cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ambulance personnel can successfully treat severe hypoglycaemia

With the current emphasis on stricter control of blood glucose levels in insulin-treated diabetics, instances of severe hypoglycaemia seem to be increasing. In order to reduce the known risks of prolonged untreated hypoglycaemia ambulance paramedics have been trained to administer glucagon to hypoglycaemic patients in their homes. During an 18 month period glucagon was administered on 28 occasions to 17 patients, and in 25 instances hospital admission was avoided. This study has shown that the administration of glucagon by ambulance personnel is a safe and effective way of treating severely hypoglycaemic patients at home. Widespread adoption of this policy would reduce the risk of hypoglycaemic brain damage as well as saving NHS resources.
A maximum principle for fourth order ordinary differential equations

Abstract A maximum principle is obtained for solutions of fourth order ordinary differential equations. As an application, the existence of a nonnegative (positive) solution of a nonlinear boundary problem is established. Extension of the maximum principle for solutions of higher order equations is also indicated.
A noninvasive procedure to detect muscle weakness in the mdx mouse

The forward pulling tension exerted by individual mice was measured nearly isometrically in a simple apparatus designed to determine whole body tension (WBT). WBT determinations on control (C57BI10/SnJ) and experimental (C57BI10-mdx) mice indicate muscle weakness which lasts throughoout the lifespan of mdx mice. Direct muscle stimulation experiments in vivo also showed significant decreases in peak twitch and tetanic tensions in adult mdx muscle with no obvious alterations in twitch time course or in twitch: tetanus rations. We suggest that the noninvasive WBT procedure may be used to partially assess various therapies on this murine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
UCP‐mediated free fatty acid uncoupling of isolated cortical mitochondria from fasted animals: Correlations to dietary modulations

Uncoupling proteins (UCP) translocate protons from the mitochondrial intermembrane space to the matrix, thereby "uncoupling" electron transport from the production of ATP. It has been shown that these proteins are highly expressed in animals maintained on the ketogenic diet (KD). Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it is known that these proteins are activated within a protective antireactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism by free fatty acids (FFA). In our current studies, mitochondrial samples were probed for the presence of UCP2, which is the most ubiquitously expressed UCP isoform. We found that both traumatic brain injury and fasting upregulated the expression of UCP2, with a synergistic upregulation in fasted injured animals. We then used mitochondria from fasted naive animals to screen a number of FFA for their activation of uncoupling as well as their ability to reduce ROS. We found that arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), palmitoleic acid, myristic acid, and butyric acid increased mitochondrial uncoupling when added after oligomycin. These FFA, along with oleic acid, also reduced ROS in mitochondria incubated with oligomycin. In order to correlate our data to KD and fasting, both of which have been shown to be neuroprotective after neurologic insult, we determined the serum levels of FFA in KD and fasted animals using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. We also determined brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FFA levels from fasted animals.
Investigating the Effects of Mediated and Passive Prompts on Pedestrian and Bicycle Lane Adherence on a College Campus Footbridge

The current study investigated the effects of passive prompts (e.g., posted signs) and mediated prompts (e.g., spoken reminders) encouraging the lane adherence behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other transportation users (i.e., skateboarders, people riding scooters, etc.) on a college campus. Results showed an increased percentage of bridge user lane adherence compared to baseline in both the mediated and passive prompting conditions, with mediated prompting yielding higher (but not significantly higher) adherence measures across sessions. The feasibility and comparative effectiveness of each prompting method are discussed.
Kinematics and Kinetics of the Ciliary Waveform in Human Tracheal Epithelial Cells

Cilia function is critical to human health. We developed quantitative methods to describe waveform, propulsive force, and net work of cilia on multi-ciliated human tracheal epithelial cells (HTEC).Lung tracheobronchial epithelial cells were isolated from healthy donor subjects for culture and differentiated using growth factor-enriched medium and air-liquid interface conditions to yield multi-ciliated cells. Detached cells in 20 µL of culture medium at room temperature were sandwiched between a glass slide and coverslip and lateral views of beating cilia were acquired (Zeiss Axiophot, 100X, oil immersion, DIC) for 2s at 100 fps (320x240 pixels, 15.07 pixels/µm). Waveforms were analyzed in N=21 cilia from 3 subjects. In each video frame, 30 points evenly distributed from the base to the tip of the cilium were fitted to a 4th-order polynomial curve. The resulting parameter sets were Fourier-transformed and filtered temporally to obtain a space-time surface representing a typical beat. Local velocity vectors and curvature were computed by differentiation of this surface, and local fluid forces on the cilium were estimated using resistive force theory: fN = CNvN and fT = CTvT (CN≈1.5x10−3 pN-s/μm; CT ≈0.7x10−3 pN-s/μm). Power was calculated from the product f·v. Beat frequency, curvature, and shear amplitude were also computed.Waveforms of active cilia were asymmetric with distinct power and recovery strokes. The average propulsive force and work for active HTEC cilia were: Fprop=3.73±4.42pN, W=1.63±1.84aJ. We also identified apparently passive cilia with nearly symmetric waveforms and little propulsive effectiveness (Fprop= −0.02 ±1.52 pN, W=0.33±0.24aJ). Active cilia were longer (6.48 ±0.66 vs 5.09±0.73µm) and beat more rapidly (3.54 ±0.77Hz vs 2.64±1.16Hz) than passive cilia. It is not clear whether passive cilia are immature or simply represent normal heterogeneity. These results provide baseline data for future studies of motility defects.
The oxide chemistry of protactinium in molten fluorides

