cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exchange Flow Between Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise

Abstract The flow between Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise was monitored from April until December 1997 to provide background information for the operation of a fishway in the connecting channel. The flow was highly variable, and changed direction several times each day. Comparison with local meteorological and water level data revealed several interesting features. Outflow events of 4 hours or greater in duration were typically preceded by winds from the east usually lasting at least 6 hours. Similarly inflow events longer than 4 hours were typically preceded by westerly winds for at least 6 hours. There was evidence of diurnal and semi-diurnal flow reversals and of free surface oscillations of Lake Ontario, but not of Helmholtz resonance between Hamilton Harbour and the lake nor of exchange flow resonance between the harbor and Cootes Paradise.
A Compartmental Model for Meningitis: Separating Transmission From Climate Effects on Disease Incidence

The timing and size of many infectious disease outbreaks depend on climatic influences. Meningitis is an example of such a disease. Every year countries in the so-called African meningitis belt are afflicted with meningococcal meningitis disease outbreaks. The timing of these outbreaks coincide with the dry season that starts in February and ends in late May. There are two main hypotheses about this strong seasonal effect. The first hypothesis assumes that during the dry season there is an increase in the risk that an individual will transition from being an asymptomatic carrier to having invasive disease. The second hypothesis states that the incidence of meningitis increases due to higher transmission of the infection during the dry season. These two biological hypotheses suggest dynamics that would necessitate different public health responses: the first would result in broadly correlated outbreak dynamics, and thus a regional vaccination response; the second would result in locally correlated outbreaks, spreading from location to location, for which a localized response may be effective in containing regional spread. In this paper, we develop a statistical model to investigate these hypotheses. Easily interpretable parameters of the model allow us to study and compare differences in the attack rates, rates of transmission and the possible underlying environmental effect during the dry and non-dry seasons. Standard maximum likelihood or Bayesian inference for this model is infeasible as there are potentially tens of thousands of latent variables in the model and each evaluation of the likelihood is expensive. We therefore propose an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach to infer the unknown parameters. Using simulated data examples, we demonstrate that it is possible to learn about some of the important parameters of our model using our methodology. We apply our modeling and inferential approach to data on cases of meningitis for 34 communities in Nigeria from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and World Health Organization (WHO) for 2009. For this particular data set we are able to find weak evidence in favor of the first hypothesis, suggesting a regional vaccination response.
Emerging Graph Queries in Linked Data

In a wide array of disciplines, data can be modeled as an interconnected network of entities, where various attributes could be associated with both the entities and the relations among them. Knowledge is often hidden in the complex structure and attributes inside these networks. While querying and mining these linked datasets are essential for various applications, traditional graph queries may not be able to capture the rich semantics in these networks. With the advent of complex information networks, new graph queries are emerging, including graph pattern matching and mining, similarity search, ranking and expert finding, graph aggregation and OLAP. These queries require both the topology and content information of the network data, and hence, different from classical graph algorithms such as shortest path, reach ability and minimum cut, which depend only on the structure of the network. In this tutorial, we shall give an introduction of the emerging graph queries, their indexing and resolution techniques, the current challenges and the future research directions.
Differences in self-reported academically dishonest and nondishonest pharmacy students when rating professional dishonesty scenarios

Abstract Objectives To determine whether academically dishonest student pharmacists are less likely to recognize the dishonest nature of academic activities and workplace scenarios compared with nondishonest students. Methods Students were surveyed to assess factors associated with academic dishonesty and the relation of these variables to ethical ratings of professional scenarios. Results Thirty-one percent admitted cheating in pharmacy school. Most students did so by cheating on lab assignments (80%) or presenting group work as an individual effort (84%). Only 16% admitted to cheating on exams and 7% to plagiarizing. Self-reported academic dishonest students were statistically ( p Conclusions The absolute level of and factors associated with cheating among student pharmacists is similar to that among other professional students. Dishonesty appears to be restricted to (what students believe to be) minor transgressions. In regard to professional dishonesty, differences exist between those that self-reported dishonest academic activities.
Junction-Controlled Elasticity of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Dispersions in Acrylic Copolymer Gels and Solutions

Oscillatory shear rheometry is used to study the mechanical response of single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in solutions of acrylic diblock or triblock copolymers in 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Thermal transitions in the copolymer solutions provide a route for the easy processing of these composite materials, with excellent dispersion of the nanotubes as verified by near-infrared photoluminescence spectroscopy. The nanotube dispersions form elastic networks with properties that are controlled by the junction points between nanotubes, featuring a temperature-dependent elastic response that is controlled by the dynamic properties of the matrix copolymer solution. The data are consistent with the formation of micelle-like aggregates around the nanotubes. At low temperatures the core-forming poly(methyl methacrylate) blocks are glassy, and the overall mechanical response of the composite does not evolve with time. At higher temperatures the enhanced mobility of the core-forming blocks enables the junctions to ach...
Importance of patient selection when determining the significance of the CYP3A5 polymorphism in clinical trials.

