cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extreme Programming in a Research Environment

This article explores the applicability of Extreme Programming in a scientific research context. The cultural environment at a government research center differs from the customer-centric business view. The chief theoretical difficulty lies in defining the customer to developer relationship. Specifically, can Extreme Programming be utilized when the developer and customer are the same person? Eight of Extreme Programming's 12 practices are perceived to be incompatible with the existing research culture. Further, six of the nine "environments that I know don't do well with XP" [Beck, 2000] apply. A pilot project explores the use of Extreme Programming in scientific research. The applicability issues are addressed and it is concluded that Extreme Programming can function successfully in situations for which it appears to be ill-suited. A strong discipline for mentally separating the customer and developer roles is found to be key for applying Extreme Programming in a field that lacks a clear distinction between the customer and the developer.
Transfer of Computer Software Technology Through Workshops: The Case of Fish Bioenergetics Modeling

Abstract I recommend a three-part program to promote the availability and use of computer software packages to fishery managers and researchers. The three-part approach consists of journal articles that announce new technologies, technical reports that serve as user's guides, and hands-on workshops that provide direct instruction to new users. Workshops, which allow experienced users to directly instruct novices in software operation and application, are an important, but often neglected, final step in this process. My experience with organizing and conducting bioenergetics modeling workshops suggests the optimal workshop would take 2 days, have 10–15 participants, one computer for every two users, and one instructor for every 5–6 people.
Theory of Computer Addition and Overflows

Computer addition is a groupoid. If an additive identity exists it is unique. If(and only if) addition is defined with the compute through the overflow (CTO) property, then a finite ring of integers is the homomorphic image of the computer number system and addition. Stated another way, the necessary and sufficient condition for CTO is a congruence relation on the integers. Also, if the number system has CTO capabilities for addition, it also has extended CTO properties for addition. A technique is presented for determining the correct sum in the extended compute through overflow (ECTO) mode of computation.
Stability of α‐Linolenic Acid and Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside in Flaxseed‐Fortified Macaroni

Research was conducted to determine the stability of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed-fortified macaroni. Macaroni was fortified with whole ground flaxseed (GWF) at levels of 10% to 20% and then dried under low temperature (LT, 40°C), high temperature (HT, 70°C), or ultrahigh temperature (UHT, 90°C). Macaroni was also fortified with 15% ground hull (GHF) or steam-treated whole ground flaxseed (GSWF) and dried under UHT. The dried macaroni was stored for 32 wk under ambient conditions. Approximately 80% to 95% of the SDG was recovered, indicating that SDG was stable during the 32-wk storage period. Total lipid and ALA levels in all flaxseed macaroni treatments remained unchanged throughout the 32-wk storage. This observation was consistent across the drying conditions and flaxseed addition levels. Conjugated diene (CD) values indicated that macaroni fortified with GWF did not oxidize significantly during the 32-wk storage for the macaroni dried under HT or UHT. However, a significant increase (P <0.05) in CD values for macaroni containing 10% and 20% flaxseed and dried using LT was observed at the 32-wk storage period. Headspace volatile concentrations did increase over the storage period for macaroni containing GWF, but the increase was not significant. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in oxidation were found by 24 wk in GHF- and GSWF-fortified macaroni. GWF macaroni dried at UHT, HT, or LT could be used as a way to improve our dietary consumption of ALA and SDG. However, use of steam as a method to inactivate unwanted enzyme activity is not recommended.
Short pulse energy extraction in CO amplifiers

Abstract Extraction of energy in short (∼1 nsec) infra-red pulses in CO is considered. It is found that appreciable efficiency can be generated only if the amplifier is in a totally saturated cascade mode. Even with the cascade at room temperature, one cannot expect to do any better than a few tenths of a percent efficiency. This is well below the present results in CO2. However, at low temperatures, the efficiency may well be much larger than what is now obtained in CO2.
Organometallic uranium(V)-imido halide complexes: from synthesis to electronic structure and bonding.

Reaction of (C5Me5)2U(═N-2,4,6-tBu3-C6H2) or (C5Me5)2U(═N-2,6-iPr2-C6H3)(THF) with 5 equiv of CuXn (n = 1, X = Cl, Br, I; n = 2, X = F) affords the corresponding uranium(V)−imido halide complexes, (C5Me5)2U(═N-Ar)(X) (where Ar = 2,4,6-tBu3-C6H2 and X = F (3), Cl (4), Br (5), I (6); Ar = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3 and X = F (7), Cl (8), Br (9), I (10)), in good isolated yields of 75–89%. These compounds have been characterized by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, UV–visible−NIR absorption spectroscopy, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility. The uranium LIII-edge X-ray absorption spectrum of (C5Me5)2U(═N-2,4,6-tBu3-C6H2)(Cl) (4) was analyzed to obtain structural information, and the U═Nimido (1.97(1) A), U−Cl (2.60(2) A), and U−C5Me5 (2.84(1) A) distances were consistent with those observed for compounds 3, 5, 6, 8–10, which were all characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. All (C5Me5)2U(═N-Ar)(X...
Abnormal photopenic area on nuclear perfusion imaging

