cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Condition-specific role of colonic inflammatory molecules in persistent functional colorectal hypersensitivity in the mouse.

Background A low-level inflammation has been hypothesized to mediate visceral hypersensitivity in functional bowel disorders that persist after or even in the absence of gut inflammation. We aimed to test the efficacy of a steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment, and identify local inflammatory molecules mediating post- and non-inflammatory colorectal hypersensitivity using two mouse models. Methods Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension were quantified as a measure of colorectal sensitivity. On day 1, mice received intracolonic saline (control), trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (postinflammatory on day 15), or acidified hypertonic saline (non-inflammatory). Colorectal sensitivity before (day 10) and after (day 15) 4-day dexamethasone (Dex) treatment was compared, and colonic gene expression of inflammatory molecules was quantified. Key Results Dexamethasone effectively inhibited gene expression of inflammatory molecules such as interleukin (IL)-1β and mast cell protease-1 in the colon, but did not attenuate colorectal hypersensitivity in either model. Gene expression of inflammatory molecules in the colon did not differ between control and the non-inflammatory model, but the postinflammatory model showed increased IL-10 and tight junction protein 2, and decreased IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, a precursor of β-endorphin, occludin, and mucin 2. While no common molecule explained colorectal hypersensitivity in these models, hypersensitivity was positively correlated with TGF-β2 mRNA in control, and with IL-1β, inhibin βA, and prostaglandin E2 synthase in the Dex-treated postinflammatory model. In the non-inflammatory model, cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA was negatively correlated with colorectal sensitivity. Conclusions & Inferences These results suggest that persistent functional colorectal hypersensitivity is mediated by condition-specific mediators whose gene expression in the colon is not inevitably sensitive to steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment.
Anti–oxidation actions of curcumin in two forms of bed rest: oxidative stress serum and salivary markers

Objective: To determine the preventive effects of curcumin on peroxidative damage under two bed rest conditions. Methods: 20 healthy male (10 with curcumin and 10 without curcumin volunteers were selected. They were studied before, during, and just on bed rest conditions at -6° head-down-tilt (HDT) bed rest and bed rest position (BD) for 10 days. We measured the salivary and serum oxidative markers such as Malonaldehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, vitamin C and E just before HDT & BD, during HDT & BD experiment, and in course time of recovery with curcumin and without curcumin groups. Results: The values of serum and salivary vitamin C & E showed statistically significant decrease in both bed rest conditions as compared to those of the conditions before and during the recovery stage. However, these levels were not significantly lowered in curcumin groups in contrast to the groups without curcumin (P＞0.05). MDA and 8-OHdG levels showed significant increase in simulating microgravity and zero gravity conditions as compared to those before and in the recovery stage. However, these levels were lower in curcumin groups in contrast to the groups without curcumin (P＜0.05). Serum and salivary correlation analysis revealed a strong and highly significant correlation for MDA, vitamin C & E and 8 dihydro-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the conditions before, during and in the recovery periods in both bed rest conditions. Since saliva collection is easy and non-invasive, measurements of salivary marker levels may prove to be useful in the space research. Conclusions: Curcumin prevents peroxidative damage in both bed rest conditions. Further study is required on antioxidation actions of curcumin in space microgravity conditions.
The Role of the Undergraduate Student in Teaching and Learn- ing Biology

The possible roles of the undergraduate student as instruc- tor and colleague in the teaching of undergraduate biol- ogy are discussed. These roles include laboratory UTA, peer instructor, collaborative group facilitator, tutor, learning fa- cilitator, and associate in learning and teaching. The latter role involves the undergraduate student in course development and design
Primary nasal amelanotic melanoma: MR appearance.

The appearance on magnetic resonance (MR) images of a primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the nasopharynic is reported. The factors affecting the MR appearance of melanomas of the head and neck are reviewed. The case is compared with a previously reported case of primary nasopharyngeal melanotic melanoma, and the importance of considering the tumor in all nasophargyngeal neoplasms is emphasized.
Impact of Light/Dark Cycle Patterns on Oxidative Stress in an Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy Model in Rats

The principal goal of this study was to determine the effect of the photoperiod on oxidative damage biomarkers in rats submitted to different light/darkness patterns, in a hyperlipidemic nephropathy model (induced by adriamycin), as well as its possible relationship with melatonin and leptin secretion rhythms. To test this hypothesis, six different groups were used (N = 6 rats per group): control (12 h/12h light:dark); exposure to permanent illumination (24 h light); exposure to darkness (22 h dark); injected with adriamycin, 12h/12h light:dark; injected with adriamycin + exposure to permanent illumination and injected with adriamycin + exposure to darkness (22 h dark). The different photoperiods were begun two weeks prior to medication and were maintained up to the day of the animal's sacrifice, ten days after medication. The following parameters were analysed: i) weight evolution; ii) in plasma: urea, creatinine, uric acid, total proteins, albumen, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine-quinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol; iii) in urine: urea, creatinine, total proteins and microalbumen; iv) biomarkers of oxidative damage in kidneys, heart, liver and brain: lipoperoxides, total glutathione, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase; v) melatonin (pineal gland tissue and plasma) and leptin (plasma). From the results obtained it was concluded that the administration of adriamycin generated oxidative stress in renal, cerebral, hepatic and cardiac tissue. Additionally, in the healthy animal, but of a lesser relevance in the adriamycin animal, permanent light worsened the oxidative stress, whereas darkness improved it. This could be related to the circadian rhythm of the inverse release shown by melatonin and leptin, accentuating the release of melatonin in the darkness phase and that of leptin in the light phase. The correlation between melatonin and leptin in the healthy animal seemed to confirm the relationship between both variables and their influence on oxidative damage biomarkers.
Clinical study of a noninvasive multimodal sono-contrast induced spectroscopy system for breast cancer diagnosis.

