cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal High-Frequency Burst Firing of Cerebellar Neurons in Rapid-Onset Dystonia-Parkinsonism

Loss-of-function mutations in the α3 isoform of the Na+/K+ ATPase (sodium pump) are responsible for rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (DYT12). Recently, a pharmacological model of DYT12 was generated implicating both the cerebellum and basal ganglia in the disorder. Notably, partially blocking sodium pumps in the cerebellum was necessary and sufficient for induction of dystonia. Thus, a key question that remains is how partially blocking sodium pumps in the cerebellum induces dystonia. In vivo recordings from dystonic mice revealed abnormal high-frequency bursting activity in neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN), which comprise the bulk of cerebellar output. In the same mice, Purkinje cells, which provide strong inhibitory drive to DCN cells, also fired in a similarly erratic manner. In vitro studies demonstrated that Purkinje cells are highly sensitive to sodium pump dysfunction that alters the intrinsic pacemaking of these neurons, resulting in erratic burst firing similar to that identified in vivo. This abnormal firing abates when sodium pump function is restored and dystonia caused by partial block of sodium pumps can be similarly alleviated. These findings suggest that persistent high-frequency burst firing of cerebellar neurons caused by sodium pump dysfunction underlies dystonia in this model of DYT12.
Treatment of recurrent head and neck cancer with cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil vs. the same plus bleomycin and methotrexate

A prospective randomized trial of 62 patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was conducted to compare the effectiveness of our standard chemotherapy program with that of our test regimen. The standard chemotherapy regimen consisted of cisplatin 80 mg/M2 on day 1 followed by 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/M2 days 2 through 6. Our test regimen consisted of the same two drugs plus 15 U bleomycin on day 1 and methotrexate 100 mg/M2 on day 16 followed in 24 hours with 15 mg leucovorin every 6 hours for six doses. One patient in each arm of the study was not evaluated. Among 29 patients receiving the two-drug regimen, there was 1 complete response and 10 partial responses (38% response rate). Among 31 patients receiving the four-drug regimen, there were 3 complete responses and 16 partial responses (61% response rate; two vs. four-drug regimen, P = .06). The failure-free survival in the four-drug group was better than the two-drug group, median 4.5 vs. 2.3 months (P = .02). The overall survival for both groups was the same (median of 7.8 months). A detailed analysis of toxicity did not reveal any important differences between the two regimens. The addition of bleomycin and methotrexate to our cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil regimen resulted in an increase in effectiveness without adding toxicity.
Spectrum of thoracic outlet syndrome presentation in adolescents.

Objective To study the outcomes of children with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) treated surgically with transaxillary first-rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS). Design A retrospective database review. Setting The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Patients Patients 18 years or younger who had undergone FRRS. Interventions All patients underwent FRRS. Patients with venous TOS underwent venography 2 weeks postoperatively. Main Outcomes Measures For patients with venous TOS, good outcomes included patent subclavian veins. For patients with neurogenic and arterial TOS, good outcomes included relief of pain and discomfort. Results Thirty-five adolescents, including 14 male and 21 female patients, presented with TOS. Of these, 18 had venous symptoms, 9 had neurogenic symptoms, and 8 had arterial symptoms. Seventeen of the 18 patients with venous TOS had thrombosis. At postoperative venography, 13 patients required dilation of a stenotic vein, 2 had patent veins, and 2 had chronically occluded veins. All 18 patients had patent veins, but 1 had persistent ipsilateral neurogenic symptoms. Physical therapy before FRRS had failed in all 9 patients with neurogenic TOS. Five of the 8 patients with arterial TOS presented with abnormal ribs. Two had episodes of embolization, and 1 had an occluded radial artery. None had an axillosubclavian aneurysm. All 8 patients underwent FRRS; 3 also required removal of the fused cervical rib. All 35 patients had a favorable follow-up period. Conclusions Adolescents present more frequently with venous and arterial TOS than do adults. However, in nearly all adolescent patients, treatment with FRRS leads to a rapid return to full activity.
Temperament and Common Disruptive Behavior Problems in Preschool.

Abstract The study evaluated trait associations with common Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), during an understudied developmental period: preschool. Participants were 109 children ages 3–6 and their families. DBD symptoms were available via parent and teacher/caregiver report on the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale. Traits were measured using observational coding paradigms, and parent and examiner report on the Child Behavior Questionnaire and the California Q-Sort. The DBD groups exhibited significantly higher negative affect, higher surgency, and lower effortful control. Negative affect was associated with most DBD symptom domains; surgency and reactive control were associated with hyperactivity-impulsivity; and effortful control was associated with ADHD and inattention. Interactive effects between effortful control and negative affect and curvilinear associations of reactive control with DBD symptoms were evident. Temperament trait associations with DBD during preschool are similar to those seen during middle childhood. Extreme levels of temperament traits are associated with DBD as early as preschool.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the temporal bone presenting as hearing loss in a child