Fig gasevid leve Case history. A 75-year-old African American with a prior history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke presented to the hospital with abdominal omfort and dizziness. He also complained of severe stipation for 13 days before admission. A physical mination revealed a mildly distended abdomen, ch was attributed to fecal impaction from constipa. An electrocardiogram was significant for bradycarwith first-degree heart block and frequent premature tricular complexes. The abdominal obstruction series showed distended el loops consistent with severe constipation (Figure and B). Because of risk factors for coronary artery ase, the patient was referred for a myocardial perfuimaging study. A symptom-limited treadmill exertest was attempted. However, he was unable to walk more than 5 minutes on the modified Bruce protocol did not attain the target heart rate; therefore the test changed to pharmacologic stress testing via a inute adenosine infusion protocol. With adenosine sion, the heart rate changed from 75 to 87 beats/min blood pressure remained unchanged at 160/70 mm The patient complained of chest tightness. A baseelectrocardiogram showed frequent ventricular ecic beats at rest, which persisted during adenosine sion, but there was no ST-segment depression. Techum 99m sestamibi (Cardiolite; Bristol-Myers Squibb, ceton, NJ), 25 mCi, was injected during adenosine sion, and gated single photon emission computed ography (SPECT) images were acquired 45 minutes r. Rest images were acquired the next day with same e of Tc-99m sestamibi. Gated SPECT images reled an enlarged, hypertrophied, and hypokinetic left tricle with an ejection fraction of 34% (Figure 2). ever, there was no regional perfusion abnormality.
Effect of thermal refraction on heat flow near the San Andreas Fault, Parkfield, California

[1] Heat flow data near the San Andreas Fault (SAF) do not reveal a near-fault anomaly as expected from frictional heat generation, an observation interpreted to indicate that the fault slips at a depth-averaged shear stress <20 MPa. The data also contain large unexplained scatter, which has been a separate major issue in the analysis of heat flow within the California Coast Ranges. Here we use numerical models of heat conduction to evaluate the hypothesis that thermal refraction, due to contrasts in thermal conductivity in the subsurface, both produces the observed scatter in heat flow and as a result obscures the thermal signature from frictional heating on a fault that supports large shear stress during slip. Our study focuses on the region around the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) near Parkfield, California. Our results show that surface heat flow is most sensitive to the contrast between Tertiary sediments and basement rocks and to wavelengths of basement topography of ∼10 km. With realistic thermal conductivity contrasts and a reasonable interpretation of this geologic contact, we show that thermal refraction is a plausible explanation for the observed heat flow scatter. However, refraction effects are unable to mask frictional heat generation in a manner consistent with observations. We show that even with large refraction effects, low background heat flow, a regional NW–SE decrease in heat flow, or nonsteady state heat conduction, the data are most consistent with a fault that produces little to no frictional heat.
Quantitative analysis of statistical methods of grayscale inhomogeneity correction in magnetic resonance images

Grayscale inhomogeneities in magnetic resonance (MR) images cause significant problems in automated quantitative image analysis. Removal of such inhomogeneities is a difficult task, but it has been investigated by a number of different authors recently. The most common methods used involve some type of homomorphic filtering to create a smoothed version of the original image, which is then used as an estimate of the bias field to be removed from the image. Many investigators have implemented variations of this technique and have demonstrated their usefulness for a wide range of applications, but no investigator has yet attempted a systematic, quantitative study to describe the effects these algorithms have on images. This study introduces a quantitative paradigm for evaluating inhomogeneity correction algorithms by their performance on a constructed simulation image with different bias fields applied. We find that mean filter algorithms are more successful than median filter algorithms, and that larger kernel sizes than what are currently reported in the literature offer significant improvements in post-correction image quality.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A comparison of goal programming and simulation model results for a multiobjective multiperiod multiproduct manufacturing scheduling problem

Abstract Two modeling approaches, simulation modeling and goal programming, are applied to a multiobjective, multiperiod, multiproduct manufacturing scheduling problem. Results of the two monels are compared in terms of meeting four goals: 1) to operate within the limits of production capacity, 2) to meet the demand delivery schedule, 3) to minimize the total production and inventory costs, and 4) to minimize overtime hours. The comparison of the two models's estimates of production and inventory costs is carried out first as an overview of percent relative differences and then by inferential testing of the hypothesis that the two models cost estimates are not statististically different. Small sample t-testing and Wilcoxan rank sum tests results indicate that the simulation model and goal programming model production scheduling results are statistically different. Suggestions are presented to assist in a mangement decision as to which modeling approach leads to the least costly production schedule.
Brain size and cerebral glucose metabolic rate in nonspecific mental retardation and down syndrome