Purpose: To present a noninvasive multimodal sono-contrast induced spectroscopy (SCIS) system for breast cancer detection. Methods: An IRB approved clinical study was carried out to evaluate its diagnostic power. A total of 66 subjects were enrolled with informed consent. The study data were grouped into healthy breast tissue (26), histologically proven cancer (14), and benign mass (26). The diffuse reflectance optical intensity and low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) signals, as well as ultrasoundimages, were collected during each study. The ratio of optical intensities at wavelengths 685 and 830 nm was analyzed using wavelet technique to compare the LIFU effects in cancer and noncancerous tissues. The ultrasoundimages were also processed to obtain tissue texture parameters, such as correlation, energy, contrast, homogeneity, etc. Backward stepwise regression method was performed to identify the statistically significant factors correlating to tissue types (cancer vs benign mass). Results: Comparison of the optical signals showed that LIFU induced transitory fluctuation in noncancerous tissue, but not in malignant tissue, as quantified by the ratio of mean absolute deviation (RMAD) of the high frequency component. Statistical analysis revealed that the RMAD ratios were significantly different in tumor vs noncancerous masses (p ≪ 0.01). For tissue texture parameters, energy and correlation were found to statistically correlate with the tissue types. A cancer characterization model was developed using the weighted factors to differentiate the tumor from the benign mass. Trade-off between sensitivity and specificity was obtained by varying the threshold value that estimated the upper-bound of the cancer output factor, from which the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated. The characterization model was optimized using ten modeling datasets and verified using another ten validation datasets randomly generated from the database. The optimization results show that an AUC of 0.93 can be achieved. With threshold 0.3, sensitivity of 96.0%, specificity of 84.1%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.3% can be achieved. Conclusions: The feasibility of the multimodal system in characterizing breast cancer vs benign mass is established.
Dermatoscopie in de huisartsenpraktijk 2

Kukutsch NA, Bergman W. Dermatoscopie in de huisartsenpraktijk 2. Huisarts Wet 2015;58(2):90-3. Dermatoscopie is een methodiek die de betrouwbaarheid van diagnostiek van gepigmenteerde huidafwijkingen kan verbeteren. Belangrijk is dat voor het toepassen van dermatoscopie in de huisartsenpraktijk een gedegen scholing noodzakelijk is. Dermatoscopische diagnostiek van huidafwijkingen vindt plaats in twee stappen. Bij stap 1 gaat men aan de hand van specifieke criteria na of het om een melanocytaire laesie gaat. Bij stap 2 diagnosticeert men melanocytaire laesies aan de hand van de 7-point-checklist. Dit laatste algoritme bespreken we omdat het voor toepassing in de huisartsenpraktijk het meest geschikt is.
Tissue- and species-specific expression of sp56, a mouse sperm fertilization protein

Mouse sperm recognize and bind to ZP3, one of three glycoproteins in the egg's zona pellucida. A mouse sperm protein, sp56, was identified that has the characteristics expected of the sperm protein responsible for recognition of ZP3. The complementary DNA encoding sp56 was isolated, and its primary sequence indicates that sp56 is a member of a superfamily of protein receptors. It was shown that sp56 expression is restricted to mouse spermatids and that the presence or absence of sp56 on sperm from different species accounts for species specificity of sperm-egg recognition in mice.
Radioimmunoassay of Human Epidermal Growth Factor (Urogastrone)

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide hormone that stimulates growth of a variety of tissues. Although it was originally discovered in male mouse submaxillary glands, EGF has recently been isolated from human urine. A heterologous radioimmunoassay for human EGF (hEGF) has been developed, using purified hEGF as reference standard and radioiodinated tracer and antibodies raised against mouse EGF. Purified hEGF specifically displaced radioiodinated hEGF from the antibodies; no other human peptide hormone tested demonstrated any cross-reaction. Twenty-four hour urinary excretion of RIA-hEGF in normal adult males and females was 97.8 ± 10.7 and 72.0 ± 4.5 (mean ± SE) μg/total volume, or 51.7 ± 4.5 and 57.0 ± 4.9 μg/g of creatinine, respectively. Urinary excretion in normal children increased with age, from less than 40 μg/24 h at 4 years of age to adult levels at about the age of puberty. The concentration of RIA-hEGF in human saliva ranged from 5.6 to 16.8 ng/ml, was about 80 ng/ml in human milk and ...
Alternative test method for interlaminar fracture toughness of composites

