cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic function in adult +/+ and +/- BDNF mutant mice.

Abstract Deletion of a single copy of the BDNF gene has been shown to affect the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of young adult BDNF mice. In the present report we evaluated various indices of nigrostriatal dopaminergic function between 9-month-old wild-type (+/+) and heterozygous (+/−) BDNF mutant mice. Performance in a sensorimotor beam walking task was significantly decreased in +/− mice as indicated by increased times required to traverse both a wide (21 mm) and narrow (6 mm) beam. No differences in spontaneous locomotor behavior were observed between the +/+ and +/− mice. Amphetamine-stimulated (5 mg/kg) locomotor behavior was increased to a greater degree in the +/− mice, with the number of movements performed by these mice being significantly greater than their +/+ controls. Corpus striatal dopamine concentrations were significantly greater in the +/− BDNF mice. The absence of any significant differences for dopamine concentrations within the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb of these mice, as well as an absence of any difference in striatal norepinephrine concentrations, suggested a relative specificity of these effects to the corpus striatum. Both the +/− and +/+ mice showed similar reductions in striatal dopamine concentrations in response to a neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine (20 mg/kg). Collectively these data show increased levels of striatal dopamine concentrations associated with altered behavioral responses involving the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system within the heterozygous BDNF mutant mice.
Supplementing electronic databases: The OCLC FirstSearch Option

In early 1993 Binghamton University Libraries began discussing methods to supplement our collection of electronic journal indexes available on mainframe tapes or CD‐ROM. FirstSearch files were chosen because of the selection available, the advantages of remote storage over local data storage and maintenance, and the ease with which we could provide access through our newly‐developed public Internet interface. This article summarizes our access to electronic indexes, present statistical data on FirstSearch usage for the 1993/94 academic year, and provides possible explanations for the resulting searching activity patterns. Such information may be helpful to other libraries as they implement FirstSearch access.
Contesting Secularism: Comparative Perspectives

All ten of the contributions in this book challenge contemporary secularization theory in one way or another. Based on a conference on “Secularism and Beyond” sponsored by the research area “Religi...
Books for the Dentist

It is incumbent on all dentists, specialists and generalists alike, to keep up with what is being done in all areas of the dental profession. This survey of the books on various aspects of dentistry reviewed in The Journal or published in the past two years, is intended to acquaint readers with the new books and stimulate their interest in an excellent means of continuing their professional education.
Self-consistent solution of the reflection diffraction problem

Abstract A general method of solving the reflection diffraction problem for high-energy electrons (and, in principle, also for X-rays) is described. The method exploits the multislice method of calculating electron diffraction in transmission through a crystal as an unconditionally convergent method of solving Schrodinger's equation for reflection electron diffraction. The method is self-consistent in that it necessarily converges with an internal consistency test. Examples are given for the use of the method to calculate RHEED patterns from the gold (110) 2×1 reconstruction and oxygen adsorbed on gold.
Evaluating the performance of professional golfers on the PGA, LPGA and SPGA tours☆

Abstract Data envelopment analysis is used to evaluate the performance of golfers on the three tours in the United States––the Professional Golf Association, the Ladies Professional Golf Association and the Senior Professional Golf Association (SPGA). The decision making unit is the individual golfer. The data is for the 1998 season. Two indexes are obtained for the golfers––a performance under pressure index and an athletic ability performance index. In addition, the inputs of the golfers are evaluated using several different techniques to determine the relative importance of each. Sam Snead asserted, “drive for show, putt for dough.” This issue is investigated and resolved.
Hands on online: bringing it home

In Part 1 of the paper, the problems a would‐be user faces in accessing the contents of machine stored bibliographic databases are assessed; the online search services solve part of the difficulty, but become part of the problem; current training techniques are summarized and evaluated, and ways of improving training are suggested. In Part 2 of the paper, a new training program is described, the Hands on online multisystem multidatabase trainer, which delivers the training to the home terminal of the trainee, and in which emulations of bibliographic retrieval systems are provided that accept commands, search files, provide messages and displays to mimic the operational services, and in which the user trainee can develop the same skills he would learn in the ‘real’ system. The program has optionally available practice and instructional modules that guide the user in the protocols of telecommunication services, computer log in, file selection, search term negotiation, logical statement structure, interpretation of system messages and displays, and formatting of output from the search. The program can be used as needed with either the emulators or the online system itself. Training and design goals are detailed; namely the use and availability of the trainer outside the university, experience, use, evaluation of the training, extension and future development.
Modeling Volatility of Foreign Exchange Price Changes