Abstract Brain size and cerebral glucose metabolic rate (GMR) were determined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) in individuals with mild mental retardation (MR), individuals with Down syndrome (DS) without dementia and in matched controls. The MRI data showed that the MR and the DS groups both had brain volumes of about 80% of controls; variance was greatest within the MR group. PET was obtained with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as the tracer during a test of attention (Continuous Performance Test; CPT). Whole brain cortex GMR was higher than the controls in both the MR and the DS groups. For all subjects combined, the correlation between brain size and IQ was .65 (p
Incidence of Amblyopia and Its Risk Factors in Children with Isolated Metopic Craniosynostosis

Objective: Ophthalmic abnormalities in children with syndromic craniosynostosis have been reported previously, and referral of these children to a pediatric ophthalmologist is recommended. However, it is not as clear whether a child with nonsyndromic synostosis needs to be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The aim of this study is to report the incidence of amblyopia and its risk factors in children with isolated metopic craniosynostosis. Design: An institutional review board–approved, retrospective review was performed on 91 children diagnosed with isolated metopic craniosynostosis. Ophthalmologic records were reviewed for diagnoses of amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive error. Results: Of the 91 children, 19 (20.9%) had astigmatism, eight (8.8%) had amblyopia, eight (8.8%) had strabismus, five had myopia (5.5%), five had hyperopia (5.5%), and five had anisometropia (5.5%). The incidence of amblyopia and its risk factors found in our study are higher than the rate found in the clinically normal ...
Photoionization by an ultraintense laser field: Response of atomic xenon

We present energy- and angle-resolved photoionization from Xe in an ultrastrong laser field at 10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2}. The observed yields are consistent with the tunneling ionization of Xe{sup 9+} to Xe{sup 24+}. However, energy and angle-resolved photoelectron spectra show differences for electrons whose final energies are above or below 0.5 MeV, which is approximately the ponderomotive energy at these intensities. Above 0.5 MeV, the observed photoelectron cutoff energy (between 1 and 1.35 MeV), photoelectron energy spectra, and the angle-resolved photoelectron azimuthal distributions agree with a model using tunneling ionization, multiple charge states, a classical relativistic continuum, and nonparaxial three-dimensional (3D) focused laser field. Below 0.5 MeV the yields and angular distributions observed indicate dynamics not included within a classical, single electron model of the interaction.
Time-dependent treatment of two-photon resonant single and double ionization of helium by ultrashort laser pulses

We report the results of accurate time-dependent calculations of two-photon ionization of helium by ultrashort pulses. Ionization amplitudes and generalized cross sections are extracted from the wave function using exterior complex scaling. For photon energies above the first ionization threshold, two-photon single ionization is enhanced by core excited resonances, in processes visible with pulses as short as 2 fs, when the photon frequency is equal to a transition energy in ${\text{He}}^{+}$. We explore the dependence of the total cross section in the vicinity of the threshold for sequential double ionization on pulse duration. A signature in the single differential cross section of two-photon sequential ionization with the ground state of the ion as the intermediate state is seen to be suppressed by sufficiently short pulses in favor of the nonsequential process, while the triple differential cross section shows that attosecond pulses can access different electron dynamics than those of longer duration. The peaks in the single differential cross section due to sequential ionization with the excited intermediate states of the ion are observed to occur at energies displaced by about 2 eV from the expected values by interference effects between continuum channels.
Whiteness in zeolite A prepared from Shirasu volcanic glass

Fine white crystals of zeolite A were formed from iron-containing water glass and Na 2 SiO 3 ·9 H 2 O extracted from Shirasu volcanic glass. The whiteness in the products was affected by the degree of crystallinity and alkalinity of the batch composition as well as by the iron content of the silica source. Zeolite A·that was suitable as a detergent builder was prepared under highly alkali-rich conditions because the faster rate of crystal growth produced a greater amount of amorphous solid, which contained the iron complex, within the crystal aggregates. Also, the alkali-rich mother liquor could release greater amounts of iron from the solid. From the whiteness, chemical composition, and SEM observations, a two-step liquid-solid transformation mechanism was suggested.
On expansion problems involving addition theorems and Kapteyn series

Abstract The paper deals with general expansions which give as special cases new results involving the Bessel functions, Jacobi, ultraspherical, and Laguerre polynomials, where the degree of the function is incorporated in the argument. In fact, the theorems unify and extend the Neumann-Gegenbauer expansion and its generalization by Fields and Wimp, Cohen, and others, the Kapteyn expansion theory, and the Kapteyn expansion of the second kind. New expressions are given for the Neumann-type degenerate form of a Gegenbauer addition theorem, the Feldheim expansions for the Jacobi and ultraspherical polynomials, and other expressions. Also of interest is the new method of proof, involving differential and integral operators.
Network Stability: Opportunity or Obstacles?

