cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment satisfaction and quality of life for an integrated continuous glucose monitoring/insulin pump system compared to self-monitoring plus an insulin pump.

Background:Little is known about how the most advanced technology affects treatment satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with diabetes. This study was designed to assess treatment satisfaction and HRQOL among users of an integrated real-time (RT) continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)/continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) system compared with those using self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with CSII.Methods:Participants were 311 adult respondents to an Internet survey, 162 using RT-CGM/CSII, 149 using SMBG + CSII (median age 43 years; type 1 diabetes 94%; diabetes duration >15 years 61%; median insulin use 15 years). Respondents completed instruments assessing glucose monitoring system and insulin delivery system convenience, interference, burden, glucose control efficacy, cost satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and treatment preference, as well as quality of life (diabetes-related worries, social burden, and psychological well-being). Real-time CGM/CSII users also...
Hermetic storage of pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke; laboratory studies

Abstract The effect of airtight storage of pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke, on intergranular atmosphere, insects, mold infection, grain viability and moisture content (m.c.) was investigated in the laboratory. Six hermetically sealed 19-1 cans were used to store millet of three moisture contents (9.9, 12.8 and 15.6%) for 76 days at 27 ± 1°C. One can of grain of each m.c. was infested with 150 adult Sitophilus oryzae L./kg; the others remained uninfested. Carbon dioxide concentrations increased and oxygen concentrations decreased in all cans infested with insects, and in uninfested grain of 15.6% m.c. The changes in atmospheric concentrations were slower in the uninfested grain than in the infested 15.6% m.c. grain. No live insects were found in any treatment, percentages of mold-infested kernels were not significantly different among treatments, and m.c. did not change due to treatment or time. Kernel viability decreased significantly only in the 15.6% m.c. gram. All grain appeared normal; but the 15.6% m.c. grain had a slightly sour odor.
Polyethylene glycol-induced precipitation of interferon alpha-2a followed by vacuum drying: Development of a novel process for obtaining a dry, stable powder

Feasibility studies were performed on the development of a novel process based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced precipitation of proteins followed by vacuum drying in the presence of sugars to obtain dry protein powders. Apparent solubility of interferon alpha-2a (IFNα2a) was determined in the presence of various PEGs and the effect of solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature was investigated. IFNα2a precipitate was dried at a shelf temperature of 25°C at 100 mTorr either as it is or in the presence of mannitol and/or trehalose. The dried IFNα2a formulations were subjected to accelerated stability studies at 40°C (3 months), and the stability was compared with that of a similar lyophilized formulation. The results indicated that more than 90% of the protein could be precipitated using 10% wt/vol PEG the protein could be precipitated using 10% wt/vol PEG 1450 at pH 6.5 at a solution ionic strength of 71 mM. Vacuum drying of the precipitate only resulted in the formation of insoluble aggregates of IFNα2a; however, this was prevented by the addition of either mannitol or trehalose. The addition of excess mannitol resulted in low residual moisture content and better handling of the final dried product. Accelerated storage stability did not show any aggregation and showed less than 5% formation of oxidized IFNα2a in the dried formulation containing IFNα2a: trehalose: mannitol in a 1∶10∶100 wt/wt ratio upon storage at 40°C for 3 months. The stability of this vacuum dried formulation was comparable with that of a similar lyophilized formulation.
Breaking the cycle: impact of sterically-tailored tetra(pyrazolyl)lutidines on the self-assembly of silver(I) complexes.

A improved preparation of the pentadentate ligand α,α,α′,α′-tetra(pyrazolyl)lutidine, pz4lut, and the syntheses of three new alkyl-substituted pyrazolyl derivatives pz4′4lut (pz4′ = 4-methylpyrazol...
Modeling deposition of suspensate in Great Sound, New Jersey

Abstract A sediment deposition model is developed for application to Great Sound, New Jersey. A determination of the average annual accumulation rate is of primary interest. The settling tank concept is used for the model, employing a plug flow approach to model the tidal hydrodynamics. Assumptions inherent in this modeling technique include no mixing between plugs, a uniform vertical velocity profile and simplified geometry. Model inputs were based on hydrodynamic and suspended sediment data obtained for Great Sound during other investigations, including initial volume in the sound at mean low water, the inflow hydrograph and tidal range, the sediment sizes, concentrations and settling velocities, and a frequency versus concentration relationship. The model simulates a single tidal cycle in Great Sound for spring, neap or mean tidal conditions for a specified sediment concentration. Three tests were run to define the sediment deposition characteristics of the sound. The first test defined the relative impact of spring, neap and mean tidal ranges on the deposition. Deposition during mean tide was found to be the average of the spring and neap tide deposition. Concentration hydrographs for ebb flow were determined. The second test determined the average annual sediment accumulation rate in Great Sound to be 8.9 mm/yr by running multiple tidal cycles for fair, pre- and post-storm, and storm conditions. Model predictions compare favorably with predictions of other researchers. The distribution of the average annual accumulation across Great Sound is also defined. In the third test, the relative influence of storm conditions versus predominant fair-weather conditions was established. Only 8 storm days are required to match a year of fair-weather deposition.
Ultrastructural characterization of surface specializations containing high-density acetylcholine receptors on embryonic chick myotubes in vivo and in vitro

