cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulator Use Is Associated With Reduced Pancreatitis Hospitalizations in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Introduction Acute pancreatitis (AP) occurs among patients with pancreas-sufficient cystic fibrosis (PS-CF) but is reportedly less common among patients with pancreas-insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF). The incidence of AP may be influenced by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use. We hypothesized that CFTR modulators would reduce AP hospitalizations, with the greatest benefit in PS-CF. Methods MarketScan (2012-2018) was queried for AP hospitalizations and CFTR modulator use among patients with CF. Multivariable Poisson models that enabled crossover between CFTR modulator treatment groups were used to analyze the rate of AP hospitalizations on and off therapy. Pancreas insufficiency was defined by the use of pancreas enzyme replacement therapy. Results A total of 10,417 patients with CF were identified, including 1,795 who received a CFTR modulator. AP was more common in PS-CF than PI-CF (2.9% vs 0.9%, P = 0.007). Overall, the observed rate ratio of AP during CFTR modulator use was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 1.11, P = 0.07) for PS-CF and 0.38 (95% CI 0.16, 0.89, P = 0.03) for PI-CF, indicating a 67% and 62% relative reduction in AP hospitalizations, respectively. In a subset analysis of 1,795 patients who all had some CFTR modulator use, the rate ratio of AP during CFTR modulator use was 0.36 (95% CI 0.13, 1.01, P = 0.05) for PS-CF and 0.53 (95% CI 0.18, 1.58, P = 0.26) for PI-CF. Discussion CFTR modulator use is associated with a reduction in AP hospitalizations among patients with CF. These observational data support the prospective study of CFTR modulators to reduce AP hospitalizations among patients with CF.
Global Justice, Kant and the Responsibility to Protect : A Provisional Duty

Introduction: Kant, Global Justice and R2P 1. Kantian Provisional Duties 2. Provisional Protection: R2P as a Provisional Duty 3. Kant's Permissive Laws 4. Permissible Coercion 5. Provisional to Peremptory: Institutionalizing a Duty to Protect 6. Conclusion: R2P and the Real World - Libya and Syria
Modeling of growth factor-receptor systems from molecular-level protein interaction networks to whole-body compartment models.

Abstract Most physiological processes are subjected to molecular regulation by growth factors, which are secreted proteins that activate chemical signal transduction pathways through binding of specific cell-surface receptors. One particular growth factor system involved in the in vivo regulation of blood vessel growth is called the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system. Computational and numerical techniques are well suited to handle the molecular complexity (the number of binding partners involved, including ligands, receptors, and inert binding sites) and multiscale nature (intratissue vs. intertissue transport and local vs. systemic effects within an organism) involved in modeling growth factor system interactions and effects. This chapter introduces a variety of in silico models that seek to recapitulate different aspects of VEGF system biology at various spatial and temporal scales: molecular-level kinetic models focus on VEGF ligand–receptor interactions at and near the endothelial cell surface; mesoscale single-tissue 3D models can simulate the effects of multicellular tissue architecture on the spatial variation in VEGF ligand production and receptor activation; compartmental modeling allows efficient prediction of average interstitial VEGF concentrations and cell-surface VEGF signaling intensities across multiple large tissue volumes, permitting the investigation of whole-body intertissue transport (e.g., vascular permeability and lymphatic drainage). The given examples will demonstrate the utility of computational models in aiding both basic science and clinical research on VEGF systems biology.
Orthopedic Devices, Materials and Design for

Musculoskeletal disorders are recognized as among the most significant human health problems that exist today, costing society an estimated $254 billion every year, and afflicting one out of seven Americans. It is expected that the number of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders will increase over the coming years, as our population ages. Among the various options to treat musculoskeletal disorders, use of orthopedic devices is becoming a routine, where the number of annual procedures approaching five million in the United States alone. This article reviews materials and design issues of orthopedic devices. It describes how technological advancements in computer aided design and flexible manufacturing like rapid prototyping are reshaping current and future needs in orthopedic devices. Keywords: biomaterials; musculoskeletal disorders; orthopedic devices; biocompatibility; design issues; rapid prototyping; computer aided design; hip implants; coatings
Learning and memory. Never fear, LTP is hear.

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) has long been suspected to be involved in learning and memory, but definitive proof has been hard to come by. Two groups now report, however, that fear conditioning (which is a form of pavlovian conditioning) causes an increase in the strength of synapses in a region of the brain that is associated with learning and memory. Animals were trained to associate a tone with a foot shock, eliciting a response of ‘fear’. After training, this response occurred when the tone was given but the foot shock was not.
News About Nitrogen

Discoveries of microbial pathways, players, and population dynamics challenge conventional models of the nitrogen cycle.
¿QUIÉN CUENTA? DILEMAS DE LA JUSTICIA EN UN MUNDO POSTWESTFALIANO

