cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time scales of change in the San Francisco Bay benthos

Results from multi-year investigations in the San Francisco Bay estuary show that large abundance fluctuations within benthic macroinvertebrate populations reflect both (1) within-year periodicity of reproduction, recruitment, and mortality that is not necessarily coincident with seasonal changes of the environment (e.g., the annual temperature cycle), and (2) aperiodic density changes (often larger than within-year fluctuations) following random perturbations of the environment.
Corticosterone release is heightened in food or water deprived oxytocin deficient male mice.

Recent studies in female mice that cannot synthesize oxytocin (OT) suggest that central OT neural pathways attenuate the response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to certain stressors. OT deficient (OT−/−) female mice had higher plasma corticosterone concentrations than wild type (OT+/+) female mice following exposure to platform shaker (Mantella et al., 2004). The present study examined the corticosterone response of OT−/− and OT+/+ male mice that were exposed to shaker stress or other stressors (i.e., administration of cholecystokinin (CCK), dehydration, or fasting) that are known to activate central OT neurons in mice. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were higher in male mice receiving each stress than in male mice not exposed to a stressor. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were higher in OT−/− than OT+/+ male mice that were water deprived (P < 0.05) or fasted (P < 0.03), whereas corticosterone concentrations following exposure to platform shaker or CCK administration (10 μg/kg i.p.) were not different between genotypes. These findings support the hypothesis that absence of OT results in a heightened response of the HPA axis to certain stressors and that OT can attenuate the corticosterone response associated with overnight food or water deprivation in male mice.
Organophosphate Systemics as Sprays and Feed Additives for Cattle Grub Control

Ronnel (formerly designated Dow ET-57, O, O -dimethyl O -(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate, Trolene,® or Korlan®) was administered orally to steers at three locations at two dosage levels in the feed; 15 mg./kg./day for 7 days, and 25 mg./kg./day for 6 days. Bayer 21/199 also called Co-Ral® ( O -(3-chloro-4-methylumbelliferone) O, O -diethyl phosphorothioate) was applied to steers at two locations as either a 0.5% suspension or emulsion at 250 pounds pressure. There was no difference grub ( Hypoderma sp.) control, weight gain, feed efficiency or carcass grades between treatments at each location. Grub control at the three locations ranged from 76.3 to 98.6%.
The effect of mixing protocol on mixing in discontinuous cavity flows

Abstract Mixing in cavity flows generated by discontinuous motion of the top and bottom walls according to periodic, recursive, and random protocols is studied using bifurcation analysis and statistical evaluation of the uniformity of simulated mixtures. Although recursive and random protocols can always produce a uniform mixture, a simple periodic protocol with a properly chosen period is at least as good as them in terms of the rate of mixing.
The reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap for closure of meningomyelocele

Closure of the meningomyelocele wound requires stable coverage of the dural repair. In the case presented, multiple conventional attempts at reconstruction failed. A modification of the "reverse" latissimus dorsi flap is presented that successfully managed this low lumbar defect.
Bayesian Variable Selection in Structured High-Dimensional Covariate Spaces With Applications in Genomics

We consider the problem of variable selection in regression modeling in high-dimensional spaces where there is known structure among the covariates. This is an unconventional variable selection problem for two reasons: (1) The dimension of the covariate space is comparable, and often much larger, than the number of subjects in the study, and (2) the covariate space is highly structured, and in some cases it is desirable to incorporate this structural information in to the model building process. We approach this problem through the Bayesian variable selection framework, where we assume that the covariates lie on an undirected graph and formulate an Ising prior on the model space for incorporating structural information. Certain computational and statistical problems arise that are unique to such high-dimensional, structured settings, the most interesting being the phenomenon of phase transitions. We propose theoretical and computational schemes to mitigate these problems. We illustrate our methods on two ...
Proplast leader for use in cruciate ligament reconstruction

A synthetic leader has been used in 18 cases of medial one- third patellar tendon substitution for the anterior cruciate ligament and in 10 cases of posterior cruciate substitution using the medial head of the gastrocnemius tendon. The device adds length and facilitates manipulation of the transplanted tissues. There have been no problems with biocompatibility and there have been no instances of staple loosening or disruption of the junction between the stabilizer and transplanted tissues. Early results with the anterior cruciate substitutions suggest that anchoring the transfer in bony tunnels in both the tibia and femur does not allow sufficient flexibility to prevent stretching or disruption of the tendon transfer.
Dynamic O-Glycosylation of Nuclear and Cytosolic Proteins CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEUTRAL, CYTOSOLIC β-N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINIDASE FROM HUMAN BRAIN

