cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spacing behavior of the middle spotted woodpecker in central Europe.

Knowledge of the ranging behavior and spatial requirements of a species is fundamental for establishing meaningful conservation strategies. Such information is lacking for the middle spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), a species endangered throughout its westpalearctic range. By radiotracking, we studied spacing behavior of this habitat specialist in a lowland oak forest of northeastern Switzerland from 1992-1996. Home range and core area size decreased from winter to late spring, with males and females having home ranges of similar size. Overlap of male home ranges was highest in winter (up to 40%) and lowest in late spring, whereas core area overlap remained low. For both home ranges and core areas, overlapping parts were used randomly in winter but more often than expected in early spring. Overlap of female ranges and of core areas did not change from early to late spring, and the shared parts of these home ranges were used as expected in both seasons. Aggressive interactions were most common in March and April and occurred mainly between individuals of the same sex. Our results suggest that the middle spotted woodpecker is not territorial in winter but defends nearly exclusive territories during spring, with both sexes participating to similar degrees in territorial defense. Based on this seasonal territoriality, we propose consideration of core areas in early spring (Mar and Apr) as a reliable estimate of the area requirements of the species to be used in management plans.
Blending of poly(lactic acid) and starches containing varying amylose content

Four dry corn starches with different amylose content were blended at 185°C with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) at various starch:PLA ratios using a lab-scale twin-screw extruder. Starch with 30% moisture content also was blended with PLA at a 1:1 ratio. Each extrudate was ground and dried. The powder was mixed with about 7.5% plasticizer, and injection molded (175°C) into test tensile bars. These were characterized for morphology, mechanical properties, and water absorption. Starch performed as a filler in the PLA continuous matrix phase, but the PLA phase became discontinuous as starch content increased beyond 60%. Tensile strength and elongation of the blends decreased as starch content increased, but no significant difference was observed among the four starches at the same ratio of starch:PLA. The rate and extent of water absorption of starch/PLA blends increased with increasing starch. Blends made with high-amylose starches had lower water absorption than the blends with normal and waxy corn starches. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3639–3646, 2003
Highly ordered nano-cone back reflector arrays for ultra-thin high performance CIGS cells

Design variations of our Light and Carrier Collection Management (LCCM) architecture were simulated for ultra-thin CIGS cells. Two back reflector materials (Au and Mo) were used. With a nominal CIGS thickness of 200nm, the Mo LCCM and Au LCCM cells produced 28.7 mA/cm2 and 31.9 mA/cm2 of Jsc, respectively. This Jsc production by the Mo-backed LCCM cell is comparable to a conventional planar cell with a 1.5 um thick CIGS layer. Importantly, the current/absorber volume ratio for the CIGS LCCM cells and for planar cells with Mo reflectors was examined and found to be as high as 1.1×106 mA/cm3 for LCCM cells versus 1.9×105 mA/cm3 for the corresponding planar cell. Such a dramatic difference significantly impacts the all-important indium utilization as well as cost/watt considerations.
Some adventures and innovations in industrial catalysis

Abstract Industrial catalysis is the cornerstone of today's chemical industry. It underpins the production of countless intermediates and products vital to society in terms of our standard of living and quality of life. For over forty years, I had the good fortune of participating in a few of the many exciting challenges and innovations spawned by industrial catalysis. A retrospective will be given on adventures that spanned both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, and impacted on the production of biodegradable detergents, acetyl chemicals via C 1 chemistry and some important specialty chemicals. These adventures and innovations were punctuated by periods of challenge, suspense, excitement, exhilaration, frustration and disappointment.
Recognition of mineralized belts and lithologic patterns in the Silver City-South Mountain region, Idaho, in terms of geochemical reconnaissance data

It seems unreasonable to use one population to fit the distribution of an element, and then to determine a threshold to separate anomalous data from background data in an analysis of geochemical data. Statistically, anomaly, background, and other geological categories may be represented by different component populations overlapping one another. Therefore, anomaly, background, and other geological categories should be distinguished from one another by distributions rather than by thresholds. This paper uses a method of decomposition of mixtures to identify observed distributions of five elements, obtained in a geochemical reconnaissance of the Silver City-South Mountain region, Idaho, into component populations. Observations have been assigned to populations and mapped; finally, these populations have been interpreted leading to recognition of both mineralized belts and lithologic patterns.
Connective tissue growth factor enhances osteoblastogenesis in vitro.