E n est e ens a yo l a autor a present a u n model o alte r nat ivo a l imaginari o pol??tic o w es t f alian o qu e reconoc e l a ???justici a ano r mal ??? com o e l horizont e dentr o de l cua l tiene n que pros e gui r actualment e toda s la s batalla s contr a l a injusticia . S e trat a d e un a propuesta const r uct iv a par a afronta r lo s conflicto s acerc a de l ???qui??n ??? d e l a justici a e n la s condiciones actuale s d e justici a ano r mal . P o r u n lado , e l concept o d e des-enma r qu e l e pe r mit e realizar l a impugnaci?? n de l marc o w est f alian o d e l a justici a y , a l contempla r l a posibilida d d e que dete r minada s cuestione s d e justici a d e prime r orde n h a ya n sid o enmarcada s injustamente, abr e u n espaci o par a concepcione s n o h e gem??nica s de l ???qui??n??? . P o r otr o lado , e l principio d e todos-los-sometido s ofrec e un a v?? a par a v alora r l a justici a d e lo s ???qui??nes ??? r iv ale s y pe r mit e sopesa r su s m??rito s relat iv os.
Impact of Recent Tax Legislation on Small Business

This paper discusses selected changes in the tax laws, made in the Summer of J 996, which are expected to have significant impact on small businesses. The general areas discussed are 1) S Corporations, 2) SIM PLE pension plans, 3) independent contractors, 4) leased employees, 5) expensing qualified small business assets, 6) the work opportunity tax credit, 7) life insurance policy loans, and 8) medical savings accounts. In each case, we first discuss the basic importance of the issue to small business and then briefly discuss some of the technical issues involved in applying the new laws.
Effect of an Observer'S Presence on the Behavior of Middle- and Working-Class Mothers

Summary Although the problem of observer influence has been the subject of several recent studies, little has been done to compare the extent of this influence for other than middle-class Ss. It was proposed that since working-class mothers have less familiarity with university settings, they may be more inhibited when observed than are middle-class mothers. Working-class (N = 20) and middle-class American mothers (N = 20) and infants were observed in a laboratory playroom, both when they were aware, and also when they were unaware of being observed. The results showed the working-class mothers tended to be more sensitive, and to react to awareness of observation by reducing the frequency of their behaviors, compared to middle-class mothers.
Logical relations and the typed λ-calculus

Definition des relations logiques. Demonstration des principaux resultats syntaxiques sur le calcul de type lambda a partir du theoreme fondamental des relations logiques
The Effects of issue Investigation and Action Training on Eighth-Grade Students' Environmental Behavior

Abstract This article reports the instructional effects of a formal environmental education methodology, issue investigation and action training (IIAT), on eighth-grade students and follows a similar study of seventh-grade students. The author focuses on whether IIAT can improve responsible environmental behavior in middle school students and whether variables associated with responsible adult environmental behavior will be concomitantly enhanced. The findings indicate that both effects are possible.
Feedback control of solid oxide fuel cell spatial temperature variation

Abstract A high performance feedback controller has been developed to minimize SOFC spatial temperature variation following significant load perturbations. For thermal management, spatial temperature variation along SOFC cannot be avoided. However, results indicate that feedback control can be used to manipulate the fuel cell air flow and inlet fuel cell air temperature to maintain a nearly constant SOFC electrode electrolyte assembly temperature profile. For example temperature variations of less than 5 K are obtained for load perturbations of ±25% from nominal. These results are obtained using a centralized control strategy to regulate a distributed temperature profile and manage actuator interactions. The controller is based on H-infinity synthesis using a physical based dynamic model of a single co-flow SOFC repeat cell. The model of the fuel cell spatial temperature response needed for control synthesis was linearized and reduced from nonlinear model of the fuel cell assembly. A single 11 state feedback linear system tested in the full nonlinear model was found to be effective and stable over a wide fuel cell operating envelope (0.82–0.6 V). Overall, simulation of the advanced controller resulted in small and smooth monotonic temperature response to rapid and large load perturbations. This indicates that future SOFC systems can be designed and controlled to have superb load following characteristic with less than previously expected thermal stresses.
Morphology of atopic eczema.

The routine examination of skin biopsy specimens embedded in paraffin and strained with hematoxylin-eosin has failed to allow differentiation of atopic eczema from other types of eczematous dermatitis. The use of 1-μm plastic-embedded sections permits the recognition of in filtrating cell types and blood vessel alterations, thus allowing a refined method to examine cutaneous lesions and permit better definition of cutaneous structures than can be achieved in routinely-processed specimens. Acute vesicular lesions exhibited marked epidermal intercellular edema (spongiosis) and a dermal inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, and activated lymphocytes with normal numbers of mast cells that exhibited various degrees of hypogranulation. Only rare eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils were noted. Venular alterations included endothelial cell hypertrophy without necrosis. In lichenified plaques there was epidermal hyperplasia with a dermal inflammatory infiltrate that included increased numbers of fully granulated mast cells and increased numbers of lymphocytes and monocyte-macrophages. Alterations of venules included marked endothelial cell hypertrophy and basement membrane thickening. Cutaneous nerves exhibited demyelination and fibrosis. Also, increased numbers of Langerhans' cells have been noted in the epidermis of chronic lesions. Despite the absence of eosinophils, major basic protein has been demonstrated in the dermis by direct immunofluorescence techniques. Studies of lymphocyte subsets have shown increased numbers of CD4 + T lymphocytes.
Molecular characterization of corn glutathione S‐transferase isozymes involved in herbicide detoxication

