cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Slowed Ca2+Transient Decline in Slowed Relaxation During Myocardial Ischemia

Abstract The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that during myocardial ischemia, slowing of the Ca 2+ transient decline causes slowed relaxation. Our approach was to monitor pressure and Ca 2+ transients in isovolumic rat hearts during control and low flow ischemia conditions. In addition, we experimentally slowed the decline of the Ca 2+ transient using cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) to inhibit the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA, the most important pump for rapidly transporting Ca 2+ out of the cytosol). Using 9 μ m CPA during normoxia, we were able to reproduce the slowed Ca 2+ transient decline and slowed relaxation found during low flow ischemia. The time constants of cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] decline and pressure decline ( τ Ca and τ P respectively) with CPA (78±5 ms and 64±3 ms) were similar to those found with ischemia (89±12 ms and 72±10 ms, mean±SEM, n =7) and were considerably greater than for controls (41±3 and 25±2 ms, mean±SEM, n =14, P τ P v τ Ca with CPA was similar to that found with ischemia. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the slowed Ca 2+ transient decline with both CPA and ischemia causes slowed relaxation. Consistent with this conclusion, a simple mathematical model to relate cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] and pressure also suggests that slowed pressure relaxation can be explained by slowing of the Ca 2+ transient decline. This study suggests that impaired Ca 2+ uptake is a major injury causing slowed relaxation during ischemia.
Surviving colorectal cancer : patient-reported symptoms 4 years after diagnosis.

BACKGROUND. The number of long-term survivors after a cancer diagnosis is increasing, yet relatively few studies have addressed survivors' reported symptoms beyond the initial year after diagnosis. METHODS. The symptom reports of 474 survivors of colon and rectal cancer from 5 US metropolitan areas were collected during 2002-2003 as part a larger study of the quality of care for patients with cancer diagnosed in 1998. The relation between the prevalence of reported symptoms and prior treatments received was analyzed, adjusting statistically for other patient characteristics. RESULTS. Sixty-nine percent of the survivors had colon cancer and 31% had rectal cancer. The most commonly reported symptoms were “fatigue” (23%), “negative feelings about body appearance” (14%), “diarrhea” (13%), and “constipation” (7%). Higher percentages of respondents attributed health effects to cancer or its treatment including “worry about health” (24%), “physical discomfort” (19%), and “activity limitations” (15%). In general, prior treatment was not associated with symptom prevalence. However, radiation therapy recipients and patients that received a diverting ostomy were more likely than others to report some of the symptoms we studied. Attribution of health effects to disease or treatment did not vary by prior treatment except that recipients of radiation therapy were more likely than others to report limitations in their activities (30% vs 10%; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS. Among colorectal cancer survivors the prevalence of symptoms at 4 years was low and relatively comparable to published estimates for the general population, but some survivors continue to attribute health effects to cancer or its treatment. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
FTIR spectroscopic characterization of structural changes in polyamide-6 fibers during annealing and drawing

First, we report the development of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic methods to determine the α/γ-crystalline phase ratio of polyamide-6 fibers and, in combination with density measurements, the total crystallinity. Using density determinations of the crystallinity of pure α and pure γ samples, we found the absorption coefficient ratio for the 930 (α) and 973 cm−1 (γ) bands to be 4.4, from which we could obtain the α/γ ratio for any polyamide-6 sample. The application of this FTIR method to the quantitative analysis of phase changes during thermal treatment and the drawing of polyamide-6 was then made. We confirmed that crystallization during thermal treatments involved increases in both phases and did not involve crystal-to-crystal transformation, whereas drawing involved both crystallization of the amorphous phase in the α form and γ→α transformation. Finally, we revisited the band assignments for the amorphous phase of polyamide-6 and found that the band at 1170 cm−1 was not an amorphous band but, because its absorbance was independent of crystallinity, could be used as an internal reference band. The band at 1124 cm−1 was reliably attributed to the amorphous phase. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 536–547, 2001
An examination of the information quality perceptions of Mexican internet users

Mexico was a relatively early adopter of the internet, and although broadband access has been limited in some parts of the country, the government has aggressively sought to provide internet access to users throughout the country. This study reports the results of a study of perceptions of information quality among Mexican users of the internet. Results are reported from a survey of internet users at two Mexican universities in which perceptions of 15 dimensions of information quality are assessed. The nine dimensions of believability, accuracy, objectivity, reputation, value-added, ease of understanding, representational consistency, concise representation, and access security have higher ratings for traditional text sources of information than for internet sources of information. In contrast, the dimensions of timeliness and accessibility have higher ratings for internet sources than for traditional text sources of information.
Genes that act before conjugation to prepare the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleus for caryogamy

