cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual Reproduction in Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes: Biology and Impact on Disease

The relative importance of the sexual cycle in each pathosystem can vary depending on factors that include climate, host, cropping practices, patterns of pathogen migration, and the inherent biology of each species. This chapter describes the biology of sexual reproduction in phytopathogenic oomycetes and its role in disease. These infect both mono- and dicotyledonous crops, ornamentals, and native plants, causing foliar blights or root, crown, or fruit rots. Plant pathogens infect both mono- and dicotyledonous crops, ornamentals, and native plants, causing foliar blights or root, crown, or fruit rots. Various factors are reported to stimulate germination including plant extracts, light, carbon dioxide, and alternating temperature and wetness regimes, but the requirements do not seem to have universal effects on different oomycetes. Potatoes, as well as tomatoes and several other Solanum spp., are hosts of the heterothallic species P. infestans. Importantly, this inoculum would typically need to travel from their point of origin to distant potato fields before significant amounts of disease could occur, slowing epidemic progression. Nevertheless, there is evidence that sexual reproduction has occurred based on the appearance of recombinant genotypes. An interesting picture has emerged in which host, pathogen genotype, and environment interact to determine the importance of sexual reproduction. While sexual reproduction challenges efforts to control oomycete pathogens, better knowledge of the mechanisms of oospore formation and germination could lead to new management strategies. Soil populations of oospores might also be reduced by applying compounds stimulating oospore germination near the end of a growing season.
A study of denileukin diftitox to treat refractory ovarian cancer.

e13121 Background: The number of circulating CD4+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) has been correlated with outcome in advanced ovarian cancer. A prior report (Barnett, et al; AACR Abstracts 2006: 1148) ...
Book Review: Art Systems: Brazil and the 1970s by Elena Shtromberg

Art Systems: Brazil and the 1970s , by Elena Shtromberg. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2016. 210 pp., 32 color and 41 b/w illus. $29.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1477308585 Art Systems joins a growing group of books focused on postwar Brazilian art by US-based art historians, such as Claudia
Variable Selection and Parameter Tuning for BART Modeling in the Fragile Families Challenge

Our goal for the Fragile Families Challenge was to develop a hands-off approach that could be applied in many settings to identify relationships that theory-based models might miss. Data processing...
Modified eating in the absence of hunger test is associated with appetitive traits in infants.

Abstract Background Appetite traits and feeding practices have been linked to children's weight status. For example, eating in response to food cues (high food responsiveness (FR)), and poor regulation of intake (low satiety responsiveness (SR)), increase risk for obesity. Appetitive traits of infants, and feeding practices, are typically measured by parent-report. The purpose of this study was to use a modified eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) paradigm, measuring infants' intake 30 min after a typical meal, to test whether infant acceptance of a second meal is associated with parent-reported appetitive traits or feeding practices. Methods Healthy infants aged 3–5 months (N = 54) were fed a typical meal and then offered a second meal by bottle 30 min later. Appetitive traits and feeding practices were assessed with surveys. Analyses of covariance were used to assess whether appetitive traits differed by acceptance of the second meal after adjusting for covariates. Results Fifty-nine percent of infants accepted the second meal and these infants had greater parent-reported FR (M = 3.06 ± 0.58 vs M = 2.43 ± 0.80, p Conclusions Results expand research in older children by showing that infant response to a modified EAH protocol is associated with parent-reported FR and SR. Future research with this protocol in infants should investigate the consistency of this behavior across time and examine whether response to this protocol predicts subsequent growth.
The Impact of Massachusetts Health Reform on Colorectal and Breast Cancer Stage at Diagnosis.

Background This study examines the expansion of health insurance coverage in Massachusetts under state health reform as a natural experiment to investigate whether expanded insurance coverage reduced the likelihood of advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer (BCA) diagnosis. Methods Our study populations include CRC or BCA patients aged 50-64 years observed in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry and Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries for 2001-2013. We use difference-in-differences regression models to estimate changes in the likelihood of advanced stage diagnosis after Massachusetts health reform, relative to comparison states without expanded coverage (Connecticut, New Jersey, Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan). Results We find some suggestive evidence of a decline in the proportion of advanced stage CRC cases. Approximately half of the CRC patients in Massachusetts and control states were diagnosed at advanced stages pre reform; there was a 2 percentage-point increase in this proportion across control states and slight decline in Massachusetts post reform. Adjusted difference-in-difference estimates suggest a 3.4 percentage-point (P=0.005) or 7% decline, relative to Massachusetts baseline, in the likelihood of advanced stage diagnosis after the reform in Massachusetts, though this result is sensitive to years included in the analysis. We did not find a significant effect of reform on BCA stage at diagnosis. Conclusions The decline in the likelihood of advanced stage CRC diagnosis after Massachusetts health reform may suggest improvements in access to health care and CRC screening. Similar declines were not observed for BCA, perhaps due to established BCA-specific safety-net programs.
Pesticide Safety Around Animals

