cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific factor Xa inhibition reduces restenosis after balloon angioplasty of atherosclerotic femoral arteries in rabbits.

BACKGROUND Balloon angioplasty of atherosclerotic arteries results in activation of the coagulation cascade. Several coagulation factors, including factor Xa and thrombin, are mitogenic for vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and thus may play a role in restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Specific inhibition of factor Xa can be achieved with recombinant antistasin (rATS) or tick anticoagulant peptide (rTAP). We hypothesized that inhibition of Xa would limit restenosis after balloon angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rabbit model. METHODS AND RESULTS Focal femoral atherosclerosis was induced by air desiccation injury and a high-cholesterol diet in 38 New Zealand White rabbits. Recombinant antistasin (n = 20 arteries) or rTAP (n = 14 arteries) was administered by intravenous bolus at the time of balloon angioplasty and followed by a 2-hour infusion; controls (n = 21 arteries) received bolus heparin alone (150 U/kg). Therapeutic prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time occurred, and antithrombotic drug levels were achieved in all animals. Luminal diameter in millimeters by quantitative angiography did not differ between treatment groups before (1.1 +/- 0.2 for controls, 1.1 +/- 0.2 for rATS, and 1.1 +/- 0.3 for rTAP) or after balloon angioplasty (1.5 +/- 0.3 for controls, 1.4 +/- 0.2 for rATS, and 1.4 +/- 0.2 for rTAP). At 28 days, treatment with factor Xa inhibitors tended to result in arteries with larger luminal diameter than controls (1.2 +/- 0.3 for rATS, 1.2 +/- 0.3 for rTAP versus 1.0 +/- 0.3 for control, P = .09 by one-way ANOVA). Restenosis, defined as reduction in angiographic luminal diameter (in mm) from 2 hours after angioplasty to 28 days after angioplasty was less in the rATS group than in controls (-0.2 +/- 0.1 versus -0.5 +/- 0.4, P < .001) and tended to be less in the rTAP group (-0.3 +/- 0.2 versus -0.5 +/- 0.4, P = .07). Quantitative histopathological analysis showed less percent cross-sectional area narrowing by plaque in both rATS- and rTAP-treated arteries compared with controls (42 +/- 21%, 47 +/- 18%, and 63 +/- 14%, respectively; P < .01 by one-way ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a 2-hour infusion of rATS or rTAP reduced angiographic restenosis and resulted in less luminal cross-sectional narrowing by plaque compared with controls.
Nutrient intake and congenital heart defects in maternal phenylketonuria.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether nutritional components other than high maternal blood phenylalanine levels (≥10 mg/dL) are associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring of women with hyperphenylalaninemia. Study Design: Of the 414 subjects who had live births, 249 women (60.1%) started diet treatment before 8 weeks of gestation and had nutritional assessments and infant outcome data. Maternal phenylalanine levels, protein intake, and the incidence of congenital heart defects were determined. Simple contingency table analysis was done by χ 2 and Fisher exact test. Results: A significantly increased incidence of congenital heart defects was observed in offspring of mothers with hyperphenylalaninemia who had an elevated blood phenylalanine level >10 mg/dL at 0 to 8 weeks of gestation and a protein intake of ≤50% of the recommended dietary allowance ( P Conclusion: An inadequate intake of protein during pregnancy in conjunction with elevated blood phenylalanine levels appear to have an additive effect in the incidence of congenital heart defects in the offspring of women with hyperphenylalaninemia. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:441-4.)
A traceless approach for the parallel solid-phase synthesis of 2-(arylamino)quinazolinones

A traceless approach for the parallel solid-phase synthesis of 2-arylamino-substituted quinazolinones is described. Acylation of MBHA resin with o-nitrobenzoic acid derivatives, followed by reduction of the nitro group with tin chloride, generated a resin-bound o-anilino derivative. Reaction of resin-bound o-anilino derivative with arylisothiocyanates yielded resin-bound thioureas, which reacted with amines in the present of Mukaiyama's reagent (2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide) to afford resin-bound guanidines. Following intramolecular cyclization of the resin-bound guanidines during cleavage from the resin by HF/anisole (95/5) for 1.5 h at 0 °C, the desired products were obtained in good yield and purity.
Scenario for ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions. II. Geometry of quantum states at the earliest stage

We suggest that the ultrarelativistic collisions of heavy ions provide the simplest situation for the study of strong interactions which can be understood from first principles and without any model assumptions about the microscopic structure of the colliding nuclei. We argue that the boost-invariant geometry of the collision, and the existence of hard partons in the final states, both supported by the data, make a sufficient basis for the quantum theory of the phenomenon. We conclude that the quantum nature of the entire process is defined by its global geometry, which is enforced by a macroscopic finite size of the colliding objects. In this paper, we study the qualitative aspects of the theory and review its development in two subsequent papers. Our key result is that the effective mass of the quark in the expanding system formed in the collision of the two nuclei is gradually built up reaching its maximum by the time the quark mode becomes sufficiently localized. The chromo-magneto-static interaction of the color currents flowing in the rapidity direction is the main mechanism which is responsible for the generation of the effective mass of the soft quark mode and, therefore, for the physical scale at the earliest more » stage of the collision. « less
Bowenoid papulosis of the penis.

