cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Capsule endoscopy was originally developed to detect small bowel sources of gastrointestinal bleeding. Barely 24 months old, this technology has now found a new and potentially more important indication in the diagnosis and management of small bowel Crohn's disease. Early experiences suggest that it is superior to currently available imaging modalities and therefore an ideal test to diagnose Crohn's disease. In the author's experience, capsule endoscopy has already helped elucidate new diagnosis of Crohn's disease, revise diagnosis from indeterminate colitis to Crohn's disease, and identify active small bowel disease despite prior negative imaging studies.
Use of force and civil–military relations in Russia: an automated content analysis

Russia's intervention in the Georgian–South Ossetian conflict has highlighted the need to rigorously examine trends in the public debate over the use of force in Russia. Approaching this debate thr...
Influence of ovarian steroids on relaxin-induced uterine growth in ovariectomized gilts.

This study examined the influence of ovarian steroids on the uterotropic actions of relaxin (RLX) in ovariectomized prepubertal gilts. Ovariectomized gilts received (im) corn oil (CO), estradiol benzoate (EB), or EB and progesterone (P) for 0-16 days. Steroid administration was patterned to approximate the plasma concentrations of endogenous ovarian steroids observed during 1) the follicular phase (EB), 2) luteal phase (EB+P), and 3) early pregnancy (EB+P+EB). Half of each group also received PBS or 0.5 mg RLX every 6 h for 54 h, coinciding with the final 2 days of the experimental period. After hysterectomy, uterine tissues were analyzed for water, dry matter, protein, DNA, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and collagen contents. Administration of EB or P increased uterine weight 5- to 6-fold, but no differences were observed between EB+P- and EB+P+EB-treated gilts. Cotreatment with RLX enhanced steroid-induced uterine growth 40-70%, and RLX stimulated growth in CO- and EB+CO control gilts 2- to 3-fold. The wat...
MicroRNA-378 controls classical brown fat expansion to counteract obesity

Both classical brown adipocytes and brown-like beige adipocytes are considered as promising therapeutic targets for obesity; however, their development, relative importance and functional coordination are not well understood. Here we show that a modest expression of miR-378/378* in adipose tissue specifically increases classical brown fat (BAT) mass, but not white fat (WAT) mass. Remarkably, BAT expansion, rather than miR-378 per se, suppresses formation of beige adipocytes in subcutaneous WAT. Despite this negative feedback, the expanded BAT depot is sufficient to prevent both genetic and high-fat diet-induced obesity. At the molecular level, we find that miR-378 targets phosphodiesterase Pde1b in BAT but not in WAT. Indeed, miR-378 and Pde1b inversely regulate brown adipogenesis in vitro in the absence of phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine. Our work identifies miR-378 as a key regulatory component underlying classical BAT-specific expansion and obesity resistance, and adds novel insights into the physiological crosstalk between BAT and WAT.
Identification of polymeric dye-tolerant oregano (Origanum vulgare) clonal lines by quantifying total phenolics and peroxidase activity

High phenolic-containing oregano clonal lines have been targeted as potential plants for developing pollutant-tolerant rhizospheres that could accelerate microbial degradation of pollutants such as polymeric dyes and related aromatic compounds. Seven tissue culture-generated oregano clonal lines were found to grow on hormone-free medium containing 0.01% of Poly R-478 or Poly S-119. The results showed that dye tolerance was associated with changes in total phenolics and peroxidase activity in these clonal lines. The total phenolics of most clonal lines decreased in response to polymeric dyes, whereas the peroxidase activity increased. Clonal line O-5 pretreated with Pseudomonas exhibited a higher level of peroxidase activity compared to untreated O-5 in response to the dyes. These observations suggested that the peroxidase activity was inducible. Stereomicroscopic observations revealed that the polymeric dyes were sequestered within the growing axis of the roots. This process may also enhance the polymeriz...
Time-Division-Multiplexed Interferometric Sensor Arrays

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a time-division-multiplexed acoustic sensor array employing multiple low-gain Er-doped fiber amplifiers to multiplex ten compact Fabry-Perot acoustic sensors. We show that the ten sensors can be interrogated with a single laser diode at a single wavelength, and exhibit the same measured SNR within $\pm$ 0.95 dB of each other. We present a model to identify the dominant noise contributions, and their dependence on the number of multiplexed sensors. This model predicts that more than 350 sensors can be multiplexed with the proposed architecture.
Effect of monolayer order and dynamics on the electronic transport of molecular wires