In general, infested animals are unhealthy and cannot be managed efficiently, so pesticides are commonly used to protect animals from pests. The successful control of pests requires careful mixing and application of recommended pesticides according to label directions. Besides ensuring the control of pests, applying pesticides at the recommended rate is necessary to prevent injury to the animal. This 5-page fact sheet was written by P. E. Kaufman and E. N. I. Weeks and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2012. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig128
Histopathologic Characterization of Myocarditis Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Context.— Cardiac complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy are rare, but reports of myocarditis are increasing. The findings have been described in case reports as lymphocytic myocardit...
Periodontal Risk Assessment Based on Dental and Gingival Morphology: A Comparative Analysis of African Versus Asian American Cohorts

Focused clinical question With the 2018 AAP/EFP disease classification with the staging and grading systems, does risk assessment for different ethnic group result in a different focus for clinical needs? This comparative analysis aimed to assess two previously reported cohort studies in African-American (Af-A) and Asian-American (As-A) as to the risk for these two populations for clinical attachment loss (CAL) and gingival phenotype. Summary In comparison of As-A and Af-A cohorts, As-A had higher frequency of thin tissue phenotype, less width of keratinized gingiva (KGW), and more gingival recession (GR). On other hands, Af-A showed higher prevalence of thick phenotype, longer total tooth length and root length (RL). These gingival and dental anatomical patterns suggest there are differential risk for GR, patterns for CAL, and periodontal prognosis between two cohorts. Conclusion(s) Because of nature of dental and gingival anatomy between these two cohorts, As-A are more susceptible in GR and the short RL affords this population less ability to withstand the clinical presentation of periodontal disease. From a therapeutic perspective, clinicians should evaluate patients with different risk assessment based on their dental and gingival characterization. Af-A may have clinical characteristics that makes this population less at risk for mucogingival defects. Conversely, phenotype modification therapy should be considered when treating As-A because of the high prevalence of thin tissue phenotype, inadequate KGW, and GR. Clinicians should also diligently monitor periodontal CAL around the teeth with shorter RL in periodontal or orthodontic therapy for better teeth prognosis.
Targets of Opportunity? The History, Law and Practice of Affirmative Action in University Faculty Hiring

Can universities legally employ race- and sex-based preferences in faculty hiring? This Article explores the history, law, and practice of faculty-related affirmative action, tracing its origins back to largely forgotten legal challenges in the early 1970s over universities’ blatant discrimination against women. Since that time universities have developed hiring schemes that are typically hidden from public view and that steer certain minority and female faculty candidates into special hiring processes. Those special processes, euphemistically called “Target of Opportunity Programs” (TOPs), create faculty positions for which candidates are identified on the basis of race and sex and for which candidates from non-preferred demographics are not invited to apply. The legality of TOP searches is rarely discussed openly on campus. While some have suggested that the Supreme Court’s diversity jurisprudence in the admissions context permits preference-based faculty hiring, this Article shows that the diversity rationale travels poorly to the context of faculty hiring. Moreover, faculty hiring, unlike admissions, is regulated by a complex system of anti-discrimination norms in state law, federal employment law, and administrative regulations that appear to tightly constrain permissible employment-related affirmative action. The Article concludes that race- and sex-based preferences for faculty hiring are problematic. They are difficult to justify under the standard diversity rationale, and they seem to violate employment law and an Executive Order governing government contractors by creating the functional equivalent of race- and sex-based set asides.
Conocimiento y Uso de Anticonceptivos Herbales en una Comunidad Shipibo

Una encuesta de salud hecha en 1964 en una comunidad shipibo, revelo el conocimiento y uso de preparaciones herbales a las que se atribuyen propiedades anticonceptivas. Una siguiente encuesta, en 1969, documento el conocimiento, uso y efectividad de dichas preparaciones; sin embargo se noto que la comunidad tenia la fecundidad mas alta de cualquier agrupacion humana. Asi, a pesar del uso de los anticonceptivos herbales, la fecundidad de las mujeres que lo habian usado y las que no, no brindo mayor apoyo a la hipotesis de la eficacia de dichos anticonceptivos. Como explicacion al origen de tal teoria, se postula una correlacion previa existente en la comunidad estudiada entre el periodo post-partum y la practica de abstinencia sexual asociada con el uso de este tipo de anticonceptivos.
Anchoring Vignettes as a Method to Address Implicit Gender Bias in Patient Experience Scores.