L'interet de ces enzymes est du a leur intervention dans le metabolisme de plusieurs herbicides, notamment l'atrazine et l'alachlore. Trois isozymes ont ete purifiees et deux des sequences d'ADN correspondantes ont ete determinees. Ces isozymes ont une specificite marquee
Cigarette smoking is associated with body shape concerns and bulimia symptoms among young adult females

Elevated rates of cigarette smoking have been reported among individuals with Bulimia Nervosa. However, little is known about eating disorder symptoms within non-clinical samples of smokers. The purpose of the present study was to compare the eating disorder symptoms of young adult female smokers (n = 184) and non-smokers (n = 56), to determine whether smokers were more likely to endorse bulimic symptoms and report greater body shape concern than non-smokers. Analyses indicated that smokers scored significantly higher than non-smokers on the Body Shape Questionnaire, p = .03, and the Bulimia Test-Revised, p = .006. In addition, a higher proportion of smokers than non-smokers scored ≥ 85 on the Bulimia Test-Revised, p = .05, suggesting the possibility that Bulimia Nervosa diagnoses were more prevalent among smokers. No differences were found between smokers and non-smokers on other measures of eating behavior. Overall, findings suggest that smoking is specifically associated with symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa and body shape concern among young adult females.
Control of human-machine interaction for wide area search munitions in the presence of target uncertainty

In this report we describe the progress in developing a control architecture for human-in-the-loop wide area search munitions to reduce operator errors in the presence of unreliable automation and operator cognitive limitations. An optimal input tracking controller with adaptive automation uncertainty compensation and real-time workload assessment is developed to improve the system performance. Extensive simulations based on the experimental data involving 12 subjects demonstrate effectiveness of the presented controller.
Laws, leaders, and legends of the modern National Library of Medicine.

Purpose: The paper is an expanded version of the 2007 Joseph Leiter National Library of Medicine (NLM)/Medical Library Association Lecture presented at MLA ‘07, the Medical Library Association annual meeting in Philadelphia in May 2007. It presents an historical accounting of four major pieces of legislation, beginning with the NLM Act of 1956 up through the creation of the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Brief Description: The transition from the United States Armed Forces Medical Library to the United States National Library of Medicine in 1956 was a major turning point in NLM's history, scope, and direction. The succeeding landmark legislative achievements—namely, the 1965 Medical Library Assistance Act, the 1968 Joint Resolution forming the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, and the 1988 authorization for the National Center for Biotechnology Information— transformed the library into a major biomedical communications institution and a leader and supporter of an effective national network of libraries of medicine. The leaders of the library and its major advocates—including Dr. Michael DeBakey, Senator Lister Hill, and Senator Claude Pepper—together contributed to the creation of the modern NLM.
Host-plant stickiness disrupts novel ant–mealybug association

Ants commonly engage in facultative mutualisms with honeydew-excreting homopterans such as mealybugs and other scale insects. Attendant ants obtain a high-energy carbohydrate of predictable availability, while the homopteran trophobiont gains protection from natural enemies and potential benefits of sanitation (honeydew removal), maintenance of host-plant quality, and transport. In a California, USA, arboretum, we observed large numbers of dead and dying Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) that had become entrapped on viscid flower buds and flowers of South African species of Erica as they attempted to tend a South African mealybug (Delottococcusconfusus). Mealybugs on viscid ericas were found on clusters of small buds before they had become sticky (and later in other areas that minimized exposure to stickiness). As buds developed, they became viscid, enclosing mealybugs within sticky flower parts and precluding further attendance by ants. Ants, however, were able to tend mealybugs without disruption on nonsticky ericas. Counts (n = 118) of haphazardly chosen stems of sticky ericas showed that significantly more dead ants were present on mealybug-infested stems. We suggest that evolutionary histories help explain the disparate outcomes for ants and mealybugs on sticky ericas. The Argentine ant lacks an evolutionary history with sticky ericas, whereas the native South African mealybug presumably shares an evolutionary relationship with species of Erica in South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region. We propose that the mealybug’s behavior and waxy coating are adaptations for circumventing plant stickiness. Our observations might represent the first documentation of plant stickiness disrupting an ant–homopteran association.
Preoperative imaging of uterine malignancy: A low-value service