We present an unusual case of a temporal bone and skull base tumor in a ten-year-old child. The patient presented with unilateral hearing loss and headaches. Radiologic, surgical, and histologic findings were consistent with an aneurysmal bone cyst. This is the first report on this rare entity to document its appearance in the temporal bone and skull base using magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment consisted of surgical removal, cranioplasty, and reconstruction of the external auditory canal.
Automatic testing of integrated circuits

If it is true that integrated circuits are the main elements in every modern electronic system, it must also be true that the testing of these components is of prime importance, not only to the manufacturer, but also to the user. Yet, conventional methods, based on the oscilloscope and the trace recorder, are no longer adequate. The question whether an integrated circuit is good or bad is subject to views and interpretations determined by a number of economic and application-oriented rules. Automatic equipment should be capable of meeting every test requirement. A multitude of technologies and the system user's divergent interests demand problem-oriented test solutions if testing is to remain an economic propostion
Patients' anxiety and hope: predictors and adherence intentions in an acute care context

Context Good patient–provider interactions promote satisfaction with health care, adherence to treatment recommendations and improved health. However, little research has examined patients’ emotions and how they relate to patients’ experiences with health care and their adherence intentions in acute care settings. Objective This study examined the predictors and consequences of two emotions pertinent to the uncertainty of acute health-care experiences: anxiety and hopefulness. Design Patients who arrived at a general surgery clinic for an initial consultation were interviewed before and after the consultation. Prior to the consultation with a physician, patients completed baseline measures of their emotional state. Following the consultation, patients completed measures of understanding of the information provided by the surgeon, perceived control over treatment decisions, adherence intentions and emotional state. Results Understanding and control predicted less anxiety and greater hopefulness, compared to baseline. Only hopefulness predicted adherence intentions. These relationships remained even after controlling for characteristics of the patients and interactions. Discussion These findings identify aspects of psychosocial care that are critical for promoting positive (and mitigating negative) emotional states in patients. Even in a brief consultation in a clinic setting, physicians may be able to improve patients’ emotional state by promoting a sense of control and clarifying information they convey, and patients’ positive emotional states may be critical for raising adherence intentions.
Effects of cytokines and nitric oxide on myocardial E-C coupling.

Compelling evidence now exists that pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) are newly identified endogenous regulators of myocardial contractility. The mechanism(s) responsible for the inotropic and chronotropic effects of these novel mediators can be explained on the basis of recently established principles of myocardial excitation contraction coupling (E-C). A novel hypothesis is proposed that cytokines and NO-mediated alterations in E-C coupling contribute to the reversible myocardial depression and s-adrener-gic desensitization observed in a diverse group of clinical conditions that activate host inflammatory responses, including congestive heart failure. The results of in vitro studies indicate that cytokines and NO have both immediate, short-term, as well as long-term effects on cardiac performance. Basic studies into these cytokine signaling pathways in cardiac myocytes have the potential to provide important new insights relevant to the design of new management strategies for the treatment of congestive heart failure patients.
Photodissociation and vibrational relaxation of I−2 in water, ethanol, and ethanol-d1

Abstract We have investigated the photodissociation and vibrational relaxation of I−2 in water, ethanol, and ethanol-d1. Internal conversion, geminate recombination, and vibrational relaxation in the top 70% of the ground state potential in water are complete within the time resolution of our apparatus (
Lossless convexification for a class of optimal control problems with linear state constraints

This paper presents lossless convexification for a class of finite horizon optimal control problems with convex cost, linear dynamics, linear state constraints, and non-convex control constraints. There are a number of examples that belong to this class of problems since many practical problems are constrained to evolve in a bounded state space. The control set is relaxed to a convex set by introducing a scalar slack variable, and it is proved that optimal solutions of the relaxed problem are optimal solutions of the original problem, hence the term lossless convexification. Extending the proof to problems with state boundary arcs is the main theoretical contribution of this paper. The practical implication is that the non-convex optimization problem can be solved as a convex problem with guaranteed convergence properties. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the approach.
The influence of substrate properties on microwave losses in thin films of semiconductors

Abstract A method is presented for the contactless measurement at microwave frequencies of the resistivity of thin films of semiconductors deposited on insulating substrates. The resistivity is determined through a measurement of the change in the power loss or Q of a microwave cavity upon insertion of the sample. In addition to the intended application, knowledge can be obtained about microwave power losses in supported thin films. Calculated microwave losses in the semiconductor films are presented in a normalized form as a function of the thickness and electrical properties of both the film and the supporting substrate at 9.0 GHz (X band) and 23.0 GHz (K band). These calculations were made for germanium on calcium fluoride and sapphire substrates. The power losses are normalized on a unit surface area and a unit surface field intensity basis. Limited experimental data are presented for germanium on calcium fluoride. The computed curves show that a maximum in power dissipation for a fixed substrate thickness and frequency is reached at higher and higher film resistivities as the film thickness increases. A very strong dependence of power loss on substrate thickness is demonstrated.
Chronic Changes of End‐Systolic Pressure‐Volume Relationship After Regional Myocardial Infarction