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a member of the CCN family of proteins, is expressed by osteoblasts, but its function in cells of the osteoblastic lineage has not been established. We investigated the effects of CTGF overexpression by transducing murine ST-2 stromal cells with a retroviral vector, where CTGF is under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. Overexpression of CTGF in ST-2 cells increased alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels, and mineralized nodule formation. CTGF overexpression decreased the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation and of Wnt 3 on cytosolic β-catenin, indicating that the stimulatory effect on osteoblastogenesis was unrelated to BMP and Wnt signaling. CTGF overexpression suppressed Notch signaling and induced the transcription of hairy and E (spl)-1 (HES)-1, by Notch-independent mechanisms. CTGF induced nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transactivation by a calcineurin-dependent mechanism. Down-regulation of CTGF enhanced Notch signaling and decreased HES-1 transcription and NFAT transactivation. Similar effects were observed following forced CTGF overexpression, the addition of CTGF protein, or the transduction of ST-2 cells with a retroviral vector expressing HES-1. In conclusion, CTGF enhances osteoblastogenesis, possibly by inhibiting Notch signaling and inducing HES-1 transcription and NFAT transactivation.
Electrophoretic and allergenic analyses of fractions of larvae of Trichinella spiralis.

SummaryA saline-soluble portion of larvae of Trichinella spiralis has been compared as to its electrophoretic characteristics and production of allergic response in sensitized animals with other fractions, prepared by-acidification and by heating. Each of the 3 fractions separated into 3 electrophoretic components in addition to an incompletely separated portion associated with component 2 and a fast moving heterogeneous mixture. In the primary extract the heterogeneous mass represented more than 60% of the total concentration. Either acid or heat treatment removed practically all of this mixture. More material was precipitated by heating than by acidification. The 3 fractions were diluted on the basis of the original dry weight of larvae and intradermal reactions compared. There was no apparent difference in the area of edema produced by the primary extract and the acid-soluble fraction. The heat-treated allergen caused slightly less reaction than the other 2. There is an indication that the allergen is ...
Syndicalism and the Transition to Communism: An Historical Comparative Analysis. [Studies in Labour History]

Syndicalism and the Transition to Communism: An Historical Comparative Analysis. [Studies in Labour History] RALPH DARLINGTON, 2008. Aldershot: Ashgate Xiii +323 pp. $124.95 Syndicalism, defined ge...
The kinetics of protein synthesis in early amphibian development.

Abstract The kinetics of incorporation of tritiated leucine were used to study protein synthesis in activated eggs and early embryos of Rana pipiens. The results support the conclusion that yolk proteins are degraded to provide steady-state amino acid pools intermediate in the synthesis of cytoplasmic proteins de novo. The kinetic data can be used to calculate the rate of protein synthesis.
An interpretation of Cretaceous and tertiary biota in polar regions

Abstract Rich fossil floras and vertebrate faunas lived within the Arctic and Atarctic Circles during the Cretaceous and Paleogene. These occurrences seem explicable by the nature of the thermal environments in polar regions and by the physiological responses of plants and animals allied to those that lived there. There seems no need to invoke a lower tilt to the Earth's axis to provide greater warmth and light in polar regions to account for these fossil records.
Ruthenium promoted hydrodenitrogenation catalysts

Abstract The promotion of a commercial CoMo hydrotreating catalyst with an active amine transalkylation catalyst, Ru 3 (CO) 12 , was investigated. The resulting catalyst, RuCoMo, exhibited enhanced HDN activity on quinoline and gave a 5-fold increase in selectivity to aromatic hydrocarbon products. Unlike bulk ruthenium, the ruthenium promoted catalyst was sulfur tolerant.
Mammalian Ste20-Like Kinase 4 Promotes Pituitary Cell Proliferation and Survival Under Hypoxia

The genetic and molecular mechanisms that initiate and maintain pituitary tumorigenesis are poorly understood. Nonfunctioning tumors of the gonadotrope lineage represent 35% of all tumors; are usually macroadenomas, often resulting in hypopituitarism; and have no medical treatments. Using expression microarrays combined with whole-genome copy number screens on individual human tumors, we identified the mammalian sterile-20-like kinase (MST4) transcript, which was amplified within chromosome Xq26.2 in one tumor and up-regulated in all gonadotrope tumor samples. MST4 mRNA and protein were consistently overexpressed in human tumors compared with normal pituitaries. To mimic the pituitary tumor microenvironment, a hypoxia model using LβT2 murine gonadotrope cells was created to examine the functional role of the kinase. During long-term hypoxia, MST4 expression increased colony formation in a soft agar assay and rates of cell proliferation by activating p38 MAPK and AKT. Under short-term severe hypoxic stress, MST4 decreased the rates of apoptosis via p38 MAPK, AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and its cell-specific downstream targets. Analysis of MST4 mutants confirmed the importance of the kinase sequence but not the regulatory C terminus for its functional effects. Together these data identify the MST4 kinase as a novel candidate to mediate human pituitary tumorigenesis in a hypoxic environment and position it as a potential therapeutic target.
Book Review: Wellness and Tourism: Mind, Body, Spirit, Place by R. Bushell and P.J. Sheldon

Wellness and Tourism: Mind, Body, Spirit, Place, by R. Bushell and P.J. Sheldon. New York, Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2009. ISBN: 978 1 882 345 51 7
LS3: a Linear Semantic Scan Statistic technique for detecting anomalous windows