Abstract The solubility behavior of an insoluble oxide phase of protactinium(V) has been studied in molten LiFBeF2ThF4 (72-16-12 mole%)-the proposed solvent salt for the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR)-as a function of temperature and redox potential. The stoichiometry of the precipitation indicated the 0 Pa ratio to be 2·5 in this oxide phase; however, it could not be identified as Pa2O5. Moreover, the apparent entropy of solution of the precipitate, as indicated by the high temperature dependence of its solubility, is higher than expected for Pa2O5 by ∼23 entropy units per mole of protactinium. For these reasons, this oxide phase is thought to be an addition compound PaO2·5. nLiF. It has such a low solubility − log (X PaF 5 ·X O 2− 5 2 ) = 0·91-12·76 ( 10 3 T ) —that the PaF5 concentration in solution can be reduced by the addition of oxide to ∼ 1 ppm at 550°C before ThO2 saturation is reached. With UF4 present at concentrations typical of an MSBR fuel (0·3 mole%), the PaF5 concentration can be lowered to ∼ 10 ppm (550°C) before a UO2-rich solid solution with ThO2 is precipitated. From equilibrium under a hydrogen atmosphere, which solubilizes the Pa2O5 phase as PaF4, the equilibration quotient Q = X PaF 5 · P 1 2 H 2 X PaF 4 P HF was estimated as log Q = −3·92 + 5·16 ( 10 3 T ) . Entropies and formation free energies are estimated for PaF4 and PaF5 in solution and for the Pa2O5 phase.
Utilitarianism and future mistakes: Another look

L'A. etudie la theorie de l'obligation de H. M. Smith selon laquelle les theories normatives de l'action doivent adopter le principe d'une obligation relative au temps. Il s'agit de repondre a la question de la prise en compte des erreurs futures d'un agent, telle qu'elle se pose chez les defenseurs de l'utilitarisme
Chitosan as a polymer for pH-induced DNA capture in a totally aqueous system.

A novel DNA solid-phase extraction protocol based on the pH-dependent charge of chitosan was developed specifically for low-volume DNA extraction on microchips. The method uses chitosan-coated beads to extract DNA at pH 5 and release it from the chitosan at pH 9. DNA extraction efficiency as high as 92% could be attained, even from complex samples such as human blood containing significant amounts of protein. Using this method, PCR inhibitors that are typically used in DNA extraction procedures (e.g., chaotropic salts, 2-propanol) can be avoided, making the method more conducive to downstream sample processing using PCR. A high-density multichannel microchip device was then fabricated and the microchannels coated with chitosan for DNA extraction in an open channel configuration without the need for an additional stationary phase. This design provided a relatively high surface area-to-volume ratio for extraction, while retaining the low flow resistance commensurate with open channels. With a flow rate of ∼...
Lost and found: Stanley C. Hollander's (1956) History of Labels

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical review of Stanley C. Hollander's History of Labels.Design/methodology/approach – Historical review essays summarize and evaluate older, historically significant books by situating them in historical perspective often using biographical details of the subject.Findings – In History of Labels, Hollander shows us early in his career that he is a rigorous marketing historian, and a brilliant and entertaining writer. Anyone doing research in marketing history should include this book on their reading list.Originality/value – In the context of this special issue celebrating Hollander's life and work, the subject of this review essay is one of his earliest historical works and has never been reviewed in this fashion.
A randomized trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with confirmed statin myopathy.