Importance of patient selection when determining the significance of the CYP3A5 polymorphism in clinical trials
Nucleotide effects on liver and muscle mitochondrial non-phosphorylating respiration and membrane potential.

Abstract Uncoupling protein-1 homologs are hypothesized to mediate mitochondrial proton leak. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effects of ATP and other nucleotides on liver and skeletal muscle mitochondrial non-phosphorylating respiration (VO2), membrane potential, FCCP-stimulated respiratory control ratios, and swelling. Neither ATP nor CTP affected liver or muscle proton leak, but both inhibited the respiratory chain. Unexpectedly, CMP stimulated liver proton leak (EC50≈4.4±0.5 mM). Using CMP chromatography, we identified two proteins (Mr=31.2 and 32.6 kDa) from liver mitochondria that are similar in size to members of the mitochondrial carrier protein family. We conclude (a) liver and muscle mitochondrial proton leak is insensitive to ATP and CTP, and (b) CMP activates a leak in liver mitochondria. The CMP-inducible leak may be mediated by a 30–32 kDa protein. Based on the high concentrations required, CMP is unlikely to be a physiologically important leak regulator. Nonetheless, our results show that tissues other than brown fat have inducible leaks that may be protein-mediated.
Identification of Mycobacterium avium DNA sequences that encode exported proteins by using phoA gene fusions.

Abstract Setting : Mycobacterium avium is the major cause of disseminated infection in patients with late stage AIDS. Objective : In order to identify M. avium genes that may be involved in bacterial uptake and intracellular survival, a phoA -based reporter system was used to identify genes that encoded surface-expressed or exported proteins. Design : PhoA (alkaline phosphatase) is only active if the protein is exported across the cell membrane into the periplasm. Consequently, detectable PhoA activity requires the fusion of a promoterless phoA gene with a DNA fragment containing a functional promoter and export leader sequence. A M. avium promoter library was constructed in the phoA reporter plasmid pJEM11 and screened in M. smegmatis for expression of active PhoA. Results : More than 100 independent PhoA + recombinants were isolated, of which 15 were sequenced. Most of these exhibited varying degrees of homology with published M. avium , M. tuberculosis , M. bovis and M. leprae sequences. Based on sequence homology, one M. avium sequence was identified as a homologue of the M. tuberculosis phosphate transport gene phoS2 (Ag88). Another M. avium sequence was homolog with a putative M. tuberculosis cutinase gene. Both of these M. avium genes were cloned and sequenced. Several other M. avium sequences were homologous with, as yet, unidentified M. tuberculosis genes. Conclusion : PhoA fusion technology is applicable to the study of atypical slow growing mycobacteria. Most of the M. avium exported proteins identified in this study are highly homologous with genes from M. tuberculosis and M. leprae . In addition, parallels in gene organization were identified between M. avium and members of the M. tuberculosis complex.
New Magnetic Zintl Phases in Eu-In-P System

Single crystals of two new compounds, Eu3InP3 and Eu3In2P4, were prepared by In flux synthesis. Eu3InP3 crystallizes in the Pnma orthorhombic space group with a = 12.6517(15) A, b = 4.2683(5) A, c = 13.5643(14) A, and Z = 4 while Eu3In2P4 belongs to Pnnm space group, a = 6.6999(6) A, b = 16.1019(13) A, c = 4.2725(4) A, and Z = 2. These two compounds are isotypic to the main group compounds Sr3InP3 and Sr3In2P4 respectively. Both structures consist of distorted In-P tetrahedra and isolated Eu2+ ions. In Eu3InP3 these tetrahedra share corners to form one-dimensional chains. The Eu2+ ions occupy three different sites, and form a complicated network containing some triangles. In Eu3In2P4 these tetrahedra form edge-shared dimers, and these dimers form chains. Eu3InP3 shows unusual magnetic properties: there are three magnetic ordering transitions at 14 K, 10.4 K, and around 5 K and the magnetization curve shows steps in the low temperature region. Eu3In2P4 magnetically orders at 14.5 K. Its magnetization curve saturates at around 1T. Eu3InP3 and Eu3In2P4 are both semiconductors.
An open source agenda for research linking text and image content features

The use of primitive content features of images for classification and retrieval has matured over the past decade. However, human beings often prefer to locate images using words. This article proposes a number of methods to utilize image primitives to support term assignment for image classification. Further, the authors propose to release code for image analysis in a common tool set for other researchers to use. Of particular interest to the authors is the expansion of work by researchers in image indexing to include image content based feature extraction capabilities in their work.
Acupuncture accelerates delayed gastrointestinal transit after abdominal surgery in conscious rats.

