cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thio-NADP is not an antagonist of NAADP

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a metabolite of NADP, which can release Ca2+ from stores that are distinct from those activated by either cyclic ADP-ribose or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). It has previously been suggested that thio-NADP is a specific antagonist of NAADP (Chini et al. [1995]J. Biol. Chem. 270, 3216–3223). Its effects in sea-urchin egg homogenates were investigated. At 50 μM, thio-NADP activates partial Ca2+ release and totally inhibits subsequent challenge with a saturating concentration of NAADP. Purification by HPLC eliminates the Ca2+ releasing activity of 50 μM thio-NADP and reduces the subsequent inhibition by 73.7±1.3%. The residual inhibitory effect is no more than that exerted by 50 μM of either NADP itself or nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAAD). These results are confirmed by32P-NAADP binding studies. Unpurified thio-NADP inhibits the specific32P-NAADP binding to egg microsomes with an IC50 of 40 μM. After HPLC purification, only 20% inhibition is seen at a concentration as high as 50 μM, similar to the extent of inhibition effected by 40 μM NADP. These results indicate the inhibitory substance in thio-NADP is a contaminant. The partial Ca2+ release activity of unpurified thio-NADP suggests the contaminant is NAADP itself. This is supported by the fact that pretreatment with a subthreshold concentration of only 2 nM NAADP totally desensitizes the egg homogenates such that no Ca2+ response is seen with saturating NAADP. Estimation from the binding studies shows that a contamination of 0.012% of NAADP in the unpurified thio-NADP samples is sufficient to account for the inhibitory effects. These results indicate thio-NADP is not an antagonist of NAADP.
Broad Thermal Tolerance of the Symbiotic Dinoflagellate Symbiodinium muscatinei (Dinophyta) in the Sea Anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Cnidaria) from Northern Latitudes

The sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt) hosts two species of symbiotic dinoflagellates, known as zooxanthellae, which coexist within the host at southern latitudes only. One of these species, Symbiodinium muscatinei LaJeunesse et Trench, has a broad latitudinal distribution, occurring in intertidal anemones from Washington state to Southern California. To investigate whether high thermal tolerance contributes to the ability of S. muscatinei to inhabit anemones from northern and southern regions, the upper thermal tolerance limit for photosynthesis of symbionts in northern (48°24′ N) populations of A. elegantissima was determined by subjecting anemones to a gradual increase in temperature from 12°C to 30°C over a 10-week period. Light-saturated photosynthetic rates of isolated zooxanthellae were the same over the range of 12°C–24°C and declined significantly at 26°C, which is 14°C and 5°C above average summertime seawater temperatures in northern Puget Sound and Southern California, respectively. At 28°C, zooxanthellae isolated from the anemones, and those expelled by their hosts, exhibited extremely low rates of photosynthesis and highly reduced chl content. The photosynthetic rates and chl content of expelled zooxanthellae were lower than those of retained zooxanthellae. The high thermal tolerance of S. muscatinei isolated from northern populations of anemones supports the broad latitudinal distribution of this symbiont, allowing it to coexist with S. californium (#383, Banaszak et al. 1993) in southern populations of anemones.
Sox1 acts through multiple independent pathways to promote neurogenesis.

Abstract Although Sox1, Sox2, and Sox3 are all part of the Sox-B1 group of transcriptional regulators, only Sox1 appears to play a direct role in neural cell fate determination and differentiation. We find that overexpression of Sox1 but not Sox2 or Sox3 in cultured neural progenitor cells is sufficient to induce neuronal lineage commitment. Sox1 binds directly to the Hes1 promoter and suppresses Hes1 transcription, thus attenuating Notch signaling. Sox1 also binds to β-catenin and suppresses β-catenin-mediated TCF/LEF signaling, thus potentially attenuating the wnt signaling pathway. The C-terminus of Sox1 is required for both of these interactions. Sox1 also promotes exit of cells from cell cycle and up-regulates transcription of the proneural bHLH transcription factor neurogenin1 (ngn1). These observations suggest that Sox1 works through multiple independent pathways to promote neuronal cell fate determination and differentiation.
Stationary Two‐State Variable Problems in Stochastic Mechanics

A numerical procedure is presented for the solution of stationary two‐state Markov‐process problems with a single source. The proposed solution method is an efficient splitting technique that combines finite element and finite difference methods to take advantage of the specific form of the governing differential equation. A standard one‐dimensional finite element technique using linear interpolation and weighting functions is used to determine the solution for each row, while a variable‐weighted finite difference scheme is used to step in the other direction. This method is then illustrated by determining the stationary response of the Duffing oscillator and the statistical moments of the time to reach a critical crack size for the stochastic fatigue crack growth problem. Excellent comparisons are shown between this method, previous analytical studies, and experimental results with a significant reduction in computer processing time and storage.
Women, the welfare state, and their transnational dimension: The case of Mexico's community health worker programs