Abstract Surface specializations (patches) on myotubes from latissimus dorsi muscles of embryonic chick between 10 and 15 days of incubation and on 5-day-cultured chick thigh myotubes were characterized by heavy metal stains and the binding of horseradish peroxidase-labeled α-bungarotoxin (HRP-α-BTX) for the localization of acetylcholine receptors (AChR). The specializations consisted of slightly raised surface ridges (0.1 to 0.5 μm in width) and wider regions (2–5 μm) sometimes composed of a series of the smaller ridges. The specialized zones were characterized by an external coating of amorphous, fine-textured material, considerably more extensive than the sparse, developing basement lamina occurring elsewhere on the surface. On the internal surface and coextensive with the external layer, dense material was applied immediately adjacent to the plasma membrane. Cytoplasmic microfilaments and microtubules came into close proximity to the submembranous density. HRP-α-BTX binding occurred at specialized regions, indicating the presence of a high density of nicotinic AChR at these sites. Not all of the specialized regions nor the entire extent of the broader patches bound the conjugate. All regions binding the conjugate, however, had associated specializations. Reactive coated vesicles were associated with patch regions, indicating they may be involved in the transport of receptor-bearing membrane and coat material to the surface. The specialized regions binding HRP-α-BTX were usually widely separated on uninnervated surfaces. Reactive patches were invariably present at sites of nerve-muscle contact in vivo . In cultured myotubes, large reactive patches were more abundant and more extensive than in vivo . These regions correspond to the “hot spots” observed at the light-microscopic level. Reactive patches were most abundant on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, on cell processes, and where cells contacted the substrate or other cells. These studies show that external and internal membrane specializations are associated with a high density of AChR in the absence of innervation. Constituents of these specializations may be involved in the localization or positioning of a high density of AChR at these sites or contain components which establish these regions as preferential sites of recognition or contact by the nerve.
Mesophase behaviour of polyhedral particles

This work was supported by a Department of Energy Basic Energy Science Grant ER46517. This publication is based on work supported in part by award no. KUS-C1-018-02, made by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Population Dynamics of Whitefringed Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Sweet Potato in Alabama

Field sampling in sweet potato, Impomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck, was done in 1992 and 1993 to elucidate the seasonal development of whitefringed beetle, Naupactus spp., in sweet potato and the temporal occurrence of larval feeding damage to sweet potato roots. N. peregrinus (Buchanan) and N. leucoloma (Boheman) were the 2 whitefringed beetle species collected in adult samples; N. peregrinus was the predominant species in both years. Adult counts began to increase at the end of July with peak numbers in mid- to late August. Adult numbers declined below 1 per sample in mid- to late September to coincide with the onset of fall temperatures and day length. A significant positive, linear relationship was established between adult counts and foliar feeding damage during the first 4–6 wk of sampling. Results of soil core sampling in 1993 indicated low survival of overwintered larvae in the soil with an increase in numbers of 1st–3rd instars in early August coincident with an increasing adult population. The 1st larval feeding damage on sweet potato roots occurred in September when numbers of 4th–7th instars were increasing. This was evidence that larvae hatching from eggs laid in early or late summer reach sufficient size to damage sweet potato roots before fall harvest. Most feeding damage occurred on roots with a diameter >4.5 cm, and damage continued through final harvest. These results offer a possible explanation for the reported failures of pre- or at-planting applications of soil insecticides to control whitefringed beetle damage. Alternative methods for management of whitefringed beetle in sweet potato are discussed.
Adoptions, 2000–2001

ABSTRACT The number of domestic adoptions has remained relatively constant over the past 15 years, varying between 121,000 and 127,000, but placements have increasingly been completed by public agencies. Adoption of foreign-born children in the United States has nearly tripled in the past 20 years. Despite the increased national interest in adoption in the past decade and the efforts of many dedicated individuals and agencies, it is still difficult to determine the total number of adoptions in the United States. No one agency is charged with compiling adoption information on all adoptions in the United States, and the agencies that do have access to some types of adoption information have no mandate or incentive to compile that information so that it could be integrated with other sources of adoption information.
Effect of particle size of parenteral suspensions on in vitro muscle damage

Objective: Suspension particle size plays a key role in the release and stability of drugs for oral and parenteral formulations. However, the role of particle size in suspension formulations on tissue damage (myotoxicity) following intramuscular (IM) injection has not been systematically investigated.Materials and methods: Myotoxicity was assessed by the release of cumulative creatine kinase (CCK) from the isolated extensor digitorium longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) rat muscles for selected suspensions of phenytoin, bupivicane and diazepam. Particle size effects on myotoxicity, independent of any specific drug, were also investigated using characterized non-dissolving polystyrene beads.Results: Myotoxicity was quantitated by the cumulative release of creatine kinase (CCK) from these isolated muscles over 90 or 120 min. The relationship between particle size and myotoxicity was dependent upon the drug in these suspensions. Diazepam and phenytoin suspensions were found to be less myotoxic than bupivicaine. Us...
High-order Discontinuous Element-based Schemes for the Inviscid Shallow Water Equations: Spectral Multidomain Penalty and Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