Two methods of determining the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness for fiber-reinforced polymer matrix (FRPM) composites using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test are compared. The standard method of determining GIC is based in linear-elastic fracture mechanics theory and requires a visual measurement of the crack length, presenting data acquisition and analysis difficulties. The proposed method makes use of elastic–plastic fracture mechanics theory and an analytical closed form solution to the J-integral to relate the fracture toughness JIC, load, and angular displacement at the load application points. This method has the advantage of replacing visually acquired data with data easily obtained using inexpensive transducers as well as being applicable to a broader class of materials.
OXYTOCIN AND VASOPRESSIN IN THE MEDIAL AMYGDALA DIFFERENTIALLY MODULATE APPROACH AND AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR TOWARD ILLNESS-RELATED SOCIAL ODOR

Animals are known to recognize a specific odorant informing conspecific health condition, which plays a significant role in regulating their social communication. Here, we assess neural mechanisms regulating innate approach/avoidance response toward such conspecific odor cues in rats. Odor scent from healthy conspecifics induced approach behavior, while those from sick conspecifics produced avoidance response in odor-recipient male rats. Analysis of mRNA expression in several brain sites of odor recipient rats illustrated that induction of c-fos mRNA expression was found in the olfactory bulb (OB), the medial amygdala (MeA), the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BnST), and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), when exposed to conspecific odor. Moreover, in the MeA, expression of oxytocin (OT) receptor mRNA was increased when rats were exposed to healthy conspecific odor, while induction of arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor 1a and 1b mRNA were found only when exposed to sick conspecific odor. Bilateral infusion of OT receptor (OTR) antagonist, (d(CH2)51,Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Orn8,des-Gly-NH29)-Vasotocin, into the MeA blocked approach behavior to healthy odor, while those of AVP receptor antagonists, V1a selective: (Phenylac1,D-Tyr(Me)2,Arg6.8,Lys-NH29)-Vasopressin, and type 1 receptor antagonist: (Deamino-Pen1, Try(Me)2, Arg8)-Vasopressin, into the MeA inhibited avoidance response to sick odor. These findings provide evidence for an essential role of OT and AVP receptors, especially type 1a, in the MeA in regulating approach/avoidance behaviors, respectively, in social odorant communication.
The He I valence photoelectron spectrum ofC70 in the gas phase

Abstract The high-resolution He I photoelectron spectrum of C 70 in the gas phase is reported and compared with that of C 60 and theoretical calculations. Similar to C 60 , the C 70 spectrum shows two separate valence ionization band envelopes in the low energy region, but there are more separate ion states visible within the two envelopes. The first envelope of overlapping ionizations spans from about 7.3 to 8.8 eV, and the second from about 8.9 to 10.3 eV. The greater complexity of the C 70 spectrum compared to that of C 60 is expected due to the lower symmetry of C 70 and the ten additional π electrons from the additional carbon atoms. The first vertical ionization energy is 7.47 ± 0.02 eV, which is destabilized 0.17 eV from that of C 60 .
Novel metal-dielectric structures for guiding ultra-long-range surface plasmon-polaritons at optical frequencies

It is well known that propagation ranges of surface plasmon-polaritons supported by thin metal films are significantly limited by losses due to the concentration of a portion of the mode's energy within the metal. Propagation distances may be increased by using lower frequency light or thinner metal films. Implementation of these techniques is limited, however, and may not always be desirable. A layered structure, which allows for propagation ranges to be increased while holding the wavelength of the light and film thickness constant has been proposed. The surface plasmon-polariton guide consists of a metal film surrounded above and below by a thin, low index of refraction dielectric layer. When set in a dielectric cladding of higher index of refraction, the thickness of the inner dielectric layer may be increased up to a cutoff to achieve dramatic extension in propagation range. The effects of adjustment to parameters of the guide, such as the dielectric cladding index of refraction, metal film thickness and wavelength are discussed. Due to the fact that propagation distance and mode confinement are closely related, these two properties are investigated together, and the merits of the guide are discussed.
Constraining flavour changing neutral currents with B→μ+μ−

Abstract We discuss the standard model prediction for the decay B→μ+μ−. We also look at this decay in models with two-Higgs doublets with and without the discrete symmetries that prevent FCNCs occuring at tree-level.
Viral induction of co-stimulatory activity on antigen-presenting cells bypasses the need for CD4+ T-cell help in CD8+ T-cell responses