Abstract Background : Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation is the most popular therapy for statin myalgia among both physicians and patients despite limited and conflicting evidence of its efficacy. Objective : This study examined the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on simvastatin-associated muscle pain, muscle strength and aerobic performance in patients with confirmed statin myalgia. Methods : Statin myalgia was confirmed in 120 patients with prior symptoms of statin myalgia using an 8-week randomized, double-blind crossover trial of simvastatin 20 mg/d and placebo. Forty-one subjects developed muscle pain with simvastatin but not with placebo and were randomized to simvastatin 20 mg/d combined with CoQ10 (600 mg/d ubiquinol) or placebo for 8 weeks. Muscle pain (Brief Pain Inventory [BPI]), time to pain onset, arm and leg muscle strength, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured before and after each treatment. Results : Serum CoQ10 increased from 1.3 ± 0.4 to 5.2 ± 2.3 mcg/mL with simvastatin and CoQ10, but did not increase with simvastatin and placebo (1.3 ± 0.3 to 0.8 ± 0.2) ( p p p = 0.53 and 0.56). There were no changes in muscle strength or VO2max with simvastatin with or without CoQ10 (all p > 0.10). Marginally more subjects reported pain with CoQ10 (14 of 20 vs 7 of 18; p = 0.05). There was no difference in time to pain onset in the CoQ10 (3.0 ± 2.0 weeks) vs. placebo (2.4 ± 2.1 wks) groups ( p = 0.55). A similar lack of CoQ10 effect was observed in 24 subjects who were then crossed over to the alternative treatment. Conclusions : Only 36% of patients complaining of statin myalgia develop symptoms during a randomized, double-blind crossover of statin vs placebo. CoQ10 supplementation does not reduce muscle pain in patients with statin myalgia. Trial Registration NCT01140308; www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Genetic linkage studies in Alzheimer's disease families

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurological disorder and the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. Recent studies have localized the gene for familial Alzheimer's disease to chromosome 21 in a series of early onset AD families (mean age of onset less than 60). Familial late onset AD (mean age of onset greater than 60) is a more common clinical form of the disorder. Thirteen families with multiply affected Alzheimer's disease family members were identified and sampled. Ten of these families were of the late onset Alzheimer's disease type. Simulation studies were used to evaluate the usefulness of these pedigrees in linkage studies in familial Alzheimer's disease. Linkage studies undertaken to test the localization of both early onset and late onset Alzheimer's disease families to chromosome 21 failed to establish linkage and excluded linkage from a large portion of the region where the early onset Alzheimer's disease gene was localized. These findings suggest that more than one etiology may exist for familial Alzheimer's disease and indicate the need for continued screening of the genome in familial Alzheimer's disease families.
Differential analyzer aids design of electrical utility automatic dispatching system

THIS PAPER encompasses two important aspects of the 1957 symposium theme of ?Computers in Control.? First, the General Electric Automatic Dispatching System1?3 to be described includes analog computing loops which insure that the turbine generators within the utility system are loaded according to incremental cost theories, thus resulting in minimum fuel expenditures for the utility system. Second, the application of a differential analyzer as a tool in the design of this automatic dispatching system will be described. The differential analyzer application may be outlined as follows: 1. Complete differential analyzer simulation of power system and dispatching system to determine optimum design of regulating and economic loops. 2. Differential analyzer simulation of power system tied together with prototype control components to study and evaluate the design of prototype equipment.
Variability of sorghum genotypes to tolerate iron deficiency

Abstract Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] needs to be improved for its ability to tolerate and produce under iron (Fe) deficiency conditions. To do this, sorghum germ plasm from various sources were screened and identified for performance under Fe deficiency conditions. Twenty‐nine inbred lines and 41 experimental lines used by sorghum breeders at the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, 31 inbred lines used in a disease and insect nursery at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, 10 genotypes from Nigeria, and 78 S1 progenies from the Nebraska population NP20BR were screened to determine germ plasm differences under Fe deficiency conditions. Iron deficiency was induced in plants by growing them in a growth chamber in nutrient solutions with nitrate as a source of nitrogen. Observations on the rapidity with which plants became Fe deficient were recorded. Genotypes that remained green and tolerated Fe deficiency conditions for longer periods of time were QL3 (Texas), SC630–11E, SC33–9–8‐E4, a...
Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck.

A brief review of the salient literature is presented in regard to extramedullary plasmacytoma. The relevant clinical features, pathology, and methods of treatment are discussed. The eight cases seen by the authors are reviewed and their followup progress noted. The authors discuss a few interesting facets of extramedullary plasmacytoma.
Direct detection of E. Coli O157:H7 in selected food systems by a surface plasmon resonance biosensor

The SpreetaTM, surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor, was used to detect Escherichia coli O157:H7 spiked in milk, apple juice and ground beef extract using specific antibodies. In the SpreetaTM biosensor light from an LED is reflected off a gold surface, and the angle and intensity corresponding to the SPR minimum is measured and represented as a refractive index (RI) change corresponding to the antigen–antibody coupling at the sensor surface. Milk, apple juice, and ground beef patties spiked with E. coli O157:H7, at varying concentrations, were injected on the sensor surface immobilized with antibodies against the pathogen at a rate of 1 ml/min for a total of 2 min. The change in RI due to the binding of O157:H7 corresponding to each concentration was computed as an average of three replications over a 2 min interaction period. Assays were conducted at near real-time and results obtained after about 30 min of sample injection. Sensitivity of the E. coli O157:H7 assay was 102–103 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml. The biosensor assay was also specific to E. coli O157:H7 as other organisms (E. coli K12 and Shigella) did not produce any appreciable change in the sensogram. Further experiments are needed to establish well-defined methods for detecting other food-borne pathogens in more complex and specific food matrices.
Instability of nonnegative solutions for a class of semilinear