Often, it is required to identify anomalous windows along a linear path that reflect unusual rate of occurrence of a specific event of interest. Such examples include: determination of places with high number of occurrences of road accidents along a highway, leaks in natural gas transmission pipelines, pedestrian fatalities on roads, etc. In this paper, we propose a Linear Semantic Scan Statistic (LS3) approach to identify such anomalous windows along a linear path. We assume that a linear path is comprised of one-dimensional spatial locations called markers, where each marker is associated with a set of structural and behavioral attributes. We divide the linear path into linear semantic segments such that each semantic segment contains markers associated with similar structural attributes. Our goal is to identify the windows within a semantic segment whose behavioral attributes are anomalous in some sense. We accomplish this by applying the scan statistic to the behavioral attributes of the markers. We have implemented our approach by considering the real datasets of certain highways in New Jersey, USA. Our results validate that LS3 is effective in identifying high traffic accident windows.
A single high dose of cocaine induces differential sensitization to specific behaviors across adolescence

Rationale Adolescence is a critical period for drug addiction. Acute stimulant exposure elicits different behavioral responses in adolescent and adult rodents. The same biological differences that mediate age-specific behavioral responsiveness to stimulants in rodents could contribute to increased addiction vulnerability in adolescent humans.
Atypical Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) with an Atypical Neuroleptic Clozapine-induced NMS without Rigidity

AbstractClozapine has been recently FDA approved and is expected to become very popular because of its efficacy and lack of extrapyramidal side effects. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has already been reported in two cases associated with clozapine use. In this article, we present a case in which a patient receiving clozapine monotherapy developed a complex of symptoms that appeared to be NMS without rigidity. The case meets specific criteria for NMS and the absence of rigidity may be attributable to the anatomic selectivity of clozapine's dopamine blockade.
Percutaneous Coronary Laser Thermal Angioplasty of Accelerated Transplant Atherosclerosis

Percutaneous coronary laser thermal angioplasty was successfully performed on a 57-year-old white male with a total occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The patient was the recipient of an orthotopic heart transplant 3 years previously secondary to end-stage heart disease due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The lesion was reduced from 100% to 33% residual stenosis following a single 4-second pulse of 12 W of continuous wave Nd:YAG (neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser energy delivered to a distal thermal probe. Conventional balloon angioplasty reduced the remaining stenosis to 22%, without evidence of vessel perforation, spasm, dissection, or embolization of debris. This case represents the first known use of thermal laser energy as an adjunct to conventional angioplasty for the treatment of coronary artery disease in a heart transplant recipient. Additional studies are indicated to determine the clinical role of this procedure in relation to established methods of revascularization for the treatment of accelerated transplant atherosclerosis.
Dynamic and tunable optical waveguide based on KTN electro-optic crystals

The study reveals an innovative design of the optical waveguide based on potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) crystal. The device’s guiding properties, which benefits from the large electro-optic coefficients of KTN crystal, can be dynamically controlled by an external electric field in a relatively simple waveguide structure. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Beam Propagation Method (FEM) are used in the theoretical part of this work which shows that the KTN based dynamic waveguide has good potential on applications of several kinds of optical switches and modulators.
Quantal release of neurotransmitter and long-term potentiation

The Salk Institute La Jolla, California 92037 This review focuses on two aspects of synaptic transmis- sion that have recently attracted considerable interest: the quantal release of neurotransmitter at synapses, and a phenomenon, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), that is widely accepted as the substrate for certain forms of memory. The discussion is divided into two main parts. The first presents "standard views" of synaptic transmis- sion and of LTP, and the second deals with challenges to and uncertainties about these views. The standard views presented are not my own--indeed, I would dispute a vari- ety of their assumptions-- but rather they represent classic or popular notions that serve as a framework for the critical discussion in the second part of the presentation. Such a short review of so vast a subject cannot, of course, be comprehensive, and I have selected for discussion several specific topics that currently are being most actively inves- tigated and debated. Each of the sections can be read independently of the others.
PCR amplification following restriction to detect site-specific DNA methylation

A procedure to test for DNA methylation at sites recognized by methylation-sensitive restriction endonucleases is described. The procedure is based on the assumption that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will amplify sequences between two primers only if the target DNA is intact after digestion. A carrot (Daucus carota) cell line that is heterozygous for two sequenced alleles ofDc8, a gene which is expressed during the later stages of embryogenesis provided an ideal source of DNA for developing and testing protocols. The promoters of the two alleles differs significantly in length between two sites used for primers, and only one promoter has a GATC (Sau 3A1 orMbo I) site. This allowed development of a protocol where only the sequence lacking the GATC site was amplified to detectable levels following digestion of DNA withMbo I which is insensitive to symmetric methylation withm4C orm5C.
Advanced surgical imaging