This paper investigates the behavior of exchange rate volatility during appreciations and depreciations. Six US dollar exchange rates are investigated. In all instances the response of volatility to exchange rate changes is asymmetric. For dollar exchange rates with respect to EMS currencies, volatility is higher during dollar depreciations, whereas, for non‐EMS dollar exchange rates, volatility is higher during dollar appreciations. In addition, there is evidence that exchange rate changes are related to volatility.
Seed quality QTL in a prominent soybean population.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a versatile crop due to its multitude of uses as a high protein meal and vegetable oil. Soybean seed traits such as seed protein and oil concentration and seed size are important quantitative traits. The objective of this study was to identify representative protein, oil, and seed size quantitative trait loci (QTL) in soybean. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 131 F6-derived lines was created from two prominent ancestors of North American soybeans (‘Essex’ and ‘Williams’) and the RILs were grown in six environments. One hundred simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers spaced throughout the genome were mapped in this population. There were a total of four protein, six oil, and seven seed size QTL found in this population. The QTL found in this study may assist breeders in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to retain current positive QTL in modern soybeans while simultaneously pyramiding additional QTL from new germplasm.
Elastic constants and planar fault energies of Ti3Al, and interfacial energies at the interface by first-principles calculations

Abstract We have presented results of first-principles calculations of the elastic constants of Ti3Al, and the planar fault energies in Ti3Al and at the TiAl Ti 3 Al interfaces. Similar to those found in Ti, the bonding in Ti3Al is dominated by the multi-centered bonding interactions, but is enhanced by the presence of Al atoms. The bonding enhancement is manifested in stiffer elastic moduli and considerably high APB energies (even in the case where the nearest-neighbor coordination of atoms is not altered by the presence of APB, i.e., APB-I on the prism plane). The APB and CSF energies are reduced at the TiAl Ti 3 Al interface from those of either constituent phase, since the long-range bonding interactions are disrupted at the interface.
Evaluation of prophylactic antibiotics in acute pancreatitis.

The treatment of acute pancreatitis in most instances is nonoperative [ll, 131. The medical management has become standardized and includes intravenous fluids, nasogastric suction, pain medication, often anticholinergics, and usually parenteral antibiotics [6]. Uncomplicated acute pancreatitis is a sterile inflammatory process and the need for or benefit from antibiotic therapy in such cases has not been demonstrated [3, 91. Secondary infection with the development of a pancreatic abscess is not common, but when it occurs it carries a high mortality [5]. In an effort to prevent such septic complications most clinicians use antibiotics prophylactically in acute pancreatitis [2, 12, 191. In order to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic administration in the treatment of acute pancreatitis, a prospective randomized study was performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital comparing the incidence of septic complications in patients treated with ampicillin to those receiving no antibiotic therapy.
Design and optimization of MAPS experiments on Sandia's Z machine

Summary form only given. Magnetically-applied pressure-shear (MAPS) is a recently developed technique to directly measure material shear strength using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pulsed power platforms1,2. The method has been prototyped on Sandia's Veloce pulser, but was limited to strength measurements at modest pressures of ~10 GPa. Our present aim is to develop MAPS into a robust technique to measure strength at higher pressure achievable on Sandia's Z pulsed power machine.By applying an external static magnetic field to a tri-layer driver/sample/anvil region, the MHD drive directly induces a shear stress wave in addition to the usual longitudinal stress wave. The longitudinal and shear deviatoric stresses are coupled through a von Mises yield criterion, hence the transmissible shear wave at a given pressure is limited by the sample material strength. The transmitted pressure and shear are directly related to the measured free surface velocities of the anvil which are measured using a transverse VISAR diagnostic. Complex wave interactions among forward and reflected longitudinal and shear waves, the advancing magnetic diffusion front of the MHD drive, the shape of the current drive, as well as the applied magnetic field strength and uniformity, can make the design of the experiments complex. This paper will present the design and optimization of MAPS experiments to be fielded on Z. The MAPS experiments are modeled using Sandia's ALEGRA MHD code. We will detail the numerical investigations into MHD shear generation, longitudinal and shear wave coupling, timing of the wave interactions, and transmission of shear at material interfaces.
Expansion of solutions of t' Hooft's equation. A study in the confluence of analytic boundary conditions

T' Hooft's eigenvalue problem leads to the study of the imaginary part of solutions f(z) of a difference-differential equation (E) which, in a special case, had already been discussed by the author in connection with investigations about water waves. In this paper, we show the possibility of expanding f(z) in a convergent series of fractional powers of a certain holomorphic function near the singularity.
Towards cool and reliable digital systems: RT level CED techniques with runtime adaptability

In response to the rising fault susceptibility of ICs due to aggressive device scaling, a number of concurrent error detection (CED) techniques have been proposed. Most existing techniques address the problem at device or logic level. To account for the significant process variations and device aging of today's nano-meter devices, these techniques must always aim at the worst case of fault susceptibility. Recognizing that the power consumption of the CED circuitry for different fault susceptibility varies significantly, these techniques could result in significant overhead. In this paper, we propose register transfer level CED techniques that can be adjusted at runtime according to the actual need. The proposed high-level synthesis technique ensures that the generated datapath consumes minimal power for any CED capability it has been turned to. The proposed approach is tested using known benchmarks.
Low Power Laser Stimulation Of Biochemical Processes

