cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the Contributions of Lipid Shape and Headgroup Charge on Bilayer Behavior

To better understand bilayer property dependency on lipid electrostatics and headgroup size, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study negatively charged and neutral lipid membranes. We compare the negatively charged phosphatidic acid (PA), which at physiological pH and salt concentration has a negative spontaneous curvature, with the negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and neutrally charged phosphatidylcholine (PC), both of which have zero spontaneous curvature. The PA lipids are simulated using two different sets of partial charges for the headgroup and the varied charge distribution between the two PA systems results in significantly different locations for the Na+ ions relative to the water/membrane interface. For one PA system, the Na+ ions are localized around the phosphate group. In the second PA system, the Na+ ions are located near the ester carbonyl atoms, which coincides with the preferred location site for the PG Na+ ions. We find that the Na+ ion location has a larger effect on bilayer fluidity properties than lipid headgroup size, where the Alipid and acyl chain order parameter values are more similar between the PA and PG bilayers that have Na+ ions located near the ester groups than between the two PA bilayers.
Raman-Induced Kerr Effect

A new effect is demonstrated in which a laser pulse can be made to induce a Kerr effect only at Raman-shifted frequencies. This permitted the observation of a Raman spectrum with a single dye-laser pulse. The pulse power required is a small fraction of that required to produce stimulated instabilities. The spectral information emerges in a coherent beam, phase matching is not necessary, and spectra can be obtained at any scattering angle.
Preweanling and adult rats treat conditioned light-tone combinations differently

Ontogenetic differences in processing light-tone compounds were discovered in preweanling (17-day-old) and adult (60–80-day-old) rats. Suppression of general activity was used as an index of the magnitude of conditioned fear following a single training session in which a CS+ was paired with mild footshock. In Experiment 1, rats were trained on discriminations in which the CS− consisted of a light and the CS+ was either a tone alone (simple discrimination) or a light-tone compound (simultaneous feature-positive discrimination). Adults and preweanlings given each type of discrimination were then tested for fear of the CS− and a target stimulus (tone alone or light-tone compound). Adults in all groups displayed greater fear of the target than of the CS−. Preweanlings, however, discriminated the CS− from the target only when the target was the same as the original CS+. Experiment 2 revealed that age-related differences in conventional stimulus generalization is not a likely explanation for the pattern of results found in Experiment 1. Experiment 3 revealed age-related differences in expressed fear of a serial feature-positive discrimination; adults, but not preweanlings, showed greater fear of the compound than of the CS−. Alternative interpretations of the results from these experiments are discussed, and the general conclusion is that adults appear more inclined to process elements of a compound stimulus selectively, whereas preweanlings seem more likely to process the compound unselectively, with roughly equivalent processing of each element.
Subcutaneous Sweet syndrome in the setting of myeloid disorders: A case series and review of the literature

Background The association of neutrophilic dermatoses with myeloid disorders is well known, but neutrophilic panniculitis in the same setting has only been reported infrequently. Objective We aimed to better characterize these lesions clinically and histologically, and to provide a comprehensive differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic approach. Methods The pathology archives were searched for cases of neutrophilic panniculitis in patients with myeloid disorders. Clinical history and histologic features were studied. Similar cases in the English-language literature were reviewed. Results Five biopsy specimens from 4 patients and 11 previous case reports were identified. All patients presented with erythematous tender nodules typically involving the extremities. Most were accompanied by fevers, and resolved either spontaneously or with steroids. Histologically, the subcutaneous neutrophilic infiltrates demonstrated lobular or, less frequently, septal patterns with minimal dermal involvement. Leukocytoclasis, fat necrosis, reactive stromal fibroblasts, and mild reticular dermal edema were each seen in at least 3 of our 5 biopsy specimens. No myeloid blasts, vascular changes, or non-Miescher granulomas were observed. No micro-organisms were identified in the skin nodules. Limitations This study is limited by the small number of cases. Conclusions Based on the fairly consistent clinical and histologic findings, neutrophilic panniculitis occurring in the setting of myeloid disorders is best classified as subcutaneous Sweet syndrome after exclusion of infectious panniculitis, id reaction, and leukemia cutis. These lesions may be associated with myeloid disorders, or induced by chemotherapy or other medications.
Cardiac arterial pole alignment is sensitive to FGF8 signaling in the pharynx

Morphogenesis of the cardiac arterial pole is dependent on addition of myocardium and smooth muscle from the secondary heart field and septation by cardiac neural crest cells. Cardiac neural crest ablation results in persistent truncus arteriosus and failure of addition of myocardium from the secondary heart field leading to malalignment of the arterial pole with the ventricles. Previously, we have shown that elevated FGF signaling after neural crest ablation causes depressed Ca2+ transients in the primary heart tube. We hypothesized that neural crest ablation results in elevated FGF8 signaling in the caudal pharynx that disrupts secondary heart field development. In this study, we show that FGF8 signaling is elevated in the caudal pharynx after cardiac neural crest ablation. In addition, treatment of cardiac neural crest-ablated embryos with FGF8b blocking antibody or an FGF receptor blocker rescues secondary heart field myocardial development in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, reduction of FGF8 signaling in normal embryos disrupts myocardial secondary heart field development, resulting in arterial pole malalignment. These results indicate that the secondary heart field myocardium is particularly sensitive to FGF8 signaling for normal conotruncal development, and further, that cardiac neural crest cells modulate FGF8 signaling in the caudal pharynx.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs and Affordability—2007