Two commonly used types of high-order-accuracyelement-based schemes, collocationbased spectral multidomain penalty methods (SMPM) and nodal discontinuous Galerkin methods (DGM), are compared in the framework of the inviscid shallow water equations. Differences and similarities in formulation are identified, with the primary difference being the dissipative term in the Rusanov form of the numerical flux for the DGM that provides additional numerical stability; however, it should be emphasized that to arrive at this equivalence between SMPM and DGM requires making specific choices in the construction of both methods; these choices are addressed. In general, both methods offer a multitude of choices in the penalty terms used to introduce boundary conditions and stabilize the numerical solution. The resulting specialized class of SMPM and DGM are then applied to a suite of six commonly considered geophysical flow test cases, three linear and three non-linear; we also include results for a classical continuous Galerkin (i.e., spectral element) method for comparison. Both the analysis and numerical experiments show that the SMPM and DGM are essentially identical; both methods can be shown to be equivalent for very special choices of quadrature rules and Riemann solvers in the DGM along with special choices in the type of penalty term in the SMPM. Although we only focus our studies on the inviscid shallow water equations the results presented should be applicable to other systems of nonlinear hyperbolic equations (such as the compressible Euler equations) and extendable to the compressible and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, where viscous terms are included.
The time-dependent shortest pair of disjoint paths problem: Complexity, models, and algorithms

In this paper, we examine complexity issues, models, and algorithms for the problem of finding a shortest pair of disjoint paths between two nodes of a network such that the total travel delay is minimized, given that the individual arc delays are time-dependent. Such disjoint paths address the issue of network vulnerability by prescribing alternate routes for traffic flows. Applications include the dispatching of duplicate packets of data to improve the reliability in communication networks and the diverting of traffic during congestion to reduce the chances of bottlenecks in transportation networks, in the presence of time-dependent variations in travel delays in the network. We prove that this problem, and many variations of it, are NP-hard and we develop a 0-1 linear programming model that can be used to solve this problem. This model can accommodate various degrees of disjointedness of the pair of paths, from complete to partial with respect to specific arcs. We also present some computational results obtained by solving the above models using CPLEX-MIP.
Drosophila fear of intimacy Encodes a Zrt/IRT-like Protein (ZIP) Family Zinc Transporter Functionally Related to Mammalian ZIP Proteins

Zinc is essential for many cellular processes, and its concentration in the cell must be tightly controlled. The Zrt/IRT-like protein (ZIP) family of zinc transporters have recently been identified as the main regulators of zinc influx into the cytoplasm (1); however, little is known about their in vivo roles. Previously, we have shown that fear of intimacy (foi) encodes a putative member of the ZIP family that is essential for development in Drosophila (2). Here we demonstrate that FOI can act as an ion transporter in both yeast and mammalian cell assays and is specific for zinc. We also provide insight into the mechanism of action of the ZIP family through membrane topology and structure-function analyses of FOI. Our work demonstrates that Drosophila FOI is closely related to mammalian ZIP proteins at the functional level and that Drosophila represents an ideal system for understanding the in vivo roles of this family. In addition, this work indicates that the control of zinc by ZIP transporters may play a critical role in regulating developmental processes.
Normal fluctuations and the FKG inequalities

In a translation invariant pure phase of a ferromagnet, finite susceptibility and the FKG inequalities together imply convergence of the block spin scaling limit to the infinite temperature Gaussian fixed point. This result is presented in a rather general probabilistic context and is applicable to infinite cluster density fluctuations in percolation models and to boson field fluctuations in (Euclidean) Yukawa quantum field theory models as well as to magnetization fluctuations in Ising models.
Economic adjustment of migrants in the city: the Jakarta experience.

This study explores the economic implications of rural-to-urban migration as experienced by the low-income residents of Jakarta Indonesia. Data on employment occupation and income of 2435 heads of households from 22 settlements throughout the city are utilized. The objective in this analysis is to identify three dimensions of the migrant adjustment process: 1) the economic changes that resulted from cityward migration; 2) the migrant/nonmigrant economic differences in the population; and 3) the intraurban variation in the relative position of migrants. (authors)
Design and operational features of low-disturbance wind tunnels at NASA Langley for Mach numbers from 3.5 to 18