Dynamic modification of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) on Ser/Thr residues is ubiquitous in higher eukaryotes and is analogous to protein phosphorylation. The enzyme for the addition of this modification, O-GlcNAc transferase, has been cloned from several species. Here, we have cloned a human brain O-GlcNAcase that cleaves O-GlcNAc off proteins. The cloned cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 916 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 103 kDa and a pI value of 4.63, but the protein migrates as a 130-kDa band on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The cloned O-GlcNAcase has a pH optimum of 5.5-7.0 and is inhibited by GlcNAc but not by GalNAc. p-Nitrophenyl (pNP)-beta-GlcNAc, but not pNP-beta-GalNAc or pNP-alpha-GlcNAc, is a substrate. The cloned enzyme cleaves GlcNAc, but not GalNAc, from glycopeptides. Cell fractionation suggests that the overexpressed protein is mostly localized in the cytoplasm. It therefore has all the expected characteristics of O-GlcNAcase and is distinct from lysosomal hexosaminidases. Northern blots show that the transcript is expressed in every human tissue examined but is the highest in the brain, placenta, and pancreas. An understanding of O-GlcNAc dynamics and O-GlcNAcase may be key to elucidating the relationships between O-phosphate and O-GlcNAc and to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
High-power 1.5-μm tapered-gain-region lasers

Semiconductor lasers with tapered gain regions are well suited for applications requiring high output powers and good spatial mode quality. In this paper, the development of 1.5-micrometer InGaAsP/InP quantum well (QW) material suitable for this type of device will be discussed and initial results on high-power tapered lasers fabricated in this material presented. Several different 1.5-micrometer QW laser structures grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are being evaluated. Structures containing three compressively strained QWs have shown transparency current densities J T as low as 170 A/cm 2 and net gains of approximately equal 40 cm -1 at less than 800 A/cm 2 . With 5QWs, these parameters were J T approximately equals 275 A/cm 2 and net gain approximately 40 cm -1 at 600 A/cm 2 , respectively. Self-focusing at high current densities and high intensity input into the taper section has been identified as a fundamental problem in these devices that has to be dealt with. Tapered devices with a 0.6-mm-long single-mode gain section coupled to a 1.4-mm-long tapered region fabricated in 5QW material have shown CW output powers of greater than 1.0 W at 3.8 A. Approximately 80% of the 1 W is in the near- diffraction-limited central lobe of the far field-pattern.
Hydrogen bonding induced proton exchange reactions in dense D2-NH3 and D2-CH4 mixtures

We have investigated high-pressure behaviors of simple binary mixtures of NH3 and D2 to 50 GPa and CH4 and D2 to 30 GPa using confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. The spectral data indicate strong proton exchange reactions occur in dense D2-NH3 mixture, producing different isotopes of ammonia such as NH3, NH2D, NHD2, and ND3. In contrast, the proton exchange process in dense D2-CH4 mixture is highly limited, and no vibration feature is apparent for deuterated methane. The vibrational modes of H2 isotopes in D2-NH3 are blue shifted from those of pure H2 isotopes, whereas the modes of D2-CH4 show overall agreement with those in pure D2 and CH4. In turn, this result advocates the presence of strong repulsion and thereby internal pressure in D2-NH3 mixture, which are absent in D2-CH4. In fact, the bond length of hydrogen molecules in D2-NH3, calculated from the present spectral data, is shorter than that observed in pure hydrogen – supporting the enhanced intermolecular interaction in the mixture. Comparing the present spectral results with those previously observed in D2-H2O mixtures further suggests that the strength of repulsive interaction or the magnitude of internal pressure in the mixtures is proportional to the strength of hydrogen bonding in H2O, NH3, and CH4 in decreasing order. Hence, we suggest that the proton exchange is assisted by hydrogen bonding in these molecules.
An analysis of free amino acids, neurotransmitters and enzymes in the nervous system of Solpugida (Arachnida)

1. The composition of amino acids, biogenic amines and related enzymes in the brain and other regions of the nervous system was analyzed for the solpugids, Eremobates palpisetulosus and Eremorhax magnus. The most abundant amino acids were Glu, Asp, Pro, Ala and Gly. 2. GABA, dopamine, noradrenaline, acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase were present in the brain. AChE activity was highest in the protocerebrum and cheliceral nerves; no activity was found in the optic or genital nerves. 3. Concentrations of amines and ACh were found to increase in the brain during postembryonic development.
Physostigmine in tricyclic antidepressant overdose

Acute accidental and suicidal overdosages are becoming common in emergency medicine. Physostigmine salicylate (Antilirium) is the only parasympathomimetic drug capable of reversing both the central and peripheral manifestations of the anticholinergic syndrome caused by overdosage of tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Physostigmine acts rapidly, within 5 to 20 minutes, dramatically reversing the toxic effects. Because of the short duration of action, intoxication may recur and repeated doses may be necessary. Four cases, successfully managed, are presented and the pertinent literature reviewed.
Abstract A13: Lung Adenocarcinoma Subtypes Based on the Expression of Airway Basal Cell Genes