Study objective Patient experience metrics have become increasingly important in evaluations of health care organizations and physician performance. Although such measures have been touted as a way to make objective comparisons of performance, they are subject to many of the same biases as other survey instruments, including gender bias. Methods A total of 320 surveys were conducted between February and October 2020. Surveys included vignettes describing different scenarios, and respondents were asked to rate the vignette physician in each scenario on 1 of 3 themes: listening, time, or courtesy. Three vignettes per theme were used. Half of the surveys used a male physician and half used a female physician. Using tests of difference, we compared the ratings of male and female vignette physicians. We also used a statistical technique known as anchoring vignettes to show how respondents’ ratings of vignette physicians related to their ratings of their own physicians. Results In all 9 vignette scenarios, the male vignette physician was rated more highly than the female vignette physician. These differences were statistically significant in 2 of 9 scenarios. Male vignette physicians were given more top-box ratings than female vignette physicians. Anchoring vignettes showed a statistically nonsignificant association between vignette ratings and ratings of respondents’ own physicians. Conclusion Our findings revealed a pattern of higher ratings of male vignette physicians when compared to female vignette physicians, which may translate to ratings of patients’ own physicians. These findings suggest that current methods to evaluate patients’ experiences with their own physicians may disadvantage female physicians.
Coexistence of Cluster Spin Glass and Superconductivity in Ba ( Fe 1 − x Co x ) 2 As 2 for 0.060 ≤ x ≤ 0.071

We present $^{75}\mathrm{As}$ nuclear magnetic resonance data from measurements of a series of $\mathrm{Ba}({\mathrm{Fe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Co}}_{x}{)}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ crystals with $0.00\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.075$ that reveals the coexistence of frozen antiferromagnetic domains and superconductivity for $0.060\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.071$. Although bulk probes reveal no long range antiferromagnetic order beyond $x=0.06$, we find that the local spin dynamics reveal no qualitative change across this transition. The characteristic domain sizes vary by more than an order of magnitude, reaching a maximum variation at $x=0.06$. This inhomogeneous glassy dynamics may be an intrinsic response to the competition between superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in this system.
Bottom up logic programming as an inference tool

It is well known that complete logical inference is computationally intractable. However, I take the position here that inference is a principle tool in improving efficiency in a wide variety of computations. My case for the pragmatic value of inference is based on technical results concerning bottom up logic programming. The basic intuition behind the value of inference involves the notion of "obvious consequence". In many domains there is a class of questions which can be answered quickly. Pragmatically one is interested in constructing systems that can answer a useful class of questions quickly. Bottom up logic programming provides a flexible paradigm for doing this. I give one particularly startling result which states that a simple syntactic restriction on logic programs yields a simple programming language in which one can define all and only polynominal time decision procedures.
Development of a Hospital-based Massage Therapy Course at an Academic Medical Center

Background: Massage therapy is offered increasingly in US medical facilities. Although the United States has many massage schools, their education differs, along with licensure and standards. As massage therapy in hospitals expands and proves its value, massage therapists need increased training and skills in working with patients who have various complex medical concerns, to provide safe and effective treatment. These services for hospitalized patients can impact patient experience substantially and provide additional treatment options for pain and anxiety, among other symptoms. The present article summarizes the initial development and description of a hospital-based massage therapy course at a Midwest medical center. Methods: A hospital-based massage therapy course was developed on the basis of clinical experience and knowledge from massage therapists working in the complex medical environment. This massage therapy course had three components in its educational experience: online learning, classroom study, and a 25-hr shadowing experience. The in-classroom study portion included an entire day in the simulation center. Results: The hospital-based massage therapy course addressed the educational needs of therapists transitioning to work with interdisciplinary medical teams and with patients who have complicated medical conditions. Feedback from students in the course indicated key learning opportunities and additional content that are needed to address the knowledge and skills necessary when providing massage therapy in a complex medical environment. Conclusions: The complexity of care in medical settings is increasing while the length of hospital stay is decreasing. For this reason, massage provided in the hospital requires more specialized training to work in these environments. This course provides an example initial step in how to address some of the educational needs of therapists who are transitioning to working in the complex medical environment.
Dealing With the Reality of Race and Ethnicity: A Bioethics-Based Argument in Favor of Race-Based Genetics Research

This article challenges the work of several law scholars with arguments based in bioethics, research pragmatism, and genetic science. The article concludes that proposals to stretch U.S. antidiscrimination jurisprudence to regulate away race and ethnicity in genetics research are misguided at best.
Predictive Battlespace Awareness: Linking Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations to Effects Based Operations