This article discusses the self assembly of conjugated thiol molecular wires on Au(111) substrates and their charge transport studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Molecular resolution imaging of the conjugated thiols show that differences in their structure and inter molecular interactions result in an ordering on gold that is different from the hexagonal symmetry found in alkanethiols. Tunneling spectroscopy on the molecular wires provides information about their intrinsic electronic properties such as the origin of the observed conductance gap and asymmetry in the I–Vs. Further by concurrent topographic and tunneling spectroscopic studies on a conjugated thiol molecule self assembled with and without molecular order, we show that packing and order determine the response of the monolayer to various competing interactions and that the presence of molecular order is very important for reproducible transport measurements. Competing forces between the electric field, intermolecular interactions, tip-molecule physisorption and substrate-molecule chemisorption impact the transport measurements and its reliability. This study points to the fact that molecular electronic devices should be designed to be tolerant to such fluctuations and dynamics.
Fault-Tolerant Holonomic Quantum Computation

We explain how to combine holonomic quantum computation (HQC) with fault-tolerant quantum error correction. This establishes the scalability of HQC, putting it on equal footing with other models of computation, while retaining the inherent robustness the method derives from its geometric nature.
Investigation of Wall Shear Stress Over an Early Atherosclerotic Plaque in the Left Coronary Artery of a Patient by Intravascular Ultrasound and Computational Fluid Dynamics

A small isolated region with mild atherosclerotic thickening in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was identified in a relatively young patient using invasive coronary angiography. The left main (LM) coronary artery and LAD were reconstructed based on biplanar angiography images and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The flow field in the lumen was simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with Doppler-measured flow boundary conditions. The results offer insight into the local flow environment in the neighborhood of an early atherosclerotic plaque in a specific human subject under in vivo conditions. The investigation is continuing with other patients who have mild plaques in the left coronary artery in an effort to elucidate in vivo atherogenesis.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Microscopic Inhomogeneous Broadening and Nuclear Spin-Spin Interactions

We study here the effects that random inhomogeneities have both on the nuclear spin-spin interaction via virtual spin-wave excitations in magnetically ordered systems [the Suhl-Nakamura (S-N) interaction] and on dipolar interactions. Two models are proposed to explain the experimental observation that the nuclear transverse relaxation rates ($\frac{1}{{T}_{2}}$) often are smaller than predicted by the S-N or dipolar theories for the perfect crystal, and that the spin-echo envelope decays are exponential in time rather than Gaussian. For both models, the method of moments is employed, and it is shown that the transformation from Gaussian to cutoff Lorentzian behavior may be characterized by the behavior of the quantity $\frac{{({M}_{4})}_{\mathrm{in}}}{{{({M}_{2})}_{\mathrm{in}}}^{2}}$. Assuming the magnitude of the inhomogeneous broadening to be the same, a proportionately greater reduction occurs in ${{({M}_{2})}_{\mathrm{in}}}^{\mathrm{S}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{N}}$ than in ${{({M}_{2})}_{\mathrm{in}}}^{\mathrm{dip}}$ when the range of the S-N interaction is large (i.e., $\frac{{H}_{A}}{{H}_{E}}\ensuremath{\ll}1$). The inhomogeneous model as applied to the dipolar interaction compares favorably with Portis's spectral diffusion theory. The limitations of the applicability of the model theories to comparison with experiment are considered. Finally, a number of serious errors in the S-N theory, as applied to Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, are corrected.
Rainfall and relative losses in various forms

Interest in rainfall and the consequent losses which-occur from the land-surface in various forms has been manifested for many, years by the membership of the Section of Hydrology as well as by other workers. During the past six years the Soil Conservation Service has been interested in this subject, recognizing that in the humid regions water is the primary agent of erosion and in the subhumid regions knowledge of the hydrologic cycle is important in connection with the conservation of water. At various times many different workers have reported separately the results of their work on the measurement of precipitation, losses in the form of runoff, transpiration from various kinds of plants under various conditions, and evaporation of water either from soils or free water-surfaces. There has been very little work reported, however, in which these separate phases of the problem are studied in relation to each other. We have little information on the effect of the relative losses in one form upon the relative losses in some other form. It is desirable to know, for example, the effect of increased transpiration upon the relative movement of surface-water to ground-water, or the effect of reduced runoff upon consumptive use of water. It is desirable to know the relative effect, or at least the direction of trend of the effect of such factors as soil-type, degree of land-slope, length of land-slope, characteristics of rainfall, vegetal cover, temperature, soil-structure as affected by the chemical and physical properties of the soil and as affected by its mechanical treatment, and others of perhaps lesser importance upon the relative losses of precipitation from the land-surface.
Inorganic pyrophosphatase and nucleoside diphosphatase in the parasitic protozoon, Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract Entamoeba histolytica contains two acid pyrophosphatases. One is an inorganic pyrophosphatase with a relatively high Km ( ⋍ 1 mM) and no cation requirement. The other is a nucleoside diphosphatase with a relatively low Km ( ⋍ 50 μM) and Ca2+ requirement. No Mg2+ dependent neutral or alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase is present. The pyrophosphatases are localized in subcellular particles, display structure-linked latency and are tightly bound to membranes.
Photodiode with 0.75 W RF output power at 15 GHz