To the Editor:— In February 2007, we published estimated annual costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) that were implemented in January 2006.1 We found substantial variation in such costs across states and within states for identical combinations of medications. We sought to compare the patterns we found in 2006 PDPs—the first year of Medicare Part D—with PDPs newly available for 2007. Methods: As in our previous work,1 we compared the estimated annual costs for 4 prototypical patients with combinations of chronic conditions, using the Medicare Part D 2007 drug plan online calculator provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (available at: http://www.medicare.gov/). We also generated estimates of affordability with the most recent state data regarding median income for zero-earner households.2 Results: For all 4 patient cases, the mean estimated annual cost of the lowest-cost PDPs across the nation was lower in 2007 than in 2006 (Case 1—$676 vs $852; Case 2—$1,615 vs $1,878; Case 3—$1,725 vs $2,326; Case 4—$2,218 vs $8,146). In 2007, the estimated annual costs of lowest-cost PDPs varied across states by a maximum of $195 for Case 2 and a minimum of $49 for Case 3; all ranges of variation across states were narrower than in 2006. Importantly, the health plans that were the dominant low-cost options in 2006 were no longer the dominant plans in 2007 for any of the cases. When taking cost-of-living adjusted median income into account, the mean affordability for lowest-cost PDPs was 2.3% of annual income for Case 1, 5.5% for Case 2, 5.9% for Case 3, and 7.6% for Case 4. Although the mean lowest-cost PDPs were all more affordable in 2007 than in 2006, affordability across states for each case varied at least twofold (Table 1). Table 1 Affordability of Lowest-Cost Medicare PDPs in Each State, for Each Patient Case Within states, the mean difference between the lowest-cost PDP and highest-cost PDP for the same medications (i.e., fiscal risk of plan selection for beneficiaries) was $2,457 for Case 1, $2,769 for Case 2, $4,525 for Case 3, and $1,781 for Case 4. Conclusion: In 2007, the lowest-cost Medicare PDPs for 4 prototypical patients are less expensive and more affordable than in 2006. Affordability of lowest-cost PDPs living continues to vary, twofold or more for beneficiaries living in different states. Moreover, differences of thousands of dollars between the lowest-cost and highest-cost PDPs within a given state, and the changing dominance of specific plans as the lowest-cost options, continue to underscore how critical it is for Medicare beneficiaries to reconsider the choice of their PDP for each plan year.
Relationships between process fundamentals, facility design, and production control of semiconductor manufacturing systems

Basic interrelationships among yields, processing environments, and shop-floor scheduling in semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities are currently under study. In this paper, we focus on a hypothetical wafer fabrication facility producing 3D CMOS devices designed and developed at Purdue. A key step of this sequence of this process is silicon selective epitaxial growth (SEG). Our emphasis is on the effects of substrate temperature, and system pressure on the quality of the films grown through silicon SEG. Such studies result in relationships between yield and processing conditions. For example, higher substrate temperatures, in the range of 800 to 1000 degree(s)C studied, appear to result in significantly lower defect densities for all sizes of seed windows investigated. Our experimental observations on relationships between yield and time can in turn can be used to examine the viability of different layouts for wafer fabrication facilities. We focus on cellular layouts, where machines are organized into cells, each dedicated to the processing of a certain subset of operations. For the 3D CMOS fab mentioned previously, we present results of simulation experiments that indicate that under certain conditions, cellular layouts result in better cycle time performance at the expense of some additional capital investment.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structure-activity investigation of the alteration of the physical state of the skeletal network of proteins in human erythrocyte membranes induced by 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine

Abstract The oral administration of 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA) is purported to increase the mental function of Alzheimer's disease patients (Summers et al. (1986) N. Engl. J. Med. 315, 1241–1245). Numerous erythrocyte membrane proteins are known to be identical or highly similar to neuronal proteins. In a previous study (Butterfield and Palmieri ((1990) Free Radical Res. Commun., in press), we showed that THA greatly increased skeletal protein-protein interactions in erythrocyte membranes as monitored by a spin label specifically bound to membrane proteins. In this report, a structure-activity study has been performed to determine which THA structural components are involved in its effect on the physical state of human erythrocyte membrane skeletal proteins. The results imply that both the planarity of the molecule and the amino group at the 9-position of the parent acridine molecule are important in the mechanism of interaction with membrane proteins.
Role of excess volume in the pathophysiology of hypertension in chronic kidney disease.