Abstract Mutations in four nuclear genes, karl cdc4, 28, and 37 , block or impair nuclear fusion during conjugation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutations in all four genes are recessive for the caryogamy defect; in matings between diploid cells both of which are heterozygous for any one of the four mutations (−/ + × −/+), caryogamy occurs with normal proficiency. However, mutations in all four genes are "nuclear dominant"; that is, both parent nuclei must contribute one wild-type allele of each gene for successful caryogamy. In order to discriminate between two possible models to explain nuclear dominance, we have examined the caryogamy proficiency of mutant nuclei after they had passed through a heterocaryotic cytoplasm. The karl, cdc28 , and cdc37 caryogamy defects are all phenotypically suppressed in this experiment ( cdc4 could not be tested). We conclude from our results that the KAR1, CDC28 , and CDC37 gene products can diffuse between nuclei in a heterocaryon and that they probably perform their function for caryogamy prior to cell fusion. One simple model consistent with the roles of CDC28 and CDC37 in mitosis as well as in caryogamy is that these gene products are structural components of the nucleus that must be built into it during one cell cycle in order to permit successful caryogamy at the next G1.
Poster 3: Frequency of Epileptic Seizures in a Population of Juvenile Huntington's Disease Patients

Background Epileptic seizures are a common feature of juvenile Huntington's disease (JHD), yet very little is known about the frequency of seizures, seizure type, electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics, and response to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in this subset of patients, much less about what correlates with increased seizure risk. Methods and Results Via retrospective chart review, we evaluated the frequency of seizures in our JHD population. Since inception, our clinic has seen 13 patients with genetically confirmed JHD. Incomplete medical records necessitated exclusion of three patients from our review. Of the 10 remaining patients, 5 (50%) were being treated for paroxysmal events presumed to be seizures. Semiology was variable and included staring spells, hypertonicity with vocalizations, generalized convulsions, and myoclonic events. EEG data were available for 4 patients. One had a normal EEG. Two had diffuse background slowing with no obvious epileptiform abnormalities. One had a background of 2.5–4 Hz delta slowing that was monomorphic at times; she also had nearly continuous, bilateral parietal-occipital 2.5–3.0 Hz spike and slow wave discharges and occasional spike wave discharges seen in a more generalized distribution. Discussion Although the focality of the spike and slow wave discharges is suggestive of localization-related epilepsy, the presence of more generalized spike wave discharges suggests symptomatic generalized epilepsy. AEDs used in these patients included valproic acid, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and alprazolam. All were managed effectively with monotherapy, except the child with epileptiform abnormalities on her EEG; she experienced an increase in her seizure frequency on levetiracetam monotherapy. Lamotrigine monotherapy was ineffective, and she is now on a combination of valproic acid and lamotrigine in attempt to reduce her seizure frequency from her current rate of 3 events per week. Expanding our understanding of the mechanism and best treatment of seizures in JHD will require analysis of data from multiple HD centers.
System considerations for the compressive sampling of EEG and ECoG bio-signals

Analog domain Compressed Sensing (CS) has enabled dramatic levels of sub-Nyquist sampling of sparse signals in applications such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) bio-signals. This work describes extensions of CS to electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocorticogram (ECoG) brain signals. Specifically, the time-, frequency- and wavelet-domain sparsity of these signals is investigated. For EEG/ECoG signals it is shown that the time-and frequency-domain capture essential spike features even at high threshold levels and are useful for coarse EEG/ECoG processing. Wavelet domain can be used for fine processing with signal de-noising properties without using thresholding. CS signal-reconstruction performance for time-, frequency- and wavelet domain (Daubechies, Symlets, Coiflets and Meyer wavelets) are presented along with system design considerations.
Satraplatin: an orally available platinum analog for the treatment of cancer

Satraplatin is a novel, orally bioavailable, platinum anticancer drug. Platinum analogs form the mainstay of treatment for a number of cancers, including lung, ovarian, colorectal and head and neck cancer. A disadvantage of the currently marketed platinum analogs is that they must all be administered via intravenous infusion. In addition, their utility is often limited by toxicity, particularly neurotoxicity, ototoxicity and renal toxicity. Satraplatin has preclinical antitumor activity comparable with that of cisplatin and, clinically, has a more manageable side-effect profile. Satraplatin is active in lung, ovarian and prostate cancer, and appears to have good efficacy in combination with radiation for lung and head and neck cancer. Preclinical data suggest it may also be effective for the treatment of certain cisplatin-refractory tumors. A large, randomized Phase III trial is currently evaluating satraplatin in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer whose disease has progressed following prior systemic therapy. Positive results from this trial would support regulatory approval for satraplatin for this indication. The availability of an active oral platinum agent, such as satraplatin, with few of the serious toxicities associated with traditional intravenous platinum compounds makes satraplatin an alternative to other platinum agents and a new treatment option in the oncologist's armamentarium.
Excretion of trans-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Its Metabolites in Intact and Bile Duct-Cannulated Rats