Scholars of public management have begun to focus on “networking” as a key component of managerial activity ((Agranoff and McGuire, 2001); (Milward and Provan, 2001); (O'Toole and Meier, 1999)). Although the study of networks has garnered considerable academic attention, few studies have worked to bridge previous knowledge about hierarchical organizations with the research on the network. This study introduces the concept of stability into the network, arguing that stability should be a core value in networks, as the function of the network largely depends on repeat interactions. Texas school districts serve as the units of analysis, with the superintendent as the manager of interest. Findings suggest that stability may not always provide the benefits expected in traditional, hierarchical organizations.
Treatment with siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides targeted to HIF-1α induced apoptosis in human tongue squamous cell carcinomas

Overexpression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in cancers has been correlated to a more aggressive tumor phenotype. We investigated the effect of HIF-1α knockout on the in vitro survival and death of human tongue squamous cell carcinomas (SCC-4 and SCC-9). Under normoxic condition, a basal level of HIF-1α protein was constitutively expressed in SCC-9 cells, albeit an undetectable level of HIF-1α messages. Exposure to hypoxia induced only a transient increase in mRNA transcript but a prolonged elevation of HIF-1α protein and its immediate downstream target gene product, VEGF. Under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, treatment of SCC-9 cells with AS-HIF-1α ODN suppressed both constitutive and hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Knockout of HIF-1α gene expression via either AS-HIF-1α ODN or siRNA (siRNAHIF-1α) treatment resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in SCC-4 and SCC-9 cells. We also demonstrated that exposure of SCC-9 cells to hypoxia led to a time-dependent increase in the expression of bcl-2 and IAP-2, but not p53. The attenuated levels of bcl-2 and IAP-2, and the enhanced activity of caspase-3 after treatment with AS-HIF-1α ODN may contribute partly to the effects of HIF-1α blockade on SCC-9 cell death. Collectively, our data suggest that a constitutive or hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α in SCC-9 and SCC-4 cells is sufficient to confer target genes expression essential for tumor proliferation and survival. As a result, interfering with HIF-1α pathways by antisense or siRNA strategy may provide a therapeutic target for human tongue squamous cell carcinomas. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Galvanic skin resistance--a marker for endothelial damage in diabetes.

Abstract Background: Aging and diabetes are both associated with impaired vascular endothelial function. This causes a reduction in the resting blood flow and the blood flow response to autonomic stressors. Further, skin moisture and the ability to sweat are also reduced with aging and diabetes. The present investigation was undertaken to determine if the extent of damage from aging and diabetes could be accurately assessed by simply examining the electrodermal skin response (galvanic skin resistance) to a thermal stress. Study Design: Forty-five subjects whose average age was 31.2 ± 8.3 years (younger group), 62.4 ± 9.6 years (older group), and 61.8 ± 11.3 years (diabetes group) were divided into three groups of 15 subjects. Subjects were exposed to environmental temperatures of 15°C, 23°C, or 32°C for 30 min. During this period of time, sweat rate, skin blood flow, the electrodermal skin response, and skin moisture were measured. Results: There were significant impairments in skin moisture, sweat, skin ...
Maintenance, symptoms and distribution of potato viruses X, S, Y, A, M and leafroll in potato tissue culture plantlets

Maintaining potato viruses X, S, Y, A, M and leafroll in tissue culture plantlets is a convenient, cost and space effective alternative to the use of greenhouse plants. Of these six viruses, only certain strains of PVX induced symptoms in tissue culture plantlets. Nevertheless, all infected tissue culture plants were found to be more reliable than greenhouse grown plants as virus-infected controls in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. Another advantage of maintaining viruses in tissue culture plantlets was the elimination of contamination by other viruses or other pathogens. Leaves, stems, and roots of virus infected plantlets were tested separately for antigen levels by ELISA. In these tests, the stems and leaves of all but PVA infected tissue culture plants consistently gave positive ELISA values. In contrast, root tissue from PVY infected tissue culture plantlets was not reliable for PVY detection. In all cases, the viruses detected in the original source material were detected in the resulting tissue culture plantlets.
Investigation of the Effects of Surface Chemistry and Solution Concentration on the Conformation of Adsorbed Proteins Using an Improved Circular Dichroism Method

In this paper we present the development of methods using circular dichroism spectropolarimetry with a custom-designed cuvette to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for the measurement of the secondary structure of adsorbed proteins, thus providing enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility. These methods were then applied to investigate how surface chemistry and solution concentration influence both the amount of adsorbed proteins and their secondary structure. Human fibrinogen and albumin were adsorbed onto alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold with CH3, OCH2-CF3, NH2, COOH, and OH terminal groups from both dilute (0.1 mg/mL) and moderately concentrated (1.0 mg/mL) solutions. An increase in surface hydrophobicity was found to cause an increase in both the amount of the protein adsorbed and the degree of structural change that was caused by the adsorption process, while an increase in solution concentration caused an increase in the amount of protein adsorbed but a decrease in the degree of conformational change, with these effects being more pronounced on the more hydrophobic surfaces. The combined use of these two parameters (i.e., surface chemistry and solution concentration) thus provides ameans of independently varying the degree of structural change following adsorption from the amount of adsorbed protein. Further studies are underway to examine which of these factors most strongly influences platelet response, with the overall goal of developing a better understanding of the fundamental factors governing the hemocompatibility of biomaterial surfaces.
Segmentation-free ocular detection and recognition