Role of excess volume in the pathophysiology of hypertension in chronic kidney disease. Background The pathophysiology of hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is largely attributed to positive sodium balance. It is unclear how loop diuretics affect fluid volume compartments, especially with respect to their antihypertensive effect. Methods Subjects with CKD were administered a single therapeutically equivalent dose of an oral loop diuretic (furosemide or torsemide in randomized crossover design). We measured acute volume changes over 12 hours using biophysical and hormonal biomarkers and then 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure after daily diuretic therapy for 3 weeks. Results Single-dose administration of loop diuretic decreased extracellular water (ECW) by 1.7L [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2, 2.2, P P P P = 0.02) and TBW from 54.3 ± 12.7L to 51.6 ± 11.9L ( P P = 0.05), TBW trended toward baseline level at 52.7 ± 11.8L. A concomitant increase in ln PRA from –1.0 ± 1.3ng/mL/hour to 0.4 ± 1.9ng/mL/hour ( P P P P = 0.021) and torsemide reduced it from 143 ± 18/75 ± 10mm Hg to 133 ± 19/71 ± 10mm Hg ( P = 0.007). Conclusion Patients with CKD have elevated extracellular fluid volume that can be corrected acutely with loop diuretics. Persistent diuretic use results in dynamic changes in ECW and other body fluid compartments that translate into chronic blood pressure reduction.
Rigid, Fused-ring Molecules as Nano-reinforcements for Engineering Polymers

: Rigid, fused-ring molecules were investigated as nano-sized reinforcements for engineering polymers. Because of the high specific surface area associated with their small size, it was expected that they would provide greater enhancement of modulus than equally stiff reinforcements of millimeter and micron dimensions. The expected enhancement was not realized, a result attributed to the bulky alkyl substituents on the rings, placed there to make the fused-ring molecules soluble and dispersible at the molecular level in engineering polymers. It was concluded that the free volume introduced to the nanocomposites by these substituents counteracted the stiffening effect of the fused-ring structure in the molecules. The results point out the inherent trade-off with fused-ring molecules as reinforcements; the types of substituents required to make the molecules dispersible in a polymer matrix are also those that reduce its modulus.
Xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activity in the liver and kidney of the brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus)

Abstract Activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), epoxide hydrase (EH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and UDP-glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) were easily detected in brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus) liver. AHH (substrate—3H-benzo(a)pyrene). GST (substrate—l-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) and EH (substrate—3H-benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-oxide) activities in kidney were 4, 60 and 183%, respectively, of the corresponding values in liver. UDPGT (substrate —p-nitrophenol) was not detected in the kidney of control or 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-treated fish. Treatment of bullhead with 3-MC enhanced the activity of AHH in liver and kidney nearly 14- and 33-fold, respectively, with little or no effect on EH or GST activity at the time point tested. The types of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) metabolites formed by liver and kidney microsomes were qualitatively similar, but there were considerable differences in the patterns of the metabolites produced by the microsomes from the two tissues. The liver microsomes from control fish converted a substantially greater proportion of BP to quinones than did the kidney microsomes.
Use of anti-receptor antibodies to focus T-cell activity

The T-cell receptor dictates that T cells recognize foreign antigen in the context of self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded molecules. Cells which are recognized as foreign by the T-cell system are efficiently rejected by direct cytolysis or in a lymphokine-mediated way. Meanwhile, antibodies recognize native antigen and can be made available reproducibly and in quantity. Here, Uwe Staerz and Michael Bevan discuss the use of hybrid antibodies, composed of anti-receptor/anti-X, to confer the specificity of antibody to a T-cell response.
Fashion and the White Savage in the Parisian Music Hall

(2004). Fashion and the White Savage in the Parisian Music Hall. Fashion Theory: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 267-299.
A Brief Review of the Basics of Immunology: The Innate and Adaptive Response

The role of the immune system is simple yet challenging: to eliminate pathogenic agents. The immune system contains nonspecific and specific components; that is, some constituents act without precise recognition of the target, others have exquisite specificity. Regulation of the immune response and maintenance of tolerance to self are critical to the health of the animal. To properly evaluate or control immune function, knowledge of the basic components of the normal immune system is essential. This review covers the current knowledge of individual components of the immune system and how they interact to protect the host from infectious disease agents.
N-Phenylpropyl-N′-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazine (YZ-185) Attenuates the Conditioned-Rewarding Properties of Cocaine in Mice

Sigma receptor antagonists diminish the effects of cocaine in behavioral assays, including conditioned place preference. Previous locomotor activity experiments in mice determined that the sigma receptor ligand YZ-185 (N-phenylpropyl-N′-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazine) enhanced cocaine-induced hyperactivity at a lower (0.1 μmol/kg) dose and dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-induced hyperactivity at higher (3.16–31.6 μmol/kg) doses. The present study investigated the effect of YZ-185 on cocaine’s conditioned-rewarding properties in mice. YZ-185 (0.1, 0.316, 3.16, and 31.6 μmol/kg) did not have intrinsic activity to produce conditioned place preference or aversion. A higher (31.6 μmol/kg) YZ-185 dose, but not lower (0.1–3.16 μmol/kg) YZ-185 doses, prevented the development of place preference to cocaine (66 μmol/kg). YZ-185 did not alter the expression of cocaine place preference. To further characterize YZ-185’s behavioral profile, its effects in the elevated zero maze and rotarod procedures were also determined; YZ-185 produced no significant change from baseline in either assay, indicating that the sigma receptors probed by YZ-185 do not regulate anxiety-like or coordinated motor skill behaviors. Overall, these results suggest that YZ-185 is a sigma receptor antagonist at the 31.6 μmol/kg dose and demonstrate that sigma receptors can mediate the development of the conditioned-rewarding properties of cocaine.
Enhanced prediction of protein cellular localization sites with genetic algorithm optimal kernel projection analysis