During the past 18 months we have studied 36 biopsy specimens taken from 11 young men ranging in age from 21 to 36, each of whom had multiple, reddish to violaceous papules, some distinctly verrucoid or velvety on either or both the shaft and glans of the penis. The clinical diagnoses accompanying the biopsy specimens were lichen planus, psoriasis and condyloma acuminatum. In no instance was carcinomia in situ suggested in the differential diagnosis. Histologically, however, all specimens submitted showed indubitable changes of squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Cancer 42:1890–1903, 1978.
A Novel Performance-Driven Topology Design Algorithm

This paper presents a very efficient algorithm for performance-driven topology design for interconnects. Given a net, it first generates A-tree topology using table lookup and net-breaking. Then a performance-driven post-processing heuristic not restricting to A-tree topology improves the obtained topology by considering the sink positions, required time and load capacitance to achieve better timing. Experimental results show that our new technique can produce topologies with better timing and is hundreds of times faster than traditional approach.
Mouse Ascites Golgi (MAG) Mucin Expression and Regulation by Progesterone in the Rat Uterus

To study the regulation of the blood group A-related high-molecular weight mucin glycoprotein epitope (mouse ascites golgi, MAG)—a menstrual cycle-dependent marker of endometrial receptivity—in a non-human endometrium model. Immature Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 1 μg of estradiol, 100 μg of testosterone, 100 μg of dexamethasone, 2.5 mg of progesterone (P), 0.325 mg of RU486, P and RU486, 100 μg of tamoxifen, or vehicle for 3 days, sacrificed, and the uteri were stained for MAG. Immunohistochemistry and blood analysis were the measurements used to compare the specimens from the exogenous hormonal and endogenous hormonal groups. Electron microscopy was used to locate the MAG epitope in one pseudopregnant adult Sprague-Dawley rat. The MAG epitope was present in endometral glands of Sprague-Dawley rats, with maximal expression during proestrus and diestrus. Electron microscopy confirmed the Golgi location of this MAG epitope. In the untreated group, less than 0.5% of endometrial glands stained for MAG. The MAG was seen only in the glands of the P-treated rats and RU486 blunted this stimulatory effect by more than 95%. As little as 0.1 mg of P promoted MAG expression, with maximal response at 2.5 mg. Staining was seen 24 hours after P treatment, peaked at 72 hours, then declined. Induction of endogenous P by superovulation with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and hCG (pseudopregnancy) also resulted in strong MAG glandular staining. Our results suggest that the MAG epitope is cyclically expressed and induced by P in rat endometrial glands.
Characterization of the tyrosine kinases RAFTK/Pyk2 and FAK in nerve growth factor-induced neuronal differentiation.

Abstract The related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK), a member of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family and highly expressed in brain, is a key mediator of various extracellular signals that elevate intracellular Ca2+concentration. We investigated RAFTK and FAK signaling upon nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation of PC12 cells. NGF induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK in a time- and dose-dependent manner, whereas no change in the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK was observed. Chemical inhibition showed that RAFTK phosphorylation was inhibited by blocking phospholipase Cγ activity or intracellular Ca2+. Blocking of extracellular Ca2+ or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity partially reduced the phosphorylation of RAFTK. In addition, disruption of actin polymerization abolished RAFTK phosphorylation, indicating that an intact actin-based cytoskeletal organization is required for RAFTK phosphorylation. The focal adhesion molecule paxillin was co-immunoprecipitated with RAFTK, and its tyrosine phosphorylation was increased in a Ca2+-dependent manner upon NGF stimulation. Confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that RAFTK translocated from the cytoplasm to potential neurite initiation sites at the cell periphery, where RAFTK co-localized with paxillin and bundled actin in the early phase (within 5 min) of NGF stimulation, whereas FAK co-localized with paxillin at “point contacts,” which are the primary cell adhesion sites in neuronal cells. Significant distribution of RAFTK was observed in the neurites and growth cones of differentiated PC12 cells. Furthermore, potassium depolarization induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of both RAFTK and paxillin in an intracellular Ca2+-dependent manner in the differentiated PC12 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that RAFTK is involved in NGF-induced cytoskeletal organization and may play a role in neurite and growth cone function(s).
Loss of c/EBP-β activity promotes the adaptive to apoptotic switch in hypoxic cortical neurons