Abstract Tritiated Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (I) was administered both orally and intravenously to groups of bile duct-cannulated rats and those with their bile duct intact. From 55.8 to 66.9% of the total radioactivity was excreted during the 96-hr. period following administration. The excretion of radioactivity was minimal in each group beyond 48 hr. after drug administration. The major route of excretion following the intravenous administration in bile duct-cannulated rats was by way of bile (59.4%; feces, 2.7%), whereas more radioactivity was excreted in feces (41.5%) than bile (21.5%) when the drug was given orally. The radioactivity excreted in the feces of the orally medicated rats was mainly extractable in petroleum ether. This extract was found to contain I by TLC and GLC analysis. After intravenous administration, the radioactivity in the feces was not extractable in petroleum ether but appeared in ether, methanol, and water extracts. TLC confirmed that the radioactivity in these solvents was associated with metabolites of I. Bile contained mainly metabolites of I, as did the urine. Less than 10% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine of each group of rats.
Reply to Kasdan and Brandes

which is the most favored agriculturally is that which is undergoing rapid farm abandonment, whereas the village (Murelaga) which is least favored agriculturally manifests marked demographic stability in the rural section of the population" (Ibid.: 1111). The term "favored" more than implies relative economic advantage. When we are in addition told that agriculture dominates the local economy of both villages and that "in both villages even the nucleus presents an agrarian aspect" (Ibid.: 1103), the dominant impression we receive certainly coincides with Brandes's interpretation (1973) of the original article, and conflicts with that which Douglass offers in his reply.
Production of hadrons with large transverse momentum at 200, 300, and 400 GeV

We have measured, as a function of transverse momentum (${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$), the invariant cross section $\frac{\mathrm{Ed}\ensuremath{\sigma}}{{d}^{3}p}$ for the production of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, ${K}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, $p$, $\overline{p}$, $d$, and $\overline{d}$ in proton collisions with a tungsten (W) target at incident proton energies of 200, 300, and 400 GeV. The measurements were made in the region of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the c.m. system of the incident proton and a single nucleon at rest. Measurements were also made with 300-GeV protons incident on Be, Ti, and W targets of equal interaction length. These $p$-nucleus measurements, which show a strong dependence on atomic number at high ${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$, were used to extract effective proton-nucleon cross sections by extrapolation to atomic number unity. At large values of the scaling variable ${x}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=2\frac{{p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}{\sqrt{s}}$, where $s$ is the square of the c.m. energy, the pion data are found to be well represented by the expression ${(\sqrt{s})}^{\ensuremath{-}n}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{ax}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$, with $n=11.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4$ and $a=36.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4$. ${x}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}l0.35$, where similar measurements have been made at the CERN ISR, our data are in good agreement with the ISR data.
Electronic polaron model for the nondashFermi-liquid behavior of heavy fermion alloys

Many random alloys of heavy fermion systems exhibit the so-called nondashFermi-liquid behavior. An example of such a system is U1−xThxPd2Al3 in which the uranim (U) sites are randomly replaced by thorium (Th). In the doping range 0.4 < x < 0.8 the temperature dependence of specific heat coefficient, susceptibility and resistivity are all at odds with the well-documented fermi liquid behavior of pure heavy fermion materials such as CeAl3 or UPt3. In this paper we extend the electronic polaron theory for heavy fermion systems to include the elastic scattering of the broad band electrons due to randomness and show that the unusual behavior of the alloys are well accounted for without further assumptions. We will also show that doping has profound effects on the magnetic ordering properties, and many of our predictions have been observed.
Photochemical Reactivity of Group 9 Metal Pinacolate Complexes

Coordinatively unsaturated pentamethylcyclopentadienyl pinacolate complexes of the group 9 transition metals (4−6) have been prepared and characterized. Photolysis of either the cobalt complex 4 or the rhodium complex 5 results in cleavage of the central carbon−carbon bond in the diolate, generating acetone. Various trapping studies demonstrate that an intact [Cp*M] fragment is produced in these reactions, and in the absence of added traps this fragment reacts either with aromatic solvents or with an intact molecule of the starting pinacolate complex. The oxidation of the resulting rhodium(II) product 11 by air (or O2) in the presence of pinacol regenerates the rhodium(III) pinacolate complex 5. Photolysis of rhodium complex 5 in the presence of pinacol and oxidant (either O2 or N2O) results in the catalytic conversion of pinacol to acetone.
Immunomodulatory Effects of beta-Glucan on Neutrophil Function in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas Rafinesque, 1820)