Scattered clinical reports suggest that low power (LP) laser irradiation may induce a biostimulation of cell growth and/or metabolism, especially relating to healing processes. On the other hand, few basic science, in-depth reports relating to such effects have appeared. Hence, a mechanism of action of LP laser irradiation on cells is unknown. A systematic evaluation has been undertaken in order to define more clearly the experimental conditions for producing biostimulation and to provide some basis for action of LP laser irradiation. A Ga-Al-As diode laser emitting in the near infrared (904 nm) was used to effectively penetrate cells at energy levels that are in the mW range. The LP laser was pulsed at 50 ns and 200 hz. Human fibroblasts growing in culture served as the experimental model. Since LP laser irradiation has been reported to stimulate collagen synthesis, we first investigated the induction of hydroxyproline formation, a collagen precursor. This biosynthetic process could be increased two-fold at a twice daily energy input of 4.5 mJ. With proline supplementation, hydroxylation increased eight-fold. At approximately the same energy level and irradiation conditions, cells also had a three-fold increased uptake of ascorbic acid, a required cofactor for hydroxylation of proline. These findings considered together with published biochemical studies of collagen suggest that higher levels of intracellular ascorbate catalyze hydroxylation of proline and, concomitantly, induce collagen formation. Other data relevant to cell morphology and viability suggest that the LP laser irradiation had no effect on cell proliferation but rather was a transient effect on intermediary metabolism manifested as changes that may be unique to collagen.
Computational aspects of disturbed state constitutive models

Disturbed state concept (DSC) provides a unified basis for constitutive modelling including elastic, plastic and creep deformations, microcracking, damage and softening, stiffening, and cyclic fatigue under thermomechanical loading. It includes intrinsically regularization, localization, characteristic dimension and avoidance of spurious mesh dependence. It also leads to a new procedure for mesh adaptivity, particularly in zones experiencing significant microcracking and softening. The idea of the critical disturbance allows identification of the initiation of fracture and its growth as a consequence of microcrack coalescence. The DSC is implemented in nonlinear finite element procedures and a number of problems have been solved, and results are evaluated and compared with solutions by other methods so as to illustrate the foregoing capabilities of the model.
Factors Contributing to the Development of Graduate Teaching Assistant Self-Image

Laboratory graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) play a prominent role in undergraduate chemistry education. Although the success of a laboratory program relies significantly on the performance of GTAs, only rarely have they been considered actual partners in instruction or have their experiences in the academic lab been investigated. This paper reports on an embedded multiple case study designed to investigate how chemistry graduate students in two independent and very different learning environments constructed their GTA self-image and what aspects contributed to this process. Participants in this study included 13 GTAs from an expository-based program and 11 GTAs from an inquiry-based program. Interviews, memos, training artifacts, laboratory manuals, and course syllabi were collected to generate case reports for each program. Findings suggest that GTAs’ construction of their self-image is shaped through the interaction of several factors: prior experiences, training, beliefs about the nature of knowledg...
Reprogramming mediated by stem cell fusion

Advances in mammalian cloning prove that somatic nuclei can be reprogrammed to a state of totipotency by transfer into oocytes. An alternative approach to reprogram the somatic genome involves the creation of hybrids between somatic cells and other cells that contain reprogramming activities. Potential fusion partners with reprogramming activities include embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, embryonal carcinoma cells, and even differentiated cells. Recent advances in fusion-mediated reprogramming are discussed from the standpoints of the developmental potency of hybrid cells, genetic and epigenetic correlates of reprogramming, and other aspects involved in the reprogramming process. In addition, the utility of fusion-mediated reprogramming for future cell-based therapies is discussed.
PCI-32765: a novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies.

Introduction: There has been a significant paradigm shift in the manner in which lymphoid malignancies are treated and managed. Treatment has been moving away from conventional chemotherapy and towards targeted therapy. The success of new classes of agents such as monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory derivatives has sparked further searches for novel pathways to inhibit. The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) pathway is a downstream mediator of the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, which is crucial in B-cell production and maintenance, and a potential therapeutic target. Areas covered: This review will summarize the current knowledge of the Btk pathway and its role in lymphoid malignancies. It will also discuss the present data about PCI-32765 in both the preclinical and clinical setting. Expert opinion: PCI-32765 is an oral irreversible Btk inhibitor with high potency and both preclinical and clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). P...
Dynamic Data Rate and Transmit Power Adjustment in IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANs

In this paper a novel link adaptation algorithm is proposed that is capable of adjusting the transmit power level and the data rate jointly to the radio channel conditions. The proposed method relies solely on link quality information available at the transmitter by employing the reception or non-reception of the acknowledgment frames as a measure of the channel quality with respect to the power level and data rate. The method is fully compatible with the 802.11 wireless LAN standard. In contrast to many other proposals, it neither relies on the RTS/CTS protocol nor requires a feedback channel to transmit link-quality estimates from the receiver to the transmitter. Different strategies for optimizing the data rate and power level are given. These depend on the scenarios considered, the number of active stations, and the service requirements. The two main strategies are either to drive the system towards the highest possible data rate and adjust the rate and power levels accordingly (“high-performance” mode) or to focus on power saving, possibly trading this for other performance criteria such as throughput or delay performance (“low-power” mode). Other special cases, such as power or rate only adaptation, are also discussed. It can be shown that in most cases the best choice for achieving low transfer times, maximizing throughput, and alleviating the hidden terminal problem is to transmit at the highest possible rates and with high power levels. This “high-performance” mode of operation also minimizes the transmission times, which in turn maximizes the time for putting idling components into a sleep mode, thereby minimizing the overall power consumption.
Evaluation of the Novel Combination of High-Dose Daptomycin plus Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole against Daptomycin-Nonsusceptible Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Using an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model of Simulated Endocardial Vegetations

Daptomycin-nonsusceptible (DNS) Staphylococcus aureus is found in difficult-to-treat infections, and the optimal therapy is unknown. We investigated the activity of high-dose (HD) daptomycin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole de-escalated to HD daptomycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against 4 clinical DNS methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates in an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of simulated endocardial vegetations (109 CFU/g). Simulated regimens included HD daptomycin at 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole at 160/800 mg every 12 h for 14 days, HD daptomycin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 14 days, and the combination for 7 days de-escalated to HD daptomycin for 7 days and de-escalated to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 7 days. Differences in CFU/g (at 168 and 336 h) were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey's post hoc test. Daptomycin MICs were 4 μg/ml (SA H9749-1, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus; R6212, heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus) and 2 μg/ml (R5599 and R5563). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole MICs were ≤0.06/1.19 μg/ml. HD daptomycin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole displayed rapid bactericidal activity against SA H9749-1 (at 7 h) and R6212 (at 6 h) and bactericidal activity against R5599 (at 72 h) and R5563 (at 36 h). A ≥8 log10 CFU/g decrease was observed with HD daptomycin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against all strains (at 48 to 144 h), which was maintained with de-escalation to HD daptomycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole at 336 h. The combination for 14 days and the combination for 7 days de-escalated to HD daptomycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was significantly better than daptomycin monotherapy (P < 0.05) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole monotherapy (P < 0.05) at 168 and 336 h. Combination therapy followed by de-escalation offers a novel bactericidal therapeutic alternative for high-inoculum, serious DNS MRSA infections.
ATP hydrolyzing salivary enzymes of caterpillars suppress plant defenses.

The oral secretions of herbivores are important recognition cues that can be used by plants to mediate induced defenses. In this study, a degradation of adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) in tomato leaves was detected after treatment with Helicoverpa zea saliva. Correspondingly, a high level of ATPase activity in saliva was detected and three ATP hydrolyzing enzymes: apyrase, ATP synthase and ATPase 13A1 were identified in salivary glands. To determine the functions of these proteins in mediating defenses, they were cloned from H. zea and expressed in Escherichia coli. By applying the purified expressed apyrase, ATP synthase or ATPase 13A1 to wounded tomato leaves, it was determined that these ATP hydrolyzing enzymes suppressed the defensive genes regulated by the jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways in tomato plant. Suppression of glandular trichome production was also observed after treatment. Blood-feeding arthropods employ 5′-nucleotidase family of apyrases to circumvent host responses and the H. zea apyrase, is also a member of this family. The comparatively high degree of sequence similarity of the H. zea salivary apyrase with mosquito apyrases suggests a broader evolutionary role for salivary apyrases than previously envisioned.
Multimode decomposition of spatially growing perturbations in a two-dimensional boundary layer

Three-dimensional spatially growing perturbations in a two-dimensional incompressible boundary layer are considered within the scope of linearized Navier–Stokes equations. The Cauchy problem is solved under the assumption of a finite growth rate of the disturbances. It is shown that the solution can be presented as an expansion into a biorthogonal eigenfunction system. The result can be utilized for decomposition of flow fields derived from computational studies when pressure and all velocity components, together with their derivatives, are available. The method can be used also in a case where partial data are available when a priori information leads to consideration of a finite number of modes. In the case of a continuous spectrum, the problem of decomposition based on partial information is ill-posed, but the method might be applied under additional assumptions about the perturbations.
The impact of companion animal problems on society and the role of veterinarians