(2005). Acupuncture accelerates delayed gastrointestinal transit after abdominal surgery in conscious rats. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 734-735.
EXERCISED CONTROL, LIGHTING CHOICES, AND ENERGY USE: AN OFFICE SIMULATION EXPERIMENT

The belief that individual control leads to beneficial behavioural outcomes underlies many recommendations to install individual controls on workplace lighting, temperature, and ventilation. The present experiment compared the work performance and satisfaction of 47 office workers who were given choices concerning workplace lighting (CS) with age- and sex-matched partners (PP) who were given no choices but worked under identical lighting. Preferred luminous conditions were recorded for both groups. Satisfaction with lighting and the work environment were high for both groups, and the majority of participants chose lighting conditions consistent with current codes and standards for lighting, including energy use. CS participants had greater perceived control than PP participants, but there were no differences in satisfaction, mood, performance or health. PP participants' lighting choices, recorded at the end of the day-long session, created less VDT glare than CS choices. Although there was no short-term benefit of perceived control over lighting, it appears that experience with workplace conditions could lead to the ability to reduce unpleasant conditions if choices were available.
Micro-temperature sensor based on optical whispering gallery mode of fiber taper-microsphere coupling system

Miniaturized Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) temperature sensor has great potentials of high resolution and great on-chip integration capability. This study focuses on the development of this kind of sensor based on the shifting wavelength of the optical resonance due to thermal expansion and thermo-optic effects of a silica microsphere. Excellent linear dependence of the wavelength shift versus temperature rise is observed for three sizes of microspheres (D=90μm, 145μm and 313μm) in small temperature ranges (≤17K) at very low temperatures (113±1K to 173K). By comparing this observation with the results of similar sizes of microspheres of our previous study in near room temperature as well as with a theoretical analysis, a conclusion is drawn that thermal expansion and thermal optic coefficients need to be further studied for microscale silica materials. Ultra high resolution sensing capability as well as potentials of integrated & miniaturized applications of the WGM temperature sensor is discussed. A method is designed to initially characterize the WGM temperature measurement noise level due to self-heating effect of the WGM resonance.
Left inferior prefrontal cortex activation during a semantic decision-making task predicts the degree of semantic organization

Abstract Semantic organization, an aspect of semantic processing, requires a pre-existing network of semantic knowledge that relies on a widely distributed neural network. The inferior prefrontal cortex (IPFC) has been identified as a vital structure for processing competing semantic information when making a decision about the meaning of a stimulus. However, the precise role of the IPFC in maintaining or creating a consistent semantic organizational structure is unclear. In this study, a semantic triadic decision-making task (Tallent, K.A., Weinberger, D.R., and Goldberg, T.E. 2001. Associating semantic space abnormalities with formal thought disorder in schizophrenia: use of triadic comparisons. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol. 285–296) was used during functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that the degree of activation in the IPFC correlates with the consistency of semantic organization in healthy subjects. In this sample, subjects who had greater activation in the IPFC also demonstrated smaller stress coefficients in a two-dimensional “semantic space”, indicating a greater organization of words along semantic dimensions. This finding is consistent with the role of the IPFC in establishing self-generated semantic relationships between stimuli.
Variations on a theorem of Ryser

A famous theorem of Ryser asserts that a v x v zero-one matrix A satisfying AA r -- (k - k)I + aJ with k ~ k must satisfy k + (v - 1)k = k 2 and ArA (k - k)I + A J; such a matrix A is called the incidence matrix of a symmetric block design. We present a new, e/ementary proof of Ryser's theorem and give a characterization of the incidence matrices of symmetric block designs that involves eigenvalues of AA r. © Elsevier Science Inc., 1997
Probation, firearms, and liability in Texas after Graham v. Owens (2009)

In 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas held in Graham v. Owens that state parole officials violated a parolee's constitutional due-process rights when they imposed sex o...
Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and organic compounds in the presence of dissolved iron and ferrihydrite.

This work examines the contribution of solution phase reactions, especially those involving a chain reaction mechanism, to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic compounds in the presence of dissolved iron and ferrihydrite. In solutions at pH 4, where Fe was introduced as dissolved Fe(III), both H2O2 and 14C-labeled formic acid decomposed at measurable rates that agreed reasonably well with those predicted by a kinetic model of the chain reaction mechanism, using published rate constants extrapolated to pH 4. The ratio of the formic acid and H2O2 decomposition rates, as well as the dramatic effect of tert-butyl alcohol on these rates, confirmed that a solution chain reaction mechanism involving •OH controlled the decomposition kinetics of both compounds. In the presence of ferrihydrite as the iron source, the ratio of the rate of formic acid decomposition to that of H2O2 decomposition was significantly lower than that observed in the presence of only dissolved Fe. Moreover, neither rate...
Properties of Water Molecules in the Active Site Gorge of Acetylcholinesterase from Computer Simulation