Minimally invasive surgical procedures using laparoscopes have certain benefits in that the surgical incisions are smaller and therefore heal quicker with less post-operative pain. The disadvantages of laparoscopic procedures are technical in nature; there is a loss of tactile feedback and loss of three-dimensional assessment. We have examined both visible and infra-red imaging technology to enhance the assessment of anatomic structures as well as tissue oxygenation and viability. The visible light project focuses on enhancement of the standard 3 CCD camera using software algorithms to visualize the viability of various tissues by exploiting the inherent color differences between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The infra-red project focuses on the use of temperature differentials to visualize anatomic structures such as the common bile duct in the liver. Common bile duct injury is the most significant complications from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of gall stones) which is the most common minimally invasive surgery performed in the US. Indeed it was recently reported that on average every American will undergo 6 operations over their lifetime and 1 out of the 6 will be a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The capability to distinguish the structures and vessels in real-time coupled with the ability to evaluate the status of a given tissue or organ will greatly impact the field of surgery and increase the quality of life for the patient.
A solution for case iii of the law of comparative judgment

A solution for Case III of the Law of Comparative Judgment, modeled after Thurstone's solution for Case IV but eliminating the restrictive assumption of relatively equal discriminal dispersions, is developed.
Study of epitaxial YBa2Cu3Ox films

In this report we present a systematic study of epitaxial YBa2Cu3O films laser ablated on Y-cut LiNbO3 substrates. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the c-axis is perpendicular to the substrate plane and the (110) direction of the film is parallel to the [11.0] of the substrate with two domains with the (1 10) as a mirror plane. Resistivity of the film shows a typical metallic behaviour in the normal state with a sharp transition at 92K. The effects of oxygen deficiency on the resistivity are also studied. Oxygen content is controlled by annealing the sample either in low oxygen pressure or in vacuum and estimated from the c-axis lattice parameter determined by X-ray diffraction. As oxygen is depleted gradually, the film resistivity shows metallic, semiconducting, and eventually insulating behaviors. Superconducting percolation phenomenon is observed for the semiconducting sample at low temperatures.
Cost-effectiveness of two new treatments for onychomycosis: An analysis of two comparative clinical trials

Abstract Background: Pharmacoeconomic analyses are becoming an increasingly integral component of the overall profile of new drugs. This is particularly true for terbinafine and itraconazole, because both agents have been shown to be clinically effective and relatively safe. Objective: This study examined the cost-effectiveness of terbinafine and itraconazole in two recent comparative clinical trials of these new agents for onychomycosis of the toenails. Methods: Data as reported in the two clinical trials were used as the basis for an analytic decision-tree model that included cost of drug, medical management of the disease and any adverse reactions, and clinical efficacy data into calculations that estimated the relative cost effectiveness ratio for each drug on the basis of cost per disease-free day. Results: The total cost of terbinafine therapy ranged from $697.55 to $699.11, and the total cost of itraconazole therapy ranged from $1216.40 to $1218.80. The expected cost per disease-free day of itraconazole was $2.05 and $2.37, in the Brautigam and De Backer trials, respectively; similar costs for terbinafine were $1.27 and $1.50. Relative to terbinafine, which was assigned a value of 1.0, the cost-effectiveness ratio of itraconazole was 1.62 and 1.58 in each trial, indicating a lower cost-effectiveness than terbinafine. Conclusion: Terbinafine is more cost-effective than itraconazole in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:S69-72.)
Comparison of computer curve-fitting and graphical data evaluations of the galvanostatic relaxation technique for the measurement of kinetics of electrode reactions

It is shown that the maximum measurable standard heterogeneous rate constant is not a sufficient indication of the limitations of a relaxation method. The errors of the measurement, and consequently the limits of applicability, can only be described generally by certain characteristic times of the electrode system. These are τc, the time constant of the double layer capacitance—reaction resistance system and τd, the time constant of the diffusion impedance—reaction resistance system. A graphical representation of the field of applicability of a technique is introduced using the log κ vs log τc diagram, where κ, the rate constant parameter, is equal to (π/4τd)12. Within the field of applicability, the technique can be used to obtain the exchange current density with an error of less than ± 20%. Such a representation is completely general and can be useful not only for the evaluation of the galvanostatic technique but for a meaningful comparison of all relaxation techniques. Such diagrams are presented for the galvanostatic technique with graphical and computer curve-fitting data evaluations. The comparison of the two methods reveals a general superiority of the computer curve-fitting evaluation. It extends the field of applicability by at least one unit of log τc at all levels of κ. Furthermore, it always results in an equal or more accurate determination of the exchange current density without requiring the prior exact knowledge of the double layer capacitance and the diffusion coefficients. As a matter of fact, the computer curve-fitting method could potentially be used to determine the values of these quantities. The computer program requires an initial guess of the exchange current density, the diffusion coefficients, and the double layer capacitance to start the calculations and the method is very sensitive to errors in these guesses. To achieve the field of applicability indicated in this paper, the initial guesses must be within a factor of two of the true values; they can be readily obtained within these error limits by the less exact graphical data-evaluation method.
Targeted modification of wheat grain protein to reduce the content of celiac causing epitopes.