We demonstrate a flip-chip bonded modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodiode with a record-high RF output power of 0.75 W at 15 GHz and OIP3 up to 59 dBm. The photodiode has responsivity of 0.7 A/W, 3 dB-bandwidth > 15 GHz and saturation photocurrent > 180 mA at 11 V reverse bias.
The role of MR cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of pregnant patients with acute pancreaticobiliary disease

This study aimed to determine the usefulness of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the evaluation of pregnant patients with acute pancreaticobiliary disease and its additional value over ultrasound. MRI studies of pregnant patients who were referred because of acute pancreaticobiliary disease were included. MR images and patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to determine clinical outcome and the results of other imaging studies. 18 pregnant patients underwent MRCP because of right upper quadrant pain (n = 6), pancreatitis (n = 9), cholangitis (n = 1) or jaundice (n = 2). 15 patients were also evaluated with ultrasound. Biliary dilatation was detected in eight patients by ultrasound, but the cause of biliary dilatation could not be determined by ultrasound in seven patients. MRCP demonstrated the aetiology in four of these patients (choledocholithiasis (n = 1), Mirizzi syndrome (n = 1), choledochal cyst (n = 1) and intrahepatic biliary stones (n = 1)) and excluded obstructive pathology in the oth...
Growth and properties of PMN–PT single crystals

Abstract Piezoelectric single crystals of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) show superior properties to piezoelectric ceramics and piezoelectric films in device applications. However, the applications of PMN–PT single crystals are limited by the lack of a simple and reproducible fabrication technique. By studying the effect of fabrication condition on the growth of PMN–PT single crystals in the flux method, we successfully obtained PMN-PT single crystals. The size of the obtained crystals varied from 1 to 4 mm, mostly showing regular cubic shape. X-ray diffraction technique identified the crystal phase was PMN–PT. Electron diffraction spectroscope analysis indicated that the composition of the single crystals was closed to the designed solid solution. The (0 0 1) single crystals showed a dielectric constant peak of 15,200 at 42°C. The crystals had a remnant polarization 16 μc/cm2, a spontaneous polarization 22.1 μc/cm2, and a coercive field 2.55 kV/cm. Our measurement indicated the temperature dependence and frequency dependence of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PMN–PT single crystals. The results will be a great help for the applications of PMN–PT single crystals.
The acute toxicity and sublethal effects of chlorothalonil in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract The in vivo toxicity and sublethal biochemical effects of chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile) were evaluated in the channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus). The static 96hr LC 50 value for chlorothalonil was 52 μg/L, indicating that chlorothalonil is highly acutely toxic to channel catfish. Sublethal chlorothalonil exposure for 6 days resulted in acute necrosis of the intestinal epithelial lining in 57% of the treated catfish. However, no treatment-related pathological lesions were observed in liver, gills, posterior kidney, brain, spleen, or heart. Catfish exposed to 13 μg/L chlorothalonil for 72 hr had increased tissue glutathione (GSH) concentrations in liver, posterior kidney and gills, suggesting a protective role of tissue GSH towards chlorothalonil exposure.
Microscopy and Spectroscopy of Lithium Nickel Oxide-Based Particles Used in High Power Lithium-Ion Cells

Structural and electronic investigations were conducted on lithium nickel oxide-based particles used in positive electrodes of 18650-type high-power Li-ion cells. K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) revealed trivalent Ni and Co ions in the bulk LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} powder used to prepare the high power electrode laminates. Using oxygen K-edge XAS, high resolution electron microscopy, nanoprobe diffraction, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we identified a <5 nm thick modified layer on the surface of the oxide particles, which results from the loss of Ni and Li ordering in the layered R{bar 3}m structure. This structural change was accompanied by oxygen loss and a lowering of the Ni- and Co-oxidation states in the surface layer. Growth of this surface layer may contribute to the impedance rise observed during accelerated aging of these Li-ion cells.
The Norfolk and Norwich infusion box

An apparatus is described to facilitate the pressurisation of plastic fluid containers during rapid intravenous infusion. The advantages offered by this system over the 'infusion cuff' method include greater mechanical stability, faster pressurisation and change-over of infusion containers and clear visibility of the contents of the containers.
Mediating systems in inflammatory disease.

This article reviews the mediation systems participating or potentially participating in inflammatory disease, especially in immunologic injury of the glomerulus. Mediator systems are separated into 3 mechanisms: the first involves complement and neutrophils; the second involves systems unrelated to neutrophils and complement components from C3 to C9; and the third involves blood monocytes. Major emphasis is given to an analysis of factors that potentially participate in the second mechanism. These include humoral factors such as the coagulation system and Hageman factor systems and cellular factors such as platelets or cells resident in the glomerulus. Studies on a role of vasoactive amines are presented. The importance of separating neutrophil-dependent and -independent mechanisms in these studies is emphasized. A review of current knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms involved in the Hageman factor system is presented because of the potential role of these components in the development of inflammation.
A surprising postnatal diagnosis.