The benefits of companion animals are immense, but there can be negative impacts also. Noise, destructive behaviors, excrement, bites, and the overpopulation of domestic cats and dogs are some of the major problems that can result in stress and hardships on owners, neighbors, the community, and the pets themselves. The perpetuation of pets in society requires that the negative aspects of living with dogs and cats be addressed. Veterinarians can play an important role in addressing these problems by incorporating the concept of behavior wellness into their practices and promoting education regarding husbandry, animal behavior, responsible pet ownership, and the effects of pets on the environment.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Feeding Deterrent Diterpenoids from the Sea Pansy, Renilla reniformis

Four new briarane diterpenoids, renillins A-D (1-4), and the known compound renillafoulin C (5) were isolated from the sea pansy, Renilla reniformis. The structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Using laboratory feeding assays, all compounds tested at natural concentrations significantly deterred feeding by the predatory lesser blue crab, Callinectes similis, while renillins C (3) and D (4) also deterred feeding by the predatory mummichog fish, Fundulus heteroclitus. Renillins A (1) and B (2) were found to possess an oxygenation pattern without precedent in this skeletal class.
Successful treatment of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania with posterior hypothalamic stimulation: technical case report.

Objective Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) is a rare, unilateral primary headache syndrome. Recent studies suggest hypothalamic dysfunction as the likely cause of CPH. Therapeutic response to deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamus has been observed in the treatment of related trigeminal autonomic cephalgias. We explored the therapeutic effectiveness of posterior hypothalamic stimulation for the treatment of CPH in a patient intolerant of medical management. Clinical presentation A 43-year-old woman with CPH reported acute onset of lancinating, unilateral headache pain focused about the right orbit. These debilitating headaches were accompanied by ipsilateral nasal congestion, conjunctival injection, tearing, and ptosis lasting minutes before resolving spontaneously. The patient exhausted attempts at medical management. Technique A deep brain stimulator microelectrode was placed under stereotactic guidance. The posterior hypothalamic target was 3 mm posterior, 5 mm inferior, and 2 mm ipsilateral to the midcommissural point. The electrode was connected to a standard pulse generator and set to final amplitude of 1.5 V, a pulse width of 60 microseconds, and a frequency of 185 Hz. Conclusion The patient's headache symptoms were durably alleviated with intraoperative activation. No complications were observed. This preliminary success suggests a role for posterior hypothalamic stimulation as a safe and effective treatment in patients with medically refractory CPH. As a therapeutic incremental innovation, this off-label use of technology for symptomatic therapy contributes to results of studies that support a central pathophysiological role for hypothalamic dysfunction in headaches classified among the trigeminal autonomic cephalgias.
Rofecoxib regulates the expression of genes related to the matrix metalloproteinase pathway in humans: implication for the adverse effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

Background Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-2–derived prostaglandins contribute to acute inflammation and pain, as well as resolution of inflammation; inhibition of COX-2 results in persistence of inflammation. Because matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an essential role in inflammatory tissue injury and their activity is regulated by COX-2–derived prostaglandin E2, we evaluated whether COX-2 inhibition is associated with MMP overexpression during acute inflammation. Methods A total of 102 oral mucosal biopsy specimens were taken from 51 healthy volunteers who required extraction of impacted third molars. Subjects randomly received either rofecoxib (50 mg daily), ibuprofen (400 mg 4 times per day), or placebo 90 minutes before surgery and up to 48 hours after surgery. Total ribonucleic acid extracted from each biopsy specimen was used to analyze changes in gene expression related to the MMP pathway after tissue injury and drug treatments by use of microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in this clinical model of acute inflammation. Results Following tissue injury, rofecoxib increased the expression of genes associated with degradation of the extracellular matrix, including MMP-1 (64.7 ± 6.5, P = .010), MMP-3 (41.7 ± 4.8, P = .007), PLAT (encoding tissue plasminogen activator) (10.9 ± 4.6, P = .032), and IL8 (encoding interleukin 8) (8.3 ± 6.7, P = .020), and decreased the expression of TIMP3 (encoding tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3) (6.2 ± 2.8, P = .027). Ibuprofen produced similar effects on the expression of MMP-1 (23.4 ± 5.0, P = .016) and MMP-3 (26.3 ± 4.2, P = .003). In contrast, the expression of these genes was not statistically changed after tissue injury in the placebo group. The microarray data were in concordance with the changes in gene expression confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion These findings provide evidence at the transcriptional level that inhibition of COX-2, in the presence of acute inflammation, induces changes in gene expression related to the MMP pathway. These changes may contribute to the adverse effects attributed to COX-2 inhibition by interfering with resolution of inflammation. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2006) 79, 303–315; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.306
Multiple scattering correction by a direct convolution method for electron energy loss spectrum