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to examine the value of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgical treatment of uterine malignancy. Methods Retrospective chart review was undertaken of women who underwent hysterectomy for uterine cancer at the University of Virginia. Radiologic reports were examined for evidence of cervical or extrauterine disease or incidental findings and correlated with detection of extrauterine disease at surgery. Results Overall, 204 of 448 patients (45%) had preoperative imaging. Scans were ordered nearly evenly by referring clinicians and gynecologic oncologists (GO) (95 vs. 122, 44% vs. 56%). Imaging was most common among patients with grade 3 endometrioid or non-endometrioid histology (86 of 101, 85%). Women referred with low grade disease had more false positive (4 of 112, 4%) than true positive scans (2 of 113, 2%). Overall, 23 of 190 (12%) reviewed preoperative scans indicated suspected extrauterine disease. Two of these 23 women were low risk by intra-operative "Mayo criteria" and had stage 1A disease; 14 of 23 (61%) had stage II or greater disease. Conclusions Preoperative CT or MRI is of low value in predicting extra-uterine disease among uterine cancer patients with low grade disease. Women with low grade disease had false positive results more frequently than true detection of extrauterine disease. Abnormal imaging findings are more common and predictive of extrauterine disease in women with grade 3 or non-endometrioid histology but the value of these scans remains unclear.
Transderm-induced psychosis in Parkinson’s disease

The role of the cholinergic system in modulating the motor symptomatology of PD and the usefulness of anticholinergics in the therapy of PD is well known.1 Transderm (scopolamine; Alza Corp., Palo Alto, CA), a scopolamine patch that is usually prescribed to prevent motion sickness, occasionally results in drug-induced psychosis. We report a patient with PD in whom transient psychosis developed after the use of a Transderm patch. The patient was a 64-year-old woman with an 11-year history of PD. Her medications included pramipexole 2.5 mg/day, carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 three times a day, selegiline 5 mg twice daily, midodrine 2.5 mg three times a day, Oscal, and vitamin E. On these medications, she was independent in the activities …
On becoming more flexible: Exchange rate regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract This paper examines the shift from fixed to more flexible exchange rate regimes among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In contrast to most traditional approaches, the one followed here recognizes that fixed rates can be and often are adjusted — but argues that policy makers incur a political cost from devaluation. At the same time, flexible exchange rates (even “managed” ones) may be very volatile, with persistent misalignment. A stylized model of regime choice is developed, based on the perceived losses from exchange rate misalignment incurred under fixed versus more flexible regimes. The model is estimated for a sample of 24 countries over the period 1978–1992 and empirical results are quite supportive. Misalignments (proxied by current account deficits and moderate to high rates of inflation) were associated with a move to more flexible rates during 1978–1986. Misalignment indicators appear to have mattered less during 1987–1992. However, there appears to have been a major reduction in the perceived difficulty of managing flexible rates during this period. The paper then cautions against attributing differences in economic growth between groups of countries to their exchange regime. The central point here is that the endogeneity of regime choice introduces selection biases into the samples of countries with fixed and with more flexible exchange regimes.
The tools and techniques of wildlife damage management—changing needs: an introduction

Abstract A wide array of tools and techniques is available for managing the growing variety of conflict situations among humans and wildlife. However, changing social dynamics and the emergence of the animal rights movement have led to increasing restriction or elimination of many of the traditional strategies or materials used by wildlife managers, creating a demand for new approaches to wildlife damage management. The challenge to wildlife scientists is to provide data to maintain the broadest array of appropriate, science-based techniques and management options, while fostering the rapid development and application of new technology.
Growth in primary culture of mouse submandibular epithelial cells embedded in collagen gels.

Mouse submandibular glands were dissociated and the epithelial cells embedded in a collagen gel matrix. A characteristic and reproducible pattern of growth was seen resulting in three-dimensional outgrowths with ductlike structures projecting into the matrix. A sustained cell growth leading to a 5 to 10-fold increase in cell number was observed in less than 2 wk. The extent of this growth was found to be dependent on serum concentration. Of the three sera tested, swine serum was found to promote greater growth compared to fetal bovine serum or horse serum. Swine serum dose response studies have shown that a concentration of 2 to 5% in the medium elicited only a modest increase, if any, in cell number compared to the initial value within a period of 2 wk. Various hormones and growth factors were then added to this “maintenance” medium. Insulin was found to stimulate growth consistently and reproducibly in a dose-dependent manner. Ultrastructurally, the resulting outgrowths were comprised of polarized cells joined by apical tight junctions and desmosomes. These outgrowths produced epidermal growth factor in response to dihydrotestosterone, triiodothyronine, and cortisol. The present system provides a method for sustaining growth and functional differentiation in primary culture of mouse submandibular gland epithelial cells.
Characterization of the Glycolipid Associated with Alzheimer Paired Helical Filaments