Understanding the mechanisms governing the switch between hypoxia-induced adaptive and pathological transcription may reveal novel therapeutic targets for stroke. Using an in vitro hypoxia model that temporally separates these divergent responses, we found apoptotic signaling was preceded by a decline in c/EBP-β activity and was associated with markers of ER-stress including transient eIF2α phosphorylation, and the delayed induction of the bZIP proteins ATF4 and CHOP-10. Pretreatment with the eIF2α phosphatase inhibitor salubrinal blocked the activation of caspase-3, indicating that ER-related stress responses are integral to this transition. Delivery of either full-length, or a transcriptionally inactive form of c/EBP-β protected cultures from hypoxic challenge, in part by inducing levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These data indicate that the pathologic response in cortical neurons induced by hypoxia involves both the loss of c/EBP-β-mediated survival signals and activation of pro-death pathways originating from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Laser pulse distortion in a nonlinear dielectric

Abstract The velocities of the envelope and phase are derived for a laser pulse propagating in a nonlinear dielectric with intensity dependent index of refraction and an estimate made of the frequency shift due to the nonlinearity.
In-nimbo sandboxing

Sandboxes impose a security policy, isolating applications and their components from the rest of a system. While many sandboxing techniques exist, state of the art sandboxes generally perform their functions within the system that is being defended. As a result, when the sandbox fails or is bypassed, the security of the surrounding system can no longer be assured. We experiment with the idea of in-nimbo sandboxing, encapsulating untrusted computations away from the system we are trying to protect. The idea is to delegate computations that may be vulnerable or malicious to virtual machine instances in a cloud computing environment.This may not reduce the possibility of an in-situ sandbox compromise, but it could significantly reduce the consequences should that possibility be realized. To achieve this advantage, there are additional requirements, including: (1) A regulated channel between the local and cloud environments that supports interaction with the encapsulated application, (2) Performance design that acceptably minimizes latencies in excess of the in-situ baseline.To test the feasibility of the idea, we built an in-nimbo sandbox for Adobe Reader, an application that historically has been subject to significant attacks. We undertook a prototype deployment with PDF users in a large aerospace firm. In addition to thwarting several examples of existing PDF-based malware, we found that the added increment of latency, perhaps surprisingly, does not overly impair the user experience with respect to performance or usability.
Increased chitinase expression and fungal‐specific antibodies in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic children

SummaryBackground Increasing evidence highlights the contribution of chitinases and fungal infection to the development of asthma. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize chitinase expression and serological markers of fungal infection in children with severe asthma. Methods Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from children undergoing clinically indicated flexible bronchoscopy. A diagnosis of asthma was confirmed by pulmonary function testing. BALF was tested for chitinase activity and YKL-40 (an enzymatically inactive chitinase) concentrations. Specimens were cultured for fungal organisms and tested for cryptococcal antigen by ELISA. IgG and IgA reactivity to whole extract fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans) proteins were determined by immunoblot assay. Results Among the 37 patients studied, 30 were asthmatic and 7 were non-asthmatic. Asthmatics exhibited elevated serum IgE levels (median: 748 IU/mL, IQR: 219–1765 IU/mL). Chitinase activity was greater in the BALF of asthmatics (mean, 0.85 ± 1.2 U/mL) compared with non-asthmatics (mean: 0.23 ± 0.21 U/mL, P = 0.012). Likewise YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the BALF of asthmatics and correlated with chitinase activity. There was a trend towards increased fungal-specific IgG in the BALF of asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics and for C. albicans this difference reached statistical significance. IgA reactivity to C. neoformans and A. fumigatus was greater in the BALF of asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Compared with non-asthmatics, asthmatic children exhibited increased chitinase activity and increased YKL-40 levels in BALF. Increased IgG and IgA reactivity to fungal proteins in the BALF of asthmatics may reflect a local response to fungal infection. Our findings are consistent with and suggest a role for chitinases in asthma pathogenesis among Bronx children and provide serological evidence of an association between fungal infection and severe asthma.
Age-related changes in olfactory processing detected with olfactory event-related brain potentials using velopharyngeal closure and natural breathing

Previous olfactory event-related potential (OERP) studies often employed the Velopharyngeal Closure (VC) method, which prevents respiratory air flow in the nose during odor presentation. However, the use of VC has limited the application of OERPs to populations able to perform this artificial breathing technique. The present study investigated the effects of Natural Breathing (NB) in comparison to VC on OERP latency and amplitude in young (mean age: 24 years) and elderly (mean age: 71 years) adults. OERPs were recorded from three midline scalp electrodes (Fz, Cz, Pz) for 15 trials in each breathing condition with an interstimulus interval of 3.5 min, using amyl-acetate as stimulus. Subjects were asked to report perceived stimulus intensity. A thermistor placed inside one nostril monitored nasal respiration and performance of VC. In the NB condition, subjects were instructed to breathe normally through mouth and nose, while stimulus presentation occurred during inspiration. In both breathing conditions, elderly subjects showed significantly smaller N1-P2 and N1-P3 interpeak amplitudes and longer latencies for N1, P2, P3 than younger subjects. VC generated significantly larger N1-P2 amplitudes across all electrode sites, whereas Natural Breathing produced a trend towards shorter P3 latencies. No significant interaction was found between age and breathing technique. The present investigation showed that the OERP is a sensitive measure for detecting age-related changes in olfactory function regardless of breathing technique.
A statistical analysis of the influence of deep convection on water vapor variability in the tropical upper troposphere