Abstract : Today, both traditional and non-traditional Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets are not postured to effectively support effects based operations (EBO). Specifically, ISR should be focused to perform confirmation rather than discovery missions. Although elements of this idea occur in doctrine it is only now, after experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, that the separate elements of ISR are moving toward a predictive environment. More significantly, the link between anticipatory ISR and EBO is starting to emerge. The approach to this issue will be to describe and expand upon existing doctrine. The paper will identify such doctrinal sources as Joint, Multi-Service or Service doctrine for clarity. It will describe the elements of Predictive Battlespace Awareness (PBA) and how they are linked to EBO. It will show current shortfalls in the PBA process and describe possible means of improvement.
The Effect of Sulfhydryl Inhibitors on Substrate Oxidation and Proline Transport with Membrane Preparations from Mycobacterium phlei

Abstract Substrate oxidation and amino acid transport were examined in the presence of sulfhydryl reagents with membrane preparations from Mycobacterium phlei. Oxidation of exogenously added β-NADH, succinate, ascorbate N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine, or ascorbate phenazine methosulfate was inhibited by organic mercurials. The organic mercurials inhibited succinate oxidation between cytochrome b and c. N-ethylmaleimide did not inhibit the oxidation of succinate, ascorbate N, N,N', N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine or ascorbate phenazine methosulfate, but did block NADH oxidation at the level of NADH dehydrogenase. The rate and steady state level of proline transport was lowered slightly by N-ethylmaleimide with all substrates. The organic mercurials inhibited the uptake of proline or induced proline efflux if added after transport steady state levels had been obtained. By altering the concentration of the mercurials, it was possible to obtain concentrations which did not inhibit substrate oxidation, but inhibited proline transport. The inhibition of transport was not as great if proline was preincubated with the membrane vesicles before the addition of inhibitor. Preincubation of the membrane preparations with the organic mercurials inhibited the nonenergized accumulation of proline; preincubation with proline afforded some protection from this inhibition. Thus, the organic mercurials appear to act at the level of a protein involved in transport. The ability to dissociate proline transport from substrate oxidation suggests that with membrane preparations from M. phlei there are a minimum of two distinct sulfhydryl moieties: one group is involved with proline transport and at least one group is involved with substrate oxidation.
Recurrent Solar Modulation of the Galactic Cosmic Rays and the Anomalous Nuclear Component in Three Dimensions of the Heliosphere

Ulysses Mission investigations, extending from pole-to-pole of the Sun and inner heliosphere in the period 1993–1996, have led to discoveries that will change dramatically models to account for the physical phenomena underlying the 26-day modulation of galactic cosmic rays and anomalous nuclear components and their propagation modes. These new findings also relate to the propagation of low energy nucleons and electrons accelerated by corotating interaction region shocks. Also included are some unpublished measurements that will need to he taken into account in any model for the 26-day modulation phenomena. This report is a brief summary of the principal results from the solar wind, magnetic field and charged particle investigations, and their alternate interpretations.
Active spatial filtering for A/D converters

A technique of offset averaging for reducing INL and DNL in flash and folding A/D converters is presented in this paper. The proposed method uses second-order active resistive networks implementing Gaussian-like spatial filters. Compared to previously reported methods employing passive resistive grids, a better offset reduction is achieved without sacrificing the signal gain. Both behavioral and transistor-level simulation results confirmed the performance of the proposed technique.
Improved outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation for acute liver failure

Miloh T, Kerkar N, Parkar S, Emre S, Annunziato R, Mendez C, Arnon R, Suchy F, Rodriguez-Laiz G, Del Rio Martin J, Sturdevant M, Iyer K. Improved outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation for acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:863–869. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: OLT is a life-saving option for ALF. Aim: To evaluate our outcomes in pediatric OLT for ALF. Methods: Retrospective review of our data between 1992 and 2007. Results: Of 142 children with ALF, 126 were listed, of which 40 spontaneously improved, nine died, and 77 underwent OLT (median waiting time four days). Fifty-three children received deceased donor grafts (34 whole and 19 split grafts), and there were 24 living donor grafts. The one- and five-yr patient survival was 87% and 80%, and graft survival 83% and 79%, respectively. Thirteen patients died after OLT, and there were nine retransplants in seven patients. Patient weight, length of stay, creatinine, and infection were significantly associated with death; increased weight and black ethnicity were associated with graft loss on univariate analysis, but not on multivariate analysis. There were no significant differences in patient survival (one and five yr), graft loss, or other complications between the groups. Conclusion: We report the largest single-center study of OLT in pediatric ALF, demonstrating no difference in outcomes between different graft types. Our liberal use of segmental grafts may allow earlier OLT in this high-risk cohort and contribute to our excellent outcomes.
Lymphoid follicle colonization by Bcl-2bright+CD10+ B-cells (“follicular lymphoma in situ”) at nodal and extranodal sites can be a manifestation of follicular homing of lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) in situ (FLIS) was first described and proposed as a distinct entity associated with an indolent clinical course in 2002. To gain further insight into the biology of this enigmatic lymphoproliferation, we analyzed morphologic, phenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular features of tissue specimens manifesting a pattern of follicular colonization by Bcl-2(bright+)CD10(+) B-cells and associated lymphomas from 13 adults and evaluated their clinical outcomes. We observed this immunoarchitectural pattern in lymph nodes (n = 8), at extranodal sites (n = 4), or at both locations (n = 1) at diagnosis. All except 3 cases showed concomitant bright CD10 expression. Six (46%) patients had synchronous and 2 (15%) developed metachronous B-cell lymphomas, with 5 representing high-grade lymphomas. The Bcl-2(bright+)CD10(+) B-cells colonizing reactive follicles and synchronous lymphomas were clonally related in 4/5 (80%) cases analyzed and 5/6 (83%) displayed BCL2 translocations. Two cases exhibited complex karyotypes in both components; a genetic "triple hit" was detected in one instance and 2 copies of t(14,18) were observed in a lymph node biopsy lacking evidence of lymphoma from an individual with stage 4 disease, suspected on imaging, who subsequently displayed a mantle zone/perifollicular infiltrate of Bcl-2(bright+)CD10(+) B-cells in the adenoids. Our findings suggest that bright Bcl-2, and often bright CD10 expression, by B-cells colonizing reactive follicles might represent a phenomenon related to follicular homing of lymphoma, rather than being an attribute of preneoplastic FL precursors. Furthermore, due to the relatively high frequency of overt lymphomas observed, complete staging workup is recommended for patients exhibiting a Bcl-2(bright+)CD10(+) B-cell follicular colonization pattern on biopsy.
Negative inotropic effects of disopyramide on guinea-pig papillary muscles.