A 10-ns trajectory from a molecular dynamics simulation is used to examine the structure and dynamics of water in the active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase to determine what influence water may have on its function. While the confining nature of the deep active site gorge slows down and structures water significantly compared to bulk water, water in the gorge is found to display a number of properties that may aid ligand entry and binding. These properties include fluctuations in the population of gorge waters, moderate disorder and mobility of water in the middle and entrance to the gorge, reduced water hydrogen-bonding ability, and transient cavities in the gorge.
Cognitive extensions to existing wireless technology

Spectrum assigned by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for public safety has not been fully utilized. As such, communication service providers and equipment vendors desire to examine the feasibility of recouping their investment in spectrum purchase and management. We propose a cost-effective solution by introducing a cognitive extension that achieves desired frequency agility while utilizing existing device base-band operations. The proposed method provides a cost efficient solution for cognitive radio implementation. This paper describes the design and implementation of a prototype device that extends the baseband, MAC, and routing functionalities of an IEEE 802.11b access point. The work presented herein describes an experimental network analyses that investigates the impact of the proposed extension on overall network performance parameters, including throughput, packet loss, and delay. Results show minimal impact on performance when switching time between transmitting and receiving paths is equal to or less than 6 μs. Achieved throughput for a wireless device setup at a 1 Mbps data rate on a one-hop network is 0.74 Mbps.
Finite Element Approach to Rotor Blade Modeling

The static and dynamic behavior of helicopter blades is investigated using a fmite element approach. This paper focuses on the development of an accurate geometric and structural model of the blade as a first step toward the complete analysis of the aeroelastic problem. A three-dimensional isaparametrie beam element including shear and waroine deformations of a thin-walled beam made of anisotropic material is formulated far arbitrarily . large deflections and rotations. Rotating and non-rotating frequencies far small amplitude vibrations are also presented. The predictions of this model are found in good agreement with experimentally measured deflections and vibration frequencies. Specific advantages of this finite element solution procedure are as follows: the formal derivation of the com~lex nonlinear equations of motion of the problem is not required, all the nonlinear terms are dealt with in a rational fashion bypassing the need for an ordering scheme, the complex struchrral behavior of the blade is accurately modeled, and finally both the undeformed and deformed geometry of the blade as well as other specific details of the rotor configuration are taken into account in a natural fashion.
The large conductance potassium channel β-subunit can interact with and modulate the functional properties of a calcium-activated chloride channel, CLCA1

Abstract We have recently compared the biophysical and pharmacological properties of native Ca2+-activated Cl− currents in murine portal vein with mCLCA1 channels cloned from murine portal vein myocytes (Britton, F. C., Ohya, S., Horowitz, B., and Greenwood, I. A. (2002) J. Physiol. (Lond.) 539, 107–117). These channels shared a similar relative permeability to various anions, but the expressed channel current lacked the marked time dependence of the native current. In addition, the expressed channel showed a lower Ca2+ sensitivity than the native channel. As non-pore-forming regulatory β-subunits alter the kinetics and increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels (BK channels) we investigated whether co-expression of β-subunits with CLCA1 would alter the kinetics/Ca2+ sensitivity of mCLCA1. Internal dialysis of human embryonic kidney cells stably expressing CLCA1 with 500 nm Ca2+ evoked a significantly larger current when the β-subunit KCNMB1 was co-expressed. In a small number of co-transfected cells marked time dependence to the activation kinetics was observed. Interaction studies using the mammalian two-hybrid technique demonstrated a physical association between CLCA1 and KCNMB1 when co-expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. These data suggest that activation of CLCA1 can be modified by accessory subunits.
Effects of video modeling on communicative social skills of college students with Asperger syndrome.

Introduction: Empirical support regarding effective interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within a postsecondary community is limited. Video modeling, an empirically supported intervention for children and adolescents with ASD, may prove effective in addressing the needs of individuals with ASD in higher education.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of video modeling without additional treatment components to improve social-communicative skills, specifically, eye contact, facial expression, and conversational turntaking in college students with ASD.Method: This study utilized a multiple baseline single-case design across behaviors for two post-secondary students with ASD to evaluate the effects of the video modeling intervention.Results: Large effect sizes and statistically significant change across all targeted skills for one participant and eye contact and turntaking for the other participant were obtained.Conclusion: The use of video modeling without additional inter...
Reconstitution of glucose transport using human erythrocyte band 3.