Iris recognition is a well-known technique to identify persons. However this technique requires high resolution images in order to automatically segment the iris. In some scenarios obtaining the required resolution may be difficult. In this paper, we investigate the recognition of ocular regions using correlation filters without segmenting the iris region. This method uses the whole eye region and surrounding areas, i.e., the ocular region, for identification. In our experiments we use the recently developed Quadratic Correlation Filter and show that at low resolutions segmentation-free ocular recognition can succeed while iris segmentation fails.
Cocaine and vigilance task performance of rats: Effects of delay of reinforcement

In two experiments rats were food-reinforced for pressing one of two levers in an operant chamber, with the correct lever being indicated by the position of a briefly illuminated light. In Experiment 1 the levers were always in the chamber, whereas in Experiment 2 the levers were inserted into the chamber immediately after cue light termination and withdrawn immediately after a choice response. The rats were tested under four conditions: after an injection (SC) of saline or 2.5 mg/kg cocaine and with delay of reinforcement (DOR) of either 0 or 8 s. In both experiments, cocaine enhanced accuracy under the 0-s DOR condition. However, in neither experiment was there evidence of facilitation with cocaine under 8-s DOR, which by itself increased choice latencies and decreased accuracy when choice latencies exceeded 0.5 s. These results indicate that cocaine may only enhance performance in vigilance tasks under constrained conditions, e.g., those that require minimal levels of information processing.
Assessment of cochlear implant candidacy in patients with cochlear nerve deficiency using the P1 CAEP biomarker.

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this report was to ascertain the efficacy of the P1 cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) biomarker as an objective tool to assist in the evaluation of cochlear implant (CI) candidacy in children with a radiological diagnosis of cochlear nerve deficiency (CND).MethodsRetrospective case study review of audiological and radiological findings was performed in four pediatric patients identified with CND and severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Cortical auditory evoked potential testing was conducted, and the presence and latency of the P1 component were analyzed.ResultsThree out of four children demonstrated robust P1 CAEP responses, indicating activation of the central auditory pathways by auditory stimulation, despite the diagnosis of CND. These children were considered good candidates for cochlear implantation.DiscussionAlthough cochlear implantation in children is a fairly routine procedure, cases exist for which implant candidacy is questionable. Among these cas...
Impact of header error on EGPRS link level performance in IR mode

In EGPRS the gain achieved through code combining of erroneous data packets; the so-called incremental redundancy (IR), compared with no IR is highly dependent on successful decoding of the RLC/MAC header. This paper provides-under a simulation environment-the effect of header error on the downlink link level performance of EGPRS when operating in the IR mode. The results are presented in terms of effective throughput for the most relevant EGPRS coding schemes. The scenarios considered are based on an ideal receiver performance under TU3-FH and RA250-NoFH interference limited radio channel conditions.
Credibility of scientists: conflict of interest and bias.

In their commentary, Barrow and Conrad (2006), both employed by the chemical industry, argued that industry-funded science and scientists are high quality and unbiased, and this is enforced through policies and practices such as disclosure of funding sources in scientific journals, guidelines for Good Laboratory Practices, peer review, the scientific process of independent repeatability, various federal laws, and the prospect of tort liability. Ironically, these same mechanisms have publicly revealed the often successful efforts by industry to weaken the regulation of their products.
Nitric oxide mediates mucin secretion in endotoxin-induced otitis media with effusion.

Abstract The mechanisms that regulate mucin release in chronic otitis media with effusion, a leading cause of hearing loss in children, remain largely unknown. We developed an animal model using Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the factors responsible for mucin production in chronic otitis media with effusion. N -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, was used to investigate the role of nitric oxide in mucin secretion by the middle ear epithelium. All rats underwent eustachian tube obstruction. In the first set of rats, the middle ear was then injected transtympanically with 35 μl of either 300 mOsm Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (control group) or 1 mg/ml lipopolysaccharide in Krebs-Ringer (experimental group 1). In a second set of rats, the middle ear space was injected with lipopolysaccharide and then infused at a continuous rate for 7 days with either Krebs-Ringer (experimental group 2) or 1 mmol/L l -NAME in Krebs-Ringer (experimental group 3) through an osmotic infusion pump. After 7 days the volume of effusion and the quantity of mucin collected were significantly greater in lipopolysaccharide-exposed ears than in controls. In addition, antimucin immunostaining demonstrated mucous cell hyperplasia in response to lipopolysaccharide. The lipopolysaccharide-induced production of mucin and mucous cell hyperplasia was inhibited in ears treated with lipopolysaccharide and l -NAME. These results suggest that nitric oxide is a mediator in the pathway of mucin secretion in chronic otitis media with effusion. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;116:308-16.)
Rapid Turnover of the mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1) Repressor REDD1 and Activation of mTORC1 Signaling Following Inhibition of Protein Synthesis