Abstract 1. The inhibitory effects of disopyramide on electromechanical responses were investigated in guinea-pig papillary muscles driven by electrical stimuli. Disopyramide up to 10(-5) M did not cause a negative inotropic effect, while the maximum upstroke velocity of the action potential (dV/dtmax) was significantly decreased. 2. At higher concentrations, this drug dose-dependently inhibited the contraction, and dV/dtmax was further decreased. This inhibition of contraction was accompanied by a depression of the slow action potential in partially depolarized preparations by increasing [K+]0 (26 mM). 3. In preparations pretreated with nifedipine (10(-6) M) and ryanodine (10(-6) M), the contraction was almost completely inhibited. In such preparations, ouabain (2 x 10(-6) M) markedly increased the contraction, probably through the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange mechanism. This contraction was inhibited by disopyramide above 10(-8) M, and an almost complete inhibition was caused at 3 x 10(-5) M. 4. A similar inhibitory effect was observed on the contraction increased by the lowering of [Na+]0 (36 mM). 5. These results suggest that disopyramide at high concentrations inhibits Ca influx through slow Ca2+ channels and at low concentrations, it reduces the contraction increased through the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange mechanism. Disopyramide had a greater effect on cardiac contractility mediated by the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange mechanism.
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) as a mediator of neutrophil-platelet interactions in inflammation.

The role of the platelet-neutrophil interaction in inflammation is discussed, as mediated by PAF released from neutrophils. Data fromin vivo andin vitro studies suggest that PAF is intimately involved in multiple interactions between neurophils and platelets.
Use of structured flowcharts in the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum

Over the last four years a new Computer Science major program has been introduced into the curriculum of the School of Engineering at Oakland University. During this period computer science educators throughout the country have debated the best way to introduce structured programming into the curriculum. There is now a widespread belief that beginning FORTRAN courses cannot be taught using structured programming in a form that is palatable to freshmen students without the aid of a structured FORTRAN preprocessor. Our experience in teaching structured programming using FORTRAN to large numbers of freshmen students has indicated that this widespread belief is false.We will illustrate the use of structured flowcharts with FORTRAN in Section 2 by showing one of the actual programming assignments that was given to our freshman introductory computer course this term. The same structured flowcharting techniques are used throughout the curriculum. An example that uses ALGOL and is taken from our junior level data structures class is given in Section 3. The use of the structured flowcharts forces all programs to be well-structured and encourages a top-down approach to programming. It is a very useful vehicle for describing any language-independent structured algorithm. An example of using structured flowcharts to describe a simple precedence parser in a senior course on compilers is given in Section 4.
ALCIAN BLUE: A QUANTITATIVE AQUEOUS ASSAY FOR ALGAL ACID AND SULFATED POLYSACCHARIDES1

Alcian Blue, a cationic copper phthalocyanine dye, complexes with the anionic carboxyl and half-ester sulfate groups of acidic algal polysaccharide in aqueous solution to form an insoluble precipitate. The quantity of dye removed from solution is proportional to the quantity of polyanion in solution, and this principle forms the basis for the quantitative determination of acid and/or sulfated algal polysaccharides. The assay is linear between 0 and 100 μg/ml agar, alginic acid, carrageenan, pectin and Porphyridium aerugineum Geit. polysaccharide. In addition, the technique is used to determine the anion density of acid polysaccharides on a molar or weight equivalency basis.
Spatial Resolution of Atrial Pace Mapping as Determined by Unipolar Atrial Pacing at Adjacent Sites