The localization of proteins can help us to better understand their functions. Currently a number of localization machine learning algorithms have been employed on this problem, including SVM and K-NN. However, in terms of performance there is little success. In this paper, we apply a genetic algorithm to optimize a kernel component analysis solution, an algorithm that wc believe will have better performance than standalone Kernel PCA. We will experiment using the protein location data from the Horton and Nakai yeast and E.Coli databases. We will then compare the performance of our optimized system with previous methods. Results show that GA enhanced kernel component analysis can improve classification.
TOPOTACTIC CATION EXCHANGE IN TRANSFORMED MICAS UNDER HYDROTHERMAL CONDITIONS

The formation of hydroxylated phases was investigated using K-depleted biotite (Na-biotite) and K-depleted muscovite (Na-muscovite) under hydrothermal treatment with alkali (Li + , K + , NH 4 + , Rb + and Cs + ), alkaline earth (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ and Ba 2+ ), and aluminum (Al 3+ ) cations at 200°C for 1 and/or 3 days. The K-depleted biotite treated with alkali cations produced anhydrous hydroxylated phases, while the K-depleted muscovite did not significantly exchange alkali cations but dehydrated to form Na-muscovite in all cases. The alkaline earth cations, however, produced hydrous hydroxylated phases with both K-depleted micas. The degree of hydration energy of cations and the charge density of micas were found to influence the formation of anhydrous and hydrous phases from the K-depleted micas. This type of topotactic cation exchange potentially could be used for fixation and immobilization of radioactive species such as Cs, Sr, Ra, etc . in the transformed micas. The K-depleted biotite and muscovite treated with Al 3+ were transformed to hydroxy-Al interlayered vermiculites (HIV) because of hydrolysis and polymerization of Al 3+ . These HIV phases could also serve as useful adsorbents for soil and groundwater contaminants.
Association of Coronary Atherosclerosis Detected by Multislice Computed Tomography and Traditional Risk-Factor Assessment

Framingham risk score is an office-based tool used for long-term coronary heart disease risk stratification. Most acute coronary events occur in association with proximal nonobstructive atherosclerotic plaque. Multislice computed tomography detects both obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and proximal atherosclerotic plaque with high accuracy. The association of Framingham risk score with obstructive CAD and proximal atherosclerotic plaque was tested. Coronary multislice computed tomography was performed in 295 patients (61% men, mean age 54 ± 13 years) without documented CAD referred for evaluation of cardiac symptoms. Framingham risk score was computed and patients were stratified according to 10-year risk (n = 213 [72%] low, n=74 [25%] intermediate, and n=8 [3%] high). Obstructive CAD was defined as ≥50% stenosis in ≥1 epicardial coronary artery. Proximal atherosclerotic plaque was defined as calcified or noncalcified plaque in the left main or proximal left anterior descending artery. In the low– and intermediate–Framingham risk score groups, there was a high frequency of proximal atherosclerotic plaque (44% and 75%) and obstructive CAD (16% and 34%), although both findings were more prevalent in the high–Framingham risk score group (63% for atherosclerotic plaque, 88% for obstructive CAD), respectively. Proximal atherosclerotic plaque was noncalcified in approximately 1 3 of patients. In women (n = 114) and younger (
Fracture risk in type 2 diabetes: update of a population-based study.

We found no significant excess of fractures among Rochester, MN, residents with diabetes mellitus initially recognized in 1950–1969, but more recent studies elsewhere have documented an apparent increase in hip fracture risk. To explore potential explanations for any increase in fractures, we performed an historical cohort study among 1964 Rochester residents who first met glycemic criteria for diabetes in 1970–1994 (mean age, 61.7 ± 14.0 yr; 51% men). Fracture risk was estimated by standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), and risk factors were evaluated in Andersen-Gill time-to-fracture regression models. In 23,236 person-years of follow-up, 700 diabetic residents experienced 1369 fractures documented by medical record review. Overall fracture risk was elevated (SIR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2–1.4), but hip fractures were increased only in follow-up beyond 10 yr (SIR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9). As expected, fracture risk factors included age, prior fracture, secondary osteoporosis, and corticosteroid use, whereas higher physical activity and body mass index were protective. Additionally, fractures were increased among patients with neuropathy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6) and those on insulin (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.5); risk was reduced among users of biquanides (HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6–0.96), and no significant influence on fracture risk was seen with sulfonylurea or thiazolidinedione use. Thus, contrary to our earlier study, the risk of fractures overall (and hip fractures specifically) was increased among Rochester residents with diabetes, but there was no evidence that the rise was caused by greater levels of obesity or newer treatments for diabetes.
Gall insects and indirect plant defenses: A case of active manipulation?