Feminist scholarship has shown that the welfare state is not only a set of agencies and policies to distribute services, but is engaged in the promotion of normative concepts of the female through its structural arrangements and the content of its programs and policies. Yet, this scholarship conceptualizes the state as a national entity and free from external influences, ignoring its transnational dimension. States are embedded in an international network consisting of other states, international agencies, and corporations that influence the practices and discursive frame of the welfare state. To uncover the process by which the welfare state institutionalizes and promotes female identities and the transnational dimension of this process, the author analyzes the case of community health worker programs conducted by the Mexican state from the 1970s to the early 1990s. The analysis corroborates the gender practices of the welfare state and suggests a reconceptualization that takes into account the transnational dimension of the state practices. The implications for feminist theories on the welfare state and for analyses of health promotion policies and programs are discussed.
The amino acids and their deaminating systems present in human saliva.

Abstract 1. 1. The free ammonia content of saliva from caries-free and caries-active individuals has not been proved to be significantly different. 2. 2. The source of ammonia nitrogen is not entirely urea; amino acids in saliva contribute to its formation. 3. 3. At least eleven amino acids have been shown to be present in human saliva by using microbiologic procedures. 4. 4. Values are reported for these acids in the saliva of three groups classified according to caries activity. 5. 5. There is as yet no apparent correlation between the amount of these substances present in the saliva and caries activity.
Normovolemic hemodilution before cesarean hysterectomy for placenta percreta

Background Placenta percreta can create life-threatening hemorrhage at the time of delivery. The additional challenge of patient refusal of blood transfusion for religious reasons requires the use of comprehensive blood-conserving strategies. Case A Jehovah's Witness with two previous cesarean deliveries and a placenta previa was diagnosed antenatally as having placenta percreta. Acute normovolemic hemodilution was performed in conjunction with cesarean hysterectomy with no maternal or fetal side effects. Conclusion Acute normovolemic hemodilution can be used safely in the pregnant woman at high risk for excessive intraoperative blood loss and should be considered in obstetric patients who strictly adhere to religious convictions prohibiting the acceptance of blood products.
The asymptotic number of (0,1)-matrices with zero permanent

It is shown that Z"n/n.2^n^^^2^ ^-^ ^n^ ^+^ ^1->1, where Z"n is the number of n x n (0,1)-matrices with zero permanent.
Innovation-directed experiential learning using service blueprints

An analysis of hiring patterns showed emerging trends: the complexity of information technology (IT) is shifting from development to post-deployment and integration needed for services. Given the complexity of deployed service systems, generated big data, and the national dialogue on educating engineers, we asked ourselves related questions. Do our graduate students have evaluation skills needed to work at the most advanced level of Bloom's taxonomy? Can they learn to frame and solve the problems within complex industry environments while applying the current research? How do we structure a graduate curriculum and an environment that provides experiences in innovation within the constraints of the academic calendar? Here we present an interdisciplinary curriculum comprised of three components: a service interaction blueprint for framing the industry problem, agile principles focusing on aspects of the solution, and Christensen's theory-building to frame the next iteration of research. The environment for industry problems was created through an National Science Funded Industry & University Cooperative Research Center. The feedback from a pilot graduate-level class is positive and provides insights for further research. We show through feedback discussions that it is possible to have translational activity at the industry-university enterprise boundary resourced in by advanced experiential learning.
Electrocardiographic criteria to differentiate acute anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction from left ventricular aneurysm.

Abstract Background ST elevation (STE) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) may be due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or other nonischemic pathologies such as left ventricular aneurysm (LVA). The objective of this study was to validate 2 previously derived ECG rules to distinguish AMI from LVA. The first rule states that if the sum of T-wave amplitudes in leads V1 to V4 divided by the sum of QRS amplitudes in leads V1 to V4 is greater than 0.22, then acute ST-segment elevation MI is predicted. The second rule states that if any 1 lead (V1-V4) has a T-wave amplitude to QRS amplitude ratio greater than or equal to 0.36, then acute ST-segment elevation MI is predicted. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of patients with AMI (n = 59) and LVA (n = 16) who presented with ischemic symptoms and STE on the ECG. For each ECG, the T-wave amplitude and QRS amplitude in leads V1 to V4 were measured. These measurements were applied to the 2 ECG rules; and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting AMI vs LVA were calculated. Results For rule 1 (sum of ratios in V1-V4), sensitivity was 91.5%, specificity was 68.8%, and accuracy was 86.7% in predicting AMI. For rule 2 (maximum ratio in V1-V4), sensitivity was 91.5%, specificity was 81.3%, and accuracy was 89.3% in predicting AMI. Conclusions When patients present to the emergency department with ischemic symptoms and the differential diagnosis for STE on the ECG is AMI vs LVA, these 2 ECG rules may be helpful in differentiating these 2 pathologies. Both rules are highly sensitive and accurate in predicting AMI vs LVA.
Further Studies on in vitro Development of Eimeria bovis and Attempts to Obtain Second-Generation Schizonts*