Abstract. The factors that control the influence of deep convective detrainment on water vapor in the tropical upper troposphere are examined using observations from multiple satellites in conjunction with a trajectory model. Deep convection is confirmed to act primarily as a moisture source to the upper troposphere, modulated by the ambient relative humidity (RH). Convective detrainment provides strong moistening at low RH and offsets drying due to subsidence across a wide range of RH. Strong day-to-day moistening and drying takes place most frequently in relatively dry transition zones, where between 0.01% and 0.1% of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar observations indicate active convection. Many of these strong moistening events in the tropics can be directly attributed to detrainment from recent tropical convection, while others in the subtropics appear to be related to stratosphere-troposphere exchange. The temporal and spatial limits of the convective source are estimated to be about 36–48 h and 600–1500 km, respectively, consistent with the lifetimes of detrainment cirrus clouds. Larger amounts of detrained ice are associated with enhanced upper tropospheric moistening in both absolute and relative terms. In particular, an increase in ice water content of approximately 400% corresponds to a 10–90% increase in the likelihood of moistening and a 30–50% increase in the magnitude of moistening.
The mechanism of the evolution of hydrogen on palladium and associated internal damage phenomena

Abstract The mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction has been examined and the knowledge thus obtained applied to the interpretation of various aspects of internal damage found above a critical overpotential in alkaline solution. Tafel slopes showed a change at η=−0.3 V; the stoichiometric number is 1 These facts are consistent (up to an overpotential (η) of −0.3 V) with a rate determining proton discharge, coupled to Tafel recombination; at η more negative than −0.3 V, the mechanism changes to a fast proton discharge with rate determining electrochemical desorption to H2. Damage within the Pd electrode appears markedly at pinholes along the hexagonal sides of grain boundaries. The number of hexagonal units and pinholes increases with overpotential and time. An increased solubility of hydrogen at points of high stress is seen as the cause of damage discernible at triaxial points and that generated along the sides of grain boundaries. The high fugacities of hydrogen in voids around these regions serves to interpret the further deterioration of the structure observed with increasing overpotential. Calculations of pressures inside the voids suggest that initiation of damage to the Pd corresponds to a change in reaction mechanism at η≃−0.3 V.
Nonlinear recurrence relations and induced orthogonal polynomials

Abstract We consider a class of polynomials Q n ( x ) defined by Q n (x) = (x + b n ) P n−1 (x) + d n P n (x), n = 0, 1, 2,…,d o ≠ 1 , where the P n ( x ) are polynomials orthogonal with respect to some real linear functional. We ask what conditions the sequences b n , d n must satisfy so that the polynomials Q n ( x ) also form an orthogonal set. It turns out that the quantities b n , d n must satisfy second order nonlinear recurrences, but that these recurrences reduce to first order recurrences. The values b 0 , b 1 , d 0 , d 1 are arbitrary. We determine the weight function for the polynomials and discuss a number of special cases. We show that a specialization of our results leads to some polynomials discussed by Koornwinder.
Production of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase in the presence of thymidine analogues