Abstract We consider the boundary value problem −Δu(x) = λf(u(x)), x ∈ Ω , Bu(x) = 0, x ∈ ∂Ω , where Ω is a bounded region in Rn with smooth boundary Bu(x) = αh(x)u + (1 − α)∂u ∂n where α ∈ [0,1], h: ∂Ω → R + with h = 1 when α = 1, λ > 0, f is a smooth function such that ƒ″(u) > 0 for u > 0, ƒ(u) for u ∈ (0,β) and ƒ(u) > 0 for u > β for some β > 0. We provide a simple proof to establish that every non-trivial nonnegative solution is unstable.
Overhead effects in real-time preemptive schedules

The hard real-time schedulability of dependent task-graphs is studied for single bus homogeneous multiprocessor systems. A model which includes interrupts and context switching as well as bus contention is developed. The model captures real-time operating system effects aimed at realistically modeling both intra-processor and inter-processor communications. A robust scheduler is used to assess the impact of interrupt service time (IST) and context switching time (CST) on schedulability. For the class of task-graphs studied, it is shown that schedulability is a nonlinear function of only the weighted sum of IST and CST.
A mixture distribution for visual foraging

Visual foraging is investigated by examining the nature of statistical distributions underlying human search strategies. Eye movements uninfluenced by scene perception or higher level cognition tasks are used to generate a data set which can be analyzed to study 'pure' searches. Eye movements in the form of 'jump' length constituting the entire search process are studied to detect the presence of statistical distributions whose parameters can be estimated. Animal ecology studies have reported the presence of a Levy flight/power law model, which explains animal foraging patterns in few species. We consider a Levy flight model to explain visual foraging. Results from data analysis, while not ruling out the presence of a power law entirely, point strongly towards the presence of a mixture distribution which faithfully explains visual foraging. This mixture distribution is made up of gamma distributions.
Size-time composition profile of aerosols using the drum sampler

Abstract Mie scattering theory imposes strict requirements for both size and compositional information on aerosols associated with visibility degradation. But, at the very clean National Park Service sites where we do such studies, episodes of degraded visibility may be infrequent and of short duration. To meet these needs, an 8 stage impactor of the Battelle/SFU design was mated to rotating drum impaction surfaces of the Lundgren design in a compact and rugged DRUM sampler of Davis design. This unit, three years in development, has been extensively tested using laboratory aerosols and field intercomparisons. The standard unit runs essentially unattended for 14 or 28 days. The samples are analyzed in 2 to 8 hour time segments. Analyses are done by carefully collimated (1 mm, 2 mm) proton beams in a tightly coupled PIXE system, yielding sensitivities of a few solng m 3 . Dramatic shifts in the size distribution of sulfur versus time have been observed, with direct influence on optical extinction. Further, primary smelter effluents have been clearly identified at Grand Canyon NP, but only in the
Indomethacin and ibuprofen induce Hsc70 nuclear localization and activation of the heat shock response in HeLa cells

It has been established that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as sodium salicylate, sulindac, ibuprofen, and indomethacin, induce anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects independent of cyclooxygenase. These cyclooxygenase-independent pharmacodynamic effects appear to regulate several signaling pathways involving proliferation, apoptosis, and heat shock response. However, the mechanisms of these actions remain an area of ongoing investigation. Hsc70 is a cytoplasmic chaperone protein involved in folding and trafficking of client proteins to different subcellular compartments, plays roles in signal transduction and apoptosis processes, and translocates to the nucleus following exposure to heat shock. Since NSAIDs induce some aspects of the heat shock response, we hypothesized that they may also induce Hsc70 nuclear translocation. Western immunoblotting and indirect cellular immunofluorescence showed that indomethacin and ibuprofen induce Hsc70 nuclear translocation at concentrations previously shown to induce HSF DNA-binding activity. Chemical inhibition of both p38(MAPK) and Erk42/44 had no effect on localization patterns. In addition, while indomethacin has been shown to behave as an oxidative stressor, the radical scavenging agent, N-acetyl cysteine, did not inhibit nuclear translocation. These results indicate that induction of the heat shock response by NSAIDs occurs at concentrations fivefold greater than those required to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity, suggesting a cyclooxygenase-independent mechanism, and in the presence or absence of kinase inhibitors and a free radical scavenger, suggesting independence of Erk42/44 or p38(MAPK) activities and intracellular oxidoreductive state.
Microbial biogeochemistry and bioturbation in the sediments of Great Bay, New Hampshire