Purpose: Lung adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer, is a heterogeneous disease. Biologic heterogeneity of cancer is determined, at least in part, by specific cell populations of the original tissue that contribute to the development of the particular tumor subtypes. Airway epithelium, the primary site of molecular changes leading to the development of lung cancer, is composed of various cell types, including ciliated, intermediate, secretory (mucus-producing and Clara), neuroendocrine, and basal cells (BC). The specific contribution of individual cell types of the airway epithelium to lung cancer heterogeneity to lung adenoCa is unclear. Based on the knowledge that airway BC are the stem/progenitor cells of the human airway epithelium and that molecular features of local stem/progenitor cells contribute to a distinct molecular subtype of various tumors, we hypothesized that a subset of lung adenoCa is characterized by activation of unique molecular features of airway BC linked to a distinct phenotype of lung adenoCa. Methods: The normal human BC transcriptome was used to define an airway “BC signature” (Hackett et al., PLoS ONE 2011; 6:e18378). The primary data set included the transcriptomes of 182 lung adenoCa (Chitale et al, Oncogene 2009;28:2773). Two independent lung adenoCa transcriptome validation sets included 58 (Bild et al, Nature 2006;439:353) and 327 (Shedden et al, Nat Med 2008;14:822) subjects. Squamous cell carcinoma transcriptomes (n=53) were from Bild et al (Nature 2006). Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method (univariate) and Cox proportional hazard model (multivariate). Differential expression of selected genes between tumor subtypes was validated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Gene expression analysis identified a subset of lung adenoCa that expressed high levels of airway BC signature genes (“BC-high adenoCa”). Compared to “BC-low adenoCa” (lung adenoCa expressing low levels of the airway BC signature genes), this subset of lung adenoCa exhibited more aggressive features with poorer tumor grade (p KRAS mutations (p EGFR mutations (p Conclusion: Activation of a unique airway BC program contributes to a distinct, more aggressive, BC-high subtype of human lung adenoCa, a novel subtype of lung adenoCa, which may originate from airway BC.
Pathologic features associated with nonsentinel lymph node metastases in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma in a sentinel lymph node.

BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge it has not yet been determined which patients with primary breast carcinoma and an axillary sentinel lymph node (SN) metastasis have additional metastases in nonsentinel lymph nodes. METHODS Pathologic features of the primary breast carcinoma and its SN metastasis were examined in 194 patients and correlated with the tumor status of the non-SNs in the same axillary basin. Two-level cytokeratin immunohistochemistry was applied to the SNs and to non-SNs of cases that were negative by standard hematoxylin and eosin examination. RESULTS Lymph node staging based on SN findings, size of the primary tumor, and presence of peritumoral lymphatic vascular invasion (LVI) were associated with non-SN metastasis. The majority (63%) of the 101 patients with SN macrometastases had non-SN metastases. Extranodal hilar tissue invasion in conjunction with SN involvement also was strongly associated with non-SN metastasis (P = 0.0001) but was present in only 65% of patients (35 of 54 patients) with non-SN macrometastases. Approximately 26% of patients (24 of 93 patients) with SN micrometastases (≤ 2.0 mm) had non-SN metastases; among these patients only primary tumor size and peritumoral LVI were correlated with non-SN metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Detailed pathologic examination of the primary tumor and its SN metastasis may increase precision in the selection of patients for further axillary surgery or radiation therapy. Cancer 2000;89:574–81. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of the BNNO Radical.

The cyclic, trans, and cis BNNO molecules and the two isomerization reactions on their doublet electronic states potential energy surface (PES) are systematically investigated. Ab initio self-consistent field, complete active space self-consistent field, coupled cluster with single and double excitations (CCSD), and CCSD including perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] quantum mechanical techniques are employed, in conjunction with Dunning's correlation consistent polarized valence basis sets (cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ, where X = D, T, and Q). All stationary points located on the doublet PES lie within 19 kcal mol(-1) of the global minimum cyclic isomer at the aug-cc-pVQZ CCSD(T) level of theory. The cyclic and trans minima are separated by 2.4 kcal mol(-1) with an interconversion barrier (cyclic → TS2 → trans) of 18.3 kcal mol(-1); the trans and cis isomers are separated by 10.4 kcal mol(-1) with a barrier (trans → TS1 → cis) of 10.4 kcal mol(-1). The dissociation energies BNNO (X (2)A') → B ((2)Pu) + NNO (X (1)Σ(+)) for the cyclic, trans, and cis isomers are predicted to be 39.7, 37.3, and 27.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The diatomic fragment dissociation energies BNNO (X (2)A') → BN (X (3)Π) + NO (X (2)Σ(+)) for the three isomers are determined to be 50.7, 48.4, and 38.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively. Additionally, fundamental vibrational frequencies are computed for the cyclic and trans isomers through application of second-order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2) at the cc-pCVTZ CCSD(T) level of theory. Comparison of the resulting vibrational frequencies and their isotopic shifts with those determined experimentally by Wang and Zhou yields the surprising result that the B ((2)Pu) + NNO (X (1)Σ(+)) reaction leads to formation of the trans isomer. The latter structure is not the global minimum, rather the second lowest lying isomer. This apparent disparity is rationalized by detailed examination of the PES describing this reaction.
Pressure curves from the coronary sinus of the dog.