Abstract Treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infected Vero, BHK, BHKtk− and LMtk− cells with 5-iodo-5′-amino-2′,5′-dideoxyuridine (AIdUrd) caused increased synthesis of ICP36 and an increase in HSV-1 thymidine kinase (tk) activity at late times of infection. The overproduced ICP36 was identified as the HSV-1 encoded tk protein by immunoprecipitation. Whereas the thymidine analogue 5′-amino-5′-deoxythymidine (AdThd) caused an increase in HSV-1 tk synthesis and activity in wild type Vero and BHK cells, 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IdUrd) caused a similar increase only in tk− cells (LMtk−, BHKtk−). In vivo and in vitro stabilization studies using a [35S]methionine pulse-chase experiment or heat inactivation studies with purified HSV-1 tk revealed that stabilization of tk by the analogues could not account for the extent of the observed increase. Since overproduction of tk is observed only at late times of infection, it is suggested that the presence of these thymidine analogues in either the viral DNA or the cellular nucleotide pools is responsible for the observed differential effects.
Abstract 4414: Differential effects of functionalized and non-functionalized short multi-wall carbon nanotubes on survival and cell signaling in pancreatic cancer cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive type of cancer with poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate. Because chemotherapeutic and radiation treatments are not effective, new treatments for this cancer are needed to improve its prognosis. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute one novel and important nanomaterial extensively examined for potential biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery vehicles and diagnostic agents). Modification of CNTs with functional groups improves solubility and may serve as attachment site of other molecules and/or drugs. This study elucidated the cytotoxicity induced by CNTs and the underlying mechanisms. We employed MTT assay to determine survival of PANC1 cells treated with different concentrations of short-multi-wall CNTs (SMWCNTs) or SMWCNTs-COOH for 24, 48, and 72 hrs. Our results suggested that functionalization with carboxyl group to SMWCNTs lowers their cytotoxicity. Therefore we hypothesized that the induced cytotoxicity by both SMWCNTs and SMWCNTs-COOH is a result of either up-regulation of apoptotic pathways or down-regulation of cellular survival/proliferation/differentiation pathways or a combination of both. We carried out western-blot analysis to examine the effects of CNTs on ERK, phospho-ERK, AKT, phospho-AKT signal transduction pathways and on the NF-κB pathway. PANC1 cells were treated with 2, 20, and 200 μg/ml SMWCNTs-COOH or SMWCNTs for 48hrs. The expressions of phospho-ERK were decreased in cells treated with 2 μg/ml SMWCNTs-COOH. However, as the concentration of SMWCNTs-COOH increased from 2 to 200 μg/ml, the phospho-ERK expression was increased: however, the total ERK expression was unaffected. The NF-κB expression in the cells was increased compared to control group as the concentration of SMWCNTs-COOH increased from 2 to 200 μg/ml. Our study demonstrates that both SMWCNTs and SMWCNTs-COOH induced cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells and functionalization with carboxyl group lowered their cytotoxicity. One mechanism underlying their cytotoxicity may be the altered regulation of cellular survival/proliferation pathways such as ERK. Thus, our results may have implications in cytotoxicity of SMWCNTs in pancreatic cells and in designing therapies for pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Yao Zhang, James C.K. Lai, Alok Bhushan, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department,College of Pharmacy, Division of Health Sciences. Differential effects of functionalized and non-functionalized short multi-wall carbon nanotubes on survival and cell signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4414. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4414
Psychiatrists’ and Nonpsychiatrist Physicians’ Reported Use of the DSM-IV Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: Several studies of nonpsychiatrist physicians suggest that there are deficits in the knowledge and application of the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). This research raises questions about the clinical utility of the MDD criteria. The goal of the present study was to determine psychiatrists' reported use of the DSM-IV criteria for MDD to diagnose depression and to compare their use to the use by nonpsychiatrist physicians. Method: The subjects were 291 psychiatrists and 40 nonpsychiatrist physicians who attended a continuing medical education conference in 2006 or 2007 on the treatment and management of depression. Prior to a lecture, the subjects completed a questionnaire that included a question regarding how frequently the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for MDD are used when diagnosing depression. Results: Nearly one-quarter of the psychiatrists indicated that they usually did not use the DSM-IV MDD criteria when diagnosing depression, and nearly half of the nonpsychiatrist physicians indicated that they rarely used the DSM-IV MDD criteria to diagnose depression. Conclusions: A substantial minority of psychiatrists and the majority of nonpsychiatrist physicians reported that they often do not use the DSM-IV MDD criteria when diagnosing depression. These findings raise questions about the clinical utility of the MDD criteria. These results, along with other studies demonstrating problems with recalling the MDD criteria, suggest that clinical utility should be considered in discussions of revising these criteria for DSM-V.
Azithromycin compared with penicillin G benzathine for treatment of incubating syphilis.

A single 1.0-g dose of azithromycin seems to be efficacious for preventing syphilis in the sexual partners of infected persons.
Benthic foraminiferal population fluctuations related to anoxia: Santa Barbara Basin

The pore-water geochemistry and benthic foraminiferal assemblages of sediments from two slope sites and within the central portion of the Santa Barbara Basin were characterized between February 1988 and July 1989. The highest foraminiferal numerical densities (1197 cm−3 as determined by an ATP assay) occurred at a slope site in June 1988 (550 m) in partially laminated sediments. In continuously laminated sediments from the central basin, foraminifera were found living (as determined by ATP assay) in October 1988 to depths of 4 cm, and specimens prepared for transmission electron microscopy were found with intact organelles to 3 cm, indicating their inhabitation of anoxic pore waters. Ultrastructural data from Nonionella stella is consistent with the hypothesis that this species can survive by anaerobic respiration. However, the benthic foraminifera appear unable to survive prolonged anoxia. The benthic foraminiferal population was completely dead in July 1989 when bottom water O2 was undetectable.
Ultra-shallow raised p + -n junctions formed by diffusion from selectively deposited in-situ doped Si 0.7 Ge 0.3

In this paper, a novel raised p+−n junction formation technique is presented. The technique makes use ofin- situ doped, selectively deposited Si0.7Ge0.3 as a solid diffusion source. In this study, the films were deposited in a tungsten halogen lamp heated cold-walled rapid thermal processor using SiCl2H2, GeH4, and B2H6. The microstructure of the Si0.7Ge0.3 layer resembles that of a heavily defected epitaxial layer with a high density of misfit dislocations, micro-twins, and stacking faults. Conventional furnace annealing or rapid thermal annealing were used to drive the boron from thein- situ doped Si0.7Ge0.3 source into silicon to form ultra-shallow p+−n junctions. Segregation at the Si0.7Ge0.3/Si interface was observed resulting in an approximately 3:1 boron concentration discontinuity at the interface. Junction profiles as shallow as a few hundred angstroms were formed at a background concentration of 1017 cm−3.
Vision and cognition: How do they connect?