CASE: A1-week-oldinfantwasreferredtothe pediatric genetics clinic for evaluationof hypotonia and dysmorphic facial fea-tures. She was accompanied by her 37-year-old mother and 52-year-old father.The infant was her parents’ first child. Sheweighed 2,600 g at birth and was deliv-ered after a full-term uncomplicated preg-nancy. According to the mother, at 18weeks of gestation, a quadruple screenwas performed, which was interpreted as“within normal limits.” At the time, themother stated that she reviewed her resultswith her obstetrician and felt reassured,decidingagainstundergoinganamniocen-tesis. “He told me ‘The results came backfine, so there is no need to worry,’” sheexplained. A routine ultrasound examina-tion at 20 weeks revealed no apparentabnormalities.Thedeliverywasunremark-able. In the newborn period, the pediatri-ciannotedhypotoniaanddysmorphicfea-tures, but the baby was otherwise healthyand was discharged home after 2 days.Onphysicalexamination,atthetimeofthe visit, the infant had the typical physicalfeatures of Down syndrome: brachyceph-aly; midface hypoplasia with bilateral epi-canthal folds, and upslanting obliquity ofthe palpebral fissures. No heart murmurwas auscultated. On neurological exami-nation, the infant was diffusely hypotonicwith poor head control.The history of poor feeding, diffuse hy-potonia, and the distinct facial appearanceraised our concerns that the infant hadDown syndrome. A karyotype confirmedthe diagnosis of trisomy 21 (Fig. 1). Theechocardiogram was normal, with no evi-dence of an endocardial cushion defect orother heart abnormality in keeping withthe normal targeted prenatal sonogram.The pediatric geneticist discussed theclinicalimpressionwiththemother,whoexpressed complete shock. She said thather provider had called her “normal”quad screen reassuring, and after theirdiscussion, she felt confident in her de-cision to decline amniocentesis. Whywas the diagnosis of Down syndromemissed?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Benign Cardiac Masses: A Pictorial Essay

The differential diagnosis for a cardiac mass includes primary and metastatic neoplasms. While primary cardiac tumors are rare, metastatic disease to the heart is a common finding in cancer patients. Several “tumor-like” processes can mimic a true cardiac neoplasm with accurate diagnosis critical at guiding appropriate management. We present a pictorial essay of the most common benign cardiac masses and “mass-like” lesions with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging features.
Technological diversity, related diversification, and firm performance

Previous findings that related diversification creates value have been called into question over concerns about methodology and measures. Reviewing existing theory to consider how a firm's knowledge base interacts with its product market activity, I address several of these concerns by creating a measure of technological diversity based on citation-weighted patents. The measure indicates a firm's opportunity for corporate diversification based on economies of scope in valuable knowledge assets, is defined for both single- and multibusiness firms, and is not correlated with more fundamental aspects of diversification, such as the number of businesses in the corporate portfolio. Evidence from a large sample of firms shows the positive relationship between diversification based on technological diversity and market-based measures of performance, controlling for R&D intensity and capital intensity as further indicators of the type of assets underlying diversification. Results hold when controlling for the endogeneity of diversification and performance in a cross-sectional sample or when controlling for unobserved factors using panel data. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social cognitive skills training in schizophrenia: An initial efficacy study of stabilized outpatients

Social cognitive deficits are promising treatment targets for new interventions to improve functional outcome in schizophrenia. A few preliminary studies of inpatients support the feasibility of improving social cognition through psychosocial interventions. This clinical trial evaluated a new 12-session social cognitive skills training program designed to address four aspects of social cognition (affect perception, social perception, attributional style, Theory of Mind) in outpatients with psychosis, a population for whom such interventions will likely be very useful. Thirty-one clinically stabilized outpatients were randomly assigned to a social cognition skills training intervention or a time-matched control condition (illness self-management and relapse prevention skills training), and completed pre- and post-treatment assessments of social cognition, neurocognition, and symptoms. The social cognition group demonstrated a large, significant improvement in facial affect perception, which was not present in the control group. This improvement was independent of changes in basic neurocognitive functioning or symptoms. Results support the efficacy of a social cognitive intervention for community-dwelling outpatients and encourage further development of this treatment approach to achieve broader improvements in social cognition and generalization of treatment gains.
How Indecomposable Continua Arise in Dynamical Systemsa

. A brief history of the study of indecomposable continua is given, as well as a discussion of the different ways these continua are known to occur at present in dynamical systems. Relevant work of several researchers in the area is discussed.
A disciplined approach to the development of platform architectures