Stimulatory effects of yeast beta-1,3-1,6-glucans on neutrophils have long been recognized, but effects of glucans on degranulation of primary granules in fish neutrophils have not been previously reported. Neutrophil function was monitored during in vitro and in vivo application of glucans to non- (NS), acute- (AS) and chronically stressed (CS) fish. beta-Glucan proved to be a strong and quick (80%, 2 min) stimulant of degranulation. Dietary glucan increased degranulation in NS fish, and prevented a decrease in AS fish. Degranulation in CS fish returned to NS levels 3 days after the glucan diet was fed. Fathead minnows appear to be a useful model to investigate neutrophil degranulation in fish exposed to different environmental conditions and immunomodulators. Use of beta-glucans in fish diets prior to AS and during chronic stress can enhance neutrophil function, potentially increasing disease resistance and survival rates after transportation or exposure to poor water quality.
Hemispheric contributions to the integration of visual and auditory information in speech perception

Differential hemispheric contributions to the perceptual phenomenon known as the McGurk effect were examined in normal subjects, 1 callosotomy patient, and 4 patients with intractable epilepsy. Twenty-five right-handed subjects were more likely to demonstrate an influence of a mouthed word on identification of a dubbed acoustic word when the speaker's face was lateralized to the LVF as compared with the RVF. In contrast, display of printed response alternatives in the RVF elicited a greater percentage of McGurk responses than display in the LVF. Visual field differences were absent in a group of 15 left-handed subjects. These results suggest that in right-handers, the two hemispheres may make distinct contributions to the McGurk effect. The callosotomy patient demonstrated reliable McGurk effects, but at a lower rate than the normal subjects and the epileptic control subjects. These data support the view that both the right and left hemisphere can make significant contributions to the McGurk effect.
Effect of Area of Growth on Condensed Tannins in Cotton Bracts

Bracts of cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum) of three varieties grown in three states were extracted with 70% acetone. The condensed tannins in the extracts and in extracted and unextracted bracts were hydrolyzed in butanolic HCl, and the types and levels of anthocyanidins produced were compared by TLC and spectroscopy. The area of growth had more of an effect than did the variety on levels of anthocyanidins obtained.
Visceral responses to opposite types of autogenic-training imagery.

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to test whether suggestions of imagery of the type used in autogenic training have specific effects on autonomic responses. In order to control for the effort involved in imagery and to determine the specificity of the effect, opposite types of imagery were used : (a) hands warm and heavy, and (b) hands cool and light. Nine subjects were trained for six daily sessions. Within each day 16 stimulus presentations were made, equally balanced between the two types of imagery. Heart rate, respiration rate, and EEG in the alpha frequency were recorded throughout all sessions. The ‘cool’ instruction reliably increased heart rate and respiration above pre-stimulus baselines; the ‘warm’ instruction resulted in statistically insignificant changes in the opposite direction. Large, consistent individual differences in autonomic response were found.
Differential Interaction of Coagulation Factor VIII and Factor V with Protein Chaperones Calnexin and Calreticulin

Factor VIII (FVIII) and factor V (FV) are homologous coagulation cofactors sharing a similar domain organization (A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2) and are both extensively glycosylated within their B-domains. In mammalian cell expression systems, compared with FV, the FVIII primary translation product is inefficiently transported out of the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we show that FVIII is degraded within the cell by a lactacystin-inhibitable pathway, implicating the cytosolic 20 S proteasome machinery. Protein chaperones calnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT) preferentially interact with glycoproteins containing monoglucosylated N-linked oligosaccharides and are proposed to traffic proteins through degradative and/or secretory pathways. Utilizing co-immunoprecipitation assays, intracellular FVIII was detected in association with CNX maximally within 30 min to 1 h following synthesis, whereas FV could not be detected in association with CNX. In contrast, both FVIII and FV displayed interaction with CRT during transit through the secretory pathway. B-domain deleted FVIII significantly reduced the CNX and CRT interaction, indicating the B-domain may represent a primary CNX and CRT interaction site. In the presence of inhibitors of glucose trimming, the interactions of FVIII with CNX, and of FVIII and FV with CRT, were significantly reduced whereas the secretion of FVIII, and not FV, was inhibited. In addition, transfection in a glucosidase I-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cell line (Lec23) demonstrated that both degradation and secretion of FVIII were inhibited, with little effect on the secretion of FV. These results support that CNX and CRT binding, mediated at least in part by the B-domain of FVIII, is required for efficient FVIII degradation and secretion. In contrast, FV does not require CNX interaction for efficient secretion. The results suggest a unique requirement for carbohydrate processing and molecular chaperone interactions that may limit the productive secretion of FVIII.
The central charge of the crumpling transition

Abstract The free energy of a triangulated surface with an extrinsic curvature is calculated on strips of various widths in order to obtain an estimate of the central charge of the crumpling transition in three dimensions. The data suggests that the central charge is less than one, which would place the model within the discrete unitary series.
Integrated in situ wafer and system monitoring for the growth of CdTe/ZnTe/GaAs/Si for mercury cadmium telluride epitaxy