In the present study, analytical techniques including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-assisted carbohydrate linkage-analysis, one- and two-dimensional NMR, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-MS) have been used to characterize the structure of the glycolipid associated with the paired helical filaments (PHF) isolated from the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's diseased brain. The 1 H NMR spectrum of acid-hydrolyzed protein-resistant core PHF (prcPHF) displays resonances that can be assigned to fatty acid and glucose. There are no resonances present that would indicate the presence of protein, amino acids, or a sphingosine base. Using two-dimensional homonuclear correlated spectroscopy, homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn, and heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence experiments, resonances in the 1 H and 13 C NMR spectrum of native PHF were assigned to a nonreducing terminal α-1,6-glycosidically linked glucose, an internal α-1,6-linked glucose, and an α-1,2,6-linked glucose. The narrow linewidths observed for these residues suggest that they arise from glucose residues undergoing rapid segmental motion. The carbohydrate portion of the PHF-associated glycolipid was analyzed using GC/MS linkage analysis and confirmed the presence of terminal and internal α-1,6-linked glucose and α-1,2,6-linked glucose in a molar ratio of 2 :1 :1. Three components of the PHF-associated glycolipid fraction having masses 2,416, 2,325, and 2,237 Da were observed using MALDI-MS. The least abundant, heavier mass component (2,416 Da) was best fit to a structure with a tridecamer of glucose having a single esterified C 20 fatty acid (Glc 13 + C 20 or Glc 13 + C 20 :1 ), whereas the more abundant, lower mass components were best fit to noncovalently associated glycolipid dimers, each with a glucose pentamer or hexamer having two C 14 , C 16 , or C 18 esterified fatty acids (D[(Glc 5 + C 18 ) + (Glc 6 + C 16 )] or D[(Glc 5 + C 14 ) + (Glc 6 + C 14 )]}. The ratio of glucose to fatty acid calculated from these best-fit structures of the more abundant mass components (5.5 ± 1.1 :1.0) is in reasonable agreement with the same ratio calculated from peak integrations in the NMR spectra of acid-hydrolyzed prcPHF (6.2 ± 1.6). Structural similarities between PHF-associated glycolipid and other glycolipid amphiphiles known to form PHF-like filaments indirectly suggest that this unique glycolipid may be an integral component of the PHF suprastructure.
HERA: An Optimal Relay Assignment Scheme for Cooperative Networks

Exploiting the nature of broadcast and the relaying capability of wireless devices, cooperative communication is becoming a promising technology to increase the channel capacity in wireless networks. In cooperative communication, the scheme for assigning relay nodes to users plays a critical role in the resulting channel capacity. A significant challenge is how to make the scheme robust to selfish and cheating behavior of users while guaranteeing the social optimal system capacity. In this paper, we design an integrated optimal marriage scheme called HERA for cooperative networks. To avoid system performance degradation due to the selfish relay selections by the source nodes, we propose a payment mechanism for charging the source nodes to induce them to converge to the optimal assignment. To prevent relay nodes from manipulating the marriage by reporting transmission power untruthfully, we propose a payment mechanism to pay them for providing relaying service. We also show that HERA is budget-balanced, meaning that the payment collected from source nodes is no smaller than the payment paid to relay nodes.
The study of dissolved oxygen dynamics in the Whippany river, New Jersey using the QUAL2E model

Abstract An intensive water quality study of the lower Whippany River, located in northeastern New Jersey, was performed examining dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, photosynthesis, river hydrology, geomorphology, and major inputs. Dissolved oxygen dynamics were studied using the USEPA Enhanced Stream Quality Model “QUAL2E”. Model validation was performed using field data collected during 1980 and 1985 summer, low-flow surveys. The computed values for DO, CBOD and nitrogen species corresponded closely to the actual instream data. DO uptake in the river was found to result predominantly from the biooxidation of carbonaceous and reduced nitrogenous compounds originating from two major municipal point sources: the Morristown and Hanover Sewerage Treatment Plants. Sediment oxygen demand occurring in reaches located immediately below the Morristown Sewerage Treatment Discharge also contributed significantly to DO uptake. The model did predict that by improving effluent quality of two major municipal discharges to 8 mg/l BOD-5 and 2 mg/l ammonia-nitrogen and by reducing the rate of SOD in the river, river DO will exceed 7.0 mg/l at most locations.
Airway Blood Flow Reactivity in Healthy Smokers and in Ex-Smokers With or Without COPD