Many plants can defend themselves against insect herbivory by attracting natural enemies that kill feeding herbivores and limit the damage they inflict. Such “indirect defenses” can be induced by insects feeding on different plant tissues and using a variety of feeding styles. However, we have recently shown that gall-inducing insect species can avoid the indirect defenses of their host plant species and even alter volatile emissions following subsequent herbivory. One of the species we studied, Eurosta solidaginis, induces galls on goldenrod (Solidago altissima) and appears to exert a unique influence over the indirect defenses of its host plant that is not readily explained by levels of defense-related phytohormones, gall formation or resource depletion. Our evidence suggests that this gall-insect species may be able to manipulate its host plant species to avoid and/or modify its defensive responses. The results also provide insight into gall induction because the gall-insect species that we screened did not increase levels of jasmonic acid, which, in addition to triggering volatile emissions, is a powerful growth regulator that could prevent the cell growth and division that leads to gall formation.
Rapid time scales of basalt to andesite differentiation at Anatahan volcano, Mariana Islands

We present comprehensive U-series data (238U–234U–230Th–226Ra–210Pb–210Po and (230Th)/(232Th)) for an andesite from an oceanic arc. The juvenile Anatahan andesite has U–Th systematics colinear with other historical Mariana volcanic rocks, and is most similar to those of the other volcano in the Mariana arc with a significant proportion of silicic andesite: Uracas. Like Uracas, the parental basalt for the Anatahan andesite was generated by relatively low degrees of flux melting from a source previously enriched in a sediment component from the subducting slab. However, the Anatahan andesite is much more strongly enriched in 226Ra over 230Th than Uracas lavas, and has one of the highest (226Ra)/(232Th) ratios of siliceous andesites globally. The long-lived disequilibria between 238U–230Th–226Ra in the Anatahan andesite are inherited from basalt genesis, not created during differentiation or eruption. Thus, the time between genesis of the parental basalt and eruption of andesite at Anatahan is shorter than for Uracas. Moreover, the near-equilibrium (210Pb)/(226Ra) value indicates that the magma body did not persistently lose or gain 222Rn for more than 2 years before eruption. This permits differentiation of the parental basalt to form andesite within this 2-year time period, although a differentiation time period between 100 and a few thousand years also is possible. The relative activities between 210Po and 210Pb suggest erupted scoria degassed Po less than most lavas despite eruption plume heights of ∼10 km, which further suggests an unusually rapid ascent before eruption. These data also show that juvenile material was ejected from the first day of the eruption. Phreatomagmatic ejecta overlying the main Anatahan scoria is strongly enriched in 210Po over 210Pb, indicating that a significant proportion of the Po degassed from rising magmas sublimes in its shallow fumarolic conduit system.
Acute effects of sucralfate aspiration: clinical and laboratory observations.

Abstract Study Objective: To assess the complications associated with the aspiration of sucralfate. Design: Clinical (case report) and bench observations. Setting: Inpatient intensive care unit and experimental animal laboratory. Subjects: The case of a critically ill patient who aspirated sucralfate is presented. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats served as experimental animals to investigate the acute histologic effects of large-volume aspiration of sucralfate. Interventions: The patient underwent emergent intubation to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. All the animals were anesthetized and had tracheostomies performed. The experimental groups had acidic intratracheal injections of 2 ml/kg of a nonparticulate liquid (pH, 2.3; n=6) or a sucralfate aspirate (1 ml/kg of a 5% sucralfate suspension of pH 3.6, followed by 1 ml/kg 0.1 of normal hydrochloric acid of pH 1.0; n=4). Four hours after simulated aspiration, the rats were sacrificed and their lungs removed for histologic examination by light microscopy. Measurements and Main Results: Differences were noted in histopathologic injury in the experimental groups compared to the control group using a numeric scoring scale. Nonparticulate acidic liquid aspiration caused a significant increase ( p p Conclusions: Acute complications associated with aspiration of sucralfate have been identified. In the laboratory setting, simulated aspiration of sucralfate led to acute lung injury.
The influence of biological soil crusts on mineral uptake by associated vascular plants