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria bovis merozoites occurred in tissue culture medium removed from Leighton tube cultures of embryonic bovine tracheal cells beginning 12-14 days after inoculation with 270,000-369,000 sporozoites per tube. The number of merozoites produced in these cultures increased daily until a peak was reached 18-21 days after inoculation. In 3 experiments an average of 2.0–15.6 million merozoites per tube was produced during the 20-day observation period. When such merozoites were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored 26–42 days, some were motile upon thawing. These merozoites as well as others freshly obtained from cell cultures and from calves were inoculated into 11 different types of cultured mammalian cells including primary, cell line and established cell line cultures. Some merozoites were exposed to substances normally found in the lumen of the gut, before or at the time of inoculation. Altho small numbers of intracellular merozoites were found, no further development was observed. Gametocytes were observed in the cecum of a calf 4 days after merozoites from cell cultures were introduced into a ligated cecum of the calf.
Site energies for π-electron models of conjugated polymers

Abstract Inductive effects, or site energies, extend π-electron models to diverse conjugation patterns in polymers. Site-energies increase the optical gap of polythiophene (PT) but decrease it in polydiacetylenes (PDAs). They also model interactions with ionized dopants or with polarizable side groups. In models of noninteracting π-electrons, site-energy and electron-phonon (e-p) contributions are readily combined.
Degradation of selected halogenated ethanes in anoxic sediment-water systems

The degradation of selected halogenated ethanes was studied in anoxic sediment-water suspensions at 1 to 20% sediment concentrations. Batch kinetic experiments were used to quantify decay. Eh measurements of all suspensions were below -100 mV (vs SHE), indicating reduced environmental conditions. Hexachloroethane (HCA), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TTCA), 1,2-diiodoethane (DIA) and 1,2-dibromoethane (DBA) were degraded within minutes to days, but 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) remained in the system through 35 d, at which point the study was ended. The major route of transformation of these compounds in this system was vicinal dehalogenation. Rates of disappearance followed pseudo-first-order kinetics at low reactant concentrations and high sediment concentration. The order of reactivity in the same sediment sample followed the sequence, HCA ⋍ DIA > DBA > TTCA > DCA.
Properties of inhibitors of methane hydrate formation via molecular dynamics simulations.

Within the framework of a proposed two-step mechanism for hydrate inhibition, the energy of binding of four inhibitor molecules (PEO, PVP, PVCap, and VIMA) to a hydrate surface is estimated with molecular dynamic simulations. One key feature of this proposed mechanism is that the binding of an inhibitor molecule to the surface of an ensuing hydrate crystal disrupts growth and therein crystallization. It is found through the molecular dynamic simulations that inhibitor molecules that experimentally exhibit better inhibition strength also have higher free energies of binding, an indirect confirmation of our proposed mechanism. Inhibitors increasing in effectiveness, PEO < PVP < PVCap < VIMA, have increasingly negative (exothermic) binding energies of −0.2 < −20.6 < −37.5 < −45.8 kcal/mol and binding free energies of increasing favorability (+0.4 ≈ +0.5 < −9.4 < −15.1 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the effect of an inhibitor molecule on the local liquid water structure under hydrate-forming conditions was examined ...
Measurements of hydrocarbon air-surface exchange rates over maize

Vertical gradients of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured over a maize (Zea mays) field, in its early growth period, during May 1995, in the Lower Coastal Plains of North Carolina. These measurements were combined with micrometeorological flux measurements to determine emission flux measurements for various VOCs. This measurement program was part of project NOVA (Natural emissions of Oxidant precursors: Validation of techniques and Assessment) to estimate the flux of VOCs. Average emissions of VOCs (and standard error) was estimated to be 49007700mg/m 2 /h out of which emission for methanol averaged (34507420)mg/m 2 /h. A methanol emission rate of 35mg/g/h was calculated for maize from the estimated emission of methanol and biomass density for the site. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Phosphate Inhibitors and Red Water in Stagnant Iron Pipes

This four-year study evaluated the effect of phosphate inhibitors on the corrosion of iron pipes under extended stagnant water conditions. Study parameters included pH and alkalinity, age of the pipe, water stagnation time, and inhibitor type. For iron release, addition of phosphate inhibitors had no statistically significant effect (at 95% confidence) in two-thirds of the experiments. In the remaining experiments, addition of orthophosphate or zinc orthophosphate always increased iron concentration. Polyphosphate addition decreased iron release at only one water quality and increased it at other conditions. For weight loss, polyphosphate inhibitor dosing did not decrease the extent of scale buildup or overall weight loss. Orthophosphate dosing reduced overall weight loss at only one water quality condition; at all other conditions, the addition of orthophosphate had a detrimental effect.
Clinical utility of percent prostate needle biopsy tissue with cancer cutpoints to risk stratify patients before radical prostatectomy.