The influence of bioturbation on certain aspects of the biogeochemistry of sulfur and iron was examined in shallow-water sediments of Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire. A bioturbated (JEL) and non-bioturbated (SQUAM) site were compared. Annual sulfate reduction measured with 35S, was ∼4·5 times more rapid at JEL. A significant portion of this difference was attributed to rapid rates which occurred throughout the upper 12 cm of sediment at JEL due to infaunal reworking activities. Sulfate reduction decreased rapidly with depth at SQUAM. FeS in the upper 2 cm at JEL increased in concentration from 3 to 45 μmol ml−1 from early May to late July while only increasing from 3 to 8 μmol ml−1 at SQUAM. Infaunal irrigation and reworking activities caused rapid and continous subsurface cycling of iron and sulfur at JEL. This maintained dissolved iron concentrations at 160–170 μM throughout the summer despite rapid sulfide production. Therefore, dissolved sulfide never accumulated in JEL pore waters. Although dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was generated during sulfate reduction, bioturbation during summer caused a net removal of DOC from JEL pore waters. Sulfate reduction rates, decomposition stoichiometry and nutrient concentrations were used to calculate turnover times of nutrients in pore waters. Nutrient turnover varied temporally and increased three-to five-fold during bioturbation. A secondary maximum in the abundance of recoverable sulfate-reducing bacteria occurred at 10 cm in JEL sediments only during periods of active bioturbation, demonstrating the influence of macrofaunal activities on bacterial distributions.
Signal detection analysis of stimulus discrimination in normal and split-brain monkeys.

Abstract Five split-brain and 5 control monkeys were trained to perform a go, no-go discrimination between cutaneous stimulation at two arm locations, and subsequently retrained using the other arm. Cardiac and instrumental response latency data from various periods during training and retraining were analyzed in terms of signal detection theory, with the objective of determining the extent to which behavior is differentially controlled by the discriminative stimuli, uncontaminated by other factors affecting response bias. This analysis revealed that differential stimulus control was minimal early in training, and that its growth and final extent, as reflected by both cardiac and instrumental response latencies, were highly comparable between subjects. Differential stimulus control of both cardiac and instrumental responses reached maximum prior to the time each subject attained a conventional criterion of percentage correct responses; we attribute this discrepancy to the influence of response bias factors. At the beginning of retraining on the opposite body side, all control subjects and the two split-brain subjects trained on the left side and retrained on the right immediately displayed differential stimulus control of both cardiac and instrumental responses, whereas the other 3 split-brain subjects trained in the opposite sequence showed no transfer of differential stimulus control of either response. We conclude that this analysis revealed a functional asymmetry in the direction of information flow within the central nervous system which becomes apparent after callosal section.
Atmospheric Science: A boost in big El Niño

Computer models and theory do not offer a consensus on how El Nino will change under global warming. Despite this disagreement, a study indicates a robust increase in the frequency of extreme El Nino episodes.
Matsubara-Green's function approach to tunnelling in mesoscopic junctions

Abstract An expression for the ensemble-averaged current in a mesoscopic tunnel junction that is connected to a voltage source, via an impedance, is presented. The quantum description of the system includes the quantum fluctuations due to the environment. Iterative calculation of the spectral density function associated with the Matsubara function of the external circuit yields the time-averaged characteristics.
Temperature-cycle-induced chip surface damage in lead-on-chip packages

In lead-on-chip (LOC) packaging technology, the lead fingers are auached directly to the surface of the chip using a double-side adhesive tape. This method of chip attachment naturally leads to concerns about stress on the polyimide coated chip surface. Device failure related to fracture in the passivation layers and the Al-Si metal has been observed in temperature cycle tests. To investigate the effect of material characterization on the surface damage, devices were fabricated with different types of molding compounds, tapes and polyimides. This paper describes the optimum material properties, the assembly process parameters, and the experimental and simulated results of the surface damage. Keywords: surface damage, LOC package, polyimide, tape, mold compound, simulation
Imaging ensemble activity in arthropod olfactory receptor neurons in situ.

Abstract We show that lobster olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), much like their vertebrate counterparts, generate a transient elevation of intracellular calcium (Cai) in response to odorant activation that can be used to monitor ensemble ORN activity. This is done in antennal slice preparation in situ maintaining the polarity of the cells and the normal micro-environment of the olfactory cilia. The Cai signal is ligand-specific and increases in a dose-dependent manner in response to odorant stimulation. Saturating stimulation elicits a robust increase of up to 1 μM free Cai within 1–2 s of stimulation. The odor-induced Cai response closely follows the discharge pattern of extracellular spikes elicited by odorant application, with the maximal rise in Cai matching the peak of the spike generation. The Cai signal can be used to track neuronal activity in a functional subpopulation of rhythmically active ORNs and discriminate it from that of neighboring tonically active ORNs. Being able to record from many ORNs simultaneously over an extended period of time not only allows more accurate estimates of neuronal population activity but also dramatically improves the ability to identify potential new functional subpopulations of ORNs, especially those with more subtle differences in responsiveness, ligand specificity, and/or transduction mechanisms.
III. Prophylaxis of poststreptococcal sequelae and bacterial endocarditis