Soil surfaces dominated by cyanobacteria and cyanolichens (such as Collema sp.) are widespread in deserts of the world. The influence of these biological soil crusts on the uptake of bioessential elements is reported for the first time for six seed plants of the deserts of Utah. This sample almost doubles the number of species for which the influence of biological soil crusts on mineral uptake of associated vascular plants is known. These new case studies, and others previously published, demonstrate that cyanobacterial or cyanobacteria- Collema crusts significantly alter uptake by plants of many bioessential elements. In studies now available, these crusts always increase the N content of associated seed plants. Uptake of Cu, K, Mg, and Zn is usually (>70% of reported cases) increased in the presence of the biological soil crusts. Soil crusts are generally negatively associated with Fe and P levels in associated seed plant tissue, while plant tissue levels of Ca, Mn, and Na are positively as often as negatively associated with the presence of soil crusts. Increases in bioessential elements in vascular plant tissue from biologically-crusted areas are greatest for short-lived herbs that are rooted primarily within the surface soil, the horizon most influenced by crustal organisms. The mineral content of a deeply rooted shrub (Coleogyne ramosissima) was less influenced by co-occurrence of biological soil crusts.
Exogenous Supply of Pantoyl Lactone to Excised Leaves Increases their Pantothenate Levels

• Background and Aims All plants synthesize pantothenate but its synthesis and regulation are not well understood. The aim of this work is to study the effect of exogenous supply of precursor compounds on pantothenate levels in leaves. • Methods Precursor compounds were supplied in solution to excised leaves and the pantothenate content was measured using a microbial method. • Key Results Pantothenate levels in excised leaves of Limonium latifolium, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) were examined following an exogenous supply of the precursor compounds pantoyl lactone or β-alanine. Significantly higher levels of extractable pantothenate were found when pantoyl lactone was supplied, but not when β-alanine was supplied despite a measurable uptake of β-alanine into the leaf. • Conclusions The results suggested that the pantoate supply may be rate-limiting or regulating pantothenate synthesis in leaves.
Chemical and structural characterization of barium hexaferrite films deposited on 6H-SiC with and without MgO/BaM interwoven layers

Abstract High quality epitaxial barium hexaferrite (BaM) films with saturation magnetization of 4.3 kG, coercivity of 389 Oe, and FMR linewidth of 500 Oe, have been deposited by pulsed laser deposition on 6H-silicon carbide (SiC) single crystal substrates using an interwoven layer of magnesium oxide (MgO) and BaM of approximately 16 nm thick. This paper presents a chemical and structural study of the intermediate stages of BaM film growth on the interwoven layers compared to intermediate stages of BaM film growth directly on a SiC substrate. The purpose of these experiments is to understand the role of the interwoven layers and thus further improve the magnetic properties of BaM integrated with SiC substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analysis and depth profiling shows that the interwoven layers effectively eliminate silicon diffusion into the bulk BaM film, and prevent the Fe diffusion which reduces Fe/Ba ratios in films deposited without the interwoven layers. By comparing the initial stages of film growth on the MgO/BaM interwoven layers with film deposited with the same number of BaM shots on a bare SiC substrate, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy results suggest that the MgO/BaM interwoven layers promote two-dimensional growth and improve the crystallographic texture of the BaM films, likely through relief of the lattice mismatch.
Perceptions and Coping With Punishment How Registered Sex Offenders Respond to Stress, Internet Restrictions, and the Collateral Consequences of Registration

This study examines how registered sex offenders (RSOs) experience, respond to, and attribute stress regarding sex offender registration and notification process and policies. In addition, the frequency and reasons for Internet access is assessed, with a focus on how new legislation in New Jersey (P.L. 2007, C.219) limits or blocks such access. Drawing on survey data from a random sample of 1,000 RSOs in New Jersey, responses from 107 RSOs show significant levels of stress, significant losses due to restrictions on Internet access, and coping methods associated with higher and lower stress levels. The most significant loss reported by the sample related to employment search difficulties. Factors associated with increased levels of stress include using self-distraction for coping and not accepting the situation. Surprisingly, being forced to move because of financial reasons is associated with lower levels of stress.
Cryocooled sapphire oscillator with ultrahigh stability

We present test results and design details for the first short-term frequency standard to achieve ultrahigh stability without the use of liquid helium. With refrigeration provided by a commercial cryocooler, the compensated sapphire oscillator (10 K CSO) makes available the superior short-term stability and phase noise performance of cryogenic oscillators without periodic interruptions for cryogen replacement. Technical features of the 10 K CSO include use of a two-stage cryocooler with vibration isolation by helium gas at atmospheric pressure, and a new sapphire/ruby resonator design giving compensated operation at 8 K to 10 K with Q=(1-2)/spl times/10/sup 9/. Stability of the first unit shows an Allan deviation of /spl sigma//sub y//spl les/2.5/spl times/10/sup -15/ for measuring times of 200 s/spl les//spl tau//spl les/600 s. We also present results showing the capability of the 10 K CSO to eliminate local oscillator degradation for atomic frequency standards. Configured as local oscillator (L.O.) for the LITS-7 trapped mercury ion frequency standard, the CSO/LITS combination demonstrated a limiting performance of 3.0/spl times/10/sup -14///spl tau//sup 1/2/, the lowest value measured to date for a passive atomic frequency standard, and virtually identical to the value calculated from photon statistics.
Bounding Worst-Case Response Times of Tasks under PIP