Abstract Pressure curves recorded from the coronary sinus (at a depth of 1 to 2 cm.) of fifty-six anesthetized dogs were analyzed in respect to their absolute values and general contours. The relationship of pressure values to certain hemodynamic factors and events occurring in the cardiovascular system was investigated. Pressures in the coronary sinus were low, 6.1 and 1.9 mm. Hg for systolic and diastolic values, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between coronary sinus diastolic and right ventricular end diastolic pressures. Lower correlations were obtained between coronary sinus diastolic and mean pressures and all pulmonary pressures, as well as between coronary sinus mean pressure and total left ventricular blood flow. The pressure curves recorded were extremely variable, not only in different animals, but in the same animal during the course of an experiment. Although it was possible to group these pressure tracings into five major patterns, considerable variation was observed within each main type.
Challenges in Renovation of Vintage Buildings

AbstractStructural engineers often encounter various unique design and construction challenges during renovations of vintage buildings. If such challenges are not properly addressed, they may result in major consequences. This paper provides a case study of a flawed structural renovation project and discusses the common challenges that engineers may face during renovation projects. The subject building is a six-story vintage residential building with a structure consisting of exterior load-bearing brick masonry walls, interior cast iron and wood columns, and wood floor framing. The renovation project mainly included the addition of a penthouse, addition of a freestanding fireplace and chimney, and converting a roof into a roof garden for the owner of the top story of the building. Due to several serious structural issues that were discovered during and after the renovation project, the penthouse, fireplace, and chimney had to be demolished, and usage of parts of the apartment was restricted to prevent str...
Meningiomas of childhood and adolescence.

Review of clinical, roentgenographic, and histologic material of 75 purported meningiomas in patients younger than 20 years old revealed 48 cases that we considered clearly to represent meningiomas. The meningiomas were characterized by posterior fossa location (19 per cent), intraventricular location (17 per cent), roentgenographic evidence of tumor calcification (32 per cent), and frequent association with neurofibromatosis (23 per cent). These findings are contrasted with those of the adult population.
Zero bias conductance peak enhancement in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8/Pb tunneling junctions

Abstract Recently, there has been tremendous interest on a tunneling feature called zero bias conductance peak (ZBCP) commonly found in high Tcsuperconductor tunnel junctions. The interest stemmed from the feature’s root in the d-wave symmetry of high Tcsuperconductors. In this paper we will review results of our study on ZBCP within a Pb/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8(BSCCO) tunneling junction. This allows us to investigate the intricate interactions between s- and d-wave superconductivity. The ZBCP indeed demonstrates interesting properties when Pb becomes superconducting. We attribute these results to the suppression of the d-wave phase on the surface of BSCCO by the s-wave superconductivity from Pb through a proximity effect. We will also report some recent results on the magnetic field dependence of the ZBCP.
Poverty and natural resources: Principles for environmental management and sustainable development

How will we feel the end of nature? In many ways, I suspect. If nature means Bartram's great joy at fresh and untrammeled beauty, its loss means sadness at man ' s footprints everywhere. But, as with the death of a person, there is more than simply loss, a hole opening up. There are also new relationships developing, and strains and twists in old relationships. And, since this loss is peculiar in not having been inevitable, it provokes profound questions that don't arise when a person dies.
Useful Signal or Unnecessary Obstacle? The Role of Basic Skills Tests in Teacher Preparation

Many individuals who attempt to enter teacher education programs are precluded from doing so because of an inability to pass basic skills tests. The authors examine whether these tests are simply a gate that needs to be passed through or whether they provide useful early information about how individuals are likely to perform on subsequent licensure tests. By examining a pool of individuals who took both basic skills and licensure tests, the authors contrast the likelihood of passing licensure tests given how well individuals performed on the basic skills test. The results support the hypothesis that basic skills tests are measuring cognitive skills important to the learning of material required for success in attaining teacher licensure and are not simply a bureaucratic hurdle.
Gamma-Rays from Alpha-Particle Reactions

Gamma-rays from sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur targets under cyclotron bombardment by 7-Mev alpha-particles have been observed. Energies were obtained by measuring the maximum range of Compton-recoil electrons in aluminum, using two beta-ray counters in coincidence. The following gamma-ray energies were found: sodium, 1.85\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15 Mev and 2.80\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 Mev, with an intensity ratio of 6 to 1; magnesium, 1.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 Mev and 4.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 Mev, with an intensity ratio of 3 to 1; aluminum, 3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 Mev; silicon, 2.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 Mev; phosphorus, 2.55\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 Mev and 4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 Mev, with an intensity ratio of 8 to 1; sulfur, 2.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 Mev. In cases where correlation can be made with energy levels given by the corresponding $\ensuremath{\alpha}p$ reactions the transition from the second excited state to ground in the product nucleus seems to be favored.
N incorporation and electronic structure in N-doped TiO2(110) rutile