Objectives. The percentage of total prostate needle biopsy tissue with cancer was previously found to be a stronger predictor of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) than either biopsy Gleason score or serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). To improve our ability to predict preoperatively the risk of biochemical recurrence after RP, we sought to determine the cutpoints of the percentage of biopsy tissue with cancer to separate patients into low, intermediate, or high-risk groups. We then examined whether we could further stratify low, intermediate, and high-risk groups (on the basis of the PSA level and biopsy Gleason score) using the percentage of prostate needle biopsy tissue with cancer. Methods. A single pathologist reviewed the prostate needle biopsy specimens of 217 men who underwent RP between 1991 and 2001. Biopsy specimens were examined for Gleason score and the percentage of total biopsy tissue with cancer. Cutpoints were identified to define patients with differing risk of biochemical recurrence after RP. These cutpoints were applied to low, intermediate, and high-risk patients, on the basis of PSA and biopsy Gleason score, to determine whether preoperative risk stratification could be improved. Results. Using the cutpoints for the percentage of prostate needle biopsy tissue with cancer of less than 20% (low risk), 20% to less than 55% (intermediate risk), and 55% or greater (high risk), patients were separated into three groups with differing risks of biochemical failure after RP (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to 2.77, P <0.001). These cutpoints further stratified patients with an intermediate (P = 0.002) or high risk (P = 0.05) of biochemical failure (on the basis of the PSA and biopsy Gleason score). However, these cutpoints provided no improvement in risk stratification for patients who were at low risk (P = 0.501) of biochemical failure (on the basis of PSA and biopsy Gleason score). Conclusions. The percentage of total prostate needle biopsy tissue with cancer can be used to stratify patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups preoperatively for biochemical recurrence after RP. These cutpoints could further stratify patients preoperatively who were at intermediate or high risk of biochemical failure on the basis of PSA and biopsy Gleason score.
P03.15. Myo-inositol for Comorbid Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder: Promise and Pitfalls

Focus Areas: Integrative Approaches to Care, Pediatrics, Mental Health Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, consists of often recurrent and severe mood episodes. Roughly 1% of children are diagnosed with bipolar disorder; the prevalence doubles in adulthood. The intense mood swings and periods of depression contribute to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder, which ranks seventh among worldwide causes of nonfatal disease burden. Patients with bipolar disorder commit suicide at a rate that is nearly 25 times that of the general population. The adverse effects—cognitive, functional, substance abuse rates—are exacerbated by co-occurring illnesses. Half of pediatric bipolar disorder patients have an anxiety disorder and thus a worse clinical outcome. With worsened morbidity and higher suicide risk, the treatment of anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder is imperative; however, options are limited, especially in youth. Benzodiazepines have not been efficacious in pediatric anxiety disorder trials and carry the risk of addiction, sedation, and adverse cognitive effects. The mainstays of pharmacological treatment are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although generally well-tolerated, long-term medication side effects have not been researched extensively in youth. Also, SSRIs carry a blackbox FDA warning, and many providers are concerned about the risks of switching patients with bipolar disorder into a manic state. In this setting, myo-inositol, a natural structural isomer of glucose, is a promising treatment option that is both naturally derived and generally well tolerated. It has been shown to be useful in the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic with similar efficacy to SSRIs. This poster outlines the clinical utility of myo-inositol for the treatment of anxiety in youths with bipolar disorder. Treatment strategies, limitations, and clinical outcomes are discussed both through treatment experiences and a review of the literature. Further avenues for research also are explored.
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: Early diastolic relaxation and late diastolic compliance

The fundamental importance of cardiac filling in regulating performance of the heart was recognized by Starling (I) early in this century. Development of comprehensive ventricular function curves by Sarnoff and others (la,2) beginning in the 1950s focused attention on the role of ventricular compliance in influencing cardiac pump performance by determining the left ventricular end-diastolic volume at any given level of end-diastolic pressure. However, evaluation of cardiac diastolic function under clinical circumstances remained impractical until the l97Os, when noninvasive methods for evaluation of left ventricular filling were introduced. Digitized M-mode echocardiography (3) radionuclide angiography (4) and Doppler echocardiography (5) have all been used to evaluate normal left ventricular diastolic filling and to detect abnormalities in a wide range of heart diseases (3-9). Because of the ease with which Doppler echocardiographic measurements of transmitral flow during early diastole (E velocity) and atrial systole (A velocity) can be used to calculate the E/A ratio as a single index of diastolic performance, this method has become most popular for clinical detection of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. In keeping with the fundamental role of ventricular compliance in determining cardiac pump performance, depression of the Doppler E/A ratio or of peak left ventricular filling rates is commonly interpreted by clinicians and investigators alike as a manifestation of impaired ventricular compliance (IO,1 I). Despite the attractiveness of this straightforward view of ventricular diastolic performance, extensive research indicates that it is not correct (12-15). Far from being a simple consequence of chamber or myocardial compliance, left
Metabolism and utilization of cholesterol-4-C14 for growth and reproduction of aseptically reared houseflies, Musca domestica L.