Abstract Background: CD4 + T-cell help is critical for cytotoxic (CD8 + ) T-lymphocyte responses to many antigens, such as viruses, minor histocompatibility antigens and allogeneic major histocompatibility antigens. However, the nature of such help is still a mystery: cytokines such as interleukin-2 may be involved but cell–cell contact may also be necessary. As some viruses can induce CD8 + T-cell responses in the absence of CD4 + T cells, we asked whether these viruses and CD4 + T cells share a pathway for helping the CD8 + T-cell response. Results We show here that the H2N2 subtype of influenza virus, which elicits a CD4 + T-cell-independent anti-viral CD8 + T-cell response in vitro, induces expression of the co-stimulatory molecule B7-2, but not of B7, on the cell surface of antigen-presenting cells. In contrast, the H1N1 subtype of influenza virus, which requires CD4 + T-cell help to elicit CD8 + T-cell responses under the same conditions, does not induce B7-2 expression. We also find that CD4 + T cells can induce expression of B7-2 on antigen-presenting cells. In both cases, the induced B7-2 is necessary for the clonal expansion and functional maturation of CD8 + T cells. Conclusion Our results support the view that the induction of co-stimulatory activity on antigen-presenting cells by CD4 + T cells can substitute for the requirement for exogenous interleukin-2 in CD8 + T-cell help. Viruses that can induce co-stimulatory activity on antigen-presenting cells thus induce a CD4 + T-cell-independent CD8 + T-cell response. These findings could explain the reported differences in the requirements for CD4 + T cells in CD8 + T-cell responses.
Random sampling from databases: a survey

This paper reviews recent literature on techniques for obtaining random samples from databases. We begin with a discussion of why one would want to include sampling facilities in database management systems. We then review basic sampling techniques used in constructing DBMS sampling algorithms, e.g. acceptance/rejection and reservoir sampling. A discussion of sampling from various data structures follows: B + trees, hash files, spatial data structures (including R-trees and quadtrees). Algorithms for sampling from simple relational queries, e.g. single relational operators such as selection, intersection, union, set difference, projection, and join are then described. We then describe sampling for estimation of aggregates (e.g. the size of query results). Here we discuss both clustered sampling, and sequential sampling approaches. Decision-theoretic approaches to sampling for query optimization are reviewed.
Change detection by rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and pigeons (Columba livia)

Two monkeys learned a color change-detection task where two colored circles (selected from a 4-color set) were presented on a 4×4 invisible matrix. Following a delay, the correct response was to touch the changed colored circle. The monkeys' learning, color transfer, and delay transfer were compared to a similar experiment with pigeons. Monkeys, like pigeons, showed full transfer to four novel colors, and to delays as long as 6.4 s, suggesting they remembered the colors as opposed to perceptual based attentional capture process that may work at very short delays. The monkeys and pigeons were further tested to compare transfer to other dimensions. Monkeys transferred to shape and location changes, unlike the pigeons, but neither species transferred to size changes. Thus, monkeys were less restricted in their domain to detect change than pigeons, but both species learned the basic task and appear suitable for comparative studies of visual short-term memory.
Anomalous Overexpression of p27Kip1 in Sporadic Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors

Background. Little is known about the cellular defects and molecular mechanisms leading to pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs). p27Kip1 is a universal cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI), which acts as a tumor suppressor and a negative regulator of cell cycle. From previous reports, quiescent cells show high levels of p27Kip1 expression while neoplastic and proliferating cells show no detectable p27Kip1 expression. We hypothesize that in malignant sporadic PETs, p27Kip1 expression would be decreased compared with benign PETs and normal pancreatic tissue. Methods. Western analysis was performed on 28 PETs (7 malignant, 21 benign), 2 nonendocrine cell lines, and 5 endocrine cell lines. Signal intensities were quantitated using densitometry and standardized to normal pancreas. Results. Unexpectedly, increased p27Kip1 expression as compared with control was seen in both benign and malignant tumors, as well as in all four pancreatic islet tumor cell lines, but not fibroblast or pituitary cell lines, evaluated. There was no difference in p27Kip1 level between benign and malignant tumors. Conclusion. This represents the first report of anomalous p27Kip1 overexpression in sporadic PETs, and is part of a growing literature describing the paradoxical overexpression of p27Kip1 in human tumors that includes other endocrine tumors. These studies suggest a unique molecular pathway leading to endocrine tumorigenesis.
Analysis of Load Sharing Behavior in Herringbone Gears Power Branching Transmission System

Torque-spilt transmissions are promising alternatives to the common herringbone gears for power-branching. A method was developed to analyze the load-sharing in power-branching. With the theory of equivalent mesh error, in consideration of the manufacturing and assembly errors of every gear pair, the formula of uneven load coefficient are obtained by using the engineering calculation and simulation calculation two methods, and then the load-sharing behavior of system is studied under different operating conditions in power dual-branching and three-branching transmission. The calculated results confirmed that measures must be took to improve load-sharing, and it is helpful for the design of power-branching herringbone gears transmission system.
Pharmaceutical impurities: Regulatory perspective for Abbreviated New Drug Applications