Study objectives Cigarette smoking has been associated with impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation responses in the brachial and coronary arteries (endothelial dysfunction). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the airway circulation is also affected and whether pharmacologic treatment has an effect on endothelial function in patients with COPD. Methods and patients Airway blood flow (Qaw) responses to therapy with inhaled albuterol, which causes endothelium-dependent vasodilation, were measured with a noninvasive soluble-gas-uptake technique in age-matched healthy current smokers (n = 10), healthy ex-smokers (n = 10), ex-smokers with COPD (n = 10), and healthy lifetime nonsmokers. In the ex-smokers with COPD, the albuterol responsiveness measurement was repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol and after a drug washout period of 4 or 8 weeks. Results The mean (± SE) baseline Qaw values ranged between 40.7 ± 3.9 and 50.9 ± 2.8 μL/min/mL anatomic dead space in the four groups (differences were not significant). The mean FEV 1 was 53.4 ± 2.3% predicted in the ex-smokers with COPD. Albuterol inhalation increased mean Qaw significantly in lifetime nonsmokers (50.1 ± 8.3% predicted; p Conclusions Cigarette smoking is associated with a blunted vasodilator response to inhaled albuterol in the airway as an expression of endothelial dysfunction, with a partial recovery of albuterol responsiveness after smoking cessation in healthy ex-smokers but not in ex-smokers with COPD. In the latter group, combined glucocorticoid/long-acting β 2 -adrenergic agonist treatment restores albuterol responsiveness. The role of endothelial dysfunction in the physiopathology of COPD remains to be examined.
Context and inferential cuing of sentence recall

Sentence memory was tested under a variety of encoding and retrieval conditions. Under instructions to learn free recall was as high as recall aided by cues based on inferences derivable from target sentences unless these cues were also present at encoding. When a specific context was provided at encoding in an incidental learning paradigm cues based on inferences relevant to the target sentences aided recall to the same extent as cues that explicitly appeared in the sentences. The results are consistent with the idea that inferred and explicit information are integrated in memory representations of linguistic inputs. Implications for interpretations of other studies involving retrieval cues based on inferential processes are discussed.
Estimating the fracture resistance of functionally graded thermal barrier coatings from thermal shock tests

Abstract Characterizing the fracture resistance of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) is of technological importance in TBC design. It can enable coating designers predict the expected thermal fracture response under various thermo-mechanical loading conditions. A methodology is presented wherein results from previously reported laser thermal shock experiments are utilized in conjunction with principles of crack arrest to estimate the resistance to crack growth in a functionally graded yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) -bond coat (BC) alloy (NiCoCrAlY) TBC. Fracture resistance curves for cracks initiating at the TBC surface and propagating through its thickness are presented. The results show that fracture resistance increases with crack extension for the single-layer YSZ TBC as well as for the YSZ–BC alloy graded TBCs. Furthermore, the addition of BC alloy to the TBC layers (in the graded coatings) results in a substantial increase to their fracture resistance. The approach used provides a means of estimating the fracture resistance of such coatings at elevated temperatures.
Communications and 'Forestructures' at the Geological Intersection of Caves and Subsurface Water Flow: Hermeneutics and Parochialism

The direction of cave and karst science throughout its history has been partly determined by communication—or, more commonly, the lack of communication—between non-scientist cavers and non-caving physical geologists writing about karst. Within each community, advancement of ‘cave awareness’ occurred through a hermeneutic circle in which ‘forestructures’ guided progress. One result was regionalism of speleo-genetic theories developed within karst science because of the weight of evidence placed upon local or regional observations. Many speleogenetic theories of the mid-1900s suffer from this parochialism, failing to take into account findings from karst of different geologic settings. During the past half-century, the accumulated worldwide data on caves and karst suggest larger, more encompassing theories of speleogenesis. One such example of how speleogenetic theories have changed, partly explored in this essay, is the relation of cave formation to the position of the water-table. In many karst aquifers, ...
Muscle afferent-pituitary axis: a novel pathway for modulating the secretion of a pituitary growth factor.

McCALL, G.E., K.L. GOSSELINK, A.J. BIGBEE, R.R. ROY, R.E. GRINDELAND, and V.R. EDGERTON. Muscle afferent–pituitary axis: A novel pathway for modulating the secretion of a pituitary growth factor. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev., Vol. 29, No. 4, pp 164–169, 2001. Evidence is presented for a novel muscle-neuro-endocrine pathway for modulating the secretion of an unidentified pituitary growth factor by proprioceptive input from skeletal muscle afferents. Exercise stimulates the release of this growth factor, whereas chronic unloading associated with bed rest or spaceflight abrogates the normal exercise stimulus.
A Community-Level Analysis of Sources and Rates of Technological Variation in the Microprocessor Market

This research sought to identify the sources and rates of technological variation in an industry using a community-level framework. Using data on all merchant producers of microprocessors from 1971...
Differential induction of Orobanche seed germination by Arabidopsis thaliana

Parasitic plants, including the root holoparasites Orobanche spp., cause devastating damage to crops worldwide. Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) is widely used an amenable model for the study of plant biology, including plant‐pathogen interactions. Bringing the two plants together in a controlled system will enable the study of the molecular and genetic basis involved in host-parasitic plant interactions and should provide tools for the detection of genes responsible for incompatibility and resistance responses. The objective of this study was to screen Arabidopsis lines for reduced germination of Orobanche seeds. A 96-cell well bioassay was developed to test the potential of lines, ecotypes and mutants of Arabidopsis to induce germination of Orobanche. Screening of 50 A. thaliana ecotypes did not reveal non-inducing ecotypes. Screening of 13 000 A. thaliana fast neutron mutated M2 plants detected 94 non-inducing mutant plants of which 34 were rescued, self pollinated, and M3 seeds collected. M3 seedlings from five lines were reduced in their ability to induce germination. In a separate assay, we determined that the reduced germination rates corresponded with reduced distance from the roots at which germination occurred. While further studies are necessary to determine the segregation of low germination phenotypes, these lines might prove useful for studying the genetic basis of variation in germination stimulant production in A. thaliana. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Race and Perceptions of Police Misconduct

