB can be tolerated without loss of stability. The present investigation is concerned with such questions. A study is conducted of the discrete-time stability of DVFB, taking into account an employment of Euler's method of approximation of the time derivative. The obtained result gives an indication of the acceptable time-step size for stable digital implementation of DVFB. A result derived in connection with the consideration of the discrete-time stability of stable continuous-time systems provides a general condition under which digital implementation of such a system will remain stable.
An Economic Comparison of Four Culling Decision Rules for Reproductive Failure in United States Dairy Herds Using DairyORACLE

Abstract Farmers must frequently decide when to stop breeding cows if cows fail to conceive. Four culling decision rules were defined and economically evaluated using a stochastic simulation model (DairyORACLE), which models the management of a dairy herd. Two rules are based on a fixed cutoff point for service and two varied according to production and reproductive status of individual cows. Decision analysis techniques were used. For maximum profit the reproductive culling policy should not be too restrictive. Income over variable costs per cow decreased if maximum allowable number of days for breeding was reduced from 250 to 165 d, despite the positive effect on calving interval of the herd. The advantage of a shorter calving interval was outweighed by the negative effects of increased culling, especially in herds with poor reproductive performance. In these herds the most profitable strategy was a flexible culling criterion based on production and reproductive status of the cow. With better reproduction, it was worthwhile to continue breeding all cows until 250 days after calving, provided that the lowest producing cows were not bred but were culled for low production irrespective of reproduction.
Phenyl-tert-butylnitrone induces tumor regression and decreases angiogenesis in a C6 rat glioma model

The prognosis of patients who are diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme is very poor, due to the difficulty of an early and accurate diagnosis and the lack of currently efficient therapeutic compounds. The efficacy of phenyl-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) as a potential anti-glioma therapeutic drug was assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (T(1)/T(2)-weighted imaging) and MR angiography (time-of-flight imaging, in conjunction with a Mathematica-based program) methods by monitoring morphologic properties, growth patterns, and angiogenic behaviors of a moderately aggressive rat C6 glioma model. MR results from untreated rats showed the diffusive invasiveness of C6 gliomas, with some associated angiogenesis. PBN administration as a pretreatment was found to clearly induce a decrease in growth rate and tumor regression as well as preventing angiogenesis. This compound even had a 40% efficiency in reducing well-established tumors. MR findings rivaled those from histology and angiogenesis marker immunostaining evaluations. In this study we demonstrated the efficiency of PBN as a potential anti-glioma drug and found it to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and prevent vascular alterations in early stages of glioma progression. The MR methods that we used also proved to be particularly suitable in following the angiogenic behavior and treatment response of a potential anti-glioma agent in a rat C6 glioma model.
Beyond feasibility: a comparison of newborns undergoing thoracoscopic and open repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Abstract Background Although both laparoscopic and thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have been described in the literature, neither appropriate selection criteria nor improved outcomes for minimally invasive repair over open repair have been clearly delineated. Methods We reviewed our experience with neonatal CDH repair between 2004 and 2007 to determine clinical parameters that are associated with successful thoracoscopic CDH repair. We compared these patients to a similarly matched cohort of patients who had undergone an open neonatal CDH repair between 1999 and 2003. Results From 2004 to 2007, 20 (61%) of 33 patients underwent successful neonatal thoracoscopic CDH repair. Characteristics common to all patients who underwent successful thoracoscopic repair included absence of congenital heart defects, no need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventilatory peak inspiratory pressure of less than 26 cmH 2 O, and oxygenation index less than 5 on the day of planned surgery. From 1999 to 2003, 40 patients underwent an open neonatal CDH repair, of which 18 (45%) patients would have matched our selection criteria for thoracoscopic repair. These 2 cohorts were similar in age, estimated gestational age, weight, APGAR scores, and oxygenation index at the time of surgery. The thoracoscopic cohort had statistically and clinically significant quicker return to full enteral feeds, had shorter duration on the ventilator postoperatively, and required less narcotic/sedation postoperatively. Less severe complications occurred in the thoracoscopic cohort. Adjusted total hospital charges were less for the thoracoscopic repair. Conclusions Successful thoracoscopic CDH repair can be expected in newborns, which has limited respiratory compromise. Thoracoscopic CDH repair is associated with lower morbidity and quicker recovery than traditional open repair and without increased risk of recurrence or complications.
Paradigm for assessment and treatment of SIJ mechanical dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is an integral part of both the lumbar spine and the pelvic girdle. It is frequently the source of low back pain and pelvic girdle pain. Recent research has permitted a deeper understanding of its function and assessment. The mechanical assessment of the SIJ as a transmitter of load between trunk and lower limbs, and as a means to absorb torsion stresses of the pelvis absorber of torsion is examined; history, clinical examination and imaging modalities are explored and the role of exercise and some interventional therapies are described in general terms.
Frequency of Discharge Causing Abutment Scour in South Carolina

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the adequacy of the 100-year discharge along with the Froehlich bridge abutment scour equation adopted by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) in predicting abutment scour for bridge design purposes in South Carolina streams. The analysis utilized bridge properties, stream cross-sectional and hydraulic data, local flood frequency equations, a one-dimensional steady river flow computer model (WSPRO), and procedures recommended by the FHwA for predicting abutment scour. A method was developed to identify the single stream-discharge at each bridge that can cause the abutment scour that was observed at 73 bridge abutments. Analysis of the results revealed that for one-third of the abutments in the sandy soil region of South Carolina, the flow rates required to produce the observed scour depths had return periods greater than 100 years. Although for bridges in the region dominated by clay soil, the return periods were significantly smaller than 100 years.
Corporate Control Contests and the Disciplining Effect of Spin-offs: A Theory of Performance and Value Improvements in Spin-offs

We develop a new rationale for the performance and value improvements of firms following corporate spin-offs. We consider a situation of a firm with multiple divisions, where incumbent management may have differing abilities for managing various divisions. Giving up control to a rival with better ability in managing the firm, while it benefits equity holders (including incumbent management) by increasing the firm's equity market value, also involves losing the incumbent's benefits from control. Due to this trade-off, the incumbent, while willing to relinquish control to extremely high ability rivals, may not wish to do so for rivals who have only moderately higher management ability relative to him. Spin-offs increase the chance of loss of control to potential rivals in two ways: First, it reduces the ability of the incumbent to use firm size strategically against the rival in a control contest (after the spin-off, the rival can invest to the full extent of his wealth in the equity of the firm more vulnerable to a takeover). Second, it increases the probability that passive investors will vote with the rival in a contest for control for at least one division (in a joint firm, the superior management ability of any rival with respect to one division may be neutralized by inferior ability with respect to another one). This increased chance of loss of control following a spin-off, in turn, motivates the incumbent to work harder (despite his disutility for effort) in equilibrium in an attempt to maintain control. Thus, the increase in equity market value of the firm upon spin-off announcements arises not only from market participants incorporating in their valuations the increased probability of a takeover by a more able rival for control, but also from their anticipating the increase in managerial efficiency arising from the disciplining effect of the spin-off on firm management. Our analysis predicts that, in addition to positive announcement effects, the equity of a sample of spun-off firms will also exhibit long-term positive abnormal returns under certain conditions. Our model also explains a wide variety of other recently documented empirical regularities, and provides hypotheses for further empirical work.