Impurities in drug substances and drug products have been important regulatory issues in the Office of Generic Drugs by having significant impact on the approvability of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDAs). This review begins with a discussion of ANDAs and its similarity/differences with NDAs, highlighting the importance of control of pharmaceutical impurities in generic drug product development and regulatory assessment. An overview of the FDA draft guidance documents "ANDAs: Impurities in Drug Substances" and "ANDAs: Impurities in Drug Products" are provided. This introduces the identification and qualification procedures for ANDAs and approaches to the establishment of acceptance criteria for both drug substance and drug product. Case studies included in this review illustrate the proposed pathway for determination of impurities and their acceptance criteria, based upon the general principles of these guidances.
Build variations in adolescent girls

Summary A classification of feminine build is described which seeks to sort individuals according to the degree and direction of their secondary sex differentiations. It is based upon a consideration of skeletal proportions and body covering. Two-thirds of a group of normal adolescent girls could be fitted into the categories outlined, namely, hypofeminine (Diana), feminine (Venus), hyperfeminine (Rubens), and virile (Amazon). The classification, therefore, seems to be feasible and should be clinically helpful.
Cost-Effectiveness of Antiplatelet Agents in Secondary Stroke Prevention: The Limits of Certainty

Abstract Which of the available antiplatelet therapies should be preferred for secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke has been contentious. Objective We applied the Duke Stroke Policy Model (DSPM) to reconsider this issue, paying particular attention to the degree of uncertainty in the estimates of their efficacy. The DSPM is a continuous-time simulation model of stroke development and outcome. Methods We modified the inputs to reflect the cost of the drugs aspirin (ASA), extended release dipyridamole/aspirin (DP/A) and clopidogrel (CLO), as well as their relative risk in preventing subsequent ischemic stroke in comparison with placebo (PBO). These relative risks were derived from published reports from the second European Stroke Prevention Study (ESPS-2) and Clopidogrel Versus Aspiring in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events studies. Precision was addressed by applying bootstrapping to the above estimates of relative risk. The target population was 70-year-old men with nondisabling stroke. The outcome measures were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and costs per QALY. Results Results of Base Case Analysis: In large part because of its modest drug cost, ASA was cost-effective in comparison with PBO. DP/A tended to have improved outcomes, but at increased costs. CLO was dominated in the base case. Results of sensitivity analysis: ASA and DP/A cannot be differentiated on a statistical basis alone. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, CLO was rarely preferred. Conclusions Either DP/A or ASA appear to be a good value in comparison with no treatment, but there is no clear winner between the two. In the absence of a definitive randomized trial, simulation modeling can help clarify the trade-offs between the various antiplatelet agents, but not beyond the constraints imposed by the imprecision in the estimates that can be obtained from the current evidence base.
T and B lymphocytes in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

We performed peripheral blood T and B lymphocyte enumerations on 36 patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and 49 age-matched controls. We found a decrease in both the mean percentage and the absolute number of T lymphocytes (determined by E rosettes) in patients compared to controls. We also found a decrease in the mean percentages and absolute numbers of B lymphocytes (determined by EAC and EA rosettes) in patients compared to controls.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Microvascular clues to hemiplegia-induced asymmetric RA.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are hemiplegic, and also mice with denervated hindpaws and experimentally-induced arthritis, can develop unilateral arthritis. But is a specific branch of the nervous system involved in this asymmetry, or does a lack of innervation alter the microvasculature and promote vascular impermeability?
Transforming Entanglement without Communication

We present a local unitary operation strategy to realize the transformations between bi-partite entangled pure states without any communication between the sharing parties. It also saves the interaction with an ancilla in implementing the transformations.
Role of epithelial HCO3− transport in mucin secretion: lessons from cystic fibrosis

The invitation to present the 2010 Hans Ussing lecture for the Epithelial Transport Group of the American Physiological Society offered me a unique, special, and very surprising opportunity to join in saluting a man whom I met only once, but whose work was the basis, not only for my career, but also for finding the molecular defect in the inherited disease cystic fibrosis (CF). In this context, I will venture to make the tribute with a new explanation of why a mutation in a single gene that codes for an anion channel can cause devastation of multiple epithelial systems with pathogenic mucus. In so doing, I hope to raise awareness of a new role for that peculiar anion around which so much physiology revolves, HCO(3)(-). I begin by introducing CF pathology as I question the name of the disease as well as the prevalent view of the basis of its pathology by considering: 1) mucus, 2) salt, and 3) HCO(3)(-). I then present recent data showing that HCO(3)(-) is required for normal mucus discharge, and I will close with conjecture as to how HCO(3)(-) may support mucus discharge and why the failure to transport this electrolyte is pathogenic in CF.
Matching a diffusive and a kinetic approach for escape over a fluctuating barrier.