The experimental and theoretical program at NASA Langley to develop high-speed low-disturbance wind tunnels for transition research is reviewed. Design and operational details of three new low-disturbance wind tunnels - the Mach-18 quiet helium, Mach-8 variable density, and Mach-3.5/Mach-6 high-speed low-disturbance tunnels, are presented. Focus is placed on the high-speed low-disturbance wind tunnel, which will have relatively large mass flows and run times from about 6 to 25 minutes. This facility is designed to provide direct simulation of low-disturbance flight conditions in the atmosphere. The Mach-8 facility will provide uniform flow conditions suitable for validation of aerodynamic codes, while the helium facility will be used for validation of boundary-layer and free shear-layer stability and transition prediction codes.
Electrostatic analysis of local-electrode atom probes

Local extraction-electrodes have been proposed for use in atom probes in order to extend both the performance and applications of this technique. This paper presents results of electric field analyses in the region of the extraction-electrode and specimen tip. A finite-element analysis technique is used for these computations. Effects of variations in electrode structure and tip geometry and their impact on instrument performance are discussed.
Columnar aerosol single‐scattering albedo and phase function retrieved from sky radiance over the ocean: Measurements of Saharan dust

[1] The single-scattering albedo and phase function of African mineral dust are retrieved at 14 wavelengths across the visible spectrum from ground-based measurements of the aerosol optical thickness and the sky radiance taken in the solar principal plane. The retrieval algorithm employs the radiative transfer equation to solve by iteration for these properties that best reproduce the observed sky radiance, and is therefore independent of particle shape. The estimated error in the retrieved single-scattering albedo is less than 0.02 due to the precision of the solar-reflectance-based calibration of the radiometer. The phase function retrieved at 860 nm is robust under simulations of expected experimental errors and may be used to characterize aerosol scattering at the directly measured scattering angles (i.e., Θ ≤ 155°). The phase function retrieved at 443 nm, however, is too sensitive to such errors to confidently describe the angular scattering at blue wavelengths. The single-scattering albedo displays a spectral shape expected of iron-bearing minerals but is much higher than climate models have assumed, indicating that wind-blown mineral dust cools Earth more than is generally believed. The method may be applied to any combination of airborne and ground-based measurements over the ocean and can complement more involved ground-based retrievals through its insensitivity to particle shape and ability to retrieve aerosol properties at relatively small aerosol optical depths.
Phospholipase D-mTOR signaling is compromised in a rat model of depression

Depression is associated with structural and neurochemical changes in limbic structures, including the hippocampus, that control emotion and mood. Structural abnormalities such as decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation, neurogenesis and hippocampal volume, and loss of neurons and glial cells have been widely reported in physical and psychosocial stress paradigms and animal model of depression, but corresponding neurochemical changes are largely unknown. Using neonatal clomipramine (CL)-treated rats as a model to elucidate the association of phospholipase D (PLD) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling with depressive pathology, we found that the hippocampus of CL-treated rats showed significantly down-regulation of PLD1 expression and attenuation of PLD activity which leads to the less formation of phosphatidic acid (PA), an activator of mTOR, and free choline, a potential biomarker for depression. With lower PA levels which could affect mTOR signaling, we further observed that the phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, one of the downstream effectors of mTOR, was also significantly decreased in the hippocampus of CL-treated rats compared to the controls. Down-regulation of PLD1 expression, PLD activity and p70S6 phosphorylation was also found in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex with CL-treated rats. Our results indicate that PLD-mTOR signaling is associated with depressive disorder.
Summary of the Conference on Radiation Exposure in Pediatric Dentistry

Criteria were recommended at the conference to determine the use and types of dental radiographs for children.
The rotating rod model: Opacity, excitation, deflection and angular distribution functions from collinear reaction probabilities☆

Abstract A “rotating rod” model for predominantly collinear atom-diatom collisions is presented. In this model it is assumed that the forces acting during the collision align the three atoms. The reaction probability at a given impact parameter is related to the ID reaction probability by subtracting the triatomic rotational and bending energies from the total energy. An additional “sudden” approximation is used to derive a relation of deflection angles to impact parameters, resulting in an expression for angular distributions. Comparison is made with quantal and classical
Relationship between effective osmolality changes and neurological status during treatment for severe paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Cerebral oedema is a common, life-threatening complication of paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Several risk factors at presentation are known, including urea, and pCO2. It has recently been suggested that changes in effective osmolality during treatment may also convey risk, but this has not been confirmed due to a lack of prospective data.
An exploratory study of discrimination of composer style.