Abstract Silicon capability has enabled the embedding of an entire system on a single silicon die. These devices are known as systems-on-a-chip. Currently, the design of these devices is undisciplined, expensive, and risky. One way of amortizing the cost and ameliorating this design risk is to make a single integrated circuit serve multiple applications, and the natural way of enabling this is through end-user programmability. The aim of the MESCAL project, which is the subject of this paper, is to introduce a disciplined approach to producing reusable architectural platforms that can be easily programmed to meet a variety of applications. (MESCAL stands for Modern Embedded Systems, Compilers, Architectures, and Languages.)
Developmental changes in amino acid transport in the chicken erythrocyte

Abstract 1. 1. Influx of leucine, lysine and glycine was found to be highest in prehatch (day −1) chicken red blood cells and to diminish during posthatch development when tested at two and four weeks of age. 2. 2. The greatest decline in transport rate during development was seen with leucine; lysine showed a substantial age-related decline only at substrate concentrations greater than Km, the apparent Michaelis constant of transport. 3. 3. Vbmax, the maximal transport influx, of each amino acid tested declined during development. 4. 4. Km of glycine and leucine appeared to increase slightly over the test period. 5. 5. In contrast, a 7-fold decrease in Km for lysine transport was seen over the same period. 6. 6. These results are discussed in context of changes in kinetic parameters of amino acid transport during development reported for various animal organs or tissues.
Diet, energy expenditure, and body composition of lactating Ribeirinha women in the brazilian amazon

Lactation is the most energetically demanding part of human reproduction; yet, compared with pregnancy, we know little about the strategies women in different settings employ to cope with these increased energy demands. This paper takes a biocultural approach and reports longitudinal data on the anthropometry, dietary intakes and energy expenditure of a sample of 23 rural, lactating Ribeirinha women living in subsistence-based communities in the eastern Amazon. The dietary intakes of these lactating women were insufficient to meet their lactating energy needs and were least sufficient during resguardo, a 40-day period in the immediate postpartum when the women observed a series of food taboos and work restrictions. Instead, the women in this study met the increased energy demands of lactation by drawing on their energy reserves and reducing their energy expenditure in physical activity. The women showed a significant reduction in weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001) and in circumferences (hip, P = 0.01; waist, P = 0.03) and skinfolds (thigh, P = 0.03) in the gluteal femoral region. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was lowest during resguardo and increased as lactation progressed (P = 0.01). While the practice of resguardo reduced maternal energy expenditure and allowed women more time to spend with their newborn infants, it came at a cost (low dietary intake), which appears to be related to the loss of the adult woman from subsistence activities. By taking a biocultural approach this study illustrates the role the social environment plays in shaping the experience of lactating women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethics in an unethical environment or absence of ethics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to place students in the reality of business in an emergency environment and encourage them to go “out of the box” in analyses of ethical issues.Design/methodology/approach – Information concerning the business environment in Belarus is gathered based on literature research and field studies, interviews with entrepreneurs, owners and employees of financial firms operated at the black financial market, and the representative of Belarusian official financial institutions. All names and the name of the company Destinator have been changed for the sake of security of the company and its owners.Findings – The case describes the activity of small businesses in the transition period and discusses why entrepreneurs moved their businesses into a black financial market. The case also raises the moral dilemma between helping entrepreneurs and avoiding illegal operations.Practical implications – This case can be used in undergraduate and graduate courses for analysis of business...
Rituximab: a new therapeutic monoclonal antibody for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Rituximab is an effective single agent available for short-course outpatient treatment in low-grade NHL, particularly with follicular histology (IWF B-D), that offers a relatively nontoxic alternative to chemotherapy regimens currently available. Early indications are that retreatment is effective with similar levels of predictable adverse events to the initial course of therapy. Further development is awaited of regimens that combine rituximab with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance treatment efficacy without overlapping side effects in low-grade NHL as well as use in other CD20+ malignancies.
Junction capacitance study of an oxygen impurity defect exhibiting configuration relaxation in amorphous silicon–germanium alloys deposited by hot-wire CVD

Abstract We report the observation of light induced electron capture in oxygen contaminated (∼5 × 1020 cm−3) hydrogenated amorphous silicon–germanium alloys grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). By examining the time evolution of dark capacitance after 1.2 eV photoexcitation, we are able to estimate the free energy barrier (⩾0.8 eV) for the release of electrons into the conduction band. Such a large thermal barrier, for a defect whose optical threshold is centered (∼1.35 eV) so close to the band-gap (1.5 eV), indicates significant configurational relaxation once the oxygen impurity state is occupied with photoexcited electrons.
Analysis of the performance of a flow reactor for use with microcolumn HPLC.