We study thermally driven escape over a dichotomously fluctuating barrier and present explicit formulas for the mean escape time in three limiting frequency domains. Our analysis is based on the chemically realistic case of large potential barrier, and modest fluctuation amplitude. When the fluctuation frequency is small compared to the time scale for adiabatic adjustment, which includes the low and intermediate frequency regimes, a kinetic approximation reproduces the Fokker-Planck results.
Environmental controls on drainage behavior of an ephemeral stream

Streambed drainage was measured at the cessation of 26 ephemeral streamflow events in Rillito Creek, Tucson, Arizona from August 2000 to June 2002 using buried time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes. An unusual drainage response was identified, which was characterized by sharp drainage from saturation to near field capacity at each depth with an increased delay between depths. We simulated the drainage response using a variably saturated numerical flow model representing a two-layer system with a high permeability layer overlying a lower permeability layer. Both the observed data and the numerical simulation show a strong correlation between the drainage velocity and the temperature of the stream water. A linear combination of temperature and the no-flow period preceding flow explained about 90% of the measured variations in drainage velocity. Evaluation of this correlative relationship with the one-dimensional numerical flow model showed that the observed temperature fluctuations could not reproduce the magnitude of variation in the observed drainage velocity. Instead, the model results indicated that flow duration exerts the most control on drainage velocity, with the drainage velocity decreasing nonlinearly with increasing flow duration. These findings suggest flow duration is a primary control of water availability for plant uptake in near surface sediments of an ephemeral stream, an important finding for estimating the ecological risk of natural or engineered changes to streamflow patterns. Correlative analyses of soil moisture data, although easy and widely used, can result in erroneous conclusions of hydrologic cause—effect relationships, and demonstrating the need for joint physically-based numerical modeling and data synthesis for hypothesis testing to support quantitative risk analysis.
A Continuation Approach to Regularization For Traveltime Tomography

In most geometries in which seismic traveltime tomography is applied (e.g., surface reflection, cross-well, or VSP), the slowness field is not well-determined from traveltimes alone. Nonuniqueness is common. Even when the slowness field is uniquely determined, small changes in the measured traveltimes can lead to large errors in the computed slowness field. A priori information is often availablewell-logs, initial rough estimates of the slowness from structural geology, etc. This a priori information can be incorporated into a traveltime inversion algorithm using penalty terms. To further regularize the problem, smoothing constraints can also be incorporated using penalty terms by penalizing derivatives of the slowness field. A major decision to be made is the of the weights on the penalty terms, particularly the smoothing penalty weights. We use a continuation approach for selecting the smoothing penalty weights. Instead of fixing the smoothing penalty weights; we decrease the smoothing penalty weights in a step-by-step fashion, using the slowness model computed using the previous (larger) weights as the initial slowness model for the next step using the new (smaller) weights. A surprising outcome in synthetic problems is that the model error continues to decrease as we continue to decrease the smoothing penalty weights even after the data error has leveled off at the noise level. This continuation approach can solve synthetic problems more accurately than with fixed smoothing penalty weights, and appears to yield more features of interest in real-data applications of traveltime tomography.
Manufacturing capability development in a changing business environment

This study has empirically tested the relationships between business environment, manufacturing capability and performance using a sample of Chinese manufacturers. The results of this research show that in response to the changing economy, the Chinese manufacturers have emphasized the capabilities that have been adopted by many firms in the industrialized nations. The results also suggest that the business environment has a substantial impact on the choice of manufacturing capability focus. Additionally, we have found that high performance Chinese manufacturers adopt different competitive priorities in response to environmental stimuli than do low performance Chinese manufacturers.
PAIR PRODUCTION AND BREMSSTRAHLUNG IN THE FIELD OF FREE AND BOUND ELECTRONS

The processes of bremsstrahlung and pair production are closely related, so that the respective scattering matrix elements have identical structure and can easily be obtained one from the other. Pair production is considered in detail and the corresponding results for bremsstrahlung deduced. (W.D.M.)
Use of elemental composition to predict bioavailability of dissolved organic matter in a Georgia river

The relationship between the bioavailability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its bulk chemical composition was examined on three dates at 10 sites on the Ogeechee River, a blackwater river in Georgia. Samples of riverine DOM were concentrated from filtered river water using reverse osmosis. In addition, particulate organic matter (POM), in the form of leaf litter, algae, and macrophytes, was leached with synthetic rainwater to obtain fresh DOM. Elemental composition, carboxylic acid content, and bacterial growth were measured on all samples. The results of this study indicate that fresh DOM in POM leachates is generally more bioavailable than riverine DOM. The bioavailability of riverine DOM appears to be greater under low discharge conditions and decreases with distance downstream. The bioavailability of all DOM samples is very well predicted (r 2 = 0.93, n = 20) by an empirical equation of the form: bioavailability = a n + a 1 (H:C) + a 2 (O:C) + a 3 (N:C). When compositional data are plotted on a van Krevelen diagram, it is evident that POM leachates and, to a lesser degree, DOM from headwater sites have compositions that differ little from simple mixtures of major components of biomass (lipids, sugars, proteins, and lignins). Father downstream, major diagenetic alteration of organic matter is evident from the compositions of DOM samples, whose H : C and O : C ratios are lower and higher, respectively, than for any possible mixture of biomass components. Bioavailability of DOM is closely related to the percentage of aliphatic carbon in a sample, and downstream decreases in bioavailability are mainly attributable to selective degradation of aliphatic carbon in riverine DOM.
Probe Diffusion in Hydroxypropylcellulose−Water: Radius and Line-Shape Effects in the Solutionlike Regime