(1946). An Exploratory Study of Discrimination of Composer Style. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 153-163.
Isotopic composition of pyrite: Relationship to organic matter type and iron availability in some North American cretaceous shales

The S isotope composition of pyrite in Cretaceous shales from the Western Interior of North America is related to organic C abundance, kerogen type and Fe availability. Both calcareous and noncalcareous rocks show a correlation between S and C, but noncalcareous rocks are relatively enriched in S with a higher S/C ratio. This higher ratio probably shows that pyrite formation was Fe limited in the calcareous rocks. Organic-carbon-rich noncalcareous shales accumulated slowly beneath anoxic bottom waters. The anoxic bottom waters allowed hydrogen-rich organic matter to be preserved. Such shales have a narrow range of 34S-depleted sulfide and have Fe/S ratios like stoichiometric pyrite, suggesting that pyrite formation in organic-rich shales was also limited by Fe availability. Conversely, organic-poor shales commonly accumulated at comparatively high rates, contain hydrogen-poor and refractory organic matter, and have a wide range of pyrite-S isotopic compositions. These organic-poor shales contain post-sulfidic authigenic minerals such as siderite and have excess reactive Fe rather than pyrite stoichiometry. Evidently Fe played a large role in early diagenesis and determined the course of post-sulfidic diagenesis. Fe availability was, however, mainly controlled by provenance, by the rates of sediment accumulation, and by the oxygen content of the depositional environment.
Interleukin-2 Does Not Sequester Activated Lymphocytes into Lung Lymph of Sheep

Purpose of study: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent activator of lymphocytes, but its effectiveness as an anticancer agent is compromised by several adverse side effects including pulmonary edema. One explanation for the pulmonary toxicity of IL-2 is that activated lymphocytes directly induce the pulmonary vascular endothelium to become more leaky. Methods: To test this hypothesis the number of total lymphocytes, γδ T cells, and CD2-positive cells (αβ T cells and natural killer cells) in peripheral blood and lung lymph of sheep were compared before and after IL-2 infusion. Hemodynamic and lymph dynamic changes were also evaluated. Results: IL-2 decreased mean aortic pressure, increased cardiac output, lowered systemic vascular resistance, and doubled lung lymph flow (P≤ 0.05), but had no effect on plasma or lymph oncotic pressure. The lymph protein concentration and the lymph-to-plasma protein concentration ratio were not different after IL-2 infusion. IL-2 had no effect on the number of total lymphocytes, γδ T cells, or CD2-positive cells in the peripheral blood. In contrast, the number of total lymphocytes, γδ T cells, and CD2-positive cells in lung lymph decreased significantly (P≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The lymphocyte populations decreased more than could be explained by the increase in lymph flow, demonstrating that lung lymphocytes were not reduced simply by dilution. These results imply that the pulmonary edema associated with IL-2 is not caused by activated lymphocytes.
Effects of maternal thrombocytopenia on platelet counts of pre- and postnatal mice

Abstract The effects of maternal thrombocytopenia on platelet counts of pre- and postnatal mice were determined. Platelet counts of gravid mice were reduced at 2–3 days before parturition by injection of rabbit anti-mouse platelet serum (RAMPS). Marked rebound-thrombocytosis was observed after 4–6 days. Platelet counts of pre- and postnatal mice whose mothers were injected with RAMPS 3 days before parturition were unaltered except at 1 day before and at the time of birth when they were significantly (P
Shock-tube study of chemiluminescence and heat release in the high-temperature oxidation of acetylene

The acetylene-oxygen reaction was studied in incident shock waves over the temperature range 1500°–2500°K. Simultaneous observations of OH emission, CH emission, and density gradient profiles were made in experiments with mixtures of composition, C2H2:O2:Ar=1:1.5:97.5, C2H2:O2:CO=1:1.5:97.5, and C2H2:O2=1:99. Correlation of emission and density gradient profiles allowed the course of the chemiluminescent reactions to be compared with the over-all reaction course. The results are in general accord with previous mechanistic proposals if allowance is made for specific quenching of OH 2 and two OH 2 excitation pathways are important.
Effect of Norepinephrine on Regional Sciatic Nerve Blood Flow

The purpose of this study was to explore further adrenergic regulation of peripheral nerve blood flow (NBF) before and after surgical stress. We applied norepinephrine (NE) to one sciatic nerve of rats either immediately after the nerve had been exposed or 2 hr later. Regional NBF was then measured using [14C]butanol distribution. Biceps femoris muscle flow (MBF) was measured simultaneously. The effect of NE on endoneurial NBF was also measured. Contralateral limbs were controls. Control NBF was 11.9 ± 1.9 total, 9.1 ± 1.5 endoneurial (units: ml min-1 100 g-1). If 10-5M NE was applied immediately postexposure, neither total nor endoneurial NBF was affected. If 10-5M NE was applied 2 hr postexposure, however, total NBF on the control side was 21 ± 2.3 vs 8.3 ± 1.2 on the NE side (P < 0.001). In all surgically exposed limbs, MBF was elevated and fell sharply in response to 10-5M NE. We conclude that under basal conditions, neither total nor endoneurial NBF is affected by topical NE. When NBF is already elevated from surgical trauma, however, NS reduces it.
Metabolic Regulator βKlotho Interacts with Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 (FGFR4) to Induce Apoptosis and Inhibit Tumor Cell Proliferation