Abstract A direct convolution method for multiple scattering correction in EELS up to triple scattering is developed and a straightforward formula for multiple scattering correction is reported. An experimental measurement of EELS on an evaporated amorphous carbon film is carried out and a multiple scattering correction to the spectrum is presented.
Isoelectrically focussed seed proteins of populations of Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. (Cactaceae)

Abstract Soluble seed proteins of Opuntia humifusa were to be found useful in population comparisons when isoelectrically focused in polyacrylamide gels. UPGMA analysis of similarity indices resulted in clusterings of populations from similar geographic areas or habitat types, Within-population enzymatic variation was found to be very small or absent. Evidence of hybrid introgression was also detected electrophoretically, with both general protein and enzymatic staining.
MEN N THE HOOD: SKILL, SPATIAL, AND SOCIAL MISMATCH AMONG MALE WORKERS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Using data from the Los Angeles Survey of Urban Inequality (LASUI)—part of a four-city study that includes unique data on network connections as well as educational level, race/ethnicity, and English-language skills—we estimate how skill, spatial, and social mismatches influence labor market outcomes for employed male workers in Los Angeles County. We find that wage differences are impacted by both job growth in local areas and spatially based skill differences, as well as the quality of one's social network. Network quality matters most for Anglos and recent Asian immigrants; spatially based skill mismatches are more important for African Americans, U.S.-born Latinos, U.S.-born Asians, and Anglos; and job growth per se is most important for recent Asian immigrants. Results suggest that business-attraction strategies alone will not insure that local skill and network gaps will be overcome. Consequently, more innovative policies are needed. [Key words: skill, spatial, mismatch, networks, inequality.]
The challenge of face recognition from digital point-and-shoot cameras

Inexpensive “point-and-shoot” camera technology has combined with social network technology to give the general population a motivation to use face recognition technology. Users expect a lot; they want to snap pictures, shoot videos, upload, and have their friends, family and acquaintances more-or-less automatically recognized. Despite the apparent simplicity of the problem, face recognition in this context is hard. Roughly speaking, failure rates in the 4 to 8 out of 10 range are common. In contrast, error rates drop to roughly 1 in 1,000 for well controlled imagery. To spur advancement in face and person recognition this paper introduces the Point-and-Shoot Face Recognition Challenge (PaSC). The challenge includes 9,376 still images of 293 people balanced with respect to distance to the camera, alternative sensors, frontal versus not-frontal views, and varying location. There are also 2,802 videos for 265 people: a subset of the 293. Verification results are presented for public baseline algorithms and a commercial algorithm for three cases: comparing still images to still images, videos to videos, and still images to videos.
Constitutive modeling and characterization of the flow behavior of semi-solid metal alloy slurries—II. Structural evolution under shear deformation

Abstract A linear equation is proposed to model the kinetics of the agglomeration evolution of semi-solid alloys under shear during transient processes. The material parameters appearing in the evolution equation are determined from shear rate jump experiments. The evolution equation is used together with a flow response and transient conditions. A comparison between calculation and experimental results performed on Sn-15 wt% Pb and Al-7% Si-0.6% Mg alloys is made for these conditions.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Drainage of a Pancreatic Pseudocyst

Minimal changes have been made in regard to management of pancreatic pseudocysts, and drainage remains the treatment of choice for large (more than 6 cm), symptomatic, and persistent pseudocysts. Laparoscopic techniques have been increasingly employed with success and continue to be favored when possible. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y cystjejunostomy is an appropriate and effective drainage procedure, especially when cystgastrostomy cannot be performed. We review the literature and describe the technique in this review.
Single-neutron hole states in 39Ar

Abstract The levels of 39 Ar below an excitation energy of 11.4 MeV have been investigated using the 40 Ar( 3 He, α) reaction at a bombarding energy of 16.5 MeV. Fifty-nine previously unreported states of 39 Ar were observed. Angular distributions corresponding to strong transitions have been compared with distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations. The transitions to the levels at 9.075 and 9.463 MeV excitation are consistent with a previous suggestion that these levels are the T = 5 2 isobaric analogues of the ground and first excited states of 39 Cl. The extract- ed spectroscopic factors are discussed in terms of the shell-model sum rule. New spin and parity assignments of 3 2 + ( 5 2 + ), 1 2 + and 1 2 + are made for the levels at 9.075, 9.463 a
Degradation of thin films of YBa2Cu3O7 by annealing in air and in vacuum

The degradation of epitaxial thin films of YBa2Cu3O7 has been studied as a function of annealing temperature in air and in vacuum; some samples had an evaporated overlayer of CaF2. Degradation was monitored by the measurement of electrical properties after consecutive 30-min annealing treatments. The room-temperature resistance registered significant increases for all samples after annealing at temperatures above about 200°C; the critical current density at 77 K was degraded for annealing temperatures ≥400°C in air, and ≥200–250°C in vacuum. By annealing in oxygen at 550°C, electrical properties were restored in degraded bare YBCO samples annealed in vacuum, but not for those annealed in air.
Understanding naming in distributed systems