Light-scattering spectroscopy was used to examine diffusion of optical probes of various radii in solutions (0 ≤ c ≤ 15 g/L) of 300 kDa hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) at 25 °C. Spectra follow well a stretched-exponential g(1)(t) = A exp(−θtβ) ≡ A exp((t/τ)β), plus at elevated c a weak, rapid initial decay. Accurate values for θ, β, and τ were obtained via multi-τ spectral splicing techniques. For 109, 189, and 760 nm diameter spheres, θη (η is the solution viscosity) is independent of c. HPC:water shows pseudo-Stokes−Einsteinian behavior for large probes. For 21 nm probes, θη increases by 10-fold over 0 ≤ c ≤ 15 g/L. From the η and scattering vector dependences, θ and β are inferred to be the quantities most likely to be amenable to direct theoretical calculation.
Algorithm for automatic detection of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats

Epilepsy affects approximately one percent of the world population. Antiepileptic drugs are ineffective in approximately 30% of patients and have side effects. We are developing a noninvasive, or minimally invasive, transcranial focal electrical stimulation (TFS) system through our novel concentric ring electrodes to control seizures. Here we report on the development of a seizure detecting algorithm to be used for automatic application of TFS. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm was evaluated that detected the electrographic seizure activity in all experiments well in advance of the behavioral seizure activity.
Inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) and Id3 proteins play different roles in TGFβ effects on cell proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND In prostate cancer cells, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) inhibits proliferation in earlier stages of the disease; however, the cancer cells become refractory to growth inhibitory effects in advanced stages where TGFβ promotes cancer progression and metastasis. Inhibitor of differentiation (Id) family of closely related proteins (Id1–Id4) are dominant negative regulators and basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factors and in general promote proliferation, and inhibit differentiation. In the present study, we have investigated the role of Id1 and Id3 proteins in the growth inhibitory effects of TGFβ on prostate cancer cells. METHODS The effect of TGF β on proliferation and Id1 and Id3 expression were investigated in PZ-HPV7, DU145, and PC3 cells. Id1 silencing through siRNA was also used in DU145 and PC3 cells to examine its role in anti-proliferative and migratory effects of TGFβ. RESULTS TGFβ increased expression of Id1 and Id3 in all cell lines followed by a later down regulation of Id1 in PZ-HPV7 expression and DU145 cells but not in PC3 cells. Id3 expression remained elevated in all three cell lines. This loss of Id1 protein correlated with an increase of CDKNI p21. Id1 knockdown in both DU145 and PC3 cells resulted in decreased proliferation. However, while TGFβ caused a further decrease in proliferation of DU145, but had no further effects in PC3 cells. Knockdown of Id1 or Id3 inhibited TGFβ1induced migration in PC3 cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest an essential role of Id1 and Id3 in TGFβ1 effects on proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells. Prostate 73: 624–633, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DESQUAMATIVE INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

Five cases of desquamative interstitial pneumonia diagnosed in children aged 2 months to 3 years have been followed over a 4 year period. The variable clinical presentations included cough, tachypnea, cyanosis and failure to thrive associated with apparent preceeding viral respiratory infections developing over a period ranging from less than 24 hours to several weeks. One infant had probable Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Another child, becoming symptomatic in 24 hours, required ventilatory assistance and recovered rapidly with therapy. All chest radiographs showed a diffuse ground glass appearance with accentuated perihilar markings and variable patchy infiltrates. Diagnosis was confirmed by open lung biopsy, showing characteristic packing of alveoli with granular pneumocytes in a monotonous pattern. Initial therapy was 2-4 mg/kg of prednisone in 5/5. 4/5 had an initial good response with clinical and radiographic clearing. 2 of these subsequently relapsed and expired; one in 19 months after additional chloroquine therapy, the other with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome died in 5 months of pseudomonas sepsis. One has remained well on no therapy for 2 years, and the one who had no response initially has had progressive hypoxemia over 4 years. Open lung biopsy should be considered in children with tachypnea, cyanosis and compatible x-ray findings, of obscure etiology, for only with a definitive diagnosis can aggressive therapy with high dose steroids, and possibly inmunosupressants, be pursued.
The Efficiency of Counters and Counter Circuits

Existing formulas for correcting counter data for "missing" are found to apply to conditions which often cannot be realized in practice. Let ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}$, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}$, and ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{r}$ be the recovery times of the counter, amplifier and recording unit. It is shown that excellent performance can be obtained by using an amplifier which controls the voltage recovery of the counter so that ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}={\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}=\mathrm{constant}$. When the counter receives $f$ particles/sec., capable of activating it, the efficiency of the entire apparatus is ${(1+f{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ if ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{r}l{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}$. It is $\frac{{e}^{\ensuremath{-}f({\ensuremath{\tau}}_{r}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}})}{(1+f{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i})}$ if ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{r}g{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{i}$ and the recorder is not influenced by any impulse which reaches it while it is operating.
Developing contemporary and historical live tree biomass estimates for old pine-hardwood stands of the Midsouth, USA