T H E appropriate use of effective therapeutic agents for the control of streptococcal infections has made possible the prevention of rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Numerous studies have shown that prompt, adequate treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis will prevent the development of these nonsuppurative complications which would otherwise occur in about 3 to 5 per cent of the exposed population?, 2 Although treatment should begin as soon as the infection is discovered, redent work has shown that the promptness of treatment is not crucial. Even if the streptococcal infection has been cl!nically apparent for as long as 9 days and has elicited an antibody response, rheumatic complications can often be prevented by adequate therapy begun at that time. 3 Thus a time lag of 1 or 2 days will not be harmful in cases of pharyngitis
Enhancement of salivary esophagoprotection: Rationale for a physiological approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Secretion of salivary protective factors in patient s with gastroesophageal reflux disease is impaired. However, the impact of physiological stimulus mastication on salivary protective factors output remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to measure salivary volume, pH, HCO3-, peptide growth factors, prostaglandin, mucin, protein, and viscosity during mastication. METHODS: In 31 asymptomatic volunteers and 36 patients with endoscopic reflux esophagitis, in basal and parafilm chewing-stimulated saliva, its volume, pH, bicarbonate, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha, prostaglandin E2, mucin, protein, and viscosity were investigated. RESULTS: Masticatory stimulation in controls resulted in a significantly increased salivary volume by 205%, pH by 7.6%, bicarbonate by 335%, mucin by 137%, protein by 98%, epidermal growth factor by 123%, and prostaglandin E2 by 132%, accompanied by an increase in transforming growth factor alpha by 80% with 19% decline in viscosity vs. basal values. Mastication in reflux esophagitis significantly increased salivary volume by 215%, pH by 6.8%, bicarbonate by 257%, mucin by 135%, protein by 94%, epidermal growth factor by 207%, and prostaglandin E2 by 240%, whereas transforming growth factor alpha increased by 225% and viscosity by 64% when compared with corresponding basal values. CONCLUSIONS: A profound and significant increase in the secretion rate of inorganic and organic protective components in saliva during masticatory stimulation suggests its potential value as a therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. (Gastroenterology 1996 Mar;110(3):675-81)
Origin of the salts in Lake Vanda, Wright Valley, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract Measurements of the isotopic composition of strontium suggest that the salt content of Lake Vanda, Wright Valley, Antartiica, is derived mainly by chemical weathering of bedrock. No evidence was found for a direct marine or volcanic source for the salts.
Scanning tunneling microscopic probing of surface fouling during the oxidation of nicotinamide coenzymes

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to image adsorbed products resulting from the electro-oxidation of dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. Defined images of the passivated layer, with scattered protrusions of different sizes and shapes, are observed. The exact structure is strongly dependent on the anodization time, NADH concentration, or anodization potential, with higher surface coverages being observed for higher charges (passing during the anodization). The implications of these findings on the analytical/sensing utility of nicotinamine coenzymes are discussed.
Effect of increments in the concentration of dopamine in the central nervous system on audiogenic seizures in DBA/2J mice.

Abstract The effect on audiogenic seizures of drug-induced increments in biogenic amines in the brain was determined in DBA/2J mice. One group of mice was treated with l -dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -DOPA) which caused a large rise in levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system, but did not significantly alter the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine. This group of animals exhibited a dramatic reduction in the incidence of tonic extensor seizures. A second group of animals that had been pretreated with diethyldithiocarbamate, a dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitor, was also given l -DOPA. In this group of mice, there was a highly significant rise in the concentration of dopamine in brain but no statistically-significant changes in levels of either norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine. These animals also had a dramatic decrease in the incidence of tonic extensor seizures. A third group of animals that received only diethyldithiocarbamate did not exhibit any statistically-significant changes in the incidence of seizure or in levels of biogenic amines. The drug-induced reduction in the incidence of seizure in the first two groups correlated with a large increase in levels of dopamine in brain. This reduction in seizures did not correlate with changes in levels of norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine in brain.
Orientated assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes and applications

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have unique structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, which make them attractive and important building blocks for nanotechnology. Orientated assembly of SWNTs presents a crucial prerequisite for both fundamental research at the individual SWNT level and nanotube-based device fabrication and applications. In this feature article, we review recent progress in the field with a focus on the orientated assembly of SWNTs (horizontally aligned and vertically aligned) from solution deposition and direct chemical vapor deposition, and on possible growth mechanisms. We also discuss our own research efforts in orientation control by chemical vapor deposition, and how this enables the fundamental characterization of individual SWNTs, and contributes to nanotube-based device fabrication and applications.
The electronic spectrum of cesium hexafluoromanganese(IV)

Abstract A number of high purity samples of Cs 2 MnF 6 have been prepared and their electronic spectra studied, both in absorption and emission. The observed peaks were assigned to the crystalfield energy levels for an octahedral d 3 configuration. A large number of vibronic components have been observed and correlated with data on the ground state vibrational frequencies. Evidence of spin-orbit splitting of several of the bands was adduced. Recent work on the MnF 6 2− complex was examined and some of the discrepancies discussed. The crystal-field parameters have been derived, and a value for the optical electronegativity of Mn(IV) calculated. The results are: D q = 2180 cm −1 , B = 650 cm −1 , C = 3972 cm −1 , and χ opt = 2.90. The nephelauxetic ratios are β 55 = β 35 = 0.61.
Absorption of reflected substrate modes in Ti:LiNbO(3) waveguide systems.