The chronic changes of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) after regional myocardial infarction were evaluated in a sheep model. Pressure-volume area (PVA) obtained from the pressure-volume diagram and left ventricular oxygen consumption (LVO2) were studied. The regional myocardial infarction was created by ligating distal branches of the left coronary artery. ESPVR was obtained using a conductance catheter during transient inferior vena cava occlusion. Measurements were performed at baseline (n = 13), 1 hour (n = 8), 3 months (n = 9), and 6 months (n = 4) after infarction. Ees, the slope of the ESPVR did not change at 1 hour after infarction and remained the same at 3-month and 6-month measurements (baseline 2.26 +/- 1.24 mmHg/mL, 1 hour 2.71 +/- 1.06, 3 months 3.46 +/- 1.51, 6 months 2.45 +/- 0.64, NS). Because of the ventricular dilatation, which was demonstrated as an increase in changes of end-systolic volume (Ves) correlating with the time course after infarction (y = -3.21 + 0.12x, r = 0.454, p < 0.05), V0, the volume intercept of the ESPVR increased at 1 hour after the infarction, and showed a tendency to increase at 3 months and 6 months after the infarction (baseline -18.0 +/- 22.5 mL; 1 hour -0.9 +/- 11.6; 3 months 5.4 +/- 10.9, 6 months 9.2 +/- 23.1, baseline vs 3 months p < 0.05, baseline vs 6 months p < 0.05). PVA and LVO2 were unchanged over time after infarction (PVA: baseline 2097 +/- 1526 mmHg/mL per 100 g-1; 1 hour 1771 +/- 699; 3 months 2483 +/- 1086; 6 months 1,608 +/- 1,010, NS), (LVO2: baseline 40.6 +/- 13.1 x 10(-3) mL/100 g-1 per beat-1; 1 hour 42.9 +/- 9.7; 3 months 35.0 +/- 8.6; 6 months 31.2 +/- 18.1, NS). Chronic regional infarction in the sheep model did not affect Ees over 6 months, but significantly increased V0 after the increase in the acute phase. PVA and LVO2 were not affected by this regional infarction either acutely or over 6 months.
Intelligence of pregnant indigent Negro adolescents assessed by the Quick Test.

Summary.-323 Ss were administered the Quick Test (QT) to determine their level of functioning by ages and to compare that level with the published levels for the standardization sample. Scores were age-related. Significant. differences were found in mean scores between this sample and the standardization sample. Differences in educational, geographical, and cultural background, as well as the factor of the pregnancy were suggested as possible sources of the differences in scores. In 1762, Arnrnons and Arnrnons published the Quick Test (QT), a brief relatively culture-fair picture-vocabulary instrument designed to measure intelligence. In the Quick Test provisional manual, the test authors suggested testing of special populations was desirable. In one such study, hrnp and Barclay (1967) indicated the QT could be employed successfully in assessing the functional verbal ability of a sample of mentally retarded children. In a further test of mental retardates, Coyle and Erdberg ( 1968) suggested the QT could be used for screening such individuals. A correlation of .67 was found between the QT and the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale for a college sample (Feidman, 1968). Correlations of the QT with the Full Scale WAIS of .75 and the WAIS Vocabulary Scaled Score of .83 were demonstrated on a sample of patients of a Depattment of Veterans' Affairs Hospital (Ogilvie, 1965 ). Further, for a sample of Negro patients at Milledgeville State Hospital, a correlation of ,817 was obtained between the QT and WAnS Full Score (Stewart, Cole, & Williams, 1767). Since information of this kind has clear clinical utiliry for the setting in which data were gathered, we investigated the level of functioning on the QT of a sample of pregnant indigenr Negro adolescents and compared their functioning with that of the white adolescent population of the Ammons and Arnrnons standardization sample. This comparison was expected to provide basic information for this group wih whom continuing contact was expected. Further, there ate limited data available on Negro adolescents. METHOD
A study of the depth of weathering and its relationship to the mechanical properties of near-surface rocks in the Mojave Desert

Weathered granite extends 70 m deep at Hi Vista in the arid central Mojave Desert of southern California. The low strength of this granite is due to the alteration of biotite and chlorite montmorillonite. Deep weathering probably occurs in most granites, although we cannot rule out some anomalous mechanisms at Hi Vista. Geophysical instruments set in these slightly altered rocks are limited by the unstable behavior of the rocks. Thus, tectonic signals from instruments placed in shallow boreholes give vague results. Geophysical measurements of these weathered rocks resemble measurements of granitic rocks near major faults. The rheology of the rocks in which instruments are placed limits the useful sensitivity of the instruments.
Aging‐ and Oxygen‐induced Modifications in Brain Biochemistry and Behaviora