Reproducible improvements in the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown CdTe buffer quality have been demonstrated in a horizontal rectangular duct silica reactor by the use of integratedin situ monitoring that includes laser reflectometry, pyrometry, and Epison concentration monitoring. Specular He-Ne laser reflectance was used toin situ monitor the growth rates, layer thickness, and morphology for both ZnTe and CdTe. The substrate surface temperature was monitored using a pyrometer which was sensitive to the 2–2.6 μm waveband and accurate to ±1°C. The group II and group VI precursor concentrations entering the reactor cell were measured simultaneously using two Epison ultrasonic monitors and significant variations were observed with time, in particular for DIPTe. The surface morphology and growth rates were studied as a function of VI/II ratio for temperatures between 380 and 460°C. The background morphology was the smoothest for VI/IIratio in the vicinity of 1.5–1.75 and could be maintained using Epison monitors. Regularly shaped morphological defects were found to be associated with morphological defects in the GaAs/Si substrate. The x-ray rocking curve widths for CuKα (531) reflections were in the range of 2.3–3.6 arc-min, with no clear trend with changing VI/II ratio. X-ray topography images of CdTe buffer layers on GaAs/Si showed a mosaic structure that is similar to CdTe/sapphire substrates. The etch pit density in Hg1-xCdxTe layers grown onto improved buffer layers was as low as 6 x 106 cm-2 for low temperature MOVPE growth using the interdiffused multilayer process.
ELECTRON TRANSFER FROM THE NITROGENASE IRON PROTEIN TO THE 8FE-(7/8)S CLUSTERS OF THE MOLYBDENUM-IRON PROTEIN

The reduction of substrates catalyzed by nitrogenase requires electron transfer between the iron (Fe) protein and the molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein in a reaction that is coupled to the hydrolysis of MgATP. The [4Fe-4S] cluster of the Fe protein transfers one electron ultimately to the M-clusters (FeMoco) of the MoFe protein for substrate reduction, with the P-clusters ([8Fe-(7/8)S]) of the MoFe protein as proposed electron transfer intermediates. This work presents direct EPR evidence for primary electron transfer from the [4Fe-4S] cluster of the Fe protein to the P-clusters of the MoFe protein in a reaction that requires the MgATP-bound state of the Fe protein. An oxidized state of the MoFe protein was prepared in which the P-clusters were oxidized by 2 equiv of electrons to the P2+ state. In this oxidation state, the M-clusters (S = 3/2) and the P(2+-clusters (S > or = 3) are paramagnetic and can be observed by perpendicular and parallel mode EPR, providing the opportunity to follow electron transfer from the Fe protein to either cluster type in the MoFe protein. Electron transfer from the reduced [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster of two different Fe proteins to the P2+ clusters of the MoFe protein was observed by the disappearance of the [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster EPR signal and the conversion of the MoFe protein P-clusters from the P2+ to the P1+ oxidation state. In the first case, stoichiometric quantities of the wild-type Fe protein transferred one electron to the P-clusters only in the presence of MgATP. MgADP would not support this electron transfer reaction. In the second case, an altered Fe protein (L127 delta) that is in a conformation resembling the MgATP-bound state was found to transfer an electron to the P-clusters in the absence of MgATP. These results suggest that the first electron transferred from the Fe protein goes to the P-cluster and that the MgATP-bound protein conformation of the Fe protein, not MgATP hydrolysis, is required for this electron transfer reaction.
A new Prestoea (Palmae) from Panama, with notes on the genus

Prestoea darienensis Henderson is described and illustrated. A discussion is given of morphological groupings within the genus, and the place of the new species.
Excitement-seeking gambling in a nationally representative sample of recreational gamblers.

Excitement-seeking and related constructs have been associated with heavier gambling and negative health measures in problem and/or pathological gamblers. Most adults gamble recreationally and an understanding of the relationship between excitement-seeking as a motivation for gambling amongst subsyndromal gamblers has significant public health implications. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine a national sample of past-year recreational gamblers (N = 1,476) to identify characteristics distinguishing gamblers acknowledging gambling for excitement (“Excitement-seeking Gamblers” or EGs) and gamblers denying gambling for excitement (“Non-excitement-seeking Gamblers” or NEGs). EGs were more likely than NEGs to report alcohol use and abuse/dependence, any substance abuse/dependence, incarceration, large gambling wins and losses, more frequent and varied gambling, and symptoms of pathological gambling (i.e., at-risk gambling). Together, these findings indicate that EGs are more likely than NEGs to demonstrate problems in multiple areas characterized by impaired impulse control.
Land degradation in developing countries: what is the problem?