mTORC1 is a complex of proteins that includes the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and several regulatory proteins. It is activated by a variety of hormones (e.g. insulin) and nutrients (e.g. amino acids) that act to stimulate cell growth and proliferation and repressed by hormones (e.g. glucocorticoids) that act to reduce cell growth. Curiously, mTORC1 signaling is reported to be rapidly (e.g. within 1-2 h) activated by inhibitors of protein synthesis that act on either mRNA translation elongation or gene transcription. However, the basis for the mTORC1 activation has not been satisfactorily delineated. In the present study, mTORC1 signaling was found to be activated in response to inhibition of either the initiation or elongation phases of mRNA translation. Changes in mTORC1 signaling were inversely proportional to alterations in the expression of the mTORC1 repressor, REDD1, but not the expression of TRB3 or TSC2. Moreover the cycloheximide-induced increase in mTORC1 signaling was significantly attenuated in cells lacking REDD1, showing that REDD1 plays an integral role in the response. Finally, the half-life of REDD1 was estimated to be 5 min or less. Overall, the results are consistent with a model in which inhibition of protein synthesis leads to a loss of REDD1 protein because of its rapid degradation, and in part reduced REDD1 expression subsequently leads to de-repression of mTORC1 activity.
Treatment of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after allogeneic bone marrow transplant with recombinant factor VIIa.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a potentially life-threatening pulmonary toxicity that occurs in 1–21% of patients following bone marrow transplantation. The syndrome is associated with a high mortality rate; and current treatment options are limited. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa, Novoseven) has recently been approved for the treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A/B with inhibitors. A greater understanding of the mechanism by which rFVIIa restores hemostasis has recently become available; with in vitro evidence supporting that the thrombin burst achieved by rFVIIa is independent of the presence or binding to tissue factor. This insight has suggested a range of other potential clinical uses for the drug; including the setting of pulmonary hemorrhage. We review our experience with using rFVIIa for treatment of DAH in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia following a matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplant. Boluses of 90 μg/kg rFVIIa were given every 3 h × 4 doses/day, concurrently with high-dose corticosteroids and maintenance of a platelet count >50 000/mm3. Rapid clinical and radiological improvement was noted within several doses of rFVIIa, with discontinuation of the drug after eight doses. However, the patient's clinical condition began to rapidly deteriorate following cessation of rVIIa, resulting in reinstitution of therapy 24 h later. The patient again exhibited rapid clinical improvement; and rFVIIa was continued for an additional 16 doses with no further evidence of pulmonary hemorrhage noted. No toxicity or adverse events were observed with rFVIIa treatment. Our experience indicates that rFVIIa may be an effective treatment option for DAH post bone marrow transplant; although further clinical studies are needed before recommendations can be made regarding off label use of rFVIIa in this clinical setting.
Crystal chemistry of some Th2Zn17-type rare-earth-zinc phases

Abstract Full single-crystal determinations of several Th 2 Zn 17 -type rare-earth-zinc phases were carried out (graphite monochromatized Mo Kα radiation, 2θ up to 80°, absorption correction with Gauss method, typical residual R = 4.5%). In this structure type, the lattice constants as well as the atomic positions were observed to depend linearly on the radius of the rare-earth atom. The zinc framework, although rather rigid, allows internal readjustments to accommodate the chemical pressure generated by the different sizes of the inserted rareearth atoms. The shortest rare-earth-rare-earth distance varies only slightly and can be considered to be nearly constant. The overall variations in this series are quite uniform except for Yb 2 Zn 17 , where ytterbium is in the divalent state, in contrast with the trivalent state of the rare-earth atom in the other compounds.
Synthesis, characterization and electrode adsorption studies of porphyrins coordinated to ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes

Abstract Two new porphyrins, meso-tris-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-mono-(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (H2MPy3,4DMPP) and meso-tris-3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-mono-(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (H2MPy3M4HPP), and their ruthenium analogs obtained by coordination of [Ru(bpy)2Cl]+ groups (where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) to the pyridyl nitrogens have been synthesized and studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. These ruthenated porphyrins couple Ru chromophores to porphyrins containing electroactive meso-substituents. The highest energy electronic absorption for the ruthenated complexes is assigned as a bpy(π) → bpy(π*) intraligand charge transfer while the next lowest energy electronic absorption is assigned as Ru(dπ) → bpy(π*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. The RuIII/II couples occur at approximately 0.95 V versus the SHE reference electrode in acetonitrile solutions. The first oxidation of the porphyrin is localized on the 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl substituents, respectively. Electroactive surfaces result from adsorption of these compounds onto glassy carbon electrodes followed by anodic cycling in acidic media.
The ascent method for abstract wave problems

Abstract This paper establishes the ascent method for solving abstract Cauchy problems that involve the wave and Euler-Poisson-Darboux equations. The solutions are expressed in terms of convolutions of a sum of group operators acting on the data. These are shown to reduce to the standard solutions for the classical wave problems for the case 2 or 3 space variables.
Quasicontinuum models of fracture and plasticity