The prolamin peptides in wheat gluten and in the homologous storage proteins of barley and rye cause painful chronic erasure of microvilli of the small intestine epithelium in celiac patients. If untreated, it can lead to chronic diarrhea, abdominal distension, osteoporosis, weight-loss due to malabsorption of nutrients, and anemia. In addition to congenital cases, life-long exposure to gluten proteins in bread and pasta can also induce development of celiac sprue in adults. To date, the only effective treatment is life-long strict abstinence from the staple food grains. Complete exclusion of dietary gluten is, however, difficult due to use of wheat in many foods, incomplete labeling and social constraints. Thus, finding alternative therapies for this most common foodborne disease remained an active area of research, which has led to many suggestions in last few years. The pros and cons associated with these therapies were reviewed in the present communication. As different celiac patients are immunogenic to different members of the undigestible proline/glutamine rich peptides of ∼149 gliadins and low molecular weight glutenin subunits as well as the six high molecular weight glutenin subunits, an exhaustive digestion of the immunogenic peptides in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of celiacs is required. In view of the above, we evaluated the capacity of cereal grains to synthesize and store the enzymes prolyl endopeptidase from Flavobacterium meningosepticum and the barley cysteine endoprotease B2, which in combination are capable of detoxifying immunogenic gluten peptides in a novel treatment of celiac disease.
Properties of dopamine agonist and antagonist binding sites in mammalian retina.

Summary Retinal homogenates of calf, rat, rabbit and Cebus appella and Macaca mulata monkeys were found to contain stereospecific binding sites for the dopamine antagonist [3H]spiroperidol. In further studies with calf and rat retina, stereospecific binding sites were also found for the dopamine agonist [3H]ADTN (2-amino-6,7,-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapththalene). The [3H]spiroperidol binding sites in calf retina were pharmacologically similar to the dopaminergic spiroperidol binding sites previously demonstrated to be present in striatum. However, calf and rabbit retina contained less than 1/10 the concentration of [3H]spiroperidol binding sites found in striatum. Saturation studies and Scatchard analyses showed a single class of [3H]spiroperidol binding sites with Kd (apparent dissociation constant) = 0.3 and 0.2nM and Bmax(binding site number) = 38 and 24fmol/mg protein in calf retina and rabbit retina respectively. Rates of [3H]spiroperidol association and dissociation were also evaluated in calf retina. Drug specificity for [3H]ADTN binding in calf retina resembled that previously reported for striatal [3H]ADTN binding and thus differed from retinal [3H]spiroperidol binding. Calf retinal [3H]ADTN binding sites had a Kd = 9nM and Bmax= 113 ± 12fmol/mg protein. Thus, the total number of [3H]ADTN sites in retina was at least twice that of [3H]spiroperidol sites. Guanine nucleotides (GTP and Gpp (NH)p) but not ATP reduced the affinity of the dopamine agonist ADTN for [3H]spiroperidol binding, and also reduced the specific binding of [3H]ADTN itself up to a maximal value of about 50% of control binding. Saturation studies of calf retinal [3H]ADTN binding confirmed that Gpp(NH)p-displaceable sites were discrete saturable subset of stereospecific [3H]ADTN sites with Kd = 9nM and Bmax= 50 ± 6fmol/mg protein. The Gpp(NH)p insensitive sites had a Kd = 9nM and Bmax= 63 ± 7fmol/mg protein. It is proposed that although [3H]ADTN sites differ pharmacologically from [3H]spiroperidol sites, since [3H]spiroperidol sites are guanine nucleotide-sensitive and similar in number to the guanine nucleotide-sensitive class of [3H]ADTN sites, they may possibly be related to these sites as well as to adenylate cyclase. In addition, retina contains guanine nucleotide-insensitive [3H]ADTN sites, possibly presynaptic and probably not coupled to adenylate cyclase.
Racing Performance in 72 Racehorses Treated with Prosthetic Laryngoplasty for Laryngeal Hemiplegia

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare racing performance before and after prosthetic laryngoplasty for treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia in inexperienced (horses without at least one start before surgery) and experienced (horses with at least one start before surgery) Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses. Medical records of 54 Thoroughbred and 18 Quarter Horse racehorses or horses intended for racing treated with prosthetic laryngoplasty and unilateral ventriculectomy for laryngeal hemiplegia were reviewed. Signalment, age at the time of surgery, resting endoscopic grade of laryngeal function, surgical procedure, and type of suture were recorded. Median performance index (PI), earnings, distance, and Beyer speed figure (BSF) per start for three races before and after surgery were compared, and factors associated with improved postsurgical performance were evaluated. Seventy-three percent of horses that had not raced before surgery and 84% of horses that competed in at least one race before surgery were able to return to racing after surgery. Fifty-nine percent and 27% of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, respectively, were able to improve their PI after surgery. Sixty-two percent and 20% of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, respectively, significantly increased their distance after surgery. Additionally, 61% and 66% of racehorses were able to increase their earnings and BSF after surgery, respectively. Horses treated with laryngoplasty and unilateral ventriculectomy have a good prognosis for return to racing. Inexperienced racehorses have a better prognosis for improvement after surgery than do experienced racehorses. Thoroughbred racehorses have a better success rate than Quarter Horse racehorses.
Germline Transmission and Tissue-Specific Expression of Transgenes Delivered by Lentiviral Vectors