Abstract We describe the growth and properties of well-defined epitaxial TiO 2− x N x rutile for the first time. A mixed beam of atomic N and O radicals was prepared in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma source and Ti was supplied from a high-temperature effusion cell or an electron beam evaporator, depending on the required flux. A very high degree of structural quality is generally observed for films grown under optimized anion-rich conditions. N substitutes for O in the lattice, but only at the ∼1 at.% level, and is present as N 3− . Epitaxial growth of TiO 2 and TiO 2− x N x rutile prepared under anion-rich conditions is accompanied by Ti indiffusion, leading to interstitial Ti (Ti i ), which is a shallow donor in rutile. Our data strongly suggest that Ti i donor electrons compensate holes associated with substitutional N 2− (i.e., Ti(III) + N 2− → Ti(IV) + N 3− ), leading to highly resistive or weakly n-type, but not p-type material. Ti 2p core-level line shape analysis reveals hybridization of N and Ti, as expected for substitutional N. Ti–N hybridized states fall in the gap just above the VBM, and extend the optical absorption well into the visible.
Immunoreactivities for calcium signaling components and neural-like properties of a Colorado potato beetle cell line.

Of the approximately 400 described insect cell lines, only three are derived from beetles (Coleoptera), and none are neural in origin. The present work was undertaken to characterize further a new cell line, designated IPLB-CPB2, derived from eggs of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decimlineata. Indirect immunofluorescent studies reported here indicate that these cells express neurofilament (Nf)-like immunoreactivities to antibodies directed against mammalian Nf-Medium (MW 150,000) and a heavily phosphorylated form of Nf-Heavy (MW 200,000; detected using the axonal monoclonal antibody SMI 31). This appears to be the first report of neurofilament-like immunoreactivity in an arthropod. Immunofluorescent analyses also indicate that IPLB-CPB2 cells express an antigenic epitope characteristic of the mammalian type 1 inositol Irisphosphate (IP3) receptor, the ryanodine receptor (RyR) (also termed calcium-induced calcium release receptor channel, or CICR) and the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump (SERCA). Patch-clamp recordings indicate that some IPLB-CPB2 cells are capable of producing spontaneous action potentials, while others may be photosensitive. Taken together, the findings reported here suggest that IPLB-CPB2 cells are of neural origin and that they express the major receptor channels and pumps known to be localized in the ER of the cell, which are required for receptor-mediated calcium signaling. Thus, the IPLB-CPB2 cell line may prove to be an excellent model system for studies of insect neurobiology and calcium-based signal transduction. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mass Media Antismoking Campaigns: A Powerful Tool for Health Promotion

Cigarette advertising and promotion have been shown to influence smoking in young persons, but the powerful effect of the mass media on behavior can also be used to promote health. Several states have earmarked a portion of their cigarette excise tax revenues to fund mass media antismoking campaigns, which have been effective in reducing cigarette consumption and in helping persons quit smoking. Despite their successes, the campaigns have been hindered by tobacco industry-supported attempts to cut their funding or restrict their scope. The most aggressive campaigns, which attack the tobacco industry and challenge social norms about tobacco use and promotion, are the most controversial but also the most effective. Mass media antismoking campaigns are a promising tool for health promotion, but only if sustained funding can be guaranteed and the development of the advertisements can be protected from intrusion by political forces.
NATURAL HISTORY OF PROSTATISM: RELATIONSHIP AMONG SYMPTOMS, PROSTATE VOLUME AND PEAK URINARY FLOW RATE

AbstractWe describe relationships among symptoms, prostate volume and peak urinary flow rate in an age stratified, community based random sample of white men 40 to 79 years old with no prior prostate surgery, prostate cancer or other conditions known to interfere with voiding. Symptoms were assessed with an instrument comparable to the American Urological Association symptom index. Prostate volume was estimated by transrectal ultrasonography and peak urinary flow rate was measured by a portable device. Subject age was significantly associated with symptom score but accounted for only 3 percent of its variation, while prostate volume and peak urinary flow rate explained only an additional 10 percent of the symptom variability. The odds (95 percent confidence interval) of moderate to severe symptoms increased with age from 1.9 (1.1 to 3.1), 2.9 (1.7 to 5.0) and 3.4 (1.8 to 6.1) for men 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years old, respectively, relative to men 40 to 49 years old. Adjusting for age, the odds of...
Assessment of regional phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) activity and kinetics in adult and aged Fischer-344 rats

The regional activity of phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) was assessed in 8-month-old and 28-month-old male Fischer-344 (F344) rats from the temporal cortex (TCX), striatum (STR) and hippocampus (HIPP). Basal activity, as represented by activity in the presence of 10 mM phosphate, was decreased 23% in the TCX from aged rats compared to adults while neither the STR or HIPP exhibited age-related changes. In the presence of 100 mM phosphate, which will maximally stimulate PAG activity, none of the regions displayed age-related changes although all groups showed increased PAG activity of 112–169% compared to corresponding values in the presence of 10 mM phosphate.
Structure-function characterization for ethidium photoaffinity labels as mutagens in Salmonella.