In summary, the work presented here has shown accumulation of oxidized protein with age in an animal aging model. In gerbil brain, this accumulation is associated with (1) decreased activity of oxidatively sensitive enzymes creatine kinase and glutamine synthetase; (2) decreased function of particular cytoskeletal proteins; and (3) decreased performance in a radial-arm maze task. Manipulations shown to increase the presence of reactive oxygen species in the brain increase oxidized protein, decrease the index enzyme activities and cytoskeletal protein defects, and worsen performance deficits. Moreover, intervention designed to quench ROS-mediated reactions decrease oxidized protein levels, and nearly normalize index enzyme activities and associated behavioral deficits. The precise connections between the performance deficits and protein measures are probably highly complex and likely to remain obscure for now. Currently, the behavioral measures serve as a marker for the functional consequences of the protein alterations. Our studies in humans have shown oxidized protein accumulation with age and a differential decrease of glutamine synthetase activity in the frontal lobe in AD. Further preliminary results in AD autopsy material show a striking correlation between the distribution of index enzyme inactivation and the known intensity distribution of AD pathology. These findings support the hypothesis that inability to restrain age- or pathology-related increases in local ROS activity can result in AD.
Regulatory role of microfilaments in the induction of T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production.

Abstract The role of microfilaments in human T4 cell proliferation and lymphokine production triggered via various pathways of activation was examined by investigating the effects of cytochalasins on these responses. The data demonstrate that the effects of cytochalasins vary depending on the nature of the stimulus and on the concentration of the cytochalasin. Concentrations of cytochalasin that would be expected to bind both the low and high affinity binding sites (5–20 μ M ), that represent cytosolic and surface actin filaments, respectively, inhibited T4 cell proliferation regardless of the stimulus. T4 cell proliferation stimulated by antigen-bearing APC or anti-CD3 was inhibited much more markedly than responses stimulated by ionomycin and PMA. In contrast, concentrations of cytochalasin expected to bind only high affinity binding sites (0.125–1 μ M ), represented by surface actin filaments, enhanced T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production stimulated by mAb to CD2, CD3, or class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, but not those induced by mAb to the T cell receptor, paraformaldehyde fixed, or viable antigen-bearing APC, allogeneic APC, or ionomycin and PMA. The enhancing effect of cytochalasins on responses stimulated by cross-linking class I MHC molecules was studied in detail. Enhancement of T4 cell proliferation induced in this manner required that cytochalasin B was present between 4 and 18 hr of culture, but not before or after. The data demonstrate that T cell microfilaments play a number of roles in determining the magnitude of T cell responses induced by engaging specific cell surface receptors and imply that different components of the microfilament system exert opposing intrinsic regulatory effects on T cell function.
Public Policy Approaches to Establishing Health Claims for Food Labels: an International Comparison

Enormous variation exists internationally in the regulation of nutrition and health messages on the food label. For the consumer, the health claim on the label becomes a value‐added point of product differentiation. Therefore, for the food industry, access to a health claim is a key marketing variable. It is important to understand the role of the public policy process in establishing health claims as developing nations mature and choose an approval process to advance their own food regulatory environment. Their choice of approach, and the type of participants contributing to the process, will influence the type of health claim outcome and the latitude of marketing permitted on the food label. This paper identifies and compares the regulatory approaches, in effect in early 1977, used to establish health claims in Japan, Australia and the European Union. There does not seem to be a clear international “lead” nation regulatory model for health claims, and this suggests global economies of scale are elusive for product development and marketing based on health claims.
A General Method for Comparing Effect Magnitudes in Anova Designs

Researchers employing multiple treatment fixed effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) designs may be interested in comparing the magnitude of effects for factors within the same experiment. Often this comparison is done without the use of appropriate inferential techniques. Although Ronis (1981) proposed a novel test of the proper null hypothesis, it is limited to the main effects of designs with only two levels of each factor for which the direction of effect is specified beforehand. This paper not only develops a more general method for comparing treatment magnitudes which may be used for main effects with any number of levels without regard to directionality but also provides a means of comparing the magnitudes of interactions of any degree to those of main effects in the same experiment.
The functions of topic-encoding zero-marked phrases: A study of the interaction among topic-encoding expressions in Japanese☆

This study analyzes zero-marked phrases which encode topic in Japanese. As topic-encoding zero-marked phrases most often occur in informal speech, they have been considered to be deviations of the more standard means of encoding topic. This study argues that zero-marked phrases have their own functions in discourse that are distinct from and interact with those of other topic-encoding expressions such as wa-marked phrases and zero anaphora. One of the functions involves marking of discourse structure. While zero anaphora represents discourse continuity and wa-marked phrases indicate major discourse boundaries, zero-marked phrases mark minor discourse boundaries. Another function is concerned with how prominence of referents is represented. Wa-marked phrases and zero anaphora refer to entities which play a central role in discourse. This tendency of wa-marked phrases and zero anaphora is noticed because of their interaction with zero-marked phrases. Zero-marked phrases tend to refer to entities which play a secondary role in discourse so that the centrality of entities referred to by wa-marked phrases and zero anaphora is highlighted. Both of these functions reflect general pragmatic principles.
Data stream management system for MavHome