Abstract Band 3 and the diffuse component of zone 4.5, designated band 4.5.B, have been separately prepared from human erythrocyte membranes and incorporated into the membranes of 150 nm 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The rates of glucose influx into these vesicles were measured under zero-trans conditions. Both sets of vesicles exhibited substrate-saturable transport which was inhibited by phloretin. However, the specific activity of the band 3 vesicles, 292 μmol·min−1·(mg protein)−1, was more than twice that of the band 4.5.B vesicles, and the turnover number of transporters in the band 3 vesicles was at least 4-fold greater than those in the 4.5.B vesicles. Very little background density was visible in the band 4.5 region of erythrocyte membranes protected from degradation. In unprotected membranes, band 4.5.B was abundantly present, could be purified, and had glucose transport activity. Previously we have shown (Biochemistry 19, 1205 (1980)) that maltosyl isothiocyanate, an affinity label for the glucose transporter, labelled a single 100 000 Mr protein of the intact erythrocyte membrane. Based upon the results of both affinity labelling and reconstitution we suggest that the native glucose transporter is a component of band 3, and that band 4.5.B contains a partially active fragment of the native transporter.
Electron Transport through Heterogeneous Intermolecular Tunnel Junctions

Quantum charge transport through intermolecular tunnel junctions is studied. Intermolecular tunnel junctions can be defined by the end groups of pairs of self-assembled monolayers of functionalized conjugated alkenes on gold surfaces. Conductivity dependence on the tunnel distance has been compared for various junctions. It is found that for junctions dominated by attractive interactions, for example, systems involving hydrogen bonding, conductivity exhibits less dependence on the tunneling distance than with junctions dominated by dispersive interactions. Junctions with stronger distance dependence conductivty are desired for applications related to chemical sensors. Our study provides insight for designing an efficient chemical sensor that is based on heterogeneous tunnel junction, which may involve conductivity through a combination of the attractive hydrogen-bonding channel and repulsive dispersive interactions.
Prevalence of antibodies against Saint Louis encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses in California horses

Jamestown Canyon (JC) and Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) viruses are mosquito-transmitted viruses that have long been present in California. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these two viruses in horses prior to the introduction of West Nile (WN) virus. Approximately 15% of serum samples collected in 1998 from 425 horses on 44 equine operations horses throughout California had serum antibodies to JC virus, whereas antibodies were not detected to SLE virus. The results indicate that horses in California were commonly infected prior to 1998 with mosquito-transmitted Bunyaviruses that are identical or closely related to JC virus, but not with SLE virus. The different seroprevalence of SLE and JC viruses in horses likely reflects the unique ecology of each virus, and it is predicted that WN virus will have a wider distribution in California than closely related SLE virus.
Flow, flapping, and photosynthesis ofNereocystis leutkeana: a functional comparison of undulate and flat blade morphologies

A number of species of macroalagae possess a flat, strap-like blade morphology in habitats exposed to rapidly-moving water whereas those at protected sites have a wider, undulate blade shape. We have explored the functional consequences of flat, narrow vs. wide, undulate blade morphologies in the giant bull kelpNereocystis luetkeana. Our study focused on the behavior of blades in ambient water currents and the consequences of that behavior to breakage and to photosynthesis. In flowing water, the narrow, flat blades flap with lower amplitude and collapse together into a more streamlined bundle than do wide, undulate blades, and hence experience lower drag per blade area at a given flow velocity. If the algae at current-swept sites had ruffled blades, drag forces would sometimes be sufficient to break the stipes. However, flat blades in a streamlined bundle experience more self-shading than do undulate blades, which remain spread out in water currents. Thus, there is a morphological trade-off between reducing drag and reducing self-shading. Photosynthetic14C-HCO3 uptake rates decrease in slow flow when the boundary layer along the blade surface across which diffusion takes place is relatively thick. However, blade flapping, which stirs water near the blade surface, enhances carbon uptake rates in slow water currents for both the undulate and the flat morphologies.
Writing Qualitative Inquiry and Other Impossible Journeys

In this essay I consider the challenges of asserting one’s subjectivity in a postmodern context. I offer that though to do so is a contested endeavor, writing qualitatively helps render lives coherent and meaningful especially when confronting a world that is often brutal, hostile, and dehumanizing.
The YggX protein of Salmonella enterica is involved in Fe(II) trafficking and minimizes the DNA damage caused by hydroxyl radicals. Residue CYS-7 is essential for YggX function

Previous work from our laboratory identified YggX as a protein whose accumulation increased the resistance of Salmonella enterica to superoxide stress, reversed defects attributed to oxidized [Fe-S] clusters, and decreased the spontaneous mutation frequency of the cells. Here we present work aimed at determining why the accumulation of YggX correlates with reduced mutation frequency. Genetic and biochemical data showed that accumulation of YggX reduced the damage to DNA by hydroxyl radicals. The ability of purified YggX to protect DNA from Fenton chemistry mediated damage in vitro and to decrease the concentration of Fe(II) ions in solution available for chelation provided a framework for the interpretation of data obtained from in vivo experiments. The interpretation of in vitro assay results, within the context of the in vivo phenotypes, was validated by a mutant variant of YggX (C7S) that was unable to function in vivo or in vitro. We propose a model, based on data presented here and reported earlier, that suggests YggX is a player in Fe(II) trafficking in bacteria.
Wavelength dependency of cataracts in albino mice following chronic exposure