Abstract The development of photoaffinity probes to characterize the binding process and subsequent biological activity of a drug has recently been emphasized by the synthesis of two ethidium azide analogs. The initial findings showed that one of the azido analogs, the 8-azido-3-amino derivative, was at least 40-fold more mutagenic and toxic in Salmonella tester strain TA1538 than the other analog, the 3,8-diazido derivative. These observations suggested the need to examine the structural requirements of ethidium photoaffinity labels for frameshift mutagenic activity in Salmonella. Thus, the isomer of the monoazide, the 3-azido-8-amino derivative, and two deaminated monoazide derivatives were synthesized and all of the ethidium analogs were screened in two Salmonella frameshift tester strains, TA1537 and TA1538, and in their excision-repair positive isogenic strains. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that two substituents are needed to produce significant mutagenicity and toxicity by the compound. One substituent, usually the amino group, is required for mutagenic activity, perhaps by orienting the phenanthridinium ring into its mutagenic configuration. The other substituent, the azido group, is required for covalent attachment, a requisite for mutagenic activity. Thus, photoaffinity labeling has provided a means of comparing structure with mutagenic activity for ethidium compounds.
On the maximum number of linearly independent cycles and paths in a network

Central to network tomography is the problem of identifiability, the ability to identify internal network characteristics uniquely from end-to-end measurements. This problem is often underconstrained even when internal network characteristics such as link delays are modeled as additive constants. While it is known that the network topology can play a role in determining the extent of identifiability, there is a lack in the fundamental understanding of being able to quantify it for a given network. In this paper, we consider the problem of identifying additive link metrics in an arbitrary undirected network using measurement nodes and establishing paths/cycles between them. For a given placement of measurement nodes, we define and derive the "link rank" of the network--the maximum number of linearly independent cycles/paths that may be established between the measurement nodes. We achieve this in linear time. The link rank helps quantify the exact extent of identifiability in a network. We also develop a quadratic time algorithm to compute a set of cycles/paths that achieves the maximum rank.
Thermomechanical model to assess stresses developed during elevated-temperature cleaning of coated optics.

A thermomechanical model is developed to estimate the stress response of an oxide coating to elevated-temperature chemical cleaning. Using a hafnia–silica multilayer dielectric pulse compressor grating as a case study, we demonstrate that substrate thickness can strongly affect the thermal stress response of the thin-film coating. As a result, coatings on large, thick substrates may be susceptible to modes of stress-induced failure (crazing or delamination) not seen in small parts. We compare the stress response of meter-scale optics to the behavior of small-scale test or “witness” samples, which are expected to be representative of their full-size counterparts. The effects of materials selection, solution temperature, and heating/cooling rates are explored. Extending the model to other situations, thermal stress results are surveyed for various combinations of commonly used materials. Seven oxide coatings (hafnia, silica, tantala, niobia, alumina, and multilayers of hafnia–silica and alumina–silica) and three glass substrates (BK7, borosilicate float glass, and fused silica) are examined to highlight some interesting results.
Accumulation of Pathological Tau Species and Memory Loss in a Conditional Model of Tauopathy

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, but recent studies in a conditional mouse model of tauopathy (rTg4510) have suggested that NFT formation can be dissociated from memory loss and neurodegeneration. This suggests that NFTs are not the major neurotoxic tau species, at least during the early stages of pathogenesis. To identify other neurotoxic tau protein species, we performed biochemical analyses on brain tissues from the rTg4510 mouse model and then correlated the levels of these tau proteins with memory loss. We describe the identification and characterization of two forms of tau multimers (140 and 170 kDa), whose molecular weight suggests an oligomeric aggregate, that accumulate early in the pathogenic cascade in this mouse model. Similar tau multimers were detected in a second mouse model of tauopathy (JNPL3) and in tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease and FTDP-17 (frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17). Moreover, levels of the tau multimers correlated consistently with memory loss at various ages in the rTg4510 mouse model. Our findings suggest that accumulation of early-stage aggregated tau species, before the formation of NFT, is associated with the development of functional deficits during the pathogenic progression of tauopathy.
Channel Aware Joint Optimization of Latency and Distortion for Image Communications

In some online transcoding applications, such as web browsing, web contents are transcoded into the same or a different format to reduce bandwidth consumption and speed up web access for narrow bands, such as wireless channels. In addition to the rate-distortion performance of the transcoder, transcoder complexity plays a crucial role in real time transcoding applications, since it directly affects the total access latency. This paper proposes and formulates the joint optimization problem of latency and distortion, which is related to both the rate-distortion performance and the complexity of the transcoder. A practical solution is presented to choose the right transcoder based on the available bandwidth at the time of transcoding, so as to minimize the total latency for a given distortion constraint. This is especially useful for wireless communications where the available bandwidth keeps changing due to different contributing factors.
Impacts of foreign direct investment and advertising on the export demand for US frozen potatoes