Abstract Housefly larvae, Musca domestica L., were reared aseptically on a synthetic diet containing cholesterol-4-C 14 as the only sterol source. The uptake of cholesterol by the larvae doubled between 2 and 4 days of age reaching a maximum of about 10 μg per larva. Cholesterol accumulated in the tissues at a rate that exceeded body weight increase, and the carry-over of larval sterols to the adults was nearly quantitative, confirming the importance of sterol storage in the larval stage. Minor losses occurred prior to pupation, possibly due to gut clearance, and at eclosion with small amounts of sterols remaining in the puparia. The adults were fed on a sterol-free diet to study the utilization of the larval sterols for oogenesis. Sterols were initially incorporated into the eggs at 0·96 μg/mg, but this concentration decreased rapidly with succeeding ovipositions. However, hatchability was not significantly affected until the concentrations reached 0·25 μg/mg. Females that survived several ovipositions lost about two-thirds of their total sterols. Esterification of sterols was very minor during larval growth, but increased appreciably in the pupae and adults and was greatest in the first batches of eggs. Dehydrogenation of cholesterol to 7-dehydrocholesterol was not significant in any stage except the reproducing females and the eggs. The steady decline of total sterols in succeeding batches of eggs was accompanied by a decrease in the percentage of sterol esters and an increase in 7-dehydrocholesterol.
Fast Neutron Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Final Report of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Randomized Clinical Trial

Between June 1977 and April 1983 the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) sponsored a Phase III randomized trial investigating the use of fast neutron radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced (Stages C and D1) adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland. Patients were randomized to receive either conventional photon radiation or fast neutron radiation used in a mixed-beam (neutron/photon) treatment schedule. A total of 91 analyzable patients were entered into the study, and the two patient groups were balanced with respect to the major prognostic variables. Actuarial curves are presented for local/regional control and "overall" survival. Ten-year results for clinically assessed local control are 70% for the mixed-beam group versus 58% for the photon group (p = 0.03) and for survival are 46% for the mixed-beam group versus 29% for the photon group (p = 0.04). This study suggests that a regional method of treatment can influence both local tumor control and survival in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland.
Insights from a Toy Model of Calcium Channels on Sieving Experiments and Eisenman Sequences

A simplified model of a calcium channel is used to re-evaluate interpretations of both sieving experiments and Eisenman selectivity sequences in calcium channels. In the model channel, the carboxyl groups of the calcium channel selectivity filter are approximated as a homogeneous liquid of half-charged oxygens (two for each carboxyl group) separated from the bath by a semipermeable membrane that allows permeating ions into the selectivity filter, but does not allow the oxygens to leave the filter. Sieving experiments are usually interpreted with the logic that the physical diameter of a channel is equivalent to the largest particle that will go through that channel. However, our model has no radial geometric constraints, but still produces results that show net flux of ions quickly dropping to zero as the ions increase in diameter. These results indicate that forces like crowding of ions in the pore act on large ions that keep them from entering the channel. These forces are related to the pore diameter, but the results of the experiments should not be interpreted as indicating the pore diameter directly. We also used this simplified model to attempt to discern why the 11 Eisenman selectivity sequences are the only ones that have been observed. By altering the dielectric constant of the selectivity filter (and thereby the penalties for shedding waters of hydration), as well as oxygen concentration within the channel, we observed the circumstances under which each Eisenman sequence appears. We also observed a small number of non-Eisenman sequences.
On scheduling vehicle-roadside data access

As vehicular networks become popular, more and more people want to access data from their vehicles. When many vehicles want to access data through a roadside unit, data scheduling becomes an important issue. In this paper, we identify some challenges in vehicle-roadside data access. As vehicles move pretty fast, the requests should be served quickly. Also, vehicles may upload data to the roadside unit, and hence the download and upload requests compete for the same bandwidth. To address these challenges, we propose several scheduling schemes. We first propose a basic scheduling scheme called D*S to consider both service deadline and data size. We then enhance it by using a single broadcast to serve multiple requests. Finally, we identify the effects of upload requests on data quality, and propose a Two-Step scheduling scheme to provide a balance between serving download and update requests. Simulation results show that the Two-Step scheduling scheme outperforms other scheduling schemes.
Field Emission Study of Carbon Nanotubes: High Current Density From Nanotube Bundle Arrays