MavHome project provides rich applications for addressing various issues associated with stream data processing. In this paper, we present our approach for building a data stream management system (DSMS) for the above smart home project. We further summarize our primitive solutions for continuous query processing, Quality of Service(QoS) management, and mapping a trigger mechanism to a stream processing system.
The generalized van der Waals partition function. III. Local composition models for a mixture of equal size square-well molecules

Abstract New local composition models for mixtures of equal size molecules with differing attractive forces are presented, and compared with our results of Monte Carlo computer simulations for mixtures of square-well molecules which are also reported here. Unlike most previous local composition models, these new models predict random mixing in the high density limit and Boltzmann factor nonrandomness at low density; both limiting behaviors are in agreement with statistical mechanical theory. The predictions of these new models as a function of composition, density and temperature are in good agreement with the Monte Carlo computer simulation results.
STAT3 cooperates with the non-canonical NF-κB signaling to regulate pro-labor genes in the human placenta.

Abstract Introduction Our recent studies have shown that constitutively activated non-canonical RelB/NF-κB2 (p52) in the human placenta positively regulates the pro-labor genes CRH and COX-2. STAT3 regulates NF-κB2 (p100) processing to active p52, and in turn, nuclear activation of RelB/p52, by directly binding to p100/p52 in a variety of cancer cells. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that STAT3 is involved in regulation of pro-labor genes by associating with RelB/p52 heterodimers in the human placenta. Methods We used a variety of techniques including immunohistochemical staining, gene silencing, ectopic expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence assays in primary culture of cytotrophoblast and placental tissues. Results We found that knockdown of STAT3 led to down-regulation of both CRH and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. By using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we further showed that interaction of RelB with the CRH or COX-2 gene promoters decreased when STAT3 was depleted. Immunofluorescence demonstrated co-localization of STAT3 with RelB or p100/p52 in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of term cytotrophoblasts. Discussion Collectively, these results suggest that STAT3 constitutes part of the RelB/p52-containing activator complex that positively regulates pro-labor genes in the human placenta.
The synthesis of pyridoquinolines with dialkylaminopropylamine side chains

Several new pyridoquinolines with dimethylaminopropyl side chain including 4,7-bis(3′-dimethylaminopropylamino)-1,10-phenanthroline (1), 4,10-bis(3′-dimethylaminopropylamino)-1,7-phenanthroline (2), 4,10-bis(3′-dimethylaminopropylamino)-6-methyl-1,7-phenanthroline (3), 4,6-bis(3′-dimethylaminopropylamino)-10-methylpyrido[3,2-g]quinoline (4) and 4-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)pyrrolo[lmn][4,7]phenanthroline (5) have been prepared. The compounds were prepared by a multi-step synthesis which begins with Michael type addition of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate or diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate to the appropriate phenylenediamine. The enamines obtained from the Michael addition were cyclized on heating at elevated temperatures to form the corresponding pyridoquinoline-diester-diones. The diester-diones were saponified decarboxylated and converted into dichloropyridoquinolines which on reaction with dimethylaminopropylamine yielded the title compounds.
The effect of assessor error on IR system evaluation

Recent efforts in test collection building have focused on scaling back the number of necessary relevance judgments and then scaling up the number of search topics. Since the largest source of variation in a Cranfield-style experiment comes from the topics, this is a reasonable approach. However, as topic set sizes grow, and researchers look to crowdsourcing and Amazon's Mechanical Turk to collect relevance judgments, we are faced with issues of quality control. This paper examines the robustness of the TREC Million Query track methods when some assessors make significant and systematic errors. We find that while averages are robust, assessor errors can have a large effect on system rankings.
Gastrointestinal hormone concentrations associated with gastric feeding in critically ill patients.