Import demand for US frozen potatoes is estimated for Japan, Mexico, Philippines, and Thailand. Each country represents a different tier of import volume and market development (Japan—largest, most developed; Thailand—smallest, least developed). Import demand in Japan is primarily influenced by own-price and income. In the three smaller and newer markets, however, potato industry advertising and foreign investments by the US food service industry are found to be significant factors influencing import demand. Results suggest substantial growth potential exists in the export market for US frozen potatoes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Actinomycosis of the nasopharynx causing carotid occlusion.

Actinomycosis is a chronic, fibrotic infection caused by gram-positive bacteria that can mimic destructive processes such as malignancy or tuberculosis. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is the most common clinical form of actinomycosis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aggressive lesions of the nasopharynx. A case of actinomycosis of the nasopharynx extending to the skull base and resulting in occlusion of the internal carotid artery is presented. The presence of vascular occlusion by an infiltrative process, disproportionate bony destruction relative to the soft tissue involvement and lack of adenopathy should raise the suspicion of an inflammatory process as the etiology and not a tumor.
Mid-upper tropospheric methane retrieval from IASI and its validation

Abstract. Mid-upper tropospheric methane (CH4), as an operational product at NOAA's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS), has been retrieved from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) since 2008. This paper provides a description of the retrieval method and the validation using 596 CH4 vertical profiles from aircraft measurements by the HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) program over the Pacific Ocean. The number of degrees of freedom for the CH4 retrieval is mostly less than 1.5, and it decreases under cloudy conditions. The retrievals show greatest sensitivity between 100–600 hPa in the tropics and 200–750 hPa in the mid- to high latitude. Validation is accomplished using aircraft measurements (convolved by applying the monthly mean averaging kernels) collocated with all the retrieved profiles within 200 km and on the same day, and the results show that, on average, a larger error of CH4 occurs at 300–500 hPa. The bias in the trapezoid of 374–477 hPa is −1.74% with a residual standard deviation of 1.20%, and at layer 596–753 hPa the bias is −0.69% with a residual standard deviation of 1.07%. The retrieval error is relatively larger in the high northern latitude regions and/or under cloudy conditions. The main reasons for this negative bias include the uncertainty in the spectroscopy near the methane Q branch and/or the empirical bias correction, plus residual cloud contamination in the cloud-cleared radiances. It is expected for NOAA to generate the CH4 product for 20 + years using a similar algorithm from three similar thermal infrared sensors: Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), IASI and the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS). Such a unique product will provide a supplementary to the current ground-based observation network, particularly in the Arctic, for monitoring the CH4 cycle, its transport and trend associated with climate change.
Efficacy and adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics for dementia: meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Objective: Atypical antipsychotic medications are widely used to treat delusions, aggression, and agitation in people with Alzheimer disease (AD) and other dementia. Several clinical trials have not shown efficacy, and there have been concerns about adverse events. The objective of this study was to assess the evidence for efficacy and adverse events of atypicals for people with dementia Methods: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, meetings, presentations, and information obtained from sponsors were used in this study. Published and unpublished randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trials in patients with AD or dementia of atypical antipsychotics marketed in the United States were studied. Clinical and trials characteristics, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted. Data were checked by a second reviewer. Fifteen trials including 16 contrasts of atypical antipsychotics with placebo met selection criteria: aripiprazole (k3), olanzapine (k5), quetiapine (k3), and risperidone (k5). A total of 3,353 patients were randomized to drug and 1,757 to placebo. Standard meta-analysis methods were used to summarize outcomes. Results: Quality of the reporting of trials varied. Efficacy on rating scales was observed by meta-analysis for aripiprazole and risperidone, but not for olanzapine. Response rates were frequently not reported. There were smaller effects for less severe dementia, outpatients, and patients selected for psychosis. Approximately one-third dropped out without overall differences between drug and placebo. Adverse events were mainly somnolence and urinary tract infection or incontinence across drugs, and extrapyramidal symptoms or abnormal gait with risperidone or olanzapine. Cognitive test scores worsened with drugs. There was no evidence for increased injury, falls, or syncope. There was a significant risk for cerebrovascular events, especially with risperidone; increased risk for death overall was reported elsewhere. Conclusions: Small statistical effect sizes on symptom rating scales support the evidence for the efficacy of aripiprazole and risperidone. Incomplete reporting restricts estimates of response rates and clinical significance. Dropouts and adverse events further limit effectiveness. Atypicals should be considered within the context of medical need and the efficacy and safety of alternatives. Individual patient meta-analyses are needed to better assess clinical significance and effectiveness. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2006; 14:191–210)
Computer-Based Video Instruction to Teach Persons with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities to Read Grocery Aisle Signs and Locate Items