The development of modeling tools which allow for the simultaneous treatment of scales ranging from Angstroms to microns has stood out as one of the main challenges in materials modeling. In this paper we discuss a formulation of the quasicontinuum (QC) method that allows for a treatment of internal interfaces, opening the possibility of simulating the interactions of cracks, dislocations and grain boundaries. The model is applied to crack tip deformation and is shown to account for both brittle fracture and crack tip dislocation emission. A key example of the method is the treatment of a crack propagating into a grain boundary which reveals both migration of the boundary and that the boundary is a source for the emission of dislocations.
In Vitro Activity of LY127935

LY127935 is a unique new beta-lactam antibiotic. Its activity against 536 clinical isolates was studied by using microdilution methods of susceptibility testing and compared with the activities of cefamandole, cefoxitin, and cephalothin. The lowest concentrations required to inhibit at least 90% of strains tested (MIC(90)s) of LY127935 for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae ranged from 2 to 8 mug/ml. The MIC(90)s for other staphylococci and streptococci were higher. The MIC(90)s for Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species ranged from 0.12 to 8 mug/ml and 8 to >32 mug/ml, respectively. The MIC(90)s for anaerobes ranged from 2 to >32 mug/ml. As determined by MIC(90)s, LY127935 was consistently the least active antibiotic against facultatively anaerobic gram-positive cocci and the most active against aerobic and facultatively anaerobic gram-negative bacilli. Its position with respect to activity against anaerobes varied from being the most active against Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens to the least active against anaerobic cocci. In a population of multidrug-resistant isolates, concentrations of 8 mug or less of LY127935 per ml inhibited 82% of Enterobacteriaceae; concentrations of 32 mug or less per ml inhibited 100% of Enterobacteriaceae and 40% of P. aeruginosa. Increasing the inoculum size by 100-fold did not increase the minimal inhibitory concentrations of LY127935 or cefoxitin but did increase minimal inhibitory concentrations of cefamandole and cephalothin for some Enterobacteriaceae. All four drugs were bactericidal; minimal bactericidal concentrations were the same or one concentration higher than minimal inhibitory concentrations for 91 to 96% of strains tested. The broad spectrum and marked in vitro activity of LY127935 make it a promising new antibiotic.
Structure, Deprotonation Energy, and Cation Affinity of an Ethynyl-Expanded Cubane

The ethynyl-expanded cubane 2 is examined at the B3LYP/6-31G* level for its structure, ring-strain energy, deprotonation energy, and affinity toward lithium and sodium cation. The estimate of the ring-strain energy of 2 is 48.3 kcal mol-1. Its free energy of deprotonation is 325 kcal mol-1. Lithium cation coordinates to the face of 2, while sodium coordinates to the cage center. These properties are compared with those of simple acyclic alkynes and cyclododeca-1,4,7,10-tetrayne, the analogue of the face of 2.
Agricultural reforms in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union ☆: Status and perspectives

The current status of the agricultural sector in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union is described, in the context of reforms undertaken during the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based one. Sectoral performance is analyzed, focussing especially on general trends in production, and emerging trading patterns. Five critical basic elements of reform are described, and a table is presented rating each country in the study on progress in completing each type of reform. Overall conclusions are presented, indicating that in each basic element of reform, the CEE countries have achieved considerably more success than those of the CIS. The paper concludes with a discussion of prospects for development in the region.
Relationship between litters per sow per year sire breeding values and sire progeny means for farrowing rate, removal parity and lifetime born alive

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between individual sire estimated breeding values (EBV) for litters/sow/year (LSY) and sire progeny means for farrowing rate (FR), removal parity and lifetime born alive (LTBA). Genetic parameters and breeding values were estimated using ASREML. The heritability estimate for LSY was 0.11. When all sires with 10 or more daughters with records were included in the analysis, Spearman rank correlations between the sire's LSY EBV and the sires' daughter means for FR, removal parity and LTBA were 0.49, 0.23 and 0.25 (p < 0.01). The sire EBV for LSY was favourably correlated with sires' daughter means for all three traits. This provides evidence that selecting sires with high EBV for LSY could improve herd FR, removal parity and LTBA. By including LSY as part of the selection criterion, the LTBA may be indirectly improved. The positive genetic correlation between LTBA and LSY may be a result of the improved longevity of sows with greater LSY compared with sows with lower LSY. The relationships between LSY and FR, removal parity and LTBA are strongly supported by the correlations between the sire progeny means for each trait and the sire LSY EBV.
Pharmacological dissociation of the motor and electrical aspects of convulsive status epilepticus induced by the cholinesterase inhibitor soman