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial resolution of unipolar atrial pace mapping by pacing at adjacent sites within the coronary sinus and the right atrium. Methods and Results Unipolar pacing from each pole of a quadripolar catheter was performed in the coronary sinus (n=29) and in the right atrium (n=10). Pacing from the distal electrode was used to simulate the site of origin of an atrial tachycardia. These P waves were compared with the P waves generated by unipolar pacing from each of the three proximal electrodes. The P waves were analyzed for changes in amplitude, duration, and configuration. Pacing within the coronary sinus resulted in significant changes in amplitude and duration at distances of 17 and 21 mm from the distal pole, respectively. Similarly, pacing in the right atrium resulted in significant changes in amplitude and duration at distances of 17 and 32 mm from the distal pole, respectively. No significant changes in configuration were noted in the coronary sinus in any lead at pacing sites ≤32 mm from the distal pole. Configurational changes were noted in the right atrium at pacing sites 17 mm from the distal pole. Conclusions The spatial resolution of unipolar atrial pace mapping is ≈17 mm. These findings indicate that mapping techniques that depend on the accurate discrimination of P-wave morphology, such as pace mapping or concealed entrainment, are likely to be imprecise when used in the atria.
Esophageal stricture caused by a Motrin tablet (ibuprofen).

A 37-year-old man experienced acute odynophagia after ingesting a single tablet of Motrin (ibuprofen, 800 mg). Because the pill was swallowed without water, a transient delay in its passage through the esophagus resulted in localized mucosal inflammation and a druginduced stricture.
Ecosystem metabolism in a subtropical, seagrass-dominated lagoon

Measurements of ecosystem gross primary production (GPP) and respiration (R) were made for 2 to 3 consecutive days on 10 occasions from February 1996 through June 1997 in the seagrass-dominated Laguna Madre (Texas, USA). Ecosystem GPP and R were quantified using 3 independent measurements including the open-water technique using dissolved oxygen (DO) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and the summation of discrete measurements of the water column and benthos. Die1 curves of DIC were often influenced by water movement while the impact of water movement on DO was not apparent. This was attributed to the longer turnover time of D1C relative to DO in the water column. The ecosystem GPP and R estimated using the open-water method with DO ranged from 56 to 366 and 103 to 381 mm01 C m-Z d-l, respectively. The discrete estimates of GPP and R were usually lower and ranged from 81 to 233 and 54 to 218 mm01 C m-' d-l, respectively. The results of these 2 approaches indicated that Laguna Madre is a very productive system where GPP and R are nearly balanced. Rates of GPP and R for this system were similar to those measured in other studies of temperate and tropical seagrass systems. Discrete measurements of GPP and R indicated that the water colun~n was net heterotrophic most of the year (annu~illy weighted average P:R = 0.27). Measurements of benthic GPP and R indicated that it was net autotrophic during the entire year (annual P:R = 1.16), suggesting that the benthos was responsible for fueling heterotrophic activity in the water column.
Spectral-element discontinuous Galerkin lattice Boltzmann simulation of flow past two cylinders in tandem with an exponential time integrator

In this paper, a spectral-element discontinuous Galerkin (SEDG) lattice Boltzmann discretization and an exponential time-marching scheme are used to study the flow field past two circular cylinders in tandem arrangement. The basic idea is to discretize the streaming step of the lattice Boltzmann equation by using the SEDG method to get a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) whose exact solutions are expressed by using a large matrix exponential. The approximate solution of the resulting ODEs are obtained from a projection method based on a Krylov subspace approximation. This approach allows us to approximate the matrix exponential of a very large and sparse matrix by using a matrix of much smaller dimension. The exponential time integration scheme is useful especially when computations are carried out at high Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) numbers, where most explicit time-marching schemes are inaccurate. Simulations of flow were carried out for a circular cylinder at Re=20 and for two circular cylinders in tandem at Re=40 and a spacing of 2.5D, where D is the diameter of the cylinders. We compare our results with those from a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme that is restricted by the CFL number. In addition, important flow parameters such as the drag coefficients of the two cylinders and the wake length behind the rear cylinder were calculated by using the exponential time integration scheme. These results are compared with results from our simulation using the RK scheme and with existing benchmark results.
New computational technique for complementary sensor integration in detection-localization systems

The integration of data obtained from several different sensors has often been proposed as a strategy by which accurate estimates of the values of physical variables being measured may be obtained when the sensor data are corrupted by noise. This paper considers a pair of detection-localization sensor systems that have capabilities complementing each other. One has higher resolution than the other but is more susceptible to non-Gaussian multiplicative and additive noise than the sensor with lower resolution. Both are subject to additive Gaussian white noise. Studies have been made in the past to characterize such systems and to make accurate estimates of signals of interest. We propose an alternative computational framework that makes fewer assumptions and thereby makes the system more realistic. The distinguishing feature of our method is that our solution involves only polynomial time and space complexity and hence is well suited for use in realtime applications. Extensive simulation results are included to prove the effectiveness of our solution under varied random noise levels in the sensor data.
Fungal pigments inhibit the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of darkly pigmented fungi.