The target article claimed that although visual apprehension involves all of general cognition, a significant component of vision (referred to as early vision) works independently of cognition and yet is able to provide a surprisingly high level interpretation of visual inputs, roughly up to identifying general shape-classes. The commentators were largely sympathetic, but frequently disagreed on how to draw the boundary, on exactly what early vision delivers, on the role that attention plays, and on how to interpret the neurophysiological data showing top-down effects. A significant number simply asserted that they were not willing to accept any distinction between vision and cognition, and a surprising number even felt that we could never tell for sure, so why bother? Among the topics covered was the relation of cognition and consciousness, the relation of early vision to other modules such as face recognition and language, and the role of natural constraints.
External and internal influences on indices of physiological stress. I. Seasonal and population variation in adrenocortical secretion of free-living lizards, Sceloporus occidentalis.

The plasma levels of glucocorticoid hormones (e. g., corticosterone and cortisol) are often used as an index of physiological stress. However, under natural conditions, glucocorticoid secretion can respond to both environmental influences (e. g., extreme climatic conditions) and internal influences (populational differences and annual seasonal cycles). To distinguish between these kinds of influences, we examined seasonal variation in basal levels of corticosterone and the adrenocortical response to acute stress in six populations of western fence lizards Sceloporus occidentalis. Three populations (Mojave CA, Lone Pine CA, and Tulalip WA) were near the periphery of the species distribution, and three were in the central part of the range (Ojai CA, Hopland CA, and Bend OR). Basal corticosterone showed no consistent pattern of variation, but the adrenocortical response to acute stress was consistently highest 1) in populations living at the margin of the species range, 2) during the hottest and driest seasons, and 3) in individuals with the largest decrements in physiological condition (length-adjusted mass). Thus, basal adrenal secretion and adrenal responsiveness to acute stress were dissociated, and the latter more likely reflected the physiological condition of an individual and the severity of its environment. However, further analysis showed that physiological condition only partially explains the variation in adrenocortical responsiveness and that intrinsic seasonal and population differences may be as important as the external influences of the physical environment. After factoring out seasonal changes in physiological condition, adrenocortical response of two populations under identical controlled laboratory conditions also showed that a peripheral population (Mojave, CA) maintained a higher response than a central population (Bend, OR) that was not attributable to population differences in physiological condition. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Growth and structure of silver and silver oxide thin films on sapphire

Abstract The growth and epitaxy of Ag and Ag2O films on r-cut sapphire surfaces is reported for several different growth conditions. Ag was deposited by electron beam evaporation in vacuum, in a molecular O2 background, and in the presence of an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) oxygen plasma. The presence of an oxygen background converts the random polycrystalline growth of Ag in vacuum to three dimensional epitaxial growth of Ag with a 〈110〉 surface normal. At sufficiently low deposition rates (0.1 nm/s), the presence of the ECR oxygen plasma leads to the growth of Ag2O films with a one dimensional epitaxy having the 〈111〉 direction normal to the surface but random orientation about this normal. The effects of thermal decomposition of Ag2O were examined by annealing the samples in vacuum above 625 K and characterizing the surfaces with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to observe the segregation of silver into islands as the Ag2O decomposes.
Evolution of Microscopic Colitis to Giant Cell Colitis Without Significant Intraepithelial Lymphocytosis or Thickened Collagen Plate

Microscopic colitis (MC) is an umbrella term that encompasses lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC). Several histological variants of these 2 entities exist; among them is the uncommon giant cell colitis (GCC), in which histiocytic giant cells (GCs) are present in background of CC or LC. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman complaining of watery diarrhea for several years that was diagnosed with CC. At follow-up, she developed giant cell colitis (GCC). Nine years later, a colectomy revealed a form of microscopic colitis in which significant intraepithelial lymphocytosis and collagen plate thickening have disappeared while GCs persisted with diffuse mononuclear cells inflammation of the lamina propria. Thinning of the collagen plate in association with GCs has been described previously. The case contributes the possibility of further evolution of MC into a pure giant cell colitis in which the prototypical manifestations of MC have all but disappeared.
Effect of a kinase C inhibitor, gossypol, on the actions of prolactin in cultured mouse mammary tissues

Abstract Gossypol, a drug which has been shown to be an inhibitor of kinase C activity in mouse mammary tissues, is shown to abolish several of the actions of prolactin in cultured mouse mammary gland explants. The prolactin effects that are abolished include its stimulatory effects on (a) ornithine decarboxylase activity, (b) the rate of [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA, (c) the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into a casein-rich phosphoprotein fraction, and (d) the rate of [14C]acetate incorporation into lipids. Since the inhibitory concentrations of gossypol employed in these studies correspond well with the gossypol concentrations required to inhibit kinase C activity, we conclude that ongoing kinase C activity is essential for prolactin to express its differentiative actions in mammary tissues.
Software watermarking via opaque predicates: Implementation, analysis, and attacks