Albino mice exposed to 1 X 10(-4) W cm-2 of UV radiation in the range 290-400 nm for 12 hr per day developed anterior lens opacities within 1-2 months after onset of the exposure. Histological changes demonstrated marked derangement of the lens epithelium. When the radiation was filtered with glass, eliminating radiation shorter than 320 nm, these opacities did not develop and the histology of the lenses was normal. We conclude that following chronic exposure, UV-B (290-320 nm) radiation is cataractogenic and acts via a mechanism involving the lens epithelium. UV-A (320-400 nm) does not appear to be cataractogenic, even with chronic exposure.
Second response to the letter to the editor referencing the manuscript the "use of vitamin E for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: results of a randomized phase III clinical trial".

To put things in perspective and note an interesting historical phenomenon, we will start by providing a timeline regarding the manuscript of interest and related letters to the editor. First, we will provide some history, applicable to manuscripts published in the last century. Before the days of online publishing, a manuscript would be published in a journal, and then letters to the editor would appear following that publication, often with responses from the primary authors. The current scenario does not follow this timeline. The original manuscript of ours, reporting our vitamin E chemotherapy neuropathy prevention trial, was published online on October 9, 2010 [1]. A Letter to the Editor was written by Drs. Argyriou and Kalofonos which was received by the editors on October 21, 2010 [2]. It was published on January 14, 2011, and subsequently published in print in May 2011. Our manuscript, however, was not published in print until November 2011, 6 months after the print publications of the Letter to the Editor from Argyriou and Kalofonos and our reply letter to their letter. No wonder it took us a while to sort out when each had been published and in which format. Many of the comments in this current letter from Pace et al. are similar to comments made regarding our manuscript from the previous letter written by Argyriou and Kalofonos [2]. Of note, both of these Letters to the Editor were written by authors who had published previous work supporting that vitamin E was an agent that might prevent chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy. The data from prior publications of these authors were used to support the conduct of our clinical trial. We refer the readers of this current letter to the previous letter that we had published [2], as it deals with most of the concerns from the current Pace et al. letter. Our conclusions with regard to the most recently submitted letter are:
On Stochastic Equations with Measurable Coefficients Driven by Symmetric Stable Processes

We consider a one-dimensional stochastic equation 𝑑 𝑋 𝑡 = 𝑏 ( 𝑡 , 𝑋 𝑡 − ) 𝑑 𝑍 𝑡 + 𝑎 ( 𝑡 , 𝑋 𝑡 ) 𝑑 𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0 , with respect to a symmetric stable process 𝑍 of index 0 𝛼 ≤ 2 . It is shown that solving this equation is equivalent to solving of a 2-dimensional stochastic equation 𝑑 𝐿 𝑡 = 𝐵 ( 𝐿 𝑡 − ) 𝑑 𝑊 𝑡 with respect to the semimartingale 𝑊 = ( 𝑍 , 𝑡 ) and corresponding matrix 𝐵 . In the case of 1 ≤ 𝛼 2 we provide new sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of both equations with measurable coefficients. The existence proofs are established using the method of Krylov's estimates for processes satisfying the 2-dimensional equation. On another hand, the Krylov's estimates are based on some analytical facts of independent interest that are also proved in the paper.
Mechanism of action of intracisternal apolipoprotein A-IV in inhibiting gastric acid secretion in rats

Abstract Background & Aims We recently showed that intracisternal injection of apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV), a protein produced by the small intestine in response to fat, inhibits gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acid inhibition by central apo A-IV. Methods Gastric acid secretion was determined in pylorus-ligated conscious rats. The effect of intracisternal injection of apo A-IV on gastric acid secretion stimulated by pentagastrin, bethanechol, or intracisternal thyrotropin-releasing hormone (central vagal stimulant) was examined. The effects of vagotomy, indomethacin, and adrenergic blockers on the acid inhibition of apo A-IV were examined to investigate the role of the vagal system, prostaglandin pathways, and adrenergic system. Results Intracisternal apo A-IV significantly inhibited pentagastrin-, bethanechol-, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a similar fashion. Inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion by apo A-IV still occurred even in vagotomized rats. Yohimbine but not indomethacin or propranolol eliminated apo A-IV-induced inhibition of acid. Conclusions Intracisternal apo A-IV inhibits gastric acid secretion through α2-adrenergic receptors. The vagal pathway and the prostaglandin system are not involved in apo A-IV-induced acid inhibition.
Origin of the Voltage Dependence of G-Protein Regulation of P/Q-type Ca2+ Channels