This article examines perceptions of police misconduct in the United States and the factors that influence these perceptions. Using data from a large, nationally representative survey of whites, African Americans, and Hispanics, we examine how citizens' views of four types of police misconduct—verbal abuse, excessive force, unwarranted stops, and corruption—are shaped by race and other factors, including personal and vicarious experiences with police officers, exposure to mass media coverage of police behavior, and neighborhood conditions. Results show that race remains a key factor in structuring attitudes toward police misconduct even after controlling for these other variables. Race is a strong predictor in large part because blacks and Hispanics are more likely than whites to report having negative interactions with police, to be exposed to media reports of police misconduct, and to live in high-crime neighborhoods where policing may be contentious—each of which increases perceptions of police misconduct. The findings are consistent with the group-position model of race relations.
A Systematic Approach to Identifying ProteinLigand Binding Profiles on a Proteome Scale

Identification of protein-ligand interaction networks on a proteome scale is crucial to address a wide range of biological problems such as correlating molecular functions to physiological processes and designing safe and efficient therapeutics. We have developed a novel computational strategy to identify ligand binding profiles of proteins across gene families and applied it to predicting protein functions, elucidating molecular mechanisms of drug adverse effects, and repositioning safe pharmaceuticals to treat different diseases.
Lysine Requirements of Growing Turkeys in Various Temperature Environments

The lysine requirement of Large White male turkeys (Nicholas strain commercial cross) was determined in two experiments at different environmental temperatures for two age periods (8 to 12 and 16 to 20 wk of age). Response curves (segmented and exponential) were obtained by regressing body weight gain (grams/day) on dietary lysine concentration (percentage) or lysine intake (grams/day). Varying levels of dietary lysine were obtained by supplementing a corn-sesame meal diet with L-lysine.HCl. Temperature affected percentage lysine requirement as determined by the segmented (broken line) regression model during 8 to 12 wk of age in Experiment 1 (P less than .05) and in Experiment 2 (P less than .10). The requirements (mean +/- SE) by broken line regression for the 8 to 12-wk age period were: Experiment 1, 1.13 +/- .02 and 1.25 +/- .02% at 6 and 23 C, respectively, and Experiment 2, 1.10 +/- .03, and 1.23 +/- .04% at 7, 20, and 26 C, respectively. For the 16 to 20 wk age period the requirements for Experiment 1 were .75 +/- .02 and .77 +/- .03% at 8 and 24 C, respectively. For Experiment 2, requirements were .74 +/- .03, .72 +/- .02, and .78 +/- .02% at 7, 16, and 24 C, respectively. Percentage requirements by the exponential model showed the same patterns relative to temperature. Multiple regression analysis of gain on lysine intake and temperature indicated that variability in gain was primarily explained by intake (R2 ranged from .82 to .97) with deficient lysine intakes. Temperature environment also affected the gain response to lysine intake, resulting in different response curves at the different environmental temperatures.
National tax systems versus the European capital market

Capital taxation Alberto Giovannini The current structure of taxes on capital income across EC countries can be exploited by corporations to reduce tax burdens. Skilled individuals can indulge in tax avoidance too. The liberalization of capital movements stands to turn tax avoidance into a cottage industry. This article provides a primer on capital income taxes and describes strategies which reduce the tax burden. From a policy perspective, the question is how to avoid massive tax evasion after 1992. There is no need to harmonize if the right taxation principle is adopted. Two principles are contrasted: the territorial principle, according to which taxes are levied on domestic investment irrespective of the country of residence of the beneficiary, and the worldwide principle, according to which taxes are levied on domestic savings irrespective of where they are invested. It is shown that the worldwide principle involves much fewer distortions than the territorial principle. A strict application of this principle would effectively solve the problem of tat evasion in Europe, without requiring full harmonization of the tax systems. Its full implementation would require the abolition of withholding taxes, the elimination of tax deferrals which are quite pervasive throughout Europe, and an in-depth review of blocking and secrecy laws.
Chiral diamines. 1. Relative energies of (−)-sparteine conformers, interconversion barriers, and alkyllithium complexes