Schedulability theory in real-time systems requires prior knowledge of the worst-case execution time (WCET) of every task in the system. One method to determine the WCET is known as static timing analysis. Determination of the priorities among tasks in such a system requires a scheduling policy, which could be either preemptive or non-preemptive. While static timing analysis and data cache analysis are simplified by using a fully non-preemptive scheduling policy,it results in decreased schedulability. In prior work, a methodology was proposed to bound the data-cache related delay for real-time tasks that, beside having anon-preemptive region (critical section), can otherwise be scheduled preemptively.While the prior approach improves schedulability in comparison to fully non-preemptive methods, it is still conservative in its approach due to its fundamental assumption that a task executing in a critical section may not be preempted by any other task. In this paper, we propose a methodology that incorporates resource sharing policies such as the Priority Inheritance Protocol(PIP) into the calculation of data-cache related delay. In this approach, access to shared resources, which is the primary reason for critical sections within tasks, is controlled by the resource sharing policy. In addition to maintaining correctness of access, such policies strive to limit resource access conflicts,thereby improving the responsiveness of tasks.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first framework that integrates data-cache related delay calculations with resource sharing policies in the context of real-time systems.
Region scheduling: efficiently using the cache architectures via page-level affinity

The performance of modern many-core platforms strongly depends on the effectiveness of using their complex cache and memory structures. This indicates the need for a memory-centric approach to platform scheduling, in which it is the locations of memory blocks in caches rather than CPU idleness that determines where application processes are run. Using the term 'memory region' to denote the current set of physical memory pages actively used by an application, this paper presents and evaluates region-based scheduling methods for multicore platforms. This involves (i) continuously and at runtime identifying the memory regions used by executable entities, and their sizes, (ii) mapping these regions to caches to match performance goals, and (iii) maintaining region to cache mappings by ensuring that entities run on processors with direct access to the caches containing their regions. Region scheduling can implement policies that (i) offer improved performance to applications by 'unifying' the multiple caches present on the underlying physical machine and/or by 'balancing' cache usage to take maximum advantage of available cache space, (ii) better isolate applications from each other, particularly when their performance is strongly affected by cache availability, and also (iii) take advantage of standard scheduling and CPU-based load balancing when regioning is ineffective. The paper describes region scheduling and its system-level implementation and evaluates its performance with micro-benchmarks and representative multi-core applications. Single applications see performance improvements of up to 15% with region scheduling, and we observe 40% latency improvements when a platform is shared by multiple applications. Superior isolation is shown to be particularly important for cache-sensitive or real-time codes.
Progressive hemodynamic and acid-base alterations in an ovine model of IUGR of different severity

OVINE MODEL OF IUGR OF DIFFERENT SEVERITY HENRY L. GALAN, BARBRA DEVRIJER, ALESSANDRA PADOAN, ENRICO FERRAZZI, RUSSELL V. ANTHONY, RANDALL B. WILKENING, TIMOTHY R.H. REGNAULT, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Denver, CO Erasmus University Medical Centre, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands University of Milan, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Milan, Italy University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Pediatrics, Aurora, CO OBJECTIVE: Hyperthermia (HT) in ovine pregnancy raises core body temperature (CBT) and induces severe IUGR if the CBT response is rapid (HTR) or intermediate IUGR (HT-I) if the CBTrise is slow. The aim of the study was to compare hemodynamic and acid-base values among control, HT-R, and HT-I sheep. STUDY DESIGN: 12 pregnant ewes exposed to HT from 35-115 days’ gestation (dGA) resulted in 8 HT-R and 4 HT-I ewes. These and 8 control ewes had an umbilical artery (UA)Doppler (S/D ratio) exam and fetal aortic catheter placement prior to sacrifice at 135 dGA. Fetal endpoints were compared among the 3 groups with regression and ANOVA: fetal weight, S/D ratio, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and UA gases. RESULTS: See Table below. No differences were found for HR, pCO2, or Hgb. S/D ratio changes showed a continuous and significant increase with decreasing weight. BP, pH, pCO2, & SaO2 in control and HT-I were similar, but both were different fromHT-R. An inflection point was detected at 2000 g, below which these values drop precipitously. CONCLUSION: UA Doppler shows that vascular changes occur continuously across groups, while gas tensions remain stable until about < 2000 g, at which point there is impending vascular collapse.
Solitons and polarization mode dispersion

Summary form only given. Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is an effect that will present increasingly greater challenges to fiber communications as the bit-rates are raised. Several papers have dealt with the effect of first order polarization mode dispersion (FOPMD) on the propagation of solitons. The solitons in this case are of the Manakov type of polarization, that changes during propagation. The two pulse components along the two principal polarizations experience an attractive force due to the index-well produced by the Kerr effect. This attractive force counteracts the effect of PMD.
CORPORATELY SPONSORED REDEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNS AND THE DEMOGRAPHIC STABILITY OF URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS: ST. LOUIS RE-REVISITED