Based on a review of case studies from developing countries this paper argues that global assessments of land degradation should be interpreted with care. On the one hand, degradation is not a linear process that can easily be measured by static parameters. Positive environmental outcomes are often linked to the process of land use intensification, an outcome that depends on an interplay among historical, political and macro-economic parameters. The scale and time frame used in degradation trend analysis are therefore crucial. On the other hand, where degradation is current and severe it cannot be assumed that affected households see this as a major concern. While the management of land degradation is often a high priority as a "public good" (required to sustain food consumption for future generations as well as the integrity of global biotic systems), it can be a low priority at the household level. Food insecure households decide to arrest degradation or allow it to continue according to constantly shifting concerns and capacities that are only partially determined by the condition of the soil. Short-term needs may take precedence over long-term sustainability where investment constraints are high. This has implications for how the status of land degradation is documented, as well as for the search for appropriate solutions.
Low Seasonal Temperatures Promote Life Cycle Synchronization

In this paper we discuss how seasonal temperature variation and life-stage specific developmental thresholds that cause quiescence can synchronize the seasonal development of exothermic organisms. Using a simple aging model it is shown that minimal seasonal temperature variation and periods of quiescence during extreme temperature conditions are sufficient to establish stable, univoltine ovipositional cycles. Quiescence induced by life-stage specific developmental thresholds, in fact, promotes synchronous oviposition and emergence. The mountain pine beetle, an important insect living in extreme temperature conditions and showing no evidence of diapause, invites direct application of this model. Simulations using mountain pine beetle parameters are used to determine temperature regimes for which stable ovipositional cycles exist.
Heat-shock transcription factor (HSF)-1 pathway required for Caenorhabditis elegans immunity

Innate immunity comprises physical barriers, pattern-recognition receptors, antimicrobial substances, phagocytosis, and fever. Here we report that increased temperature results in the activation of a conserved pathway involving the heat-shock (HS) transcription factor (HSF)-1 that enhances immunity in the invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans. The HSF-1 defense response is independent of the p38 MAPK/PMK-1 pathway and requires a system of chaperones including small and 90-kDa inducible HS proteins. In addition, HSF-1 is needed for the effects of the DAF-2 insulin-like pathway in defense to pathogens, indicating that interacting pathways control stress response, aging, and immunity. The results also show that HSF-1 is required for C. elegans immunity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Yersinia pestis, and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating that HSF-1 is part of a multipathogen defense pathway. Considering that several coinducers of HSF-1 are currently in clinical trials, this work opens the possibility that activation of HSF-1 could be used to boost immunity to treat infectious diseases and immunodeficiencies.
Parvenus and conflict in elite cohorts

Abstract Previous studies find that greater workplace diversity leads to higher degrees of conflict in low and medium-status workgroups. This paper examines whether similar dynamics operate in elite cohorts. We use data from a survey of White House Fellows (N = 475) to look at how the presence of parvenus—individuals from underrepresented groups in elite environments—change the rate at which fellows reported conflict with each other and with the director of the program. We find that there is no unified “parvenu experience.” Analysis of the interaction between race and cohort diversity reveals inflection points consistent with Kanter’s (1977) theory of tokenism, but the effects of increasing diversity diverge: for Hispanics, conflict with the director increases with diversity, while for Asians, conflict falls with diversity. While other groups’ level of conflict with their peers stays roughly constant, Asians’ reported level of conflict with their peers increases with diversity.
United States Navy Diving Safety Program

The United States Navy has an aggressive and comprehensive diving safety program. The program begins with the initial selection of candidates for formal diving training and follows the diver throughout training and into the Fleet in various forms. One of these forms is technical guidance with the primary vehicle being the United States Navy Diving Manual. This manual sets forth the procedures and equipment to be used for diving evolutions. A second form is the various inspections our diving systems, equipment and divers undergo. Included are INSURV, operational readiness, safety, administrative and systems/equipment certification inspections. A third form serves as an aid to assist the Navy to evaluate procedures and equipment. In this form computerized statistics are kept on all dives performed by Navy divers. This cradle-to-grave philosophy totally encompasses Navy diving and statistics show that it is successful.
Airborne asbestos levels in several school buildings before and after bulk asbestos removal

Airborne particulate samples were collected in several public schools before and after friable asbestos containing (5–20 percent) insulation material had been removed from the ceiling areas. Transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) was used for fiber identification and counting. Asbestos fiber concentrations in the air were in the range 5–40 ng/M3 before removal of the friable asbestos ceiling insulation. The airborne asbestos concentrations approximately one week after removal showed reductions of 56 to 90 percent.
Effects of calcium, strontium, and barium ions on phosphorylation of hippocampal proteins in vitro

Calcium ion alone or in the presence of added calmodulin stimulated in vitro transfer of 32P from [gamma 32P]ATP into several proteins of mitochondrial and synaptosomal particulate fractions from rat brain. Strontium ion was capable of substituting for calcium ion in this stimulation, but barium ion lacked this capacity. These results bring into question the hypothesis that calcium-dependent protein phosphorylation of synaptic proteins is intrinsic to neurotransmitter release during neurotransmission, but they do not rule out that possibility.
EXIT GHOST: DOUGLAS HUEBLER'S FACE VALUE