Abstract The structures of the four lower energy sparteine complexes were examined at several theoretical levels including B3P86/6-31G ∗ and B3P86/6-311+G ∗ . The transition states for interconverting two pairs of conformers were determined using the synchronous transit-guided quasi-Newton procedure. Complexes with lithium hydride and propyllithium also were examined. The bidentate complexes formed from conformer 1b and propyllithium had two conformations with essentially the same energy. This may account for the low enantioselectivity observed in the reaction of alkyllithium–sparteine complexes with carbonyl compounds.
Adhesion of aspirated tumor cells to extracellular matrix proteins: a new methodology utilizing fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND Cell adhesion molecules mediate the interactions of cells with other cells and with extracellular matrix components. Such interactions may be important in the development of tumor invasion and metastasis. This article describes a new approach to the evaluation of tumor cell-matrix interactions by utilizing fine-needle aspiration of resected tumors. METHODS Fine-needle aspiration was performed on 15 fresh surgical specimens of various types of carcinomas. After partial purification by isotonic Percoll centrifugation, tumor cell adhesion to collagen Type IV, laminin, and fibronectin was evaluated by counting cytologically malignant cells adhering to matrix-coated plastic substrates. Frozen tissue sections of the corresponding tumors were studied simultaneously for immunohistochemical expression of α-2, α-3, α-4, and α-5 integrin subunit expression. Results of the immunohistochemical staining then were compared with the adhesion data for particular tumors. RESULTS In general, the majority of the tumors exhibited little or no adhesion to collagen or laminin, but several tumors showed marked adhesion to fibronectin. Striking differences were noted between some tumors of the same histologic subtype. Competitive inhibition studies performed with two of the tumors (a large cell carcinoma and a renal cell carcinoma) showed decreased adhesion to fibronectin in the presence of anti-α-5, suggesting at least a partial role for the α-5-β 1 fibronectin receptor in mediating the adhesion of these tumors to fibronectin. All the tumors examined exhibited strong immunohistochemical expression of the α-2 and α-3 integrin subunits, and all were negative for α-4. Three of the tumors showed weak expression of α-5, two of which (a squamous cell carcinoma and a renal cell carcinoma) were the tumors that showed the greatest adhesion to fibronectin. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative adhesion data can be obtained using cell suspensions prepared from fine-needle aspirates, and there are marked differences in adhesive properties between particular tumors. Although two of the tumors showed a correlation between adhesion to fibronectin and immunohistochemical expression of the α-5 integrin subunit, matrix adhesion does not necessarily correlate with immunohistochemical expression of adhesion molecule receptors. In the future, this methodology potentially could be of value in determining which patients may benefit from therapies aimed at modifying tumor cell-matrix interactions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2000;90:102–10. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Spatial periodic modulation of the high-field domain in cadmium sulphide

It is shown that there exists a maximum oscillation frequency for the current oscillations in semiconducting CdS. Below the corresponding minimum sample length, current oscillations do not exist. This maximum oscillation frequency may be exceeded with long samples by modulating the electric field along the sample. The technique presented is applicable to transferred-electron devices.
Inferring transforms [computer graphics]

In simple two-dimensional texture mapping you take a 2D image and render it on the screen after some transformation or distortion. To accomplish this you will need to take each [X, Y] location on the screen and calculate a [U, V] texture coordinate to place there. A particularly common transformation is: U=(aX+bY+c)/(gX+hY+j), V=(dX+eY+f)/(gX+hY+j). By picking the proper values for the coefficients a...j, we can fly the 2D texture around to an arbitrary position, orientation, and perspective projection on the screen. You can, in fact, generate the coefficients by a concatenation of 3D rotation, translation, scale, and perspective matrices. However, the author discusses a more direct approach to finding a...j. It turns out that the 2D-to-2D mapping is completely specified if you give four arbitrary points in screen space and the four arbitrary points in texture space they must map to. The only restriction is that no three of the input or output points may be collinear. This method of transformation specification proves useful, for example, in taking flat objects digitized in perspective and processing them into orthographic views.
Relationship of Familial Prominent Corneal Nerves and Lesions of the Tongue Resembling Neuromas to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B

Purpose We studied a two-generation family with an inherited syndrome of prominent corneal nerves and lesions of the tongue resembling neuromas without the characteristic neoplasms of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome. Several different point mutations in the RET proto-oncogene on chromosome 10 have been associated with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes. Molecular genetic studies of families with partial phenotypic expression of these syndromes may aid in further understanding the origin of the variety of clinical manifestations observed in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Methods A family consisting of an 8-year-old male proband, his 10-year-old sister, and 40-year-old mother was identified as having prominent corneal nerves and lesions of the tongue resembling neuromas. Pentagastrin-stimulated serum calcitonin levels were measured in the mother and sister. Molecular genetic studies were performed on all three affected members, to look for the specific point mutation seen in over 95% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. Results Serum calcitonin levels were normal, indicating no C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma. Molecular genetic studies on these individuals did not disclose the specific point mutation seen in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. Conclusions This family demonstrates some of the phenotypic features of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome without the characteristic neoplasms or the mutation in the RET proto-oncogene associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. Their physical findings may be caused by genetic alterations within the RET proto-oncogene on chromosome 10 at yet undetermined sites.