Background: Altered concentrations of ghrelin, motilin, and cholecystokinin (CCK) may contribute to gastric hypomotility. The aims of this study were to evaluate the concentrations of these hormones in patients tolerant and intolerant to gastric nutrition, assess the influence of prokinetic therapy on these hormone concentrations, determine the associations between these mediators and gastric emptying, and evaluate whether inflammation influences their concentrations. Methods: Post hoc analyses of 2 prospective studies that enrolled 20 critically ill patients with an aspirated gastric residual (GR) >150 mL while receiving gastric enteral nutrition (intolerant group) and 10 critically ill patients with minimal GR (tolerant group). Patients with intolerance were also assessed 1 day after prokinetic therapy. Fasting serum concentrations of total ghrelin, acyl ghrelin (active), des-acyl ghrelin (inactive), motilin, CCK, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)−α were determined. Gastric emptying was assessed concurren...
ANTHROPOGENICALLY DRIVEN CONTEMPORARY EVOLUTION: LESSONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Biodiversity, the contingent of plants, animals, fungi and mi croorganisms, interacting among themselves and with their abiotic environment, is the result of ecological and evolutionary processes that have operated and shaped it through millions of years. In ad dition to being the result of historical factors, current biodiversity is in continuous dynamism, due to the ever-changing nature of the present environmental factors, constituting a process of ongoing evolution. In essence, we can assert that, for biodiversity, change (natural change) is the norm. However, in most of the planet, over the last few millennia, but most notably after the industrial revolution, the human enterprise has become a major, additional force of environmental change and concomitantly of biodiversity change. In fact, Nobel Prize winner Paul Crutzen (2002) invites us to view our planet as having entered into a new geological era, characterized by a strong and omnipresent human footprint, which, he proposes, should be called the Anthropocene. Although similar in many respects to natural change, an thropogenic change has distinctive singularities, most notably the rate at which it occurs, and the fact that it occurs in a complex juxtaposition with natural environmental change. Recent reviews of the global state of terrestrial (Dirzo and Raven 2003) and marine (Sala and Knowlton 2006) biodiversity suggest that an thropogenic impact on biodiversity is so severe that it justifies the oft-cited argument that our planet may be in a trajectory toward a sixth pulse of Phanerozoic massive extinction?which would be the most forceful manifestation of the Anthropocene. In light of this situation, scientists have established a discipline, conser vation biology, aimed at studying and hopefully attenuating the so-called biodiversity crisis. Conservation biology, although still a young science, exhibits a quasi-ontogenic trajectory, character ized by three more or less overlapping stages. The first (though still active) focused on the study of anthropogenic impact on the structural elements of biodiversity?taxa (their local and global threats), landscapes (land use and cover change), and genetic di versity (mostly addressing reductions in population size). The second stage has been concerned with the study of anthropogenic impact on ecological processes, with a recent strong impetus for translating it, from a human well-being perspective, into impacts on ecosystem services, as epitomized by the Millennium Ecosys tem Assessment (2005). Finally, a more recent stage is emerging as a result of the increasing realization that the different manifes tations of the Anthropocene are in effect altering the ecological theater and the evolutionary plays organisms are (or were) used to perform. That is, the human enterprise is altering the conditions under which morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits are expressed, and in which ecological interactions take place. This emerging stage is conceptually framed by a notion that or ganisms are not static entities, helplessly waiting for extinction
Temporal regulation of shoot development in Arabidopsis thaliana by miR156 and its target SPL3.

SPL3, SPL4 and SPL5 ( SPL3/4/5 ) are closely related members of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE family of transcription factors in Arabidopsis , and have a target site for the microRNA miR156 in their 3 ′ UTR. The phenotype of Arabidopsis plants constitutively expressing miR156 -sensitive and miR156 -insensitive forms of SPL3/4/5 revealed that all three genes promote vegetative phase change and flowering, and are strongly repressed by miR156 . Constitutive expression of miR156a prolonged the expression of juvenile vegetative traits and delayed flowering. This phenotype was largely corrected by constitutive expression of a miR156 -insensitive form of SPL3 . The juvenile-to-adult transition is accompanied by a decrease in the level of miR156 and an increase in the abundance of SPL3 mRNA. The complementary effect of hasty on the miR156 and SPL3 transcripts, as well as the miR156 -dependent temporal expression pattern of a 35S :: GUS-SPL3 transgene, suggest that the decrease in miR156 is responsible for the increase in SPL3 expression during this transition. SPL3 mRNA is elevated by mutations in ZIPPY/AGO7, RNA DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 6 ( RDR6 ) and SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING 3 ( SGS3 ), indicating that it is directly or indirectly regulated by RNAi. However, our results indicate that RNAi does not contribute to the temporal expression pattern of this gene. We conclude that vegetative phase change in Arabidopsis is regulated by an increase in the expression of SPL3 and probably also SPL4 and SPL5, and that this increase is a consequence of a decrease in the level of miR156 .
Plug-in vehicles and the plug - policy to address the Chicken or the Egg problem

People are hesitant to purchase plug-in capable vehicles without the necessary infrastructure to support them. Charging infrastructure is unlikely to be spontaneously installed without a demonstrated need. This “Chicken or the Egg” situation is a major roadblock to the widespread adaptation of efficient plug-in vehicles. This paper presents some of the roadblocks to implementation of charging infrastructure and how they can be addressed by local and state governments, electric utilities, and organizations like the IEEE. Our focus is to address implementing policies for vehicle charging infrastructure at the local municipality level. We present a draft zoning by-law that was proposed in 2008, and discuss the reactions and questions that arose as a result of the proposal. Finally, we discuss the current state of plug-in vehicle infrastructure standards and how it relates to creating local policies to require the infrastructure necessary to speed the adaptation of plug-in vehicles.
The carbon-carbon triple bond and the nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond☆

