cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENT LEGISLATIONS REGARDING OPAs (Artículo publicado en inglés)

An analysis was made of then effectof the Tender Offer Law in Chile, andof the related situation of five countrieswith a more developed marketthan the Chilean one, reaching theconclusion that in order to successfullyimplement a Tender Offer Lawit is necessary to bear in mind thatthe problem is not solved by establishingstandards that regulate transactions,but by creating instancesthat contribute to a more dynamicand efficient market. In addition,there should exist a balance betweenprotection of the minority stockholderand competition for corporate control.Finally, we can conclude that thereis evidence that the Tender Offer Lawhas depressed the Stock Exchange.
The overwhelming use of rat models in nerve regeneration research may compromise designs of nerve guidance conduits for humans.

Rats are not the best model for the evolving complexities we face in designing nerve repair strategies today. The development of effective nerve guidance conduits for nerve regeneration is severely limited by the rat sciatic nerve model as the almost exclusive research model in academia. An immense effort is underway to develop an alternative to autologous nerve grafts for the repair of nerve defects, aiming particularly at larger gap repairs of 5–30 cm or more. This must involve combinations of ever more complex components, which in the vast majority of cases begin their testing in the rat model. Three major problems are at play: (1) The majority of nerve regeneration data is now being generated in the rat, which is likely to skew treatment outcomes and lead to inappropriate evaluation of risks and benefits. (2) The rat is a particularly poor model for the repair of human critical gap defects due to both its small size and its species-specific neurobiological regenerative profile. (3) Translation from rat to human has proven unreliable for nerve regeneration, as for many other applications. We explore each of these facets and their implications, in order to highlight the need for appropriate awareness in animal model selection when translating nerve regeneration modalities of ever-increasing complexity—from relatively simple devices to drug–device–biologic combinations.
General classical solutions of the nonlinear sigma model and the pion charge distribution of disoriented chiral condensate.

We obtain the general solutions of the nonlinear {sigma} model in 3+1 dimensions as the candidates for the disoriented chiral condensate (DCC). The nonuniformly isospin-oriented solutions are shown to be related to the uniformly oriented ones through the chiral (axial) rotations. We discuss the pion charge distribution arising from these solutions. The distribution {ital dP}/{ital d}{ital f}=1/(2 {radical}{ital f} ) holds for the uniform solutions in general and the nonuniform solutions in the 1+1 boost-invariant case. For the nonuniform solution in 1+1 without boost invariance and in higher dimensions, the distribution does not hold in the integrated form. However, it is applicable to the pions selected from a small segment in the momentum phase space. We suggest that the nonuniform DCC{close_quote}s may correspond to the mini-Centauro events. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Intrathecal chemotherapy for treatment of overt meningeal leukemia: Comparison between intraventricular and traditional intralumbar route

Summary Background Despite advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), overt meningeal leukemia remains a dire condition. The role of intraventricular chemotherapy (FVC) in its treatment is still a matter for debate. Data suggesting benefit from it have been countered by statements of concern regarding the potential complications associated with its use. This report details our results from using IVC. Patients and methods We compared two groups of adult patients with ALL at their first meningeal involvement. Twelve of them were submitted to ILC and 9 to IVC. Results Our data showed that IVC yielded a higher rate of complete response (88% vs. 33%) and a lower incidence of second CNS relapse than did ILC (none vs. 50%). Even though there were more long-term disease-free survivors (33% vs. 8%) among the IVC patients, the difference in median event-free survival was not significant (120 vs. 80 weeks; p ─ 0.66). IVC was associated with a longer overall survival (p ─ 0.005) and CNS remission time (p ─ 0.046). Two cases refractory to ILC were later fully responsive to IVC. There were 22% device-related and 11% drug-related complications. Conclusions The results are promising, but the small series does not allow for any definite conclusion. In our opinion, the hazards inherent in the placement and operation of the device do not outweigh the benefits of IVC for the treatment of overt meningeal leukemia and should not preclude its use. Accurate neurosurgical technique, meticulous care in drug administration and experience with this form of therapy can all contribute to minimizing complications so that full advantage can be taken of IVC's potential.
Sensitivity Enhancement Utilizing Parahydrogen

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Nuclear Spin States of H2 and D2 3 General Theory of the PASADENA Effect 4 PASADENA Effect in Weakly Coupled Spin Systems 5 Experimental PASADENA NMR Spectroscopy in Liquids 6 The ALTADENA Effect 7 Theory of Ortho/Para D2 Enhancement 8 PASADENA Effect at a Solid Surface 9 Conclusions 10 Acknowledgements 11 Biographical Sketch
Activating Injury-Responsive Genes with Hypoxia Enhances Axon Regeneration through Neuronal HIF-1α