Abstract Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) has been used to discriminate moniliaceous fungal species; however, darkly pigmented fungi yield poor fingerprint mass spectra that contain few peaks of low relative abundance. In this study, the effect of dark fungal pigments on the observed MALDI mass spectra was investigated. Peptide and protein samples containing varying concentrations of synthetic melanin or fungal pigments extracted from Aspergillus niger were analyzed by MALDI–TOF and MALDI–qTOF (quadrupole TOF) MS. Signal suppression was observed in samples containing greater than 250 ng/μl pigment. Microscopic examination of the MALDI sample deposit was usually heterogeneous, with regions of high pigment concentration appearing as black. Acquisition of MALDI mass spectra from these darkly pigmented regions of the sample deposit yielded poor or no [M+H] + ion signal. In contrast, nonpigmented regions within the sample deposit and hyphal negative control extracts of A. niger were not inhibited. This study demonstrated that dark fungal pigments inhibited the desorption/ionization process during MALDI–MS; however, these fungi may be successfully analyzed by MALDI–TOF MS when culture methods that suppress pigment expression are used. The addition of tricyclazole to the fungal growth media blocks fungal melanin synthesis and results in less melanized fungi that may be analyzed by MALDI–TOF MS.
Caste formation in the polyembryonic wasp Copidosoma floridanum (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): in vivo and in vitro analysis.

Abstract The polyembryonic wasp Copidosoma floridanum produces two morphologically distinct types of larvae in its host Trichoplusia ni. Reproductive larvae consume the host, pupate, and form adult wasps, whereas precocious larvae manipulate the sex ratios of the reproductive caste and defend the brood against interspecific competitors. The previous study indicated that morphogenesis of the reproductive caste was associated with a 9-day competency period, and that ecdysteroids of host origin were required for completion of embryogenesis. Here we investigated whether factors associated with the host environment mediate morphogenesis of precocious larvae and caste determination. Embryogenesis of precocious larvae was found to be synchronized with specific stages of the host first–fourth instars. However, development of precocious larvae did not depend on environmental factors specifically associated with these host stages. Elevation of the host juvenoid titer using the analogue methoprene induced T. ni to undergo a supernumerary sixth instar, but did not alter the proportion of wasp embryos that developed into precocious and reproductive larvae. In contrast, embryos competent to initiate morphogenesis developed into precocious larvae when transplanted into novel host stages such as pupae. Development of precocious larvae was arrested by ablation of the host's source of ecdysteroids, but could be rescued dose-dependently by injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone. In vitro rearing studies confirmed that completion of embryogenesis of the precocious caste required an exogenous pulse of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Combined with previous studies, our results indicate that embryos forming precocious and reproductive larvae acquire the competence to undergo morphogenesis at different times. However, we find no evidence to suggest that caste determination is mediated by environmental factors associated with a specific stage of the host.
Summary statement on emergency planning for transportation

Abstract Present federal policy relies mainly on market forces for assuring adequate energy supplies. In addition to national oil stockpiles, the federal government has developed, but not yet tested, an early warning system for energy shortages, in cooperation with the Department of Defense. Primary responsibility for detailed contingency planning rests with the states. Transportation systems are undergoing general change and adaptation, which government should promote while managing its own transportation resources optimally. Government planning for emergencies of all varieties should be inter-agency directed, but constrained by full recognition of extensive remedial action taken at the local level. Industry emergency planning encompasses measures by the manufacturing sector, including optimal fuel economy for vehicles and the possible use of alternative fuels. Railroad contingency planning requires some federal and regional government regulatory reforms. The federal fuel allocation program was detrimental to all transportation modes. The appropriate degree of fuel price stabilization during shortages remains highly controversial, partly on the grounds that controls lower GNP. The prevalent view was that priority allocations at any level are worse than price allocations. Equity issues should be addressed at the local level and transfers carried out in the form of money. Field evaluations, combined with quantitative modeling of the issues raised here, would be highly desirable.
Integrating Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) with NEURON