Abstract The unshared-pair orbital of a nitrogen atom in :NN: is estimated to have 21 per cent p character and 79 per cent s character. The nature of this orbital is such that the energy of repulsion between unshared pairs for the nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond is expected to be very small, whereas it is large, about 40 kcal/mole, for NN and NN; in consequence the triple bond is especially stable. ForCC, on the other hand, there is significant repulsion energy of the electrons involved in the adjacent single bonds, causing instability of the triple bond.
A Murine Inhalation Model to Characterize Pulmonary Exposure to Dry Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia

Most murine models of fungal exposure are based on the delivery of uncharacterized extracts or liquid conidia suspensions using aspiration or intranasal approaches. Studies that model exposure to dry fungal aerosols using whole body inhalation have only recently been described. In this study, we aimed to characterize pulmonary immune responses following repeated inhalation of conidia utilizing an acoustical generator to deliver dry fungal aerosols to mice housed in a nose only exposure chamber. Immunocompetent female BALB/cJ mice were exposed to conidia derived from Aspergillus fumigatus wild-type (WT) or a melanin-deficient (Δalb1) strain. Conidia were aerosolized and delivered to mice at an estimated deposition dose of 1×105 twice a week for 4 weeks (8 total). Histopathological and immunological endpoints were assessed 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the final exposure. Histopathological analysis showed that conidia derived from both strains induced lung inflammation, especially at 24 and 48 hour time points. Immunological endpoints evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the mediastinal lymph nodes showed that exposure to WT conidia led to elevated numbers of macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes. Importantly, CD8+ IL17+ (Tc17) cells were significantly higher in BALF and positively correlated with germination of A. fumigatus WT spores. Germination was associated with specific IgG to intracellular proteins while Δalb1 spores elicited antibodies to cell wall hydrophobin. These data suggest that inhalation exposures may provide a more representative analysis of immune responses following exposures to environmentally and occupationally prevalent fungal contaminants.
Ion channeling effects in scanning ion microscopy with a 60 keV Ga + probe

Abstract The operation of a 60 keV Ga+ scanning ion microscope is described. This instrument has been shown capable of detecting ion-channeling phenomena in samples of brass and iron, through the observation of crystallographic constrast in images obtained with the secondary electron and secondary ion signals. The instrument also provides on-line quantitative information on surface amorphization and on channeling effects in sputtering. While the lattice orientation dependence of secondary electron and ion emission is generally comparable, several examples are discussed where anticorrelation of the two signal intensities is observed.
Random Gleanings from a Life with the Pneumococcus

The man we honor annually with this lecture has had one of the most distinguished careers in the contemporary history of infectious diseases. Recognized throughout the world for his manifold contributions, Maxwell Finland has dealt, at one time or another, with a significant proportion of the varied problems encompassed by this area of medicine. I am privileged this evening to touch upon one of those areas to which he has made multiple contributions, that of pneumococcal infection. Pneumococcal pneumonia was a major preoccupation of Maxwell Finland during the 1920s and 1930s; and, in my own endeavors, I have had frequent occasion to draw upon his numerous publications for guidance. Although it was not my good fortune
Proteome of the anterior segment structure in relation to glaucoma

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of diseases that is characterized by structural changes in the optic nerve head, which can lead to blindness. Although the endpoint pathology in glaucoma is damage to the retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve, glaucoma also involves tissues in the anterior segment. The pathogenesis of glaucoma has been widely studied; however, the mechanisms causing it are not completely understood. Proteomic approaches have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma. These technologies have helped to identify changes in the extracellular matrix and alterations in cytoskeletal proteins of the trabecular meshwork, in addition to the role of autoimmunity and oxidative damage. In this review, we describe the proteomic approaches that have been used to study protein alterations in the anterior segment as related to glaucoma in addition to some of the mechanisms that these technologies have helped to elucidate.
Healing diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers: are we getting better?

Aim To benchmark by year the likelihood that an individual with a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer will heal over more than a 10-year period. Patients and methods A cohort study within a multicentre wound care network of individuals with a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer who were treated by a standard wound care algorithm. The main outcome was a healed wound by the 20th week of care stratified by calendar year. Results We evaluated 27 193 individuals with a neuropathic foot ulcer. Between 1988 and 1990 approximately 66% of patients did not heal. By 1999 this percentage had decreased to 49%. The change in the rate of failure to heal is very closely associated with an increase over time in the proportion of patients seen with wounds identified as prognostically favourable using a previously published prognostic model (i.e. individuals with wounds ≤ 2 cm2, wounds ≤ 2 months old, and wounds of grade ≤ 2). Nevertheless, even among those most likely to heal, the likelihood of failing to heal went from 62% prior to 1991 to 32% in 2000. Conclusions We have shown that individuals with a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer seeking care are more likely to heal today than 10 years ago. The primary reason for this improvement is that individuals are seeking care when their wounds are most easily treated and these are now more likely to heal.
Terahertz reflection spectroscopy for explosives detection