Injured peripheral neurons successfully activate a proregenerative transcriptional program to enable axon regeneration and functional recovery. How transcriptional regulators coordinate the expression of such program remains unclear. Here we show that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) controls multiple injury-induced genes in sensory neurons and contribute to the preconditioning lesion effect. Knockdown of HIF-1α in vitro or conditional knock out in vivo impairs sensory axon regeneration. The HIF-1α target gene Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) is expressed in injured neurons and contributes to stimulate axon regeneration. Induction of HIF-1α using hypoxia enhances axon regeneration in vitro and in vivo in sensory neurons. Hypoxia also stimulates motor neuron regeneration and accelerates neuromuscular junction re-innervation. This study demonstrates that HIF-1α represents a critical transcriptional regulator in regenerating neurons and suggests hypoxia as a tool to stimulate axon regeneration.
Incorporating molecular tools into early-stage clinical trials.

During the past several decades, and with an accelerating pace in the past several years, a primary focus of cancer research and treatment has been the development and refinement of specific, biologically directed therapies [1,2]. A number of attractive targets have been identified, dissected, and validated molecularly and biochemically, including multiple members of the family of receptor tyrosine kinases [1,2]. These potent enzymes, frequently concentrated or overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells, phosphorylate target proteins, with varied and manifold effects on numerous downstream, intracellular signaling pathways, leading to profound alterations in transcription and translation, cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion and metastatic potential [1,2]. A number of small molecular inhibitors of these tyrosine kinases (TKs) have been developed in recent years. Imatinib, for example, has shown impressive activity in many patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia [3,4]. The success of imatinib in human trials, and subsequent work in the laboratory and the clinic in several other cancers in which TKs appear causative and where TK inhibitors (TKIs) appeared likely to be efficacious, spurred a great deal of interest and enthusiasm throughout the oncologic community [1,2]. This was equally true in neurooncology, where progress in treating patients with malignant gliomas, especially glioblastoma (GBM), has been slow and incremental [4–7].
Antenatal Therapy of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome ♦ 719

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is caused by an inborn error of cholesterol metabolism that results in deficiency of cholesterol and accumulation of the cholesterol precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol (DHC) and its isomer, 8-DHC. Affected patients present with dysmorphic facial features, congenital anomalies, and growth and mental retardation. Postnatal treatment with cholesterol supplementation has been shown to improve plasma sterol levels in most patients. The most significant clinical improvement is seen in patients who began treatment at the youngest ages.
Mechanisms of residual force enhancement in skeletal muscle: insights from experiments and mathematical models

A skeletal muscle that is stretched while contracting will produce more force at steady state than if it is stretched passively and then stimulated to contract. This phenomenon is known as residual force enhancement and has been widely studied since its description more than 60 years ago. The idea that the mechanical properties of a muscle are governed not just by its present length but also by its length at earlier time points has far reaching implications since muscles stretch and shorten routinely in normal use. In this review, we present the experimental and theoretical advances that have been made toward understanding the mechanisms that underlie residual force enhancement. In the past 10 years, experiments and models have focused on essentially three candidate mechanisms for residual force enhancement: (half-) sarcomere inhomogeneity, activity of so-called ‘passive’ mechanical elements in the sarcomere (titin), and the intrinsic properties of myosin crossbridges. Evidence, both computational and experimental, is accumulating for each of these mechanisms such that a final description of the phenomenon seems attainable in the near future. We conclude that computational models that incorporate more than one putative mechanism may ultimately facilitate reconciliation of the growing number of ideas and experimental data in this field.
Disruption of Auditory Function by Acute Administration of a ”Room Odorizer“ Containing Butyl Nitrite in Rats