Beginning with his early systems-based works, Douglas Huebler's photo-conceptualism takes direct aim at various efforts to heighten or exaggerate the expressive content of photography. This essay examines a heretofore unnoticed but crucial strategy in this practice of negation: Huebler's use of images broadly associated with surrealism's efforts to tap into ‘the Marvellous’– mannequins, identical twins, extreme coincidence, and ghosts. Far from reinforcing the uncanny effects of such images and tropes, Huebler, I claim, is on the contrary concerned to flatten and drain all traces of subjective resonance from these once expressive forms. Examining a range of works in which Huebler effectively transforms the Marvellous into the risible, I argue that one reason for this transformation is that the historical conditions by which photography could be charged with uncanny affect are no longer in place. As a result, we are now able to recognize only signs and images of the Marvellous/uncanny in photography, but our emotive response, like Huebler's photographs, is essentially empty. The essay concludes with Roland Barthes' mournful description of the loss of the photographic uncanny, or what he calls the ‘madness’ of photography, as it occurs in the final pages of Camera Lucida.
Obesity Genes and Gene-Environment-Behavior Interactions : Recommendations for a Way Forward

Obesity is a classical complex trait, influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. The number of obesity gene variants is currently unknown but, based on sound evolutionary principles, likely to be many, each with a modest effect on the phenotype. Recent advances in our knowledge of variation in the human genome and high throughput genotyping technologies have made possible genome-wide association (GWA) analysis and the identification of bona fide susceptibility genes for many complex diseases and phenotypes, including obesity and its comorbid conditions. GWA analysis in even larger numbers of individuals through collaborative efforts of many investigators will likely identify those polygenes of moderate and modest effect size that manifest in our typical environment. Once the subset of real-world-relevant obesity susceptibility variants is identified, follow-up studies, including detailed molecular analysis of the loci, stratified analyses, prospective and interventional studies in humans, and mechanistic studies in cells and animals will allow us to define the genetic architecture of the locus and dissect how these genes interact with specific environmental and other factors. The molecular and analytical tools to accomplish these goals are now in hand, but cooperation among investigators will be necessary to amass the requisite numbers of phenotyped and genotyped individuals. Identification of susceptibility genes for obesity and determining how they interact with each other and the environment will lead to new insights into the molecular, cellular, and physiological basis of energy homeostasis, and novel strategies for prevention and treatment.
Review of surface-wave propagation at the planar interface of a columnar or chiral sculptured thin film and an isotropic substrate

Electromagnetic surface waves are known to propagate along metal-dielectric interfaces (surface plasmon-polaritons) as well as along dielectric-dielectric interfaces (Dyakonov waves) if the two dielectrics have different spatial symmetries. Columnar and sculptured thin films, which are optically biaxial nanomaterials, may be grown on either metallic or dielectric substrates. Both surface plasmon-polaritons and Dyakonov waves can exist at the interface of a thin film and an appropriate substrate. The direction of propagation relative to the thin-film morphology is, in general, limited, and depends on the material and the vapor deposition angle used during fabrication. At the interface of a chiral sculptured thin film and an isotropic dielectric substrate, surface-wave propagation occurs over a much wider angular range and may allow for the first experimental observation of a Dyakonov wave. The characteristic properties of the surface wave, such as phase speed and decay rate, are dependant on the direction of propagation and the vapor deposition angle. As engineered nanomaterials, thin films offer a controllable medium for surface-wave propagation which may be tailored to exhibit specific characteristics. The porosity of the thin films may also offer certain technological advantages.
The clinical use of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials in lumbosacral spinal stenosis

DSEPs provide clinicians with a safe, noninvasive technique useful in determining which patients with anatomic spinal stenosis have the added component of neurogenic compromise. Based on physiologic principles, level-by-level prolongation of DSEP latencies, reduction of amplitude, asymmetry, or a complete absence of response is associated with dysfunction in that particular afferent neurologic pathway. This dysfunction does not correspond to the exact level of stenosis noted on MRI because the rootlets in the lumbar and sacral regions pass through multiple spinal segments as they course rostrally through the spinal canal. Given that LSSS typically develops over time, the degree of abnormality likely would correspond to the physiologic slowing occurring in the multiple rootlets of the cauda equina. These recordings are not easy to perform and interpret, but when done correctly, they provide the best evidence for the type of neurophysiologic dysfunction in LSSS that responds favorably to surgical decompression. Similarly, DSEPs might provide a means of neurophysiologically monitoring clinically significant findings in a program of conservative management.
Electronic structure, cohesive properties, and phase stability of Ni3V, Co3V, and Fe3V.