Single-cell mouse embryos were infected in vitro with recombinant lentiviral vectors to generate transgenic mice carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene driven by a ubiquitously expressing promoter. Eighty percent of founder mice carried at least one copy of the transgene, and 90% of these expressed GFP at high levels. Progeny inherited the transgene(s) and displayed green fluorescence. Mice generated using lentiviral vectors with muscle-specific and T lymphocyte–specific promoters expressed high levels of GFP only in the appropriate cell types. We have also generated transgenic rats that express GFP at high levels, suggesting that this technique can be used to produce other transgenic animal species.
Pigtail stents: an alternative in the treatment of difficult bile duct stones.

Abstract Background: When bile duct stones cannot be removed after sphincterotomy by balloon or basket extraction, stent placement can serve as a bridge to additional procedures. Biliary stents may also fragment large stones, allowing them to pass spontaneously or making them easier to extract at a later time. Methods: Twenty patients with difficult to extract bile duct stones were prospectively studied. The patients underwent ERCP and placement of a 7F double-pigtail stent in the bile duct for 6 months. Results: In seven patients (35%), repeat ERCP revealed no stones in the duct. Four patients (20%) had small stone fragments that were easily extracted with a balloon. Six patients (30%) continued to have large stones at repeat ERCP; two of these patients eventually underwent surgery, the duct was cleared in three with mechanical lithotripsy, and one had long-term stenting. Three patients (15%) did not undergo repeat ERCP and were therefore treated with long-term stent placement. Conclusions: This study suggests that placement of a pigtail biliary stent is a safe and effective alternative in the management of bile duct stones that resist extraction if lithotripsy is not available. After 6 months of stent placement, stones may pass or become easier to remove in a significant proportion of patients. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:490-3).
Embracing the palliative care aspects of peripheral artery disease (PAD): the vascular surgeon's perspective

AbstractThe words 'palliative care' do not immediately conjure images of a surgeon, especially not a vascular surgeon performing a complicated aorto-iliac or carotid revascularization. However, the relationship between vascular surgery care and palliative care is not foreign. In day-to-day vascular practice, patient care is not generally curative but rather palliative as the goals of many vascular interventions are symptom management. Here, we propose that peripheral artery disease should gain a rightful place among palliative care diseases. To achieve such a goal, palliative care practitioners need to recognize the palliative needs of patients with peripheral artery disease. Also, vascular disease care providers need to feel comfortable implementing the tenets of palliative care (enhancing quality of life with symptom management, optimizing patient-oriented decision-making, and encouraging realistic goal setting) as they care for patients with vascular disease. Embracing the palliative care aspects of va...
Memory and Processing Speed in Preterm Children at Eleven Years: A Comparison with Full‐Terms

This study examined the effects of prematurity on 11-year-olds' performance on 2 specific aspects of cognition—memory and processing speed, using a new computer-administered battery, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT: Detterman). Preterms performed more poorly than their full-term controls on all memory tasks; this relative deficit was associated with the presence and severity of neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Preterms were also slower on selected aspects of processing speed but not on motor speed. Memory and processing speed, taken together, accounted for much of the 10-point difference in WISC-R IQ between groups.
Robust two-dimensional separation of intact proteins for bottom-up tandem mass spectrometry of the human CSF proteome.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the brain by cells in the choroid plexus at a rate of 500 mL/day. It is the only body fluid in direct contact with the brain. Thus, any changes in the CSF composition will reflect pathological processes and make CSF a potential source of biomarkers for different disease states. Proteomics offers a comprehensive view of the proteins found in CSF. In this study, we use a recently developed nongel based method of sample preparation of CSF followed by liquid chromatography–high accuracy mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for MS and MS/MS analyses, allowing unambiguous identification of peptides/proteins. Gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis (Gelfree) is used to separate a CSF complex protein mixture in 12 user-selectable liquid-phase molecular weight fractions. Using this high throughput workflow, we have been able to separate CSF intact proteins over a broad mass range (3.5–100 kDa) with high resolution (between 15 and 100 kDa) in 2 h and 40 min. We have compl...
Cognitive dimensions of wilderness privacy: a field test and further explanation.