Abstract Calculating stand biomass potential is an increasingly important aspect of silviculture, particularly when attempting to restore forest ecosystems or determining additionality in sequestered carbon. However, the lumbering of the original forests of the Midsouth region of the United States of America, coupled with the accelerating conversion of unmanaged natural-origin stands to loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) plantations, make quantifying historic biomass difficult. If carefully done, it is possible to estimate presettlement biomass from past references and modern-day old pine-hardwood remnants. Pine sawtimber-only volume estimates from old reports indicated low biomass in the virgin pine-dominated forests of the Midsouth, from as little as 10–14 Mg/ha up to 72 Mg/ha. Given the incompleteness of these lumber yield-only data, a set of more detailed stand table-based historic descriptions were then coupled in this study with modern allometric equations to produce more complete estimates of biomass. These suggested that presettlement pine-hardwood stands of this region averaged ∼112 Mg/ha in total (above- and below-ground) live tree biomass (range = 54–171 Mg/ha; n = 6 stands). Contemporary old forests are considerably better stocked, with an estimated 224–318 Mg/ha ( n = 6 stands). Individual loblolly pines from the historic period reached 183 cm in diameter and may have had as much as 32 Mg of biomass, though specimens
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF A NAI¨VE POPULATION OF HOUSE FINCHES TO MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM

Since 1994 an epidemic of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis has spread throughout the eastern house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) population leading to a significant decline in this population. The infection has not yet been reported from house finch populations west of the Great Plains. We hypothesized that the western population, like the eastern population, is susceptible to infection, and we tested this hypothesis by experimentally infecting house finches from Missoula, Montana (USA) with the house finch strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). We compared the response of finches from Montana infected with MG to that of finches from Auburn, Alabama (USA) (October 1999–February 2000). Fifteen house finches from Montana were shipped to Auburn and quarantined for 6 wk at the Auburn University aviary. All birds were negative for MG antibodies when tested by serum plate agglutination assay and MG could not be detected in any bird by polymerase chain reaction. We tested two methods of inoculation, ocular inoculatio...
STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN A STATE HOSPITAL SETTING

A stress management protocol was adapted for use with schizophrenia patients. Elements included short group sessions, reinforcement of stress reduction skills, modified breathing and relaxation exercises, and capillary blood-flow monitoring for quick feedback. The patients demonstrated ability to participate in the group and to learn certain stress management techniques adapted to their particular needs.
The selection, expression, and organization of a set of head-specific genes in Drosophila☆

Abstract Comparative screening of a library of cloned Drosophila DNA with polyadenylated mRNA from Drosophila adult head and adult body identified 20 cloned sequences expressed more abundantly in the tissues of the head than in other tissues. Quantitation using a “dot blot” hybridization assay demonstrated that the DNA sequences are expressed on adult head polysomes from 3 to 177 times more abundantly than on body polysomes, and their transcripts represent from 0.05 to 0.66% of the polyadenylated mRNA mass of the head. The steady-state nuclear RNA concentrations of four species were determined to be from 13 to 48 times greater in head nuclei than in body nuclei, an indication that their expression is controlled at least in part at the transcriptional level. The chromosomal locations of all 20 head-specific clones were identified by in situ mapping, and no distinct clustering was observed. However, four of the clones were shown by Southern and Northern blot analysis to contain multiple RNA coding sequences. The genes in these tightly clustered sets were observed to be expressed simultaneously in some cases and differently in others.
Neutron Exposure and Electrical Analysis of P-Type Boron-Doped Silicon Resistors and Transistors

Neutron detectors are deployed at ports of entry across the world to monitor people and cargos for smuggled nuclear materials and are often incorporated in nuclear power plant designed to monitor power levels and ensure safe operations. With the supply of Helium-3 rapidly decreasing and due to increase of terrorism threats it is vital to U.S. national security that a viable alternative material be identified, and a new neutron detector design made available, especially for portal monitoring applications. The interest to study Boron-10 as an alternative to helium-3, due to the vast natural supply that the United States possesses and its nontoxic characteristics, is increasing in different research arenas. Our work consists on taking advantage of the near 20% of boron-10 present in naturally occurring boron which (just as phosphorus) is used to dope semiconductors. Boron doped semiconductor wafers were characterized using four-point probe techniques. Resistors and transistors made with various levels of boron concentration were exposed to a thermal flux at various fluencies at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The reaction, 10B+n → Li + α, caused by neutron irradiation, introduces impurities in the silicon lattice thus producing measurable differences in electronic parameters. These changes are likely to be proportional to the fluence of the source, and hence to the neutron flux. The results show that for irradiated resistors possessing very high values of boron concentration there is a significant reduction in resistivity. This trend is not seen for medium or low values of boron. Additionally, there was no observation of significant changes in other electronic parameters such as threshold voltage or trans-conductance, for the transistors exposed and tested.Copyright © 2014 by ASME