The electronic structure and cohesive properties (including equilibrium lattice constants, bulk modulus, and formation energy) of the intermetallic compounds ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$V, ${\mathrm{Co}}_{3}$V, and ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$V in their L${1}_{2}$, D${0}_{22}$, and D${0}_{19}$ structures have been determined by means of the self-consistent total-energy linear-muffin-tin-orbital method based on the local-density approximation. The correct phase preference and stability of these compounds are obtained; the rigid-band approximation is found to hold well for describing the electronic structure of these compounds having the same crystal structure. The correlation between the ordered structure and the semiempirical rule of Liu on the number of valence electrons per atom is shown to be associated with the filling up of the bonding states in a specific structure.
Interface formation between NPB and processed indium tin oxide

We have investigated the interface formation between ITO and N,N 0 -bis-(1-naphthyl)-N,N 0 -diphenyl-1,1 0 -biphenyl-4,4 0 -diamine (NPB), an organic materials often used as hole transport layer in organic light-emitting devices (OLED), by using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and UPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Acid or base treatment of indium tin oxide (ITO) surfaces can significantly alter the surface work function which, in the case of acid treatment, points to an improved energy level alignment with NPB and, therefore, enhanced hole injection efficiency. We found no significant reactions nor level bending for NPB deposited on standard ITO. In contrast, for acid-treated ITO, reaction of NPB nitrogen with the proton of the dipole layer on the ITO surface is observed. At low NPB coverages, AFM images reveal uniform island growth of NPB on ITO. Further deposition leads to a more complete covering of the ITO surface by NPB layer, corresponding to a laminar growth mode. q 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Refinement types for Haskell

SMT-based checking of refinement types for call-by-value languages is a well-studied subject. Unfortunately, the classical translation of refinement types to verification conditions is unsound under lazy evaluation. When checking an expression, such systems implicitly assume that all the free variables in the expression are bound to values. This property is trivially guaranteed by eager, but does not hold under lazy, evaluation. Thus, to be sound and precise, a refinement type system for Haskell and the corresponding verification conditions must take into account which subset of binders actually reduces to values. We present a stratified type system that labels binders as potentially diverging or not, and that (circularly) uses refinement types to verify the labeling. We have implemented our system in LIQUIDHASKELL and present an experimental evaluation of our approach on more than 10,000 lines of widely used Haskell libraries. We show that LIQUIDHASKELL is able to prove 96% of all recursive functions terminating, while requiring a modest 1.7 lines of termination-annotations per 100 lines of code.
Intradural spinal Wilm's tumor metastasis: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Wilm's tumor metastasis to the central nervous system (especially the spine) is rare. We present a case of a lumbosacral intradural drop metastasis in a male child with a remote history of intracerebral Wilm's tumor metastases. CLINICAL PRESENTATON: A 7-year-old boy with known metastatic Wilm's tumor was discovered to have left frontal and parietal metastases. He subsequently underwent craniotomy and gross total resections of those lesions. Four years later, he developed low back pain and lower extremity weakness and was found to have an intradural lumbosacral lesion without intracranial recurrence. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent lumbar laminectomy for resection of the intradural lesion. The tumor was found to be in the subarachnoid space and displaced the nerve roots of the cauda equina to the periphery of the thecal sac. The nerve roots were matted and encased within tumor tissue, thereby limiting the surgery to biopsy only. Postoperatively, the patient received radiation to the lesion, Unfortunately, follow-up imaging 4 months later revealed little tumor regression, and the patient's neurological condition did not improve significantly. CONCLUSION: Spinal intradural Wilm's tumor metastases are rare. This is the only reported case in the literature of a probable drop metastasis from an intracerebral source. Although the optimal treatment for intra- or extradural Wilm's tumor spine metastases is not known, our patient did not make significant neurological improvement with radiation therapy.
Low-dosage esterified estrogens opposed by progestin at 6-month intervals.

Abstract Objective: To estimate incidence of endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal bleeding, and menopausal symptoms in women who changed from standard monthly cyclic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to half-strength estrogen opposed by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at 6-month intervals. Methods: We identified 138 women aged 55–75 years who had regularly used HRT at a standard dosage (equivalent to 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen) opposed by cyclic monthly MPA. Each subject’s HRT regimen was changed to 0.3 mg/day esterified estrogens (Estratab; Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Marietta, GA) combined with 14-day courses of MPA, 10 mg/day, every 6 months. Endometrial biopsy was repeated after 1 year of the new regimen. Any vaginal bleeding was reported in each patient’s daily diary. Menopause symptoms were evaluated using the Greene Menopause Symptom Index. Results: Among 125 women who had biopsy after 1 year of the new regimen, endometrial hyperplasia was found in two (1.6%, 95% confidence interval 0.3%, 6.2%). Of the 125 women, 44% had scheduled bleeding, and 9.4% had unscheduled bleeding. Relative to baseline vasomotor score (range 0–6), an increase of at least 2 U was reported by 20% of subjects at 6 months and by 17% of subjects at 12 months. Conclusion: Most women aged at least 55 years can safely switch their HRT regimen from standard dosage HRT to low-dosage estrogen opposed by MPA at 6-month intervals. Moreover, this new HRT regimen causes little vaginal bleeding while maintaining adequate control of menopausal symptoms.