The NEURON simulator software is widely used by the computational neuroscience community for neuronal electrophysiology modeling and we have recently extended it to support reaction-diffusion dynamics [1]. This class of dynamics is ideal for studying intracellular dynamics, such as calcium-induced calcium release. NEURON’s original reaction-diffusion support introduced a custom syntax; although this allowed taking advantage of NEURON’s full capabilities, it required existing cell biology models to be rewritten. To eliminate this barrier, we have introduced SBML support for NEURON. SBML [2] is an XML-based representation format used for specifying computational models of biological processes. This format is one of the most widely used, and is supported by over 200 software packages. It has become a standard used by systems biologists for the exchange of information about chemical reaction dynamics. We have introduced SBML support to the reaction diffusion module of the NEURON simulation software. This enables NEURON users to import a large number of previously developed cell biology models and use them in computational neuroscience research. We have added the capability to import and export models in SBML format to NEURON’s reaction-diffusion module using the libSBML library [3]. This allows one to combine models from ModelDB [4] with cell models from the BioModels database [5] in a way that makes it possible to match state variables and to readily change parameters. The procedure is as follows: • Electrophysiology model is loaded from ModelDB or constructed de novo. • NEURON loads SBML data and instantiates appropriate reaction diffusion objects: rxd.Region, rxd.Species, rxd.Reaction. User must interactively or preemptively match state-variable names across combined models to combine the two models into one. • SBML models do not include diffusion so diffusion constants can be added to provide the spatial element of the combined model. • User can adjust the parameters and make simulation runs of the model. We have used these new features to study the interaction of a calcium induced calcium release model from BioModels with electrical activity in a detailed model of a hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron.
Use Of A Small Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) System For Gas Chromatographic/ Fourier Transform Infrared/Mass Spectrometer (GC/FTIR/MS) Analysis

AbstractA GC /FT -IR interface is described which operates with the small FX -6200 FT -IR spectro-meter manufactured by Analect Instruments. The packed column GC /FT -IR instrumentation iscoupled in series to a MS to demonstrate the major analytical capabilities of GC /FT- IR /MS.Infrared and mass spectra of a standard mixture separated and identified by GC /FT -IR /MS is shown. A MS total -ion reconstructed gas chromatogram (RGC) demonstrates separation effi-ciency of the coupled instrumentation.IntroductionThe major analytical capabilities of GC /FT -IR /MS analysis are that (1) Complementary information from infrared and mass spectra results in a greater numberof positive identifications(1,2). (2) A single chromatographic separation performed for both FT -IR and MS instrumentationenables precise comparison of the spectral information from each technique. (3) A savings in time and cost of analysis.In the past, only large FT -IR systems have been interfaced to a GC and MS (3.4) requiringboth considerable cost and considerable laboratory space to house the instrument. Thispaper describes efforts to equip a small, low -cost FT -IR system with a packed column GC /FT-IR interface and subsequent coupling to a MS for on- the -fly GC /FT -IR /MS analysis.ExperimentalA GC /FT -IR interface, Figure 1 -a, was designed such that the gold coated lightpipe (2.4mmX 32 cm) attaches directly to the end of the packed column by way of a 0.08" I.D. X 3" goldcoated transfer line. The chromatograph is built as part of the interface in order to mini-mize transfer line volumes and maintain chromatographic resolution.
The thermal regime of an Arctic lake

Much of the Arctic coastal plain in Alaska is covered by shallow lakes. Those in the Barrow area, which are believed to be representative of most of the lakes in the coastal plain, are generally either two to three feet or six to nine feet deep. The shallow lakes can often provide a suitable summer water supply, but only the deeper lakes provide a significant water supply throughout the year. The water in the individual lakes is in an essentially isothermal state during the ice-free period that lasts from late June until September. The maximum temperature recorded in a lake near Barrow in 1954 was about 12°C. When ice formation begins, the temperature of the body of water as a whole may be only a few tenths of a degree above 0°C. Once the lake surface is iced over, the water temperatures may rise rapidly as much as 2°C, apparently owing to radiated heat received through the ice. The heating is terminated by a sudden cooling that coincides with the covering of the ice by a thin blanket of snow. This cooling is followed in turn by a second warming of the bottom and near-bottom water that takes place gradually over a period of weeks. The bottom sediments beneath the lake are the source of heat. The magnitude of the second rise and the time during which it takes place depend on the distance from shore and the depth of water. A gradual cooling takes place during the balance of the winter. Permafrost underlies the shallow lakes but an unfrozen basin several hundred feet deep may extend beneath the deeper lakes.
Who’s Minding the Store?—Or How a Team of Undergraduate Teaching Interns Rejuvenated an ACS Certified Program

Improvements resulted at all levels in an ACS-certified chemistry program when a team of undergraduate teaching interns began consulting in the laboratories. The author describes the problems and teaching philosophies that led to the institution of the Chemistry Instruction Internship Program, the goals of the program with some preliminary assessments, and how to recruit outstanding undergraduate teaching interns.