Abstract Butyl nitrite is the predominant and presumed active ingredient in a variety of commercial preparations sold as “room odorizers.” These compounds have significant abuse potential, giving the user the sensation of a “rush,” which may be related to their intense cardiovascular effects. The pharmacological properties of butyl nitrites are similar to those of amyl nitrite which is also abused for its psychological effects, but whose availability is limited by prescription for treatment of angina. A significant body of literature suggests that the inner ear is vulnerable to acute hypoxic exposure. Since butyl nitrite induces high levels of methemoglobin and also reduces blood pressure due to peripheral vasodilation, we hypothesized that this compound might produce auditory dysfunction. We studied the effect of acute exposure to a butyl nitrite “room odorizer” on 10- and 40-kHz auditory function in rats. A loss in auditory sensitivity was found at both frequencies on the day following administration of the compound. Auditory dysfunction tended to subside over the next several days at 40 kHz, although a significant loss of sensitivity for tones of 10 kHz was observed over a 6-day period after administration of the agent. Methemoglobin levels measured in rats of the same age were elevated significantly 30 and 60 min after butyl nitrite to levels of 30–45%. Methemoglobin levels were found to be normal 18 hr after administration when the first audiometric tests were conducted. The data suggest that auditory function in the middle of the rats' auditory range, 10 kHz, was disrupted for a longer period than was high-frequency (40 kHz) auditory function.
Latitudinal gradients in degradation of marine dissolved organic carbon.

Heterotrophic microbial communities cycle nearly half of net primary productivity in the ocean, and play a particularly important role in transformations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The specific means by which these communities mediate the transformations of organic carbon are largely unknown, since the vast majority of marine bacteria have not been isolated in culture, and most measurements of DOC degradation rates have focused on uptake and metabolism of either bulk DOC or of simple model compounds (e.g. specific amino acids or sugars). Genomic investigations provide information about the potential capabilities of organisms and communities but not the extent to which such potential is expressed. We tested directly the capabilities of heterotrophic microbial communities in surface ocean waters at 32 stations spanning latitudes from 76°S to 79°N to hydrolyze a range of high molecular weight organic substrates and thereby initiate organic matter degradation. These data demonstrate the existence of a latitudinal gradient in the range of complex substrates available to heterotrophic microbial communities, paralleling the global gradient in bacterial species richness. As changing climate increasingly affects the marine environment, changes in the spectrum of substrates accessible by microbial communities may lead to shifts in the location and rate at which marine DOC is respired. Since the inventory of DOC in the ocean is comparable in magnitude to the atmospheric CO2 reservoir, such a change could profoundly affect the global carbon cycle.
Estrogen- and tamoxifen-associated effects on brain structure and function.

Abstract We evaluated the effects of estrogen and tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on positron emission tomography (PET) measures of brain glucose metabolism and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of hippocampal atrophy. Three groups of postmenopausal women were studied, women taking estrogen (ERT+), women with breast cancer taking tamoxifen (TAM), and women not taking estrogen or tamoxifen (ERT−). All subjects received a PET scan, an MRI scan, and cognitive testing. The TAM group showed widespread areas of hypometabolism in the inferior and dorsal lateral frontal lobes relative to the other two groups. The ERT− group showed lower metabolism in the inferior frontal cortex and temporal cortex with respect to the ERT+ group. The TAM group also showed significantly lower semantic memory scores than the other two groups. Finally, the TAM group had smaller right hippocampal volumes than the ERT+ group, an effect that was of borderline significance. Both right and left hippocampal volumes were significantly smaller than the ERT+ group when a single outlier was removed. The ERT− group had hippocampal volumes that were intermediate to the other two groups. These findings provide physiological and anatomical evidence for neuroprotective effects of estrogen.
Reversal of Elevated International Normalized Ratios and Bleeding with Low‐Dose Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Patients Receiving Warfarin

Study Objective. To assess the effectiveness of using low-dose recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) to reverse the effects of warfarin in critically ill patients with major bleeding events. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Intensive care unit of a 500-bed university-affiliated hospital. Patients. Sixteen nonhemophiliac patients who had been receiving warfarin and had an acute major bleeding event. Intervention. Patients received rFVIIa 1.2 mg for reversal of anticoagulation. Measurements and Main Results. Patients were identified from clinical pharmacology consult service electronic tracking records, and their data were cross-checked with the pharmacy information system. Information collected for each patient included extent of bleeding and magnitude of elevation in international normalized ratio (INR). A mean ± SD dose of rFVIIa 16.3 ± 4.1 μg/kg (range 11–25 μg/kg) reduced the mean INR from 2.8 ± 1.6 (range 1.44–6.34) to 1.07 ± 0.27 (range 0.86–1.92, p<0.001). A rapid onset of response for achieving a desirable hemostatic effect was observed in 14 of the 16 patients. Conclusion. Low-dose rFVIIa appears to be an effective, rapid reversal modality for major bleeding events in the presence of warfarin and an elevated INR. The agent's response is quicker than that expected with fresh frozen plasma combined with vitamin K. In emergency situations, rFVIIa 1.2 mg can be used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists without inducing a hypercoagulable state; the product, however, is expensive.
Submicroampere-per-root-hertz current sensor based on the Faraday effect in Ga:YIG.