: Much popular speculation and scientific thinking continues to hold that inner-city neighborhoods cannot be redeveloped in a manner that is congenial to a broad array of interests and people. Lower income and minority citizens are not supposed to find a permanent place in redeveloped neighborhoods, especially, perhaps, when the rebuilding process is influenced strongly by corporations with a stake in the area being rehabilitated. This reassessment of five redevelopment campaigns in Saint Louis affirms that rebuilding sponsored by businesses and nonprofit institutions and aided by government agencies can attract and hold persons from different backgrounds, stages of life, and social classes. Maintaining a racial mix of people that is proportionate to their representation in the general population much less skewed toward becoming whiter is difficult, however.
Religiosity, internalized homonegativity and outness in Christian men who have sex with men

When exposed to their congregations' negative views of homosexuality, Christian men who have sex with men frequently struggle to reconcile their religious and sexual identities, possibly contributing to negative emotional states and behaviors associated with HIV/STI infection. To examine the influence of religiousity on internalized homonegativity and outness among Christian men who have sex with men, we used survey data from 1,165 men who answered questions about their religious beliefs and sexual behavior. We stratified participants based on religious affiliation groupings: Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical Protestant. After using confirmatory factor analysis to verify that the selected measures of religiosity were equivalent between groups, we used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between religiosity, internalized homonegativity, and outness. Among Catholics and Mainline Protestants, religiosity was not associated with internalized homonegativy or outness. However, among Evangelical Protestants-a group more likely to ascribe to religious fundamentalism-increased religiosity was associated with increased internalized homonegativity, which contributed to decreased outness. Our findings suggest that mental health providers and sexuality educators should be more concerned about the influence of religiosity on internalized homonegativity and outness when clients have a history of affiliation with Evangelical Protestant faiths more so than Catholic or Mainline Protestant faiths.
Expression of the Caudal-Type Homeodomain Transcription Factors CDX 1/2 and Outcome in Carcinomas of the Ampulla of Vater

Purpose Adenocarcinomas of the ampulla of Vater demonstrate a characteristic histology but vary significantly in outcome. As a consequence, prognostic factors for these cancers are poorly defined. The caudal-type homeodomain transcription factors 1 (CDX1) and 2 (CDX2) regulate axial development and intestinal differentiation. We assessed the expression of these putative intestinal epithelial-specific transcription factors and their influence on patient outcome. Patients and Methods Fifty-three resected carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater, 31 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, and 15 extrahepatic biliary carcinomas were analyzed for CDX1 and CDX2 expression using immunohistochemistry. Results Forty percent of carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater but less than 5% of pancreatic and biliary adenocarcinomas expressed CDX. Expression of CDX was associated with a better prognosis (P = .0009). Individually, both CDX1 (P = .02) and CDX2 (P = .02) expression were associated with a survival advantage on univariate anal...
HCI and new media arts: methodology and evaluation

Successful collaborations between New Media Arts and HCI tend to develop hybrid techniques that promote balanced contributions from both disciplines. However, since many of these collaborations are one-off or highly dependent on the researchers/artists involved, systematic discussions of the role and impact of the various evaluation techniques and methodologies are missing. This workshop is aimed at practitioners from both HCI and the Arts as a venue to discuss the contribution that one another's techniques have made to their own practice, evaluate critical issues in HCI/New Media Collaboration, and examine ways that existing approaches can be extended for a deeper role in practice, design, and research.
Amino acid transport systems in animal cells: interrelations and energization.

After summarizing the discrimination of the several transport systems for neutral amino acids in the cell of the higher animal, I discuss here the ways in which 2 dissimilar transport systems interact, so that one tends to run torward for net entry and the other backwards for net exodus. An evaluation of the proposals for energization shows that uphill transport continues when neither alkali-ion gradients nor ATP levels are favorable. Evidence is presented that under these conditions a major contribution is made by another mode of energization, which may depend on the fueling of an oxidoreductase in the plasma membrane. This fueling may involve the export by the mitochondrion of the reducing equivalents of NADH by one of the known shuttles, e.g., the malate-aspartate shuttle. After depletion of the energy reserves in the Ehrlich cell by treating it with dinitrophenol plus iodoacetate concentrative uptake of test amino acids is restored by pyruvate, but in poor correlation with the restoration of alkali-ion gradients and ATP levels. This restoration by pyruvate but not by glucose is highly sensitive to rotenone. A combination of phenazine methosulfate and ascorbate will also produce transport restoration, before either the alkali-ion gradients or ATP levels have begun to rise. The restoration of transport applies to a model amino acid entering by the Na+-independent system, as well as to one entering by the principal Na+-dependent system, restoration being blocked by ouabain, despite the weak effect of ouabain on the alkali-ion gradients in the Ehrlich cell. Quinacrine terminates very quickly the uptake of model amino acids, before the alkali-ion gradients have begun to fall and before the ATP level has been halved. Quinacrine is also effective in blocking restoration of uphill transport by either pyruvate or the phenazine reagent. Preliminary results show that vesicles prepared from the plasma membrane of the Ehrlich cell quickly reduce cytochrome c or ferricyanide in the presence of NADH, and that the distribution of a test amino acid between the vesicle and its environment is influenced by NADH, quinacrine, and an uncoupling agent in ways consistent with the above proposal, assuming that a majority of the vesicles are everted.