Within the software industry software piracy is a great concern. In this article we address this issue through a prevention technique called software watermarking. Depending on how a software watermark is applied it can be used to discourage piracy; as proof of authorship or purchase; or to track the source of the illegal redistribution. In particular we analyze an algorithm originally proposed by Genevieve Arboit in A Method for Watermarking Java Programs via Opaque Predicates. This watermarking technique embeds the watermark by adding opaque predicates to the application. We have found that the Arboit technique does withstand some forms of attack and has a respectable data-rate. However, it is susceptible to a variety of distortive attacks. One unanswered question in the area of software watermarking is whether dynamic algorithms are inherently more resilient to attacks than static algorithms. We have implemented and empirically evaluated both static and dynamic versions within the SandMark framework.
CapSeq and CIP-TAP identify Pol II start sites and reveal capped small RNAs as C. elegans piRNA precursors.

Summary Piwi-interacting (pi) RNAs are germline-expressed small RNAs linked to epigenetic programming. C. elegans piRNAs are thought to be transcribed as independent gene-like loci. To test this idea and to identify potential transcription start (TS) sites for piRNA precursors, we developed CapSeq, an efficient enzymatic method for 5′ anchored RNA profiling. Using CapSeq, we identify candidate TS sites, defined by 70–90 nt sequence tags, for >50% of annotated Pol II loci. Surprisingly, however, these CapSeq tags failed to identify the overwhelming majority of piRNA loci. Instead, we show that the likely piRNA precursors are ∼26 nt capped small (cs) RNAs that initiate precisely 2 nt upstream of mature piRNAs and that piRNA processing or stability requires a U at the csRNA +3 position. Finally, we identify a heretofore unrecognized class of piRNAs processed from csRNAs that are expressed at promoters genome wide, nearly doubling the number of piRNAs available for genome surveillance.
Emergence of supraependymal cells in rat third ventricle after administration of p-chloroamphetamine

Administration of single or multiple 10 mg/kg doses of parachloroamphetamine hydrochloride, a serotonin-neurotoxic drug, to adult male rats, leads to emergence of clusters of supraependymal cells in the third ventricle above the median eminence. Transmission EM of specimens previously examined with scanning electron optics reveals that the cell clusters have characteristics of neurons. Two weeks after the initial drug injection, the ventricular surfaces of some animals lack the cell clusters, suggesting a “transience” in their appearance. The neuron-like elements may appear in response to alterations in brain serotonin levels, and their presence suggests an ability of adult nerve cells to migrate in response to chemical changes in neural tissue or cerebrospinal fluid.
Effects of peptides: a cross-listing of peptides and their central actions published in the journal Peptides from 1994 through 1998

Effects of peptides on the central nervous system are presented in two ways so as to provide a cross-listing. In the first table, the peptides are listed alphabetically. In the second table, the central nervous system effects are arranged alphabetically. No longer can there be any doubt that peptides affect the central nervous system, sometimes in several ways.
Electromigration reliability evaluation for a three-level metallization process

Abstract The electromigration behaviour of triple level Al-1%Si-0.5%Cu thin films is presented as used in a metallization process necessary for high-density CMOS (HDCMOS) ASIC technology. A prediction time-to-failure (TTFx) formula has been fit and the 0.01% cumulative-failure-function F(t) vs. time has been calculated. Reliability improvement was achieved by using test vehicles baked for t=1400 hrs at T=200°C. Maximum current density design rules are derived as a function of the sigma value for each metal level.
Long-term effects of microbiologically modulated periodontal therapy on advanced adult periodontitis

The usefulness of topical antimicrobials as adjuncts to nonsurgical periodontal therapy is examined in a study group of 47 patients. The clinical and microbiologic results of treating 47 patients with moderate to severe periodontal lesions with antimicrobial therapy are presented.
Campus Crisis Response at Viberg College

This fictional case study examines crisis response in higher education settings. Information about current crisis response procedures, plans, and trends was gathered from informational interviews, current crisis management literature, and multiple college and university websites. The information was synthesized into a fictional case study using Zdziarski, Rollo, and Dunkel's crisis matrix as a framework for discussion and analysis. The case examines the response of a mid-level administrator and the far-reaching implications of an active shooter crisis on campus. The case study allows flexibility so that multiple roles can be considered in an institutional response plan. The case is designed to provide administrators guidance in creating a crisis response team, a chance to reflect on their current understanding of crisis management and a review of the crisis management cycle. Language: en
Screening effects in the core-level spectra of mixed-valence compounds

The effects of screening in the core-level photoemission spectra of mixed-valence compounds are studied with the use of an Anderson-model formulation. The mixed-valent ground-state properties and core-hole Green's function are calculated with the use of a decoupling approximation. The relative weights of peaks corresponding to two different configurations (${f}^{n}$ and ${f}^{n+1}$) are found to become appreciably different from the ground-state valence due to shakedown as the hybridization between the localized $f$-level and conduction electrons is increased. The discrepancy is estimated to be of the order of $\frac{V}{{U}_{\mathrm{df}}}$, where ${U}_{\mathrm{df}}$ is the correlation energy between the core hole and $f$ electron, and $V$ represents the hybridization between $f$ electron and conduction electrons. We also find a shakedown ${f}^{n+2}$ peak in this limit. From a comparison of ground-state valence with the measured intensity of the shake-down peak for Ce${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$, the width of the $f$ level due to hybridization is estimated to be of the order of 1 eV, in agreement with a recent resonant photoemission measurement.
Metrizamide inhibits human brain hexokinase