Postcolumn derivatization reactions can be used to improve detector sensitivity or selectivity. The advantages of capillary chromatography for trace analysis could be augmented if there were postcolumn reactors suitable for microchromatographic systems. However, postcolumn derivatization is a challenge because of the small peak volumes associated with capillary columns. We have developed a postcolumn flow reactor from microchannels formed in fluorinated ethylene propylene and 50-μm fused-silica tubing for use with capillary HPLC analyses. Theoretical and experimental evidence show that the reactor, which operates in the Taylor dispersion regime, enables contact of analyte and derivatization streams purely by diffusion. Reactor lengths as short as 2 cm allow formation of copper(II)−peptide complexes that are detected electrochemically at a carbon fiber microelectrode. The reactor has been used with 100-μm-i.d. columns with insignificant effects (i.e., <3%) on peak band spreading. Theoretical calculations i...
Safety assurance margins for food additives currently in use

Abstract Toxicity data for a subset of food additives are combined (by means of a “Monte Carlo” computer analysis) with exposure information to indicate the characteristics of an overall profile of “safety assurance margins” for additives currently in use in the United States. It is demonstrated that safety concerns for (noncarcinogenic) toxic effects for these substances can seldom be expected a priori if they disappear into the U.S. food supply at levels of less than about 100,000 pounds annually.
Bases genéticas de las arritmias

We have long known that there are diseases which are inherited from the parents, but it has not been until this last decade, with the introduction of the techniques of molecular biology, that we have been able to study them. These techniques have enable us to localize and detect the gene that causes a disease in the members of a family. The identification of a disease-causing gene does not lead only to the diagnosis and possible treatment of a very select patient population (the one with the familial disease), but also to a better understanding of the molecular basis and pathogenesis of the non-familial forms of the disease. Cardiology, despite having received these techniques more slowly, is now completely. Involved in the study of the molecular basis of cardiac diseases. The first gene to be mapped was that of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 1989. Since then, advances have been achieved at all levels in familial cardiac diseases. Hypertension, atherosclerosis, congenital heart diseases, and arrhythmias have all benefitted from the new techniques. Spectacular progress has been achieved in understanding familial heart rhythm disturbances, like long QT syndrome, both as congenital and acquired diseases. In the last five years 4 loci and 3 genes have been identified. The first studies of genetic based therapy have shown that in the near future patients with receive medication depending on the affected gene. Other familial arrhythmias are presently under study. Loci have been detected in some, such as bundle branch block and familial atrial fibrillation. At the speed that the techniques are evolving, and with the impressive advances of the Human Genome Project, we can expect to find the rest of the genes causing familial diseases in the next few years. These results are encouraging and clearly indicate the need for genetic diagnosis in all patients with these diseases. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications of all these discoveries could be of paramount importance.
A study of the 91Zr(d, p)92Zr reaction using vector-polarized deuterons

Abstract Differential cross sections and vector analyzing powers were measured for the 91Zr( d , d)91Zr and 91Zr( d , p)92Zr reactions at an incident deuteron energy of 12 MeV. Deuteron optical-model parameters were determined from an analysis of the elastic data. Comparison of the proton data to DWBA predictions showed that the DWBA does not quantitatively reproduce the measured analyzing powers, hence empirical analyzing power calibration curves were required to analyze the data. New spectroscopic information about the configurations of the excited states in 92Zr has been determined and is compared to the results of previous experiments as well as a shell-model calculation. The results of this experiment are in quantitative agreement with the predictions of the shell-model calculation for most of the transitions although some discrepancies do exist.
Rapid antibody production and sample preparation for radioimmunoassay of prostaglandin A.

Abstract A dialysis equilibrium method for plasma or tissue preparation for radioimmunoassay of prostaglandins is presented and compared to the silica gel column technique. The plasma or tissue is extracted, dried, redissolved in buffer and dialyzed for further purification before assay. Results comparing both methods shows that dialysis equilibrium greatly simplifies the silica gel column technique yet preserves specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility. In addition a rapid micromethod for the development of a specific antibody to prostaglandin A is detailed.
Development of Beach Analysis Tools for Caribbean Small Islands

Beach erosion presents a hazard to coastal tourism facilities, which provide the main economic thrust for most Caribbean small islands (CSIs). Ad hoc approaches to addressing this problem have given way to the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) approach, which recommends data collection, analysis of coastal processes, and assessment of impacts. UNESCO's Coast and Beach Stability in the Caribbean (COSALC) project has provided most CSIs with an opportunity to monitor their beaches and collect over 10 years of data. Research has been directed at integrating these data with geographic information systems (GIS) and other information technologies to develop a prototype beach analysis and management system (BAMS) for CSIs. This article presents the results of phase I development of this effort, which includes the development of tools for integrating spatial and non-spatial coastal data, estimating long-term beach erosion/accretion and sand volume change trends at individual beaches, identifying erosion-se...
Fibronectin stimulates human lung carcinoma cell growth by inducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression.

Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for the development of lung carcinoma. One characteristic shared by tobacco-related lung diseases is altered lung connective tissue content and composition. In particular, tobacco results in increased expression of fibronectin (FN), a matrix glycoprotein implicated in lung development, injury and repair and in tumor cell invasion. We hypothesized that excessive deposition of FN in lung might promote lung carcinoma cell proliferation. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that FN stimulated human lung carcinoma cell proliferation and diminished apoptosis in vitro, and that this effect was mediated through the integrin α5β1 and associated with upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression, and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis. The stimulatory effect of FN on COX-2 was blocked by the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 and by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), Calphostin C, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erks), PD98095. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that FN increased the nuclear binding activity of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), 2 proteins known to play important roles in the regulation of COX-2 promoter activity. Transient transfection assays with wild-type and mutated constructs of the human COX-2 gene promoter revealed that the stimulatory effect of FN was prevented when either the CRE or the NF-IL6 (C/EBP) sites were mutated. Taken together, the results indicate that FN stimulates human lung carcinoma cell proliferation and diminishes apoptosis by inducing COX-2 gene expression and PGE2 biosynthesis. Activation of PKC and Erk and DNA-protein interactions at CRE and NF-IL6 (C/EBP) sites in the COX-2 gene promoter appear to play key roles in this process. This work demonstrates that signaling through specific matrix-binding β1 integrins (i.e., α5β1) resulting from exaggerated deposition in lung of the matrix glycoprotein fibronectin might promote lung carcinoma cell growth. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sectoral Effects of Reductions in NATO Military Expenditures in the Major Industrialized and Developing Countries

We use the Michigan Model of World Production and Trade to assess the sectoral effects of (1) a 25 percent unilateral reduction of military expenditures in the individual NATO countries and (2) a 25 percent multilateral reduction of military expenditures in all of the NATO countries combined. Our principal findings suggest that the overall effects of the unilateral and multilateral reductions are not substantial and that the results of the two reductions are qualitatively similar. The sectoral results, which are also broadly similar in the two experiments, suggest that sectors such as basic metals and metal products, durable goods, and community, social, and personal services might be in need of transitional adjustment assistance for displaced workers in the event that the reductions in military expenditures would in fact be carried out. With the end of the Cold War and attendant fragmentation of the former Soviet Union, Soviet military influence no longer poses a grave threat to international security. The destruction of Iraq's military capabilities and the opening of the Israeli-Arab dialogue may also have served to reduce the potential for large-scale conflict in the Middle East. The confluence of these remarkable changes suggests that there may now be considerable scope for reduction in military expenditures in the NATO member countries. Accordingly, there is interest in the aggregate and
Space activities in the United Nations system—Status and perspectives of inter-agency coordination of outer space activities

Abstract United Nations entities are increasingly using space technology and its applications. Space-based assets such as satellites for telecommunications, global navigation and Earth observation and their applications provide operational solutions, data and information that help to implement a wide range of mandated activities of the United Nations. The Inter-Agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities and its annual sessions are the primary instrument for achieving better coordination, improving cooperation and identifying synergies in space-related activities of the United Nations. At the sessions the participating entities finalize the annual report of the Secretary-General on the co-ordination of outer space activities within the United Nations system. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs acts as the coordinator and secretariat for the Inter-Agency Meeting. This paper retraces the origins and the history of the Inter-Agency Meeting, reviews the issues on its agenda and the decisions taken at its most recent session, and outlines opportunities and prospects for enhanced coordination among United Nations entities through this United Nations-wide inter-agency mechanism.
Community-based participatory research and American Indian/Alaska Native nurse practitioners: a partnership to promote adolescent health.

Purpose: To make recommendations for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) nurse practitioners (NPs) and university partners who are partnering on community-based participatory (CBPR) research projects. An example of a CBPR study using focus groups to assess an important adolescent health problem is used to illustrate opportunities and challenges for AI/AN NPs. Data sources: Thirteen focus groups were held with 95 participants on the reservation where the AI/AN NP was a member and working. Results indicated that a majority of the community represented in the focus groups were concerned about substance abuse among its youth. Conclusions: The NP faced several challenges, including remembering emotional events recounted during focus groups differently than participants. This necessitated debriefing and a recommendation to carefully form policies and procedures before collecting data to anticipate such events. By far, the benefit of the NP's involvement was her ability to identify key members for focus groups, to assist in tribal council meetings, and to schedule meetings. Implications for practice: CBPR research partnerships are enhanced by NPs that are members of the community. CBPR partnerships present opportunities for NPs and university faculty to work on relevant community problems together.
Underwater cloth simulation with fractional derivatives