Naming in distributed systems is modelled as a string translation problem. Viewing names as strings and name resolution mechanisms as syntax directed translators provides a formal handle on the loosely understood concepts associated with naming: we give precise definitions for such informal terminology as name spaces, addresses, routes, source-routing, and implicit-routing; we identify the properties of naming systems, including under what conditions they support unique names, relative names, absolute names, and synonyms; and we discuss how the basic elements of the model can be implemented by name servers.
Effect of flunarizine on micro-regional distributions of intravascular Hb02 saturations in RIF-1 and KHT sarcomas

Abstract Flunarizine, a calcium channel-blocker, preferentially active on peripheral blood vessels and red blood cells, has previously been shown to increase not only tumor blood flow, but also both chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity. The mechanisms behind these effects are not clear at present, and different tumor lines have been demonstrated to respond quite differently to the same flunarizine treatment. To clarify the underlying mechanisms at the micro-regional level, the present investigation examined the effects of flunarizine on spatially-resolved distributions of intravascular oxyhemoglobin (HbO 2 ) saturations. Tumors were implanted s.c. in the flanks of C3H mice and grown to a volume of 500–1000 mm 3 Flunarizine was injected i.p. at 5 mg/kg; animals were anesthetized, and following a 20 min delay, tumors were quick-frozen. Hb0 2 saturations were determined cryospectrophotometrically at systematically selected sites across each tumor cross-section. Three primary questions were addressed: (a) Does flunarizine have a direct effect on tumor oxygen delivery as measured by intravascular Hb0 2 saturations? (b) Are changes in oxygen delivery uniformly distributed throughout the tumor volume? (c) Are Hb0 2 distributions for tumor lines of dissimilar radiobiological hypoxic fraction affected similarly by flunarizine? For KHT tumors, flunarizine substantially increased the % vessels ≥10% saturated throughout the tumor volume, with a somewhat larger increase for the interior vessels than for the peripheral vessels. In contrast, for the RIF-1 tumors, Hb0 2 saturations following flunarizine remained near control levels. These results indicate that fundamental differences in vascular geometry, hemodynamics, or blood rheology may exist between the KHT and RIF-1 tumor lines, and furthermore, that the response of one tumor line to a given blood-flow modifier may be completely unrelated to that of another.
Estrogen induction of TGF-α is mediated by an estrogen response element composed of two imperfect palindromes

Abstract To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the two- to three-fold induction of human transforming growth factor-alpha (hTGF-α) mRNA and two- to five-fold induction of hTGF-α protein observed following estrogen treatment of hormone-responsive human breast cancer cell lines, the hTGF-α promoter was assayed for ERE-like sequences able to mediate estrogen induction of a heterologous gene. Transient co-transfection of a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) construct consisting of either 1100 bp or 330 bp of hTGF-α promoter sequence and an estrogen receptor expression vector into either COS-7 cells or hormonally responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells resulted in a two- to five-fold induction of CAT activity by estrogen. Although no consensus estrogen response element (ERE) exists in the hTGF-α promoter, a sequence consisting of two imperfect ERE palindromes separated by 20 bp is located at −200 to −252. This sequence was inserted into a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) based CAT construct and assayed for its ability to confer estrogen regulation of CAT expression to a heterologous promoter. Transient co-transfection of this construct with an estrogen receptor expression vector into either COS-7 cells or MCF-7 cells resulted in an average 30-fold estrogen induction of CAT activity. Gel shift assays with human recombinant estrogen receptor (ER) and 32 P-labelled fragments revealed that the ER could specifically bind to this sequence. These results indicate that this 53 bp sequence can function as an ERE, and is likely to be responsible for the observed induction of TGF-α message and protein in response to estrogen. These data also indicate that the level of estrogen inducibility mediated by this element may be positively or negatively modulated by interaction or competition with other transcription factors.
Should natural killer cells be expanded in vivo or ex vivo to maximize their therapeutic potential

Natural killer (NK) cells have potent anti-tumor activity when they are not constrained by class I-recognizing inhibitory receptors. They are particularly attractive as therapeutic effectors becaus...
Intraocular Lenses: Secondary Membranes; Cystoid Macular Edema

In 650 consecutive Binkhorst lens implants, secondary membrane surgery was required more than eight times as frequently after an extracapsular than after an intracapsular cataract extraction. The visual acuity results after discission were uniformly good. Trans pars plana vitrectomy was reserved for more severe cases. The pupils were cleared, but the visual acuity results were mixed. A fluorescein angiographic study revealed little difference in the incidence of cystoid macular edema in implant and nonimplant cases. There was a lower incidence after extracapsular than intracapsular extractions in implant cases.
Removal of an apparent discrepancy of excitation energies of $sup 55$Co