In organs involved in metabolic homeostasis, transmembrane α and βklothos direct FGFR signaling to control of metabolic pathways. Coordinate expression of βklotho and FGFR4 is a property of mature hepatocytes. Genetic deletion of FGFR4 or βklotho in mice disrupts hepatic cholesterol/bile acid and lipid metabolism. The deletion of FGFR4 has no effect on the proliferative response of hepatocytes after liver injury. However, its absence results in accelerated progression of dimethynitrosamine-initiated hepatocellular carcinomas, indicating that FGFR4 suppresses hepatoma proliferation. The mechanism underlying the FGFR4-mediated hepatoma suppression has not been addressed. Here we show that βklotho expression is more consistently down-regulated in human and mouse hepatomas than FGFR4. Co-expression and activation by either endocrine FGF19 or cellular FGF1 of the FGFR4 kinase in a complex with βklotho restricts cell population growth through induction of apoptotic cell death in both hepatic and nonhepatic cells. The βklotho-FGFR4 partnership caused a depression of activated AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin while activating ERK1/2 that may underlie the pro-apoptotic effect. Our results show that βklotho not only interacts with heparan sulfate-FGFR4 to form a complex with high affinity for endocrine FGF19 but also impacts the quality of downstream signaling and biological end points activated by either FGF19 or canonical FGF1. Thus the same βklotho-heparan sulfate-FGFR4 partnership that mediates endocrine control of hepatic metabolism plays a role in cellular homeostasis and hepatoma suppression through negative control of cell population growth mediated by pro-apoptotic signaling.
Effects of phospholipases on selected renal enzymes: A histochemical study☆

Abstract Recent biochemical studies have demonstrated profound effects of phospholipases on cellular enzyme systems. In the present study selected enzymes were demonstrated in canine kidney after incubation (1) in buffer alone, (2) in 500 μgm/ml of phospholipase C in buffer, and (3) in 50 μgm/ml of phospholipase A in buffer. Results indicate a dramatic decrease in all enzymes in tissue sections subjected to preincubation in phospholipase A. Phospholipase C had no discernible effect on succinate dehydrogenase, α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, or alkaline phosphatase but produced an activation of acid phosphatase and an inactivation of β-OH butyrate dehydrogenase. Results are discussed in relation to human disease.
Building a rational foundation for neural transplantation

The neural transplantation research described by Sinden and colleagues provides part of the rationale for the clinical application of neural transplantation. The authors are asked to clarify their view of the role of the cholinergic system in cognition, to address extrahippocampal damage caused by transient forebrain ischemia, and to consider the effects of delayed neural degeneration in their structure-function analysis.
Advances in rapid preliminary and definitive identification of anaerobes

In this era of diagnostic-related groups and emphasis on cost-effective laboratory services, the question of how far to go with the identification of anaerobic bacteria in the clinical laboratory assumes added significance. In principle, there are three main reasons to identify anaerobes from clinical specimens: 1) epidemiological (e.g., isolation of Bacteroides bivius/disiens from female genital tract specimens or association of Clostridium septicum with malignancy), 2) delineation of an organism or organism group's role in specific disease processes, or 3) differentiation in antimicrobial susceptibility between different species and groups.
A mechanism for the decomposition of dinitropropyl compounds.

A decomposition mechanism is proposed for 2,2-dinitro-1-methoxypropane, a compound whose structure resembles the nitroplasticizer (NP) component of plastic-bonded explosive PBX 9501. A library of key reactions is presented and is based on the results of NP aging studies and existing decomposition mechanisms for similar nitro compounds. Density functional electronic structure calculations on these reactions were used to develop a decomposition mechanism at lower temperatures, which begins with HONO elimination and leads to intermediates that can produce CO, CO2, NO, and N2O gases. These gases were observed in low temperature (48 to 64 °C) aging studies of NP. A high temperature mechanism involving NO2 scission is compared to a thermal decomposition mechanism determined by simultaneous thermogravimetric modulated beam mass spectrometry. The calculated energy barriers for HONO elimination and NO2 scission in the gas phase are reported and compared to experimental results.
Experiments with the “Oregon Trail Knapsack Problem”

Abstract This paper presents hybrid algorithms for a variation of the Bounded Knapsack Problem which we call the Oregon Trail Knapsack. Our problem entails imposing a cost as well as a weight limit, constraining the values of types of items by means of a variety of value functions, and allowing the value of one item type to be dependent on the presence or absence of another type in the knapsack. These modifications to the original problem make it more complex and require adaptations of known knapsack algorithms. To solve this problem, we combine constraint propagation techniques and domain pruning with classic branch and bound approaches that require a sorting of the items. Our experiments compare a constraint-language implementation with a simulation of the constraint-based system in a procedural language. Results indicate that the constraint-based solution is natural to the problem and efficient enough to solve large problem instances typical of the application.
Dynamics of the Optical-Pumping Cycle of F Centers in Alkali Halides-Theory and Application to Detection of Electron-Spin and Electron-Nuclear-Double-Spin Resonance in the Relaxed-Excited State

The dynamics of the optical-pumping cycle of $F$ centers in alkali halides are governed by two prime factors: the large magnetic circular dichroism exhibited by the $F$ band and a large electron-spin memory over the entire cycle. A model of the pump cycle and associated rate equations are given. The most general solutions are given, and important special cases are treated in detail. A number of new experimental techniques are based on the special characteristics of the rate-equation solutions. Among these are purely optical techniques for measuring (i) the degree of spin memory in the entire pumping cycle and (ii) the spin-lattice relaxation rate in the relaxed-excited state (RES). But the most important new development based on the rate-equation solutions is the optical-trigger detection of both electron-spin resonance (ESR) and electron-nuclear-double-spin resonance of the RES. Results of these experiments, including ESR $g$ factors and hyperfine splittings for the RES are given and discussed.
Simulating larval supply to estuarine nursery areas: how important are physical processes to the supply of larvae to the Aransas Pass Inlet?