We introduce the use of fractional differentiation for simulating cloth deformations underwater. The proposed approach is able to achieve realistic underwater deformations without simulating the Eulerian body of water in which the cloth is immersed. Instead, we propose a particle-based cloth model where half-derivative viscoelastic elements are included for describing both the internal and external dynamics of the cloth. These elements model the cloth responses to fluid stresses and are also able to emulate the memory-laden behavior of particles in a viscous fluid. As a result, we obtain fractional clothes, which are able to correctly depict the dynamics of the immersed cloth interacting with the fluid even though the fluid is not simulated. The proposed approach produces realistic underwater cloth deformations and has obvious advantages in simplicity and speed of computation in comparison to volumetric fluid simulation approaches.
Clinical implications of changing definitions within the Gleason grading system

Remarkably, more than 40 years after the inception of the Gleason grading system, it remains one of the most powerful prognostic predictors in prostate cancer. Gleason's original grading system, however, has undergone significant revision over the years, first by Gleason and his colleagues, and most recently at the 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology Consensus Conference. The consensus conference and subsequent articles proposing further modifications have helped pathologists to adapt the Gleason grading system to current urologic practice in a uniform manner. The changing definitions of Gleason pattern 3 and 4 prostatic adenocarcinoma have tended to narrow the scope of pattern 3 carcinoma and widen the scope of pattern 4 carcinoma. These modifications have had an important role in improving the inter-observer reproducibility of the Gleason system. Whether these changes have a significant impact on the clinical treatment of prostate cancer remains to be seen. However, as many of these modifications are supported only by a few studies, long-term follow-up studies with clinical end points are essential to validate these recommendations.
Evaluation of experimental conditions that influence hydrogen production among heterocystous Cyanobacteria

Abstract The overall goal of this research was to systematically evaluate H2 production among different heterocystous cyanobacteria in response to defined experimental variables including N2 and O2 concentration, carbon source, and light intensity. N2 elicited an immediate reduction of H2 production rates and the magnitude of the effect was strikingly similar across the diverse collection of heterocystous cyanobacteria that were tested. At the N2:O2 ratio found in air (4:1), N2 was a much more potent inhibitor of H2 production than O2. Low levels of O2 (1–5% headspace, vol:vol) were generally found to support optimal H2 production. Glucose addition (10 mM) stimulated light-dependent H2 production in 8 of 10 cyanobacteria examined, eliciting a 2–11 fold increase in production rates and 2–45 fold increase in yields. The addition of glucose also effectively lowered the intensity of light required for optimal H2 production in 4 of 10 strains tested. H2 production rates ranged from 1 to 50 μmol mg chl a−1 h−1. The results from this study provide important benchmark phenotypes against which to evaluate newly discovered H2-producing heterocystous cyanobacteria, and we discuss how these findings highlight the necessity of a multi-parameter approach to comprehensively screen for superior H2-producing heterocystous cyanobacteria.
Informal Mentors and Role Models in the Lives of Urban Mexican‐Origin Adolescents

This article draws on a larger study investigating the social networks and help-seeking practices of Mexican-origin youth in San Diego, California. The authors present the subset of findings concerning adult, nonfamily informal mentors and role models. Using survey data, interviews, and a critical ethnographic perspective grounded in sociological theory, the article examines participating adolescents' critical understandings of these significant figures in their lives, the rare and fortuitous nature of these relationships, and their empowering influence in the lives of urban, low-income, immigrant Latino youth. Linkages to social capital and developmental theories are offered
Pressure recovery in aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUNDPressure recovery is the variable increase in lateral pressure downstream from a stenotic orifice. The magnitude and clinical significance of pressure recovery in aortic valve stenosis are poorly defined.METHODS AND RESULTSWe obtained high-fidelity pressure and velocity recordings in 11 patients with isolated significant aortic valve stenosis at the time of diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Systematic catheter pullback from the left ventricular cavity revealed a consistent although variable subvalvular gradient. Further pullback across and distal to the region of the stenosed aortic valve revealed a consistent and progressive increase in the ascending aortic pressure. This increase in lateral pressure occurred pari passu with a diminution in amplitude of the velocity pulse. The extent of pressure recovery was directly related to systemic blood flow and transvalvular flow but inversely related to the Gorlin-derived aortic valve area.CONCLUSIONSThese findings have potentially important implicati...
Computational Difficulties of Bilevel Linear Programming

We show, using small examples, that two algorithms previously published for the Bilevel Linear Programming problem BLP may fail to find the optimal solution and thus must be considered to be heuristics. A proof is given that solving BLP problems is NP-hard, which makes it unlikely that there is a good, exact algorithm.
Acquired tolerance to temperature extremes

Acquired tolerance to temperature stresses is a major protective mechanism. Recent advances have revealed key components of stress signal transduction pathways that trigger enhanced tolerance, and several determinants of acquired tolerance have been identified. Although high and low temperature stresses impose different metabolic and physical challenges, acquired tolerance appears to involve general as well as stress-specific components. Transcriptome studies and other genomic-scale approaches have accelerated the pace of gene discovery, and will be invaluable in efforts to integrate all the different protective and repair mechanisms that function in concert to confer acquired tolerance.