We have investigated the field emission behavior of lithographically patterned bundles of multiwalled carbon nanotubes arranged in a variety of array geometries. Such arrays of nanotube bundles are found to perform significantly better in field emission than arrays of isolated nanotubes or dense, continuous mats of nanotubes, with the field emission performance depending on the bundle diameter and inter-bundle spacing. Arrays of 2-micrometers diameter nanotube bundles spaced 5 micrometers apart (edge-to-edge spacing) produced the largest emission densities, routinely giving 1.5 to 1.8 A/cm(sup 2) at approximately 4 V/micrometer electric field, and greater than 6 A/cm(sup 2) at 20 V/micrometers.
Unusual gray whale Eschrichtius robustus feeding in the summer of 2005 off the central Oregon Coast

[1] The climate of the North Pacific underwent an unusual event in the summer of 2005 with a very late spring transition. This event had profound effects on both resident gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) and their food source, mysids, off Depoe Bay, Oregon. Near bottom swarms of gray whales' major prey item, Holmesimysis sculpta, were sparse until August, a marked contrast to normal years when mysid swarms are abundant all summer. A large percentage of mysid females had empty brood pouches in 2005 while in 2003 and 2004 all observed females had full brood pouches. Gray whales spent little time foraging and spent fewer days in residence than in earlier years. The 2005 resident whales also showed signs of poor body condition, reflecting a nutritional deficit.
Phase equilibria in the YBCuO system and melt processing of Ag clad Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x tapes at reduced oxygen partial pressures

Abstract We have undertaken phase-stability studies of Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x(+Ag) and BaCu2O2 (+Ag) over the temperature range 780°C–950°C and oxygen partial pressure range 1.0 × 10 −6 –2.0 × 10 −1 atm. Ag was found to have no effect on the thermodynamic stability of either phase. Partial melting of YBCO was found at temperatures as low as 800°C ± 10°C, with significant peritectic melting at temperatures as low as 900°C ± 10°C. These thermochemical studies have enabled us to determine the optimum conditions for reduced temperature and pressure (RTP) processing of Ag clad Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x pellets and tapes. The classic domain structure with strong texturing over short lengths was produced in samples melt processed by controlling oxygen partial pressure at a fixed temperature. The RTP method has the advantage that the second phase Y2BaCuO5 particle size can be controlled. Moreover, the technique offers the promise of long lengths of flexible Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x tapes with high current carrying capability.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies using the change in cervical length over time

Objective We sought to evaluate the change in cervical length (CL) as a predictor of preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies. Study Design We studied a historical cohort of 121 twin pregnancies with CL testing between 18-24 weeks who had a follow-up CL 2-6 weeks after the initial CL. Results A total of 19 patients had their CL decrease by ≥20% (shortened CL group) and 102 patients' CL decreased by less, or not at all (stable CL group). The shortened CL group had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous preterm birth Conclusion In twin pregnancies, a CL that decreases by 20% over 2 measurements is a significant predictor of very preterm birth, even in the setting of a normal CL. Serial CL measurements should be considered in twin pregnancies, starting
Map-based cloning of the tomato genomic region that spans the Sw-5 tospovirus resistance gene in tomato

Two yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) containing genomic DNA from tomato have been isolated using CT220, an RFLP marker which is tightly linked to the tomato spotted wilt virus resistance gene, Sw-5. High-resolution mapping of the YAC ends and internal YAC probes demonstrated that one of the YAC clones, TY257 (400 kb), spans Sw-5. By chromosome walking in a cosmid library, the position of Sw-5 has been delimited within the YAC to a maximal chromosomal segment of 100 kb, spanned by nine overlapping cosmid clones.
Multi-step Rhodopsin Inactivation Schemes Can Account for the Size Variability of Single Photon Responses in Limulus Ventral Photoreceptors

Limulus ventral photoreceptors generate highly variable responses to the absorption of single photons. We have obtained data on the size distribution of these responses, derived the distribution predicted from simple transduction cascade models and compared the theory and data. In the simplest of models, the active state of the visual pigment (defined by its ability to activate G protein) is turned off in a single reaction. The output of such a cascade is predicted to be highly variable, largely because of stochastic variation in the number of G proteins activated. The exact distribution predicted is exponential, but we find that an exponential does not adequately account for the data. The data agree much better with the predictions of a cascade model in which the active state of the visual pigment is turned off by a multi-step process.
A rat model of chronic gastric sensorimotor dysfunction resulting from transient neonatal gastric irritation.