Factors controlling the movement of fish larvae from coastal spawning environments to estuarine nursery areas are important to fish recruitment. In this paper, the role of physical processes in larval transport to estuarine nursery areas in the Aransas Pass region, Texas, is examined using a circulation model coupled with a fixed-depth particle transport model. Two phases of transport are examined: transport on the shelf to the tidal inlet and transport through the inlet to estuarine nursery areas. Observed pulsing in the supply of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larvae to the tidal inlet is significantly correlated with modeled particle supply. This pulsing is not correlated with a specific physical process, but results from the interaction of several factors affecting water movement, including low-frequency variations in water level and wind forcing. Simulations suggest that the primary spawning region for red drum larvae that utilize nursery habitat in the Aransas Pass region is located north of the inlet. Patterns in the trajectories of particles that successfully enter the inlet reveal that they move alongshelf in the nearshore region and then move into the inlet, rather than moving directly across the shelf to the inlet. The approach path of particles outside the inlet determines the spatial transport patterns for inlets with branched channels and multiple bays. This study demonstrates that physical processes play an important role in determining larval supply to a tidal inlet.
The synergetic effect of ambient PM2.5 exposure and rhinovirus infection in airway dysfunction in asthma: a pilot observational study from the Central Valley of California.

ABSTRACTBackground: Elevated levels of particulate matter PM2.5 and rhinovirus infection have been known to exacerbate asthma. However, the combined effect of rhinovirus infection and high PM2.5 has not been investigated. Purpose: To investigate the effect of PM2.5 and concomitant rhinovirus infection on airway function in asthma in an area with high PM2.5 concentration. Methods: Asthmatics and their matched controls were monitored for lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and respiratory symptoms on days with varying levels of PM2.5. As the study was a repeated measure design, repeated clinical findings, and laboratory data were used in the mixed model analysis. Results: Wheezing and dyspnea in asthmatics were worsened with increasing ambient PM2.5. Increasing PM2.5 decreased FEV1% predicted (–0.51, –0.79 to –0.23) and FEF25–75% predicted (–0.66, –1.07 to –0.24) in subjects with asthma (all P < .01). Rhino viral infection reduced FEF25–75% predicted in subjects with asthma (–11.7, –20 to –2.9). The r...
Paradoxical increase in heart rate before conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation

patients during vasodepressor syncope. It reached a value previously reported only in patients with septic shock.2 The pathophysiology of vasodepressor syncope is very complex. In the early phase, primary peripheral vasodilation probably predominates; subsequently, other mechanisms may be involved, such as lack of compensatory increase in cardiac rate and output, impairment of venous constriction and reflex-mediated vasodilation of skeletal muscle bed.’ Inhibition of the neuroadrenergic system may be an important factor. In fact, vasodepressor syncope can be experimentally induced by sudden interruption of sympathetic discharge.5 Moreover, norepinephrine activity does not increase during vasodepressor syncope3 Endogenous opioid peptides may inhibit the sympathetic system either centrally or peripherally.2-4~7*8 Moreover, endorphins may have a negative inotropic and chronotropic cardiac influence, reduce reflex discharge of cardiac or peripheral receptors, and exaggerate the response of J pulmonary receptors.214$7,8 In our study, no independent measure of sympathetic activity was obtained. We also did not examine the effect of administration of naloxone or other opioid antagonists on the occurrence of syncope. However, the fact that hunger, fatigue and painful stimulation may induce vasodepressor syncope,’ as well as modify plasma fi endorphin activity,9,10 suggests some link between opioid peptides and vasodepressor syncope. This is supported by our data. Whether increase of plasma @ endorphins during vasodepressor syncope is a primary etiologic event or a secondary phenomenon warrants further investigation.
Cloning of Nt.CviQII nicking endonuclease and its cognate methyltransferase: M.CviQII methylates AG sequences