The use of absorbing, multilayer interference coatings on the back sides of LiNbO3 substrates has produced an optical system that substantially reduces reflected substrate modes in integrated optical spectrum analyzers at 830 nm over a broad range of incident angles.
Hispanics at the Starting Line: Poverty among Newborn Infants in Established Gateways and New Destinations

High rates of Hispanic fertility raise an important question: Do Hispanic newborn babies start life’s race behind the starting line, poor and disadvantaged? To address this question, we link the newborn infants identified with the new fertility question in the 2006–2010 American Community Survey (ACS) to the poverty status of mothers. Our results document the disproportionately large share (40 percent) of Hispanic babies who are born into poverty. The prospect of poverty is especially high in new Hispanic destinations, especially those in rural areas. For Hispanic newborn babies, poverty cannot be reduced to supply-side explanations that emphasize maladaptive behavioral decision-making of parents, that is, nonmarital or teen childbearing, low educational attainment, acquisition of English language skills, or other dimensions of human capital. Hispanics in new destinations often start well behind the starting line—in poverty and with limited opportunities for upward mobility and an inadequate welfare safety net. The recent concentration of Hispanic poverty in new immigrant destinations portends continuing intergenerational inequality as today’s newborn infants make their way to productive adult roles.
Collaborative discourse and the modeling of solution chemistry with magnetic 3D physical models – impact and characterization

A significant body of the literature in science education examines students' conceptions of the dissolution of ionic solids in water, often showing that students lack proper understanding of the particulate nature of dissolving materials as well as holding numerous misconceptions about the dissolution process. Consequently, chemical educators have explored several instructional strategies to address this issue including the use of multimedia, computer animations, and hands-on activities. In this paper, we describe the ways in which the use of physical 3D magnetic molecular models during a cooperative inquiry-based activity on chemical bonding prompted classroom discourse on what counts as chemically justifiable and appropriate representations of dissolved ionic solids in water. In so doing, we use the intersection of science education and technology to research the role of models in science teaching, the nature of classroom discourse initiated by modeling activities, and unfolding changes in student conceptions and ultimately student learning.
Drug trafficking and money laundering in the Caribbean ‘mini'‐states and dependent territories: The US response

Organized drug trafficking and sophisticated money laundering techniques pose a serious threat to the security and stability of states around the world, particularly small or weak states which lack the necessary technology, training, and resources to combat the drug trade. This article examines the nature and extent of drug trafficking and money laundering activities in the Caribbean mini‐states and British dependent territories, as well as the United States response to this growing regional problem. The international narcotics control regime can be strengthened through greater bilateral cooperation in anti‐narcotics matters between the United States and Caribbean mini‐states.
The Endourological Management of Complications Associated with Horseshoe Kidney

Purpose: Horseshoe kidneys are the most common renal fusion anomalies. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urolithiasis and renal malignancies are the most common complications that occur in this patient population. Endourological management of these complications has decreased perioperative morbidity. We identified the applications of minimally invasive surgery for treating complications secondary to horseshoe kidney.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review of the different endourological approaches in the management of complications secondary to horseshoe kidney was performed using MEDLINE.Results: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction can be managed by percutaneous endopyelotomy or laparoscopic pyeloplasty with good results. Small stones associated with horseshoe kidney are best managed by shock wave lithotripsy, while stones that have failed management by shock wave lithotripsy or are greater than 2 cm. are best managed percutaneously. All patients should undergo metabolic evaluation. Ure...
Evaluation models for E-Learning platforms

Our “information-oriented” society shows an increasing exigency of life-long earning. In such framework, the E-Learning approach is becoming an important tool to allow the flexibility and quality requested by such a kind of learning process. E-learning platforms can be evaluated using multiple criteria and methods.
Space-time accuracy of rapid movements.

Abstract The space-time accuracy of an elbow flexion movement task was examined in two experiments over a range of motion extents (1° through 100°) and short-duration movement times (100, 125, 150, and 400 ms). Nonlinear speed-accuracy functions emerged for both spatial and temporal error over all the movement conditions examined. The results showed that the timing error and spatial error had a high degree of complementarity as predicted by a space-time model of the speed-accuracy relation (Hancock & Newell, 1985). The findings confirm that the frame of reference for measuring movement error determines in part the error functions observed.
Apoptosis in neuronal development and transplantation: role of caspases and trophic factors.