Excitation energies in $^{55}\mathrm{Co}$ have been recalculated, eliminating a systematic error in values previously reported in a study of the $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}(p,\ensuremath{\alpha})^{55}\mathrm{Co}$ reaction.
Acoustic performance and damping behavior of cellulose-cement composites

Abstract This paper describes the influence of morphologically altered cellulose fibers on the acoustic and mechanical properties of cellulose–cement composites. Three fiber morphologies were considered (macro-nodules, discrete fibers, and petite nodules). The main parameters studied include the normal incident acoustic absorption coefficient (α), specific damping capacity (ψ), loss tangent (tanδ), storage modulus (E′), and loss modulus (E′′=E′tanδ). The acoustic absorption coefficient was found to increase with an increase in fiber volume for all three fiber types investigated, though “macro-nodule” fibers were found to be the most effective. Stiffness–loss relationships are reported for these composites and the behavior of cellulose–cement composites with soft cellulose fiber inclusions was found to be similar to a Voigt (series) composite model. Low volumes of fibers had a minimal effect on the loss tangent; however the stiffness was considerably reduced. Predictive equations for loss modulus as a function of fiber volume at different moisture conditions were developed. These relations compare well with the experimental values as well as the idealized Voigt composite behavior. This suggests that there is an optimum fiber volume, which maximizes the loss modulus for saturated composites while the loss modulus is practically independent of fiber volume for dry composites.
Morphology of the cyst of Giardia microti by light and electron microscopy.

. Cysts of Giardia microti, isolated from feces and intestinal contents of Microtus ochrogaster, were examined by light and electron microscopy. These cysts differed morphologically from cysts of other G. duodenalis morphological types in that these cysts often contained two apparently differentiated trophozoites with mature ventral discs. Cysts more closely resembling those reported for G. lamblia and G. muris were in greater abundance in preparations made from intestinal contents and were interpreted as immature cysts. “Multiple fission” cysts, reported in G. muris and G. microti by earlier workers, were not observed; however, endosymbiotic bacteria were found in the cysts of G. microti and may have been responsible for reports of multiple fission in the cysts of Giardia.
Implementation of a Surgical Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program to Reduce Surgical Site Infections

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are a common and costly problem, prolonging hospitalization and increasing readmission. Adherence to well-known infection control process measures has not been associated with substantial reductions in SSI. To date, the global burden of preventable SSI continues to result in patient harm and increased health care costs on a broad scale. Study Design We designed a study to evaluate the association between implementation of a surgery-based comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP) and postoperative SSI rates. One year of pre- and post-CUSP intervention SSI rates were collected using the high-risk pilot module of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (July 2009 to July 2011). The CUSP group met monthly and consisted of a multidisciplinary team of front-line providers (eg, surgeons, nurses, operating room technicians, and anesthesiologists) who were directly involved in the care of colorectal surgery patients. Surgical Care Improvement Project process measure compliance was monitored using standard methods from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results In the 12 months before implementation of the CUSP and interventions, the mean SSI rate was 27.3% (76 of 278 patients). After commencement of interventions, the rate was 18.2% (59 of 324 patients) for the subsequent 12 months—a 33.3% decrease (95% CI, 9–58%; p Conclusions Formation of small groups of front-line providers to address patient harm using local wisdom and existing evidence can improve patient safety. We demonstrate a surgery-based CUSP intervention that might have markedly decreased SSI in a high-risk population.
EFFECTS OF CROWDING ON THE NEUTRAL AND POLAR LIPIDS OF BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA AS DETERMINED BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY-DENSITOMETRY AND OBSERVATIONS ON SNAIL SURVIVAL AND FECUNDITY

High performance thin-layer chromatography-densitometry was used to characterize and quantify neutral and polar lipid classes present in Biomphalaria glabrata snails subjected to crowding. Observations on survival and fecundity were made on a noncrowded population (10 snails per culture), a moderately crowded population (20 snails per culture), and a heavily crowded population (40 snails per culture). Each culture contained 800 mL of artificial spring water, and snails were maintained at 25 ± 1°C and fed romaine lettuce ad libitum. After 4 weeks of culture, the snails were necropsied and the digestive-gland gonad complex (DGG) of each snail was extracted in chloroform-methanol for lipid analysis. Lipids were separated on 10 × 20 cm Analtech channeled HPTLC-HLF silica gel plates with a preadsorbent zone. For neutral lipids, the mobile phase petroleum ether-diethyl ether-glacial acetic acid (80:20:1) and 5% ethanolic phosphomolybdic acid detection reagent were used to analyze the DGG of each snail. Chlorofo...