Abstract In 1981 and 1982, a psychological scale was developed for exploring the several meanings of privacy and solitude that wilderness recreationists find to be important. The scale was never field tested, however. The present report describes the results of a field test of the wilderness privacy scale among backpackers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1987. Factor analysis of 20 items characterizing various aspects of wilderness privacy produced the following five factors, ranging from most to least important: tranquility and natural environment, individual cognitive freedom, social cognitive freedom, intimacy, and individualism. One new factor (social cognitive freedom) that did not appear in the earlier laboratory development of the wilderness privacy scale resulted from the field test. Nevertheless, the most important aspect of wilderness privacy in the field test remained being in a natural, remote environment that offers a sense of tranquility and peacefulness and that involves a freedom...
The identification of a dynein ATPase in unfertilized sea urchin eggs

Abstract A cytoplasmic dynein ATPase has been identified in three species of unfertilized sea urchin eggs, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, S. purpuratus , and Arbacia punctulata . The enzyme was partially purified by sucrose gradient density centrifugation, and its polypeptide chain weight and composition were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The protein has enzymatic characteristics in common with flagellar dynein. It is activated nearly equally by Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , has no activity in the presence of K + and EDTA, shows a specificity for ATP over other nucleoside triphosphates, and is inhibited by vanadate anion. On SDS-PAGE, the enzyme shows two major bands at 320,000 and 385,000 daltons, comigrating with certain ciliary and flagellar dynein polypeptides. The enzyme, given the name “egg dynein,” constitutes 2 to 4% of the total cell protein in the unfertilized egg and maintains this high value from fertilization through the late blastula stage. It appears to be equally distributed throughout the embryo at the 16-cell stage. Possible functions of egg dynein are discussed and models for dynein-microtubule mediated movements within the cytoplasm are presented.
Current status of ultraspectral sounder data compression

This paper presents current status of lossless compression of ultraspectral sounder data. The lossless compression results from the transform-based (e.g. JPEG2000, 3D SPIHT, and Lossless PCA), prediction-based (e.g. JPEG-LS, CALIC, and linear prediction using OOMP), and clustering-based (e.g. PVQ, DPVQ, PPVQ and FPVQ) methods are presented. The ultraspectral sounder data features strong correlations in disjoint spectral regions affected by the same type of absorbing gases. Some robust data preprocessing scheme (e.g. BAR) is also demonstrated to improve compression gains of existing state-of-the-art compression methods such as JPEG2000, 3D SPIHT, JPEG-LS, and CALIC.
Search for imprinted regions on chromosome 14: comparison of maternal and paternal UPD cases with cases of chromosome 14 deletion.

Over the past few years, regions of genomic imprinting have been identified on a small number of chromosomes through a search for the etiology of various disorders. Distinct phenotypes have been associated with both maternal and paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 14. This observation indicates that there are imprinted genes present on chromosome 14, although none have been identified to date. In order to focus the search for imprinted genes on chromosome 14, we analyzed cases of maternal and paternal UPD 14 and compared them with cases of chromosome 14 deletions. Cases of paternal UPD were compared with maternal deletions and maternal UPD compared with paternal deletions. The paternal UPD anomalies seen in maternal deletion cases allowed us to associate the following features and chromosomal regions: Hirsute forehead: del(14)(q12q13. 3) and del(14)(q32); blepharophimosis: del(14)(q32); small thorax: del(14)(q11.2q13); and joint contractures: del(14)(q11.2q13) and del(14)(q31). Comparison of maternal UPD and paternal deletion cases revealed fleshy nasal tip to be most often associated with del(14)(q32), scoliosis with del(14) (q23q24.2), and del(14)(q32. 11qter) and small size at birth to be associated with del(14)(q11q13) and del(14)(q32). Our study, in conjunction with a prior study of UPD 14 and partial trisomy 14 cases, and what is known of imprinting in regions of mouse chromosomes homologous to human chromosome 14, leads us to conclude that 14q23-q32 is likely an area where imprinted genes may reside.
Parallel multigrid finite volume computation of three-dimensional thermal convection☆

A parallel implementation of the finite volume method for three-dimensional, time-dependent, thermal convective flows is presented.
The Political Pretensions of Pope Nicholas I

When Nicholas, the first of that name, was consecrated pope on the twenty-fourth of April, 858, no one—least of all the Emperor Louis II, by whose favor the former deacon succeeded in obtaining the election—could have foreseen the series of political and ecclesiastical upheavals, more like the thunderbolts of Jupiter than the benedictions of St. Peter, by which the new occupant of the Holy See won fame for himself, prestige for the papacy, and the dignity of being called “the Great.” Few popes hold a more dominating place in the history of the Catholic Church than Nicholas I. In the course of his nine-year pontificate he so fully succeeded in establishing his pre-eminence in the late Carolingian world over both prince and prelate that he found it possible to attain his ends by the mere rumbling of thunder, without using the ecclesiastical lightning-bolt in any but the most extreme cases. The mere threat of excommunication often proved sufficient to move mighty kings and not-so-mighty emperors into the path of righteousness.
Copper-matrix molybdenum particle composites made from copper coated molybdenum powder

Copper-matrix molybdenum particle composites containing 33 ~73 wt.% Mo were fabricated by hot pressing copper coated molybdenum powder. For comparison, corresponding composites fabricated by hot pressing a mixture of copper and molybdenum powders were also made. The former method gave composites of lower porosity, higher hardness, higher compressive yield strength, lower coefficient of thermal expansion, lower electrical resistivity and higher thermal conductivity than the latter method. These differences are partly due to the separation of the molybdenum particles by the copper coating in the former case. In contrast, molybdenum particle clustering occurred in the latter case when the Mo content exceeded 53 wt.%.
Increased intragallbladder pressure response to cholecystokinin-octapeptide following vagotomy and pyloroplasty