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of computer-based video instruction to teach generalized reading of words found on grocery store aisle signs and the location of the corresponding grocery items within those aisles. A multiple probe design across three sets of words, replicated across four students with moderate intellectual disabilities, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the computer-based video program. All training sessions occurred through simulation using the computer-based program with "life-like" video recordings of multiple examples of three grocery stores. All generalization probes, including generalized reading of target words in a novel grocery store, were assessed in actual grocery stores. Results indicated that the computer-based video program alone was successful in teaching generalized reading of aisle signs and the location of items and that students generalized responding to a novel grocery store. Results are discussed in terms of the advantages of computer-based v...
Extension of RSA crypto-structure: a Galois approach

The Euler totient function and Euler-Fermat theorem utilised in the RSA scheme are extended from the integers to polynomials over finite fields. The new scheme is suited for both privacy and authentication implementations, as is its predecessor. The security of the system rests in part on the difficulty of determining the degrees of the irreducible factors of a high-degree polynomial.
Rate allocation in wireless sensor networks with network lifetime requirement

An important performance consideration for wireless sensor networks is the amount of information collected by all the nodes in the network over the course of network lifetime. Since the objective of maximizing the sum of rates of all the nodes in the network can lead to a severe bias in rate allocation among the nodes, we advocate the use of lexicographical max-min (LMM) rate allocation for the nodes. To calculate the LMM rate allocation vector, we develop a polynomial-time algorithm by exploiting the parametric analysis (PA) technique from linear programming (LP), which we call serial LP with Parametric Analysis (SLP-PA). We show that the SLP-PA can be also employed to address the so-called LMM node lifetime problem much more efficiently than an existing technique proposed in the literature. More important, we show that there exists an elegant duality relationship between the LMM rate allocation problem and the LMM node lifetime problem. Therefore, it is sufficient to solve any one of the two problems and important insights can be obtained by inferring duality results for the other problem.
Nonexponential decay of the surface-NMR signal and implications for water content estimation

Noninvasive surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) measurements can yield direct and quantitative estimates of water content in the near surface. A fundamental assumption that is always made in the analysis of SNMR data is that the measured signal exhibits an exponential decay. Although the assumption of exponential decay is frequently valid, it can be shown that in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field, the decay may be nonexponential in form. Simulated SNMR data were used to explore how the decay shape will vary with certain environmental and measurement conditions and to assess how nonexponential decay will affect SNMR-based estimates of water content. Results derived from analytical and pore-scale modeling demonstrated that the shape of the decay depends strongly on both pore geometry and the statistics of the regional or pore-scale magnetic field. In particular, the decay is most likely to be nonexponential when pores are large and when a strongly inhomogeneous magnetic field is present....
Effect of caffeine ingestion on fluid balance during exercise in the heat and during recovery

Background. The effect of ingestion of a common stimulant, caffeine, on fluid balance during exercise and recovery is not fully known. Objectives. To determine the effect of caffeine on fluid balance during exercise in the heat and during a 3-hour recovery period thereafter. Methods. In a randomised, controlled design, caffeine-naive participants ( N =8) pedalled on a bike to achieve 2.5% baseline body mass loss in a hot environment in four separate conditions: with (C+) or without (C–) caffeine ingestion (6 mg/kg of body mass) prior to exercise, followed by (W+) or without (W–) 100% fluid replenishment (water) of the body mass loss during a 3-hour recovery period (yielding C+W+, C+W–, C–W+ and C–W–, respectively). Results. Mean (standard deviation) urine production was not different ( p >0.05) regardless of rehydration status: 230 (162) mL (C+W–) v. 168 (77) mL (C–W–); and 713 (201) mL (C+W+) v. 634 (185) mL (C–W+). For the 3-hour recovery, caffeine ingestion caused higher hypohydration during rehydration conditions ( p =0.02), but practically the mean difference in the loss of body mass was only 0.2 kg. Conclusion. In practical terms, there was no evidence that caffeine ingestion in moderation would impair fluid balance during prolonged exercise in the heat or during 3 hours of recovery.
Dynamic arc modeling of DC flashover under contaminated conditions

A dynamic model which explains the contamination flashover of insulators is developed. It takes into account the instantaneous changes in the parameters of arc propagation. This model is based on the concepts summarized in the review paper by F.A.M. Rizk (1981) and the dynamic features reported in a paper by S. Anjana and C.S. Lakshminarasimha (1989), where Mayr's equation is used to calculate the instantaneous change in the arc parameters. The arc propagates when the net input energy to the arc is sufficient to sustain it. The arc gradient E/sub arc/ is calculated either from analog models, such as the electrolytic tank, or from the relationship E/sub arc/=I/sub arc/*R/sub arc/. The flashover voltage is computed for a post and suspension insulator with uniform pollution layer (worst-case condition). The influence of arc parameters such as arc density, initial arc length, and arc resistance is discussed. >