G-protein (Gβγ)-mediated voltage-dependent inhibition of N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contributes to presynaptic inhibition and short-term synaptic plasticity. The voltage dependence derives from the dissociation of Gβγ from the inhibited channels, but the underlying molecular and biophysical mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study we investigated the role in this process of Ca2+ channel β subunit (Cavβ) and a rigid α-helical structure between the α-interacting domain (AID), the primary Cavβ docking site on the channel α1 subunit, and the pore-lining IS6 segment. Gβγ inhibition of P/Q-type channels was reconstituted in giant inside-out membrane patches from Xenopus oocytes. Large populations of channels devoid of Cavβ were produced by washing out a mutant Cavβ with a reduced affinity for the AID. These β-less channels were still inhibited by Gβγ, but without any voltage dependence, indicating that Cavβ is indispensable for voltage-dependent Gβγ inhibition. A truncated Cavβ containing only the AID-binding guanylate kinase (GK) domain could fully confer voltage dependence to Gβγ inhibition. Gβγ did not alter inactivation properties, and channels recovered from Gβγ inhibition exhibited the same activation property as un-inhibited channels, indicating that Gβγ does not dislodge Cavβ from the inhibited channel. Furthermore, voltage-dependent Gβγ inhibition was abolished when the rigid α-helix between the AID and IS6 was disrupted by insertion of multiple glycines, which also eliminated Cavβ regulation of channel gating, revealing a pivotal role of this rigid α-helix in both processes. These results suggest that depolarization-triggered movement of IS6, coupled to the subsequent conformational change of the Gβγ-binding pocket through a rigid α-helix induced partly by the Cavβ GK domain, causes the dissociation of Gβγ and is fundamental to voltage-dependent Gβγ inhibition.
A summary statistic for measuring change from baseline

A statisticW, for measuring change from baseline is developed. Its distribution is found. Simulations using W and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) are run and the results are compared. W is found to be less powerful than ANCOVA, yet is not seen to suffer some of the ill effects to which ANCOVA can fall prey namely bias introduced by chance covariate imbalance.
The development of the human motor trigeminal complex and accessory facial nucleus and their topographic relations with the facial and abducens nuclei

The development of the motor trigeminal complex and accessory facial nucleus was traced in 23 human fetuses (seven and one-half to 21 weeks, menstrual age; 20.7–p177.5 mm CR length) and a 75-day infant both by graphic reconstructions and cytologic methods. Positional relationships with the facial and abducens nuclei were determined. Differentiation begins at the junction of the posterior trigeminal and accessory facial nuclei (level of pontine flexure) and proceeds rostralward in the motor trigeminal complex and caudalward in the facial complex. The neurons that differentiate earliest complete their migration first and migrate the least from their original position. Thus the posterior trigeminal nucleus is most dorsally and the accessory facial cell groups are most medially located. Migration of the trigeminal complex is completed by eitht weeks and of the facial complex by ten to ten and one-half weeks. Correlations are made between the differentiation of the motor neurons of the trigeminal and facial nerves and: (1) the development of the muscles that they have been postulated to supply; (2) the known function of these muscles; (3) the development of reflex activity in these muscles; (4) the mammalian experimental and human pathologic evidence for their innervation. These correlations support the view that the posterior trigeminal nucleus supplies the anterior belly and the accessory facial nucleus the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and that the posterodorsal part of the motor trigeminal nucleus innervates the mylohyoid muscle. Furthermore, the sequence of differentiation of the trigeminal complex indicates that the ventral trigeminal muscles (floor of the mouth) are represented primarily dorsally and posteriorly in the trigeminal complex and the progressively more dorsal muscles increasingly farther ventrally and anteriorly. The three subdivisions of the motor trigeminal nucleus are probably related to the three major embryonic muscle masses that they supply early in development. Because the inconstant subgroups in the three subdivisions appear when the complixity of reflex activity increases, perhaps they represent functional units rather than single muscles. The position of the abducens nucleus varies widely and no consistent migration cephalad occurs. It may reach caudal motor trigeminal nuclear levels early in fetal life or remain at caudal levels of the facial nucleus postnatally. No accessory abducens nucleus was identified. The neurons in the location allocated to it in some mammals develop from the common cell column between the motor trigeminal nucleus and the facial nucleus and constitute the accessory facial nucleus. Possible explanations for the widely different number of cells in the posterior trigeminal and accessory facial nuclei are discussed.
Management of multiple jejunoileal atresias with an intraluminal SILASTIC® stent