Background & Aims: Although several pathophysiologic abnormalities have been noted in functional dyspepsia (FD), their pathogenesis is poorly understood. We hypothesized that chronic gastric hypersensitivity and gastric motor dysfunction seen in FD patients can be modeled in rats by transient gastric irritation during the neonatal period, a time of known neuronal vulnerability to long-term plasticity. Methods: Ten-day-old male rats received 0.2 mL 0.1% iodoacetamide (IA) in 2% sucrose daily by oral gavages for 6 days; controls received 2% sucrose. Rats in both groups were then followed to adulthood (8–10 weeks) at which point behavioral, visceromotor, and great splanchnic nerve responses to graded gastric balloon distention (GD; 20–80 mm Hg) and gastric motor function were tested. Results: IA-treated rats exhibited hypersensitivity to GD in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with the control group. The threshold of afferent nerve activation was lower and nerve responses to GD were significantly increased in IA-treated rats. Although IA-treated rats ingested food at a lower rate, gastric emptying was not significantly different between IA and control groups. However, gastric accommodation was significantly reduced in the IA group. No significant gastric pathology was seen in hypersensitive adult rats compared with controls. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that gastric irritation in the neonatal period can result in chronic gastric hypersensitivity and gastric motor dysfunction in adults even in the absence of significant detectable gastric pathology. Our results offer insight into the pathogenesis of chronic functional dyspepsia and provide a potential model for further study to this important clinical problem.
The visualization of chromosomes

Chromosomes have been studied for over 100 years, and our methods of visualization have changed and improved over that time. These studies initially involved squash preparations of meiotic chromosomes and have evolved to the eloquent study of high-resolution G-banded chromosomes and most recently to the analysis of BAC arrays to detect small chromosomal changes. During this time, we have learned the true chromosome number in humans as well as a large variety of both aneuploidies and small deletion/duplication syndromes. In this overview, I will review the process underlying the increased visualization of chromosomes, the methodologies leading to the advances and the findings resulting from our increased resolution. Keywords: chromosome; G-banding; high resolution; fluorescence in situ hybridization; comparative genomic hybridization; BACs; arrays
Natural selection promotes antigenic evolvability.

The hypothesis that evolvability - the capacity to evolve by natural selection - is itself the object of natural selection is highly intriguing but remains controversial due in large part to a paucity of direct experimental evidence. The antigenic variation mechanisms of microbial pathogens provide an experimentally tractable system to test whether natural selection has favored mechanisms that increase evolvability. Many antigenic variation systems consist of paralogous unexpressed ‘cassettes’ that recombine into an expression site to rapidly alter the expressed protein. Importantly, the magnitude of antigenic change is a function of the genetic diversity among the unexpressed cassettes. Thus, evidence that selection favors among-cassette diversity is direct evidence that natural selection promotes antigenic evolvability. We used the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, as a model to test the prediction that natural selection favors amino acid diversity among unexpressed vls cassettes and thereby promotes evolvability in a primary surface antigen, VlsE. The hypothesis that diversity among vls cassettes is favored by natural selection was supported in each B. burgdorferi strain analyzed using both classical (dN/dS ratios) and Bayesian population genetic analyses of genetic sequence data. This hypothesis was also supported by the conservation of highly mutable tandem-repeat structures across B. burgdorferi strains despite a near complete absence of sequence conservation. Diversification among vls cassettes due to natural selection and mutable repeat structures promotes long-term antigenic evolvability of VlsE. These findings provide a direct demonstration that molecular mechanisms that enhance evolvability of surface antigens are an evolutionary adaptation. The molecular evolutionary processes identified here can serve as a model for the evolution of antigenic evolvability in many pathogens which utilize similar strategies to establish chronic infections.
Uncooled high-efficiency lasers

In summary, we observed that the number of quantum wells and the suitable choice of the active structure enable high-efficiency uncooled InGaAsP-InP quantum well lasers to be produced without facet coatings for low-cost 1300-nm coaxial products.
Circular BIST with partial scan

A BIST (built-in self test) methodology that uses the circular BIST technique to perform a random test of sequential logic circuits is presented. The fault coverage obtained using this technique is supplemented by deterministic tests that are presented to the CUT (circuit under test) by configuring the circular path as a partial scan chain. A CAD (computer-aided-design) tool for automating this methodology is described, a variety of heuristics for picking which flip-flops should be included in the circular path are evaluated, and experimental results are presented. >
Unity Power Factor Control in Three-Phase AC/DC Boost Converter Using Sliding Modes

A problem of power factor correction for a class of three-phase boost ac/dc power converters is addressed in this paper. A full-bridge hardware topology is studied and used to address the basics of the efficient power conversion with high values of power factor. The sliding mode control drives the output voltage to the desired dc level in the presence of external disturbances and internal parameter uncertainties while providing a value of power factor that is close to unity (greater than 97%). Sliding-mode observers are employed to estimate variation in load and phase resistances-subject of real-time adjustment in the control law. Multirate numerical simulation illustrates the efficiency of the proposed methodology and proves its ability to be implemented in digital form.
Classification and Mapping of Riparian Systems Using Airborne Multispectral Videography

Airborne multispectral videography has become a useful tool for classifying and mapping riparian vegetation because its spectral and digital format has high spatial resolution. This paper explains the processing steps and procedures required to use this type of spectral imagery for riparian vegetation classification and mapping. A description of the Utah State University airborne system is given, along with the image processing steps used for developing finalized products, because these are used in other articles in this volume. Examples of riparian applications using high-resolution imagery are included.
Complex Carbohydrates of Animal Cells: Biochemistry and Physiology of the Cell Periphery