Terahertz spectroscopy can be used to detect explosives and related compounds by the unique absorption lines in the far infrared region. We will present results in both transmission and reflection geometries using a conventional time-domain terahertz spectroscopy system. We illustrate the importance of a uniform reference, and uniform sample preparation. Some problems can be avoided by generalizing this technique to detection with narrow linewidth terahertz illumination and a square law (intensity) detector.
Spatial aspects of movements, mating patterns, and nest distributions influence gene flow among population subunits of Blanding’s turtles ( Emydoidea blandingii )

The core habitats of semi-aquatic organisms are centered on wetlands, but also include terrestrial habitats. Patterns of movements among core area components can influence rates of genetic and demographic exchange among populations. A combination of 33 years of data on the life history and spatial biology of Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) on the E. S. George Reserve (ESGR) and 8 years of genetic data (N = 244 adults and 611 offspring) were used to document resident wetlands, identify mating pairs, and estimate cohort levels of coancestry and degree of spatial genetic structuring. For ESGR resident females, 34 % of clutches were sired by non-resident males, whereas 56 % of clutches of non-resident females that nested on the ESGR were sired by ESGR resident males. The mean number of mates for males and females was 1.6 (SD = 0.67) and 2.02 (SD = 1.05), respectively, and the annual occurrence of multiple paternity averaged 47.6 % (min–max = 15.4–55.6 %, N = 8). Repeat paternity was common (69.6 %), regardless of residence of parents. The probability of adults mating with individuals from different residence wetlands and tendencies for hatchlings to disperse to wetlands other than their mother’s residence contributed to demographic and genetic connectivity among residence wetlands. Similar allele frequencies among individuals from different residence wetlands (Fst = 0.002, P > 0.05) were consistent with the frequency and geographic extent of adult and juvenile movements. Data on mating patterns, individual movements, and core-habitat use helped identify mechanisms that influence genetic structuring within a population comprised of multiple sub-units.
Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha): a cladistic analysis of morphology

Abstract. A cladistic analysis based on 33 morphological characters was performed for the 31 genera currently assigned to the order Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha). Outgroup analysis indicated that the order is monophyletic and that it is defined by the structure of the pharynx and the complex distribution of duo-gland adhesive organs. Of the 6 currently recognized families in Macrodasyida, our analysis confirmed that 4 families are monophyletic: Dactylopodolidae, Macrodasyidae, Thaumastodermatidae and Turbanellidae. Dactylopodolidae was further confirmed as the most basal family within the order based on the retention of several plesiomorphies. The other three families have well-defined autapomorphies but will require further investigation to increase inter- and intrafamilial phylogenetic resolution. Planodasyidae appeared to be a paraphyletic taxon with no obvious autapomorphies; genera clustered among members of a polyphyletic family, Lepidodasyidae. We recommend that future research on macrodasyidan phylogeny focus on issues of comparative morphology and ultrastructure in lesser-known taxa such as the Dactylopodolidae, and on the taxa Lepidodasyidae and Planodasyidae.
Diffusion of dissolved SiO2 in H2O at 1 GPa, with implications for mass transport in the crust and upper mantle

The diffusivity (D) of dissolved SiO2 in quartz-saturated H2O was determined at 1 GPa and ∼530–870 °C using a custom-designed Ag diffusion cell consisting of two chambers – both containing quartz + H2O – connected by a narrow capillary. During a diffusion experiment, quartz saturation was maintained at different levels in the two chambers by placing the diffusion cell in the thermal gradient of a standard piston-cylinder assembly. The diffusivity was computed from the total mass of SiO2 transported from the “hot” to the “cold” chamber during the course of an experiment. Over the temperature range investigated, the results conform to an Arrhenius-type dependence of D SiO2 (m2/s) upon T(K)−1: The significance of the constants in this equation (in particular, the ∼52 kJ/mole apparent activation energy) is uncertain, because the SiO2 content of the fluid varies markedly with temperature, due to the strong temperature dependence of quartz solubility. Nevertheless, the above expression is probably a good representation of the temperature dependence of D SiO2 in the crust, where aqueous fluids are likely to approach quartz saturation at all depths. One experimental result at 0.6 GPa suggests little dependence of D SiO2 upon pressure at crustal conditions. At the low end of the temperature range investigated, the measured diffusivities are identical to values calculated from the Stokes-Einstein equation using high P-T viscosity estimates for H2O. Disagreement between measured and calculated diffusivities at higher temperatures (a factor of ∼4 at 850 °C) may be due to one or more of the following factors: (1) inadequacy of the Stokes-Einstein relationship as a description of transport in supercritical H2O; (2) inaccuracy of viscosity estimates of H2O; or (3) concentration effects on diffusion over the temperature range investigated. Given the presence of interconnected porosity in deep-seated rocks, the diffusive transport distances for aqueous silica implied by the above equation are impressive even on a geologic scale, exceeding 0.5 km in 106 years at temperatures of 500 °C or higher. The combined effect of the high D SiO2 with the high and strongly temperature-dependent solubility of quartz at crustal conditions raises the possibility of significant diffusive fluxes through a stationary fluid in a normal geothermal gradient.