One of the late effects of truncal vagotomy is gallbladder dilatation. However, the early physiologic mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon have not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, the hypothesis that truncal vagotomy alters the gallbladder's or cystic duct's response to hormonal stimulation was tested. Adult male prairie dogs underwent either truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty or sham laparotomy. All animals were then fed a trace-cholesterol (nonlithogenic) diet for 3 months. In acute terminal experiments the gallbladder was aspirated and cannulated with a pressure-monitored perfusion catheter. The common bile duct was cannulated with a drainage catheter. Aspirated gallbladder volume and cystic duct closing pressure were the same in vagotomized and sham animals. Unstimulated intragallbladder pressure and cystic duct outflow resistance were also the same in both groups. However, during an intravenous infusion (10 ng/kg/min) of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP), the maximal intragallbladder pressure increase was greater (P less than 0.01) in vagotomized animals (3.50 +/- 0.41 mm Hg) than in sham animals (1.63 +/- 0.36 mm Hg). Intragallbladder pressure remained significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in vagotomized animals throughout the 30-min infusion of CCK-OP. Despite increased intragallbladder pressure, gallbladder emptying was unaffected by vagotomy. It is concluded that altered gallbladder or cystic duct hormonal response is an early effect of vagotomy that may result in gallbladder dilatation.
Spinsters, Synaptic Defects, and Amaurotic Idiocy

In this issue of Neuron, Sweeney and Davis present a beautiful characterization of Drosophila mutants in a gene named spinster. The results indicate a function of the endocytic pathway in regulating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling at the Drosophila motor synapse. This study provides important new information at an intersection of several disciplines, including membrane traffic, lipid organization, synaptic signaling, and neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease.
Effect of buffer composition and preparation protocol on the dispersion stability and interfacial behavior of aqueous DPPC dispersions.

Abstract The effect of the buffer composition and the preparation protocol on the dynamic surface tension (DST) and vesicle sizes of aqueous dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) dispersions was studied. Four isotonic buffers were used in preparing DPPC dispersions at physiological conditions for possible biological applications: (1) a standard PBS solution; (2) the above PBS with 1 mM CaCl2; (3) PBS with one tenth the previous standard phosphate salt concentrations and 2.5 mM CaCl2; and (4) 150 mM NaCl with 2.5 mM CaCl2 and 10 mM HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid). Two protocols, with a new method and an old method (Bangham method), were used in preparing the DPPC dispersions. The DPPC dispersions prepared with the new method contained mostly vesicles and were quite stable at 25 or 37 °C. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and spectroturbidimetry (ST) results showed that the DPPC vesicle sizes in buffer (4) were much smaller than those in the other buffers. When the DPPC dispersions were prepared with the new method, the diameter of the DPPC particles was smaller than those with the old method. The DPPC vesicles with the new method were more stable than those with the other method. The DPPC dispersions of 1000 ppm at 37 °C with the new method produced, at pulsating area conditions at 20 cycles per minute, low tension minima (γmin), lower than 10 mN/m, in buffers (1), (2), and (4). With buffer (4) the DSTs were lower and were achieved faster than with the other buffers. A minimum concentration of 1000 or 250 ppm DPPC was needed to produce DSTs lower than 10 mN/m within 10 min or less, with buffer (2) or (4), respectively. IRRAS results suggest that DPPC in buffer (2) or (4) forms a close-packed monolayer at the interface. These results have implications for designing efficient protocols of lipid dispersion preparation and lung surfactant replacement formulations in treating respiratory disease.
Numerical simulations of dynamic fracture growth based on a cohesive zone model with microcracks

AbstractA cohesive finite element model is employed to study the dynamic crack growth mechanisms in different materials. Dynamic crack propagation is analyzed numerically for a 2D square specimen with prescribed initial microcracks subjected to tensile loading conditions. In the cohesive zone model, the initial microcracks or defects are set up as traction-free interfacial surfaces in the specimen plane. The phenomena of microcrack initiation, nucleation, growth, coalescence, and propagation are captured from the simulation. The numerical simulation results have shown that the initially prescribed mircocrack or defect direction will result in a different macrocrack propagation path and crack branching path.
Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy and comparative studies of a 1-D linear chain (MX) material

Abstract Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) is a measurement technique which utilizes the natural resonance frequencies of a body to determine elastic properties. It may be applied to small (∼mm) samples and measurements can be made over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. If the geometry of the sample is well known we can determine absolute values of elastic moduli for crystals of up to orthorhombic symmetry (9 constants). We have applied RUS to single crystals of the MX material [Pt(en) 2 I 2 ][Pt(en) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 4 , where (en) is per-deuterated ethylenediamine. We have observed several anomalies in the behavior of the resonances with temperature which may be associated with phase transitions in the material.