Fetal ventral mesencephalic (VM) transplants have been studied in the context of dopaminergic (DA) replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). DA neurons from VM transplants will grow axons and form functional synapses in the adult host central nervous system (CNS). Recently, studies have demonstrated that most of the transplanted DA neurons die in grafts within the first week after implantation. An important feature of neural development, also in transplanted developing fetal neural tissue, is cell death. However, while about 50% of cells born in the CNS will die naturally, up to 99% of fetal cells die after neural transplantation. It has been shown that VM grafts contain many apoptotic cells even at 14 days after transplantation. The interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE) cysteine protease and 11 other ICE-like-related proteases have been identified, now named caspases. Activation of caspases is one of the final steps before a neuron is committed to die by apoptosis. Here we review this cell death process in detail: Since the growth of fetal neural grafts placed in the adult brain in many ways mimics normal development, it is likely that the caspases also play a functional role in transplants. Pharmacological inhibitors of caspases and genetically modified mice are now available for the study of neuronal death in fetal neuronal transplants. Understanding cell death mechanisms involved in acute cellular injury, necrosis, and programmed cell death (PCD) is useful in improving future neuronal transplantation methodology, as well as in neuroprotection, for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Effects of antiferromagnetic spin rotation on the anisotropy of ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers

In epitaxial (111)-oriented ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{80}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{20}∕{\mathrm{Fe}}_{50}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{50}$ bilayers, we separate two distinct behaviors: unidirectional anisotropy (exchange bias) in thick ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{50}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{50}$ and enhanced coercivity in thin ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{50}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{50}$. By measuring the magnetization response to a rotating magnetic field, we quantitatively determine the relevant anisotropies and demonstrate that the enhanced coercivity is related to the rotatable uncompensated spins of ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{50}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{50}$. We demonstrate the consequences of the variation of anisotropy with temperature and relate our results to other exchange-biased systems.
Insecticide Effects on Early Succession in an Old Field Ecosystem

An ecosystem approach was used to assess the effects of soil contamination with an organophosphate insecticide on ecological succession in 3—acre old field on the Piedmont of New Jersey. Diazinon was applied to one—half of the field in May 1967 and again in May 1967 and again in May 1968 at a rate of 12 lbs of active ingredient per acre. A latin square experimental design was used to analyze the effects of the insecticide on the density, diversity, and production of vegetation; the density and diversity of herb—stratum arthropods; and the trophic relationships that developed on treated and untreated areas. In 1967, insecticide contamination produced a significant enrichment in both density and diversity of vegetation as well as a consistent trend toward greater plant biomass on treated areas. The vegetation changes represented a summation of small but consistent differences in major producers common to both treated and untreated areas. Plant differences were believed due to a phytotoxic effect of diazinon on Convolvulus sepium, which was significantly reduced on treated areas. Other plant species normally inhibited by Convolvulus subsequently flourished on treated areas. Herb—stratum arthropod populations were similar on treated and untreated areas in 1967, despite the vegetation differences. Only a trend toward greater insect diversity on treated areas was present. The failure of indirect arthropod differences to develop was due to the similar availability of dominant producers and thus food web bases on treated and untreated areas. Radionuclide tracer studies indicated that ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) was the major food web base for resident consumers in the latter part of the growing season. The trophic transfer from ragweed was quite similar in treated and untreated areas. The lack of arthropod differences was thus attributed to similar availability of ragweed biomass in both areas. Vegetation differences were absent in 1968 following a second treatment with diazinon. Moisture appeared to be a major factor influencing the impart of the insecticide during the two summers. Vegetation differences developed in June 1967 at a time when rainfall was almost absent. In 1968, however, considerable rainfall occurred during the same period. The increased rainfall stimulated a greater seedling development than in 1967, thus apparently overcoming the effects of the insecticide. Environmental factors such as soil moisture can therefore interact with pollutants and seriously influence the degree of ecosystem modification.
Endoscopic aspects of the gastric mucosa ten years or more after vagotomy-pyloroplasty

Three large age-matched groups were comparatively examined to evaluate the endoscopic appearance of the gastric mucosa. The authors contend that vagatomy-pyloroplasty leads to pregressive degeneration and inflamation that eventuate in gastric mucosal atrophy.
Resistance of helper T lymphocytes to cyclophosphamide.

Abstract The effect of cyclophosphamide (Cy) on helper T lymphocytes using an adoptive transfer approach in athymic nude mice was investigated. The results indicated that Cy, at a dose (100 mg/kg) which virtually abolished anti-sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) antibody plaque forming cell (PFC) response of Balb/c mice, did not alter significantly the capacity of their splenic T cells to restore the anti-SRBC PFC response of nude mice. This resistance of T helper cells was observed in unimmunized mice and in mice injected with SRBC two days prior to Cy administration. It has been concluded that both resting and antigen stimulated T helperr cells responsible for reconstituting anti-SRBC response of nude mice are resistant to Cy.