Abstract Multiple small bowel atresias present a unique challenge because maximum intestinal conservation is mandatory for survival. We recently treated a patient who had multiple atresias using a 7F SILASTIC ® catheter as an intraluminal stent. The catheter facilitated the completion of multiple primary anastomoses and served as a conduit for radiological evaluation and enteral feeding. The patient was a 1,860-g boy with 23 atresias of the jejunum and ileum. All stenotic segments were resected, and seven primary anastomoses were completed over the catheter. The distal 34 cm of bowel were exteriorized as a mucus fistula, with the catheter extending through to the level of the ileocecal valve. The proximal jejunal limb also was exteriorized. Eleven days later, contrast was instilled through the catheter and showed no leak or stricture. The catheter was then used for enteral nutrition and administration of the proximal jejunal effluent. Bowel continuity was reestablished after a tapering enteroplasty of the proximal jejunal limb. Parenteral nutrition was ultimately discontinued. Thirty-one months later, the patient no longer requires supplemental nutritional support. This case demonstrates the safety of multiple primary anastomoses over an exteriorized intraluminal stent. The catheter was useful in the radiological evaluation of the distal limb before it was used as an access route for enteral nutrition.
Noradrenergic changes and memory loss in aged mice.

The present paper addresses the question of whether a decline of central noradrenergic activity is associated with aging and memory loss in mice. Receptor binding techniques were utilized to compare α2-adrenoceptor density in the brains of aged and young mice. Using [3H]rauwolscine, a selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, two membrane binding sites were identified which were differentially affected by age. Whereas the density of high-affinity binding sites was unchanged in aged brain as compared to young controls, there was a significant decrease in the number of low-affinity sites. In a separate study, animals were tested for performance on a stepthrough inhibitory avoidance task, prior to sacrifice and morphological analysis of the brainstem noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). Aged mice exhibited a significant decrease in task retention as compared to young controls; a small, though non-significant, decline was also observed in the numbers of cells within LC. While young mice exhibited low within-group variance, individual aged animals differed greatly in both LC cell number and behavioral performance. Within the aged population, there was a highly significant correlation between the extent of LC cell loss and the degree of memory impairment. These results provide further evidence for an age-related decline in central noradrenergic function which may contribute to an associated memory loss.
Modeling dynamics in agile software development

Changes in the business environment such as turbulent market forces, rapidly evolving system requirements, and advances in technology demand agility in the development of software systems. Though agile approaches have received wide attention, empirical research that evaluates their effectiveness and appropriateness is scarce. Further, research to-date has investigated individual practices in isolation rather than as an integrated system. Addressing these concerns, we develop a system dynamics simulation model that considers the complex interdependencies among the variety of practices used in agile development. The model is developed on the basis of an extensive review of the literature as well as quantitative and qualitative data collected from real projects in nine organizations. We present the structure of the model focusing on essential agile practices. The validity of the model is established based on extensive structural and behavioral validation tests. Insights gained from experimentation with the model answer important questions faced by development teams in implementing two unique practices used in agile development. The results suggest that due to refactoring, the cost of implementing changes to a system varies cyclically and increases during later phases of development. Delays in refactoring also increase costs and decrease development productivity. Also, the simulation shows that pair programming helps complete more tasks and at a lower cost. The systems dynamics model developed in this research can be used as a tool by IS organizations to understand and analyze the impacts of various agile development practices and project management strategies.
Regulation of an Early Developmental Checkpoint in the B Cell Pathway by Igβ

Many of the cell fate decisions in precursor B cells and more mature B cells are controlled by membrane immunoglobulin (Ig)M heavy chain (mu) and the Ig alpha-Ig beta signal transducers. The role of Ig beta in regulating early B cell development was examined in mice that lack Ig beta (Ig beta-/-). These mice had a complete block in B cell development at the immature CD43+B220+ stage. Immunoglobulin heavy chain diversity (DH) and joining (JH) segments rearranged, but variable (VH) to DJH recombination and immunoglobulin messenger RNA expression were compromised. These experiments define an unexpected, early requirement for Ig(beta) to produce B cells that can complete VDJH recombination.
Malocclusion in children caused by temporomandibular joint effusion

Two unusual cases of temporomandibular joint effusion in children are presented. The differential diagnosis, radiographic imaging, treatment, and possible etiologies are described.
Impact of Isolation on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Scores: Is Isolation Isolating?

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey was used to measure the effect of isolation on patient satisfaction. Isolated patients reported lower scores for questions regarding physician communication and staff responsiveness. Overall scores for these domains were lower in isolated than in nonisolated patients.
Review of Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Introduction: Evidence-based therapeutics in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been limited to corticosteroids for the past 30 years. There have been a host of other therapeutic interventions studied in mice, canines and more recently humans, but they are yet to show effectiveness in clinical trials. Newer genetic approaches are in early stages of clinical trials. Areas covered: In this paper, the authors review evidence-based studies for corticosteroids as well as other Phase II and Phase III clinical trials involving potential pharmacologic treatments: myostatin and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, insulin-like growth factor 1 and replenishment of nutritional deficiencies. Finally, the authors briefly review the current status of treatments specific for genetic mutations and gene therapy. Expert opinion: Since the identification of corticosteroids as an effective treatment for DMD, there has not yet been another pharmacologic intervention that has shown as much benefit, although further investigation i...