The myelographic contrast agent, metrizamide, causes a temporary confusional state in many patients. Since metrizamide is a 2-deoxyglucose analogue, it was tested for inhibitory effects on glucose metabolism. The Michaelis constant (Km) of human brain hexokinase for glucose rose from 0.039 to 0.24 and 0.47 mM with final metrizamide concentrations of 0, 16 and 32 mM, respectively. The maximal velocity did not change. Since metrizamide is injected into the human CSF in concentrations of up to 780 mM, impairment of brain glucose metabolism can be expected. These effects could be largely counteracted if metrizamide were injected in a 100 mM glucose solution.
Pertussis Outbreak, Southeastern Minnesota, 2012

Objective To describe clinical and laboratory findings from the 2012 southeastern Minnesota pertussis outbreak.
Life History Characteristics of Three Populations of Edovum puttleri Grissell (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) at Three Temperatures

Abstract The exotic egg parasitoid Edovum puttleri Grissell has shown promise for biological control of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). However, because the activity of currently available populations is decreased at low temperatures, the use of biotypes of E. puttleri adapted to low temperatures may provide more effective control. To determine if there are populations of E. puttleri adapted to low temperatures, the life history characteristics of three populations collected in Honduras were compared at three temperatures (15, 24, and 30°C) over three generations. In general, life history characteristics differed between the first generation and subsequent generations. Among temperatures, parasitoids reared at 24°C were more reproductively active, lived longer, and survived better than those reared at other temperatures. At the lowest temperature, there was a significant difference in the frequency of total egg production, with females from the “River” collection site producing more eggs than females from the other two sites. Coincidentally, the River area is located at the highest elevation and experiences a cooler climate. Comparison of E. puttleri collected in Honduras, Colombia, and Mexico showed differences in life history characteristics. The implications for this study for selection of biotypes of E. puttleri are discussed.
Experimental determination of the total integrated intensity of various doublets of Cs absorption series under various pressures of foreign gases

Abstract The total integrated intensities of both doublet components and all associated satellites of the first nine members of the principal series of cesium in the presence of argon, the corresponding data for the first four members in the presence of helium, and those for the first two members in the presence of xenon were measured. Results indicate an exponential decrease in the intensity vs the relative density of rare gases. Simultaneous measurements of more than one doublet vs relative density show that the decrease in the total integrated intensities is not due to vapor pressure effects.
Iron chloride-graphite intercalated compounds: Structure and selectivity measurements under Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction conditions

Abstract The structure and selectivity of the I - and V -stage FeCl 3 -graphite compounds under reduction (at 400°C) and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction (at 300°C) conditions have been studied by high-resolution electron microscopy, electron diffraction, mass spectrometric and Mossbauer spectroscopic techniques. The two compounds have been found to possess almost similar selectivities. The electron microscopic and electron diffraction techniques reveal that in the I -stage compound, the intercalation occurs in (110) plane, whereas in the V -stage compound it occurs in (110) and (010) planes. The analyses of the electron diffraction pictures of the small particles provided a means of identification of the phases present in the catalysts. Various phases observed by electron microscopy were also confirmed by in situ Mossbauer spectroscopy. No evidence of the formation of any kind of iron carbides was found either by electron microscopy or Mossbauer spectroscopy.
Occupational exposures and autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are pathologic conditions defined by abnormal autoimmune responses and characterized by immune system reactivity in the form of autoantibodies and T cell responses to self-structures. Here we review the limited but growing epidemiologic and experimental literature pertaining to the association between autoimmune diseases and occupational exposure to silica, solvents, pesticides, and ultraviolet radiation. The strongest associations (i.e., relative risks of 3.0 and higher) have been documented in investigations of silica dust and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and glomerulonephritis. Weaker associations are seen, however, for solvent exposures (in scleroderma, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, and multiple sclerosis) and for farming or pesticide exposures (in rheumatoid arthritis). Experimental studies suggest two different effects of these exposures: an enhanced proinflammatory (TH1) response (e.g., TNF-alpha and IL-1 cytokine production with T cell activation), and increased apoptosis of lymphocytes leading to exposure to or modification of endogenous proteins and subsequent autoantibody formation. The former is a general mechanism that may be relevant across a spectrum of autoimmune diseases, whereas the latter may be a mechanism more specific to particular diseases (e.g., ultraviolet radiation, Ro autoantibodies, and lupus). Occupational exposures are important risk factors for some autoimmune diseases, but improved exposure assessment methods and better coordination between experimental/animal models and epidemiologic studies are needed to define these risks more precisely.