Abstract In an effort to validate methods to be used in a screen for drugs effective as anticonvulsants for soman-induced convulsions, scopolamine (0.2 mg/kg) or diazepam (1 mg/kg) were given (i.m.) to male guinea pigs as a pretreatment 30 min before a convulsant dose of soman. Pyridostigmine, atropine and pralidoxime chloride also were given to counteract the lethality of soman. All animals challenged with soman and which did not receive either diazepam or scopolamine exhibited convulsive status epilepticus (SE), identified by continuous electrographic seizure activity (EGSA) and continuous motor convulsions. Despite the presence of continous motor convulsions in all animals pretreated with diazepam and challenged with soman, EGSA was not observed in five of the seven animals. Continuous motor convulsions developed in four of seven animals pretreated with scopolamine and challenged with soman, but EGSA was not observed in any scopolamine-pretreated guinea pig. Neuronal necrosis was observed in the hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and cerebral and pyriform cortices in each animal with EGSA, but no brain damage was found in subjects without EGSA. Thus, although convulsions, EGSA and brain damage normally occur together in animals exposed to soman, the convulsions can be pharmacologically dissociated from the EGSA and brain damage, demonstrating that the clinically manifested convulsions are not dependent on EGSA recorded from the cortex or on abnormal activity which leads to neuronal necrosis in the forebrain.
Osteoclast inhibitory peptide‐1 (OIP‐1) inhibits measles virus nucleocapsid protein stimulated osteoclast formation/activity

Paget’s disease (PD) of bone is characterized by increased activity of large abnormal osteoclasts (OCLs) which contain paramyxoviral nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions. MVNP gene expression has been shown to induce pagetic phenotype in OCLs. We previously characterized the osteoclast inhibitory peptide-1 (OIP-1/hSca) which inhibits OCL formation/bone resorption. OIP-1 is a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked membrane protein containing a 79 amino acid extra cellular peptide and a 32 amino acid carboxy terminal GPI-linked peptide (c-peptide) which is critical for OCL inhibition. In this study, we demonstrate that OIP-1 c-peptide significantly decreased (43%) osteoclast differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with PD. Also, OIP-1 treatment to normal human bone marrow mononuclear cells transduced with the MVNP inhibited (41%) osteoclast precursor (CFU-GM) growth in methylcellulose cultures. We further tested if OIP-1 overexpression in the OCL lineage in transgenic mice inhibits MVNP stimulated OCL formation. MVNP transduction and RANKL stimulation of OIP-1 mouse bone marrow cells showed a significant decrease (43%) in OCL formation and inhibition (38%) of bone resorption area compared to wild-type mice. Western blot analysis identified that OIP-1 decreased (3.5-fold) MVNP induced TRAF2 expression during OCL differentiation. MVNP or OIP-1 expression did not affect TRAF6 levels. Furthermore, OIP-1 expression resulted in a significant inhibition of MVNP stimulated ASK1, Rac1, c-Fos, p-JNK, and NFATc1 expression during OCL differentiation. These results suggest that OIP-1 inhibits MVNP induced pagetic OCL formation/activity through suppression of RANK signaling. Thus, OIP-1 may have therapeutic utility against excess bone resorption in patients with PD.
Sustaining the effective use of health care data: a message from the editors.

Introduction: Over the past decade, several initiatives have funded large projects to develop clinical research data infrastructures totaling several hundred million dollars. While most of this funding has ended or is expected to end soon, the projects themselves must struggle to continue operations beyond the initial funding. Examples of sustained research-data infrastructures are lacking, and recommended approaches to improve sustainability of developing infrastructures are even rarer. Early on, the Electronic Data Methods (EDM) Forum—and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as its sponsor—recognized the need to study strategies for sustainability. Themes : Three prominent themes relating to sustainability arise among the articles in this special issue: the importance of project maturity, commercialization activities, and stakeholder support. Maturity was relevant to all the papers since a project’s maturity directly influences the opportunities that are available, while commercialization and stakeholder support emerged from comparisons among subsets of articles. Next Steps: The papers in this issue create a useful initial set of case studies to help in understanding sustainability issues for data infrastructures needed for research and QI. Each paper includes important lessons learned from the authors’ experience with the different projects that should resonate with the broader fields of clinical research and clinical research informatics. There is an ongoing need for greater understanding of sustainability beyond what this issue provides. As more case studies of sustainability are accumulated, it is expected even more important themes will emerge from qualitative reviews that can eventually be demonstrated quantitatively.
Small-team active learning in an integrated pharmacokinetics course series.

Objectives. To implement a pharmacokinetics curriculum that used small-team active learning and assess students’ perceptions.Design. The course design and delivery were based on delivery of Student...
Complex admittance of Na+ conduction in squid axon.

The complex admittance,Y(p), of squid axon was measured (4-1000 Hz) during step voltage clamp to obtain linear data on Na+ conduction.Y(p) is used as a spectroscopic tool to identify Na+ and K+ conduction, which dominateY(p) at low frequencies and can be separated from each other and from the static capacitance. Na+ conduction is readily distinguishable from K+ conduction in that it produces a steady-state negative conductance. The admittance of the Na+ system can show an anomalous resonance or an antiresonance depending on whether the net shunt conductance is negative or positive. Use of the Na+ negative conductance to neutralize leakage yields a measurement of dielectric capacitance at low frequency. A 90o phase angle suggests that the capacitance is ideal.