Chlorella virus NY-2A has a large, highly methylated dsDNA genome (45% of the cytosines are 5-methylcytosine and 37% of the adenines are N(6)-methyladenine). Here, we report the cloning, expression, and characterization of the NY-2A-encoded CviQII nicking-modification (N-M) system. The nicking endonuclease, Nt.CviQII, recognizes R downward arrowAG (R=A or G, downward arrow indicating cleavage site) sequences and cleaves the phosphodiester bond 5' to the adenosine. Because of the difficulty in cloning and expressing the wild-type Nt.CviQII, C-terminal truncation mutants were generated and full-length Nt.CviQII was reconstructed by intein-mediated peptide ligation. The truncation mutants and the reconstructed full-length Nt.CviQII have the same recognition and cleavage specificity as the native enzyme. Full-length and truncated Nt.CviQII produced by a cell-free transcription/translation system have similar reaction rates. The methyltransferase, M.CviQII, was also cloned and expressed. It modifies the adenine in AG doublets of DNA in vitro and in vivo in Escherichia coli. To our knowledge, M.CviQII is the first adenine methyltransferase that recognizes a dinucleotide. Therefore, M.CviQII may be a useful reagent for blocking endonuclease cleavage when restriction sites overlap with AG sequences.
Advantages and disadvantages of different nasal CPAP systems in newborns

To compare three different systems of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): the naso-pharyngeal tube and two-prong systems in newborns, focusing on duration of CPAP, side effects and cost. Randomized clinical study. Between July 2000 and September 2001 newborns were randomized to three different CPAP systems. Forty infants in two weight groups (>2500 g and 1250–2500 g; 20 patients in each group) were included. In the group >2500 g the median duration of CPAP was 1.1 days (range 0.25–14.3 days). The median time on a naso-pharyngeal CPAP was 1 day (range 0.25–14.3 days), on Hudson prongs 1.6 days (range 0.5–3.3 days) and on the Infant Flow system 0.7 days (range 0.3–13.6 days; p>0.05 for comparison between groups, Fisher’s exact test). With naso-pharyngeal CPAP, 2 patients developed moderate nasal injuries. On Hudson, 2 patients developed moderate and three mild nasal injuries. One patient on the Infant Flow showed mild and one moderate nasal injuries. In the weight group 1250–2500 g the median duration of CPAP was 1.1 days (range 0.1–7.0 days). The median time on the naso-pharyngeal tube was 0.9 days (range 0.1–7 days), on Hudson prongs 1.1 days (range 0.7–6.6 days) and on the Infant Flow system 1.3 days (range 0.25–5.9 days; p>0.05 for comparison between groups, Fisher’s exact test). With a naso-pharygeal tube, one infant developed mild and one moderate nasal injuries. On Hudson prongs, two had moderate nasal injuries. On Infant Flow, one newborn showed a severe nasal injury and two mild injuries. None of the patients developed a pneumothorax. The naso-pharyngeal tube is an easy, safe and economical CPAP system usable with every common ventilator. For very low birth weight newborns, a prong system may have advantages.
Review of a New Pest of Rice, Tadpole Shrimp (Notostraca: Triopsidae), in the Midsouthern United States and a Winter Scouting Method of Rice Fields for Preplanting Detection

Tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus (LeConte), are a species of temporary, freshwater habitats. Tadpole shrimp are pests of rice production systems in California and have recently been found impacting Missouri rice fields and present in northeastern Arkansas rice fields. These impacts take the form of stand reduction by direct feeding on seedlings and uprooting seedlings during foraging. In addition, their foraging behavior causes water to become muddy, which reduces light penetration to submerged seedlings and consequently delays the development of the rice plant. Once rice is past the seedling stage, tadpole shrimp may be beneficial. This article provides information on the life cycle of tadpole shrimp, describes a new method for scouting for tadpole shrimp in rice fields, and provides scouting results and management implications.
The effects of continuous external compression on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a sensation of soreness that develops 24–48 hr after intense unaccustomed exercise. Clinical characteristics of DOMS include local tissue edema, decreased muscle strength, and decreased range of motion. Although controversial, some research has implicated swelling as a cause or contributor to soreness. We designed this study to determine the effects of continuous external compression on swelling resulting from eccentric contraction and the accompanying clinical characteristics of DOMS. Twenty-three healthy college students (16 females, 7 males; X age=26.0 years) completed 70 maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors to induce soreness and then received random assignment to either a control or a compression sleeve group. The compression sleeve group wore an elastic compression sleeve on the exercised arm, extending from the deltoid insertion to the wrist, throughout the study. We obtained measures of subjective soreness, range of motion (ROM), circumference, arm volume, and isokinetic peak torque for both groups immediately before exercise and 10 min and 24, 48, and 72 hr after exercise. No significant differences were present between groups at any time reference for any of the dependent variables. Soreness peaked at 48 hr and then began to decline. Circumference and volume measurements increased over time with the greatest difference occurring 72 hr postexercise. Subject's ROM and peak torque decreased immediately following exercise and continued to be lower than baseline during the next 72 hr. Continuous external compression, which prior research has shown to be an effective treatment of edema resulting from a variety of acute injuries, was not effective in reducing the edema associated with DOMS, nor was it effective in reducing soreness, strength loss, or ROM loss as a result of DOMS in elbow flexors. Therefore, the clinical use of compression garments in treating DOMS in upper extremities is questionable.