The premise that complex carbohydrate structures have a functional role at the cellular level must be immediately followed by the admission that not a single mammalian cellular complex carbohydrate structure has yet been clearly associated with a physiological cellular function. On the other hand, there is now abundant reason to believe that such structure-function relationships will soon be demonstrated. It also seems clear that the rate of progress in this area is directly related to the rate of progress with the structural half of the relationship. At the moment, there are two general sources of structural information. First, detailed structural information on a fairly broad range of complex carbohydrates that are extracellular products of cells is now available. This information can be used to establish a conceptual framework of the kinds of structure to look for at the cellular or subcellular level. Second, there now exists detailed structural information on one or two cellular complex carbohydrates of unknown function (blood group substances).
Surviving severe sepsis: early recognition and treatment.

Identification of patients at high risk for progressing to severesepsis is critical and, in many cases, monitoring patients, ratherthan evaluating for treatment, can increase the risk of mortality. The financial implications of severe sepsis are substantial.Severe sepsis costs an average of $22 000 per patient, with a totalcost to US hospitals of $16.7 billion.
Can non-fundable trials be conducted anyway? The case for open, randomised, actively controlled trials in rheumatology

Clinicians are encouraged to practice “evidence-based medicine”, a term implying that a practitioner can access, summarise, and apply information from the literature to day to day clinical problems and questions.1 But how convincing should the evidence be for a clinician to accept the data and adopt the approach into his or her practice? Undoubtedly the double blind, placebo controlled, randomised trial remains as the ultimate tool for gathering the strongest evidence of therapeutic efficacy and safety. However, this study design is at times unfeasible, unethical or may not even be appropriate for obtaining the information needed (for example, long term outcome), and less stringent alternatives have to be considered.2 3 In rheumatology, where the optimal therapeutic approach to many conditions is still uncertain, approved drugs are frequently used “off label” (implying that the agent is being used to treat a disease for which it has not gained formal approval, or at a dosage level other than that recommended on the label). Diverse combinations of drugs are also commonly tried as clinicians attempt to retain or reclaim a higher functional outcome and quality of life for their patients. Understandably, one frequently encounters conflicting data when searching for evidence about the clinical utility of these new approaches.4 Furthermore, the likelihood of a pivotal trial ever being done to establish unequivocal evidence of effectiveness and safety may be remote. Less rigorous designs may not produce evidence as compelling to the practitioner as a pivotal study, but they can provide at least some insight into therapeutic effectiveness and safety where otherwise none would exist. One such approach is the open, randomised, actively controlled trial (ORACT), a mainstay of haematology-oncology research studies of the US based Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) and Children’s Cancer Study Group.5 Virtually all newly diagnosed children with …
Venous angioma of the optic chiasm

A 30-year-old man presented with decreased vision in the right eye of three weeks' duration. Examination indicated a chiasmal syndrome and evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. CAT scan showed a large suprasellar mass. Surgical intervention confirmed the presence of a globular lesion filled with blood clots involving mainly the right side of the optic chiasm. Following removal of the clots, the chiasm regained its shape and anatomical landmarks. Biopsy of the mass demonstrated a venous angioma located within the optic chiasm as well as recent and old bleeding. Following surgery the patient did well and recovered vision in the right eye, though a left homonymous hemianopia persisted.
Beyond size : Matrix projection models for populations where size is an incomplete descriptor

Size-based matrix models have been an important analytical tool in the study of populations. Although size can be an important variable in determining demographic parameters such as survivorship, growth, and reproduction, other factors such as genetic variation and access to resources can play key roles. We determined that size was not the only state variable that explained the survivorship, reproduction and future growth of the annual kelp, Alaria nana. A. nana shows persistent differences among individuals in growth (growth autocorrelation) that could be characterized with a negative residual (relatively poor growth) or positive residual (relatively good growth) from the relationship between size and growth. In two separate years of demographic study, we show that, during good growth conditions, growth autocorrelation is relatively strong, while poorer growth con- ditions associated with the 1997 El Nino event resulted in less consistency among indi- viduals in growth state. To quantitatively describe this population, we used a size based matrix model with an added state to reflect previous growth status. We show that a matrix projection model with growth state better captures the size structure of a natural population of A. nana and the fate of individuals than one that uses only size. Without growth state, a size-based model underestimates the number of individuals that get large and thus the potential growth rate of the population. When we used our model to approximate among- generations pattern, and included a loop analysis algorithm, we found that fast growth to the largest size class contributed greatly to population growth in the relatively good year but that there were not such obvious benefits to getting large in the El Nino year. The size- based model with growth state that we present here is general and applicable to any species where persistent individual differences in performance violate the first-order Markov as- sumption of stage- or size-based matrix models.