We demonstrate an optical current sensor that is based on the Faraday effect in gallium-substituted yttrium iron garnet and has a measured sensitivity of ∼3°/A, a noise-equivalent current of ~220nA/Hz, and a −3-dB bandwidth of ∼2.6 MHz. The bandwidth–sensitivity product is a factor of ∼10 greater than that of an all-silica-fiber current sensor with the same diameter.
Structure, Expression, and Properties of an Atypical Protein Kinase C (PKC3) from Caenorhabditis elegans: PKC3 IS REQUIRED FOR THE NORMAL PROGRESSION OF EMBRYOGENESIS AND VIABILITY OF THE ORGANISM *

Abstract Little is known about differential expression, functions, regulation, and targeting of “atypical” protein kinase C (aPKC) isoenzymes in vivo. We have cloned and characterized a novel cDNA that encodes a Caenorhabditis elegans aPKC (PKC3) composed of 597 amino acids. In post-embryonic animals, a 647-base pair segment of promoter/enhancer DNA directs transcription of the 3.6-kilobase pair pkc-3 gene and coordinates accumulation of PKC3 protein in ∼85 muscle, epithelial, and hypodermal cells. These cells are incorporated into tissues involved in feeding, digestion, excretion, and reproduction. Mammalian aPKCs promote mitogenesis and survival of cultured cells. In contrast,C. elegans PKC3 accumulates in non-dividing, terminally differentiated cells that will not undergo apoptosis. Thus, aPKCs may control cell functions that are independent of cell cycle progression and programmed cell death. PKC3 is also expressed during embryogenesis. Ablation of PKC3 function by microinjection of antisense RNA into oocytes yields disorganized, developmentally arrested embryos. Thus, PKC3 is essential for viability. PKC3 is enriched in particulate fractions of disrupted embryos and larvae. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that PKC3 accumulates near cortical actin cytoskeleton/plasma membrane at the apical surface of intestinal cells and in embryonic cells. A candidate anchoring/targeting protein, which binds PKC3 in vitro, has been identified.
Talavage's P-model: A translation of Rotter's social learning theory of behavior and its application to a conceptualization of interpersonal distance behavior

Abstract The existence of two different approaches to the theoretical understanding of social behavior is noted. The author presents a systems model as offered by Talavage and compares it with Rotter's social learning theory. The efficacy of the systems translation of Rotter's theory for the understanding of simple behavioral responses is discussed and a sample methodology incorporating systems theoretical implications is proposed.
Genetic heterogeneity in Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome

LKB1, the human gene encoding a serine threonine kinase, was recently identified as a susceptibility gene for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a disease characterized by the constellation of intestinal hamartomata, oral mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk for gastrointestinal as well as extraintestinal malignancies. To date, the majority of individuals with PJS have been found to have genetic alterations in LKB1, most of which result in protein truncation. Additionally, linkage analyses have suggested a modicum of genetic heterogeneity, with the majority of PJS families showing linkage to the LKB1 locus. In this study, we evaluated five kindreds with greater than two affected family members, five PJS probands with only one other affected family member, as well as 23 individuals with sporadic PJS for mutations within the LKB1 gene. Conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis was utilized for the initial screen, followed by direct sequence analysis for characterization. Long-range PCR was used for the detection of larger genetic insertions or deletions. Mutation analysis revealed genetic alterations in LKB1 in two probands who had a family history of PJS. LKB1 mutations were detected in only four of the remaining 23 cases of sporadic PJS. These data suggest the presence of significant genetic heterogeneity for PJS and the involvement of other loci in this syndrome.
Analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures in various environments by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

Abstract Time-resolved molecular fluorescence spectroscopy is presented as a sensitive and selective method for the characterization of mixtures of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the collision-free vapor phase at elevated temperature, in the condensed phase at room temperature, and at 77 K in a Shpol'skii matrix. This technique is applicable for all three conditions and the quantitative analysis for each component in mixtures has a fairly small error. Also the advantages and disadvantages are discussed for these different enviromnents. Anthracene, pyrone and fluoranthene are used as model compounds.
Fourier transform infrared imaging and MR microscopy studies detect compositional and structural changes in cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis

Assessment of subtle changes in proteoglycan (PG) and collagen, the primary macromolecular components of cartilage, which is critical for diagnosis of the early stages of osteoarthritis (OA), has so far remained a challenge. In this study we induced osteoarthritic cartilage changes in a rabbit model by ligament transection and medial meniscectomy and monitored disease progression by infrared fiber optic probe (IFOP) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) microscopy. IFOP studies combined with chemometric partial least-squares analysis enabled us to monitor progressive cartilage surface changes from two to twelve weeks post-surgery. FT-IRIS studies of histological sections of femoral condyle cartilage revealed that compared with control cartilage the OA cartilage had significantly reduced PG content 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery, collagen fibril orientation changes 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery, and changes in collagen integrity 2 and 10 weeks post-surgery, but no significant changes in collagen content at any time. MR microscopy studies revealed reduced fixed charge density (FCD), indicative of reduced PG content, in the OA cartilage, compared with controls, 4 weeks post-surgery. A non-significant trend toward higher apparent MT exchange rate, km, was also found in the OA cartilage at this time point, suggesting changes in collagen structural features. These two MR findings for FCD and km parallel the FT-IRIS findings of reduced PG content and altered collagen integrity, respectively. MR microscopy studies of the cartilage at the 12-week time point also found a trend toward longer T 2 values and reduced anisotropy in the deep zone of the OA cartilage, consistent with increased hydration and less ordered collagen. These studies reveal that FT-IRIS and MR microscopy provide complementary data on compositional changes in articular cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritic degradation.
A Constructive Approach to Singular Value Decomposition and Symmetric Schur Factorization

Remark. If one does not want to use Zorn's Lemma, one can also proceed in the foregoing proof as in [1] or [2]: if K in K/ is not a singleton, then it can be split by some hyperplane into two convex compact subsets K = K1 U L1, and by our lemma we may assume that K1 belongs to AC. Continuing this process, one can arrange the construction of sets K, in KC (n = 1, 2, 3,...) such that their diameters decrease to 0, hence, ineN K, is a singleton {xo}. Now Up (y) rKn K~ 0 for each n, so xo lies in U (y) for each y in Y (i.e., {xo} is a member of C).
Intervention for pleural effusions and ascites following liver transplantation

Background. Small volumes of fluid in the pleural and peritoneal cavities are common after paediatric liver transplantation. Occasionally, larger fluid collections develop and need intervention by aspiration or insertion of a drain. Objective. To assess the incidence of moderate and large pleural and peritoneal fluid collections following paediatric liver transplantation, the need for intervention and the outcome following radiological and non-radiological treatment, with the ultimate objective of recommending a treatment protocol for such post-operative fluid collections. Materials and methods. A total of 184 consecutive liver grafts in 164 children were reviewed. Results. Of 184 grafts, 31 (16.8 %) developed excessive fluid collections requiring intervention (19 pleural effusions, 8 ascites and 4 effusions and ascites). The effusions were first diagnosed between days 1 and 44 after transplant and the ascites between days 1 and 14. The initial diagnosis was made radiologically in 21 (91 %) of 23 pleural effusions and in 10 (83 %) of 12 ascites. No identifiable cause or association was seen in 18 (58 %) of 31 cases. The mean duration of the pleural effusions and ascites, from onset of treatment to resolution, ranged from 33 ± 42 days (SD) to 35 ± 48 days and from 36 ± 47 days to 39 ± 46 days respectively. Comparison of the modes of interventional treatment (i. e. unguided, radiological and surgical) showed no statistically significant difference in the outcome of the management. Conclusions. Post-transplantation pleural effusions and ascites requiring intervention are often without definite cause. They are more common with reduced grafts, but this cannot completely explain the occurrence or the protracted duration of accumulation in spite of combined interventional management. The outcome of treatment is not significantly influenced by the mode of intervention except in cases where surgical intervention is indicated. Patients could be managed effectively without resorting to chronic outpatient aspiration. US contributed significantly in the initial and follow-up evaluation of these patients, even in cases of pleural effusions, and we would recommend greater use of US in place of radiographs to reduce the radiation burden when fluid collections are protracted.
The anatomy and morphology of the abscission layer in two cultivars ofSolanum tuberosum L.

Photomicrographs were made of longitudinal sections of flower pedicels. Two varieties, Menominee and Russet Burbank were studied at six stages of development ranging from small bud stage through actual abscission of the reproductive organ.
Ethics and Expertise: A Social Networks Perspective

Results from three field network studies show that depending on individuals’ network positions (central or peripheral), experts and novices have varying ethical predispositions (EP). In particular, central experts (vs. peripheral experts) have higher EP, while novices in the same positions (vs. peripheral novices) have lower EP. Results demonstrate individuals’ relational-interdependent self-construal mediates these relationships. Importantly, this research suggests that the interaction between network and individual difference variables uniquely affect individuals’ ethical predisposition. Given the lack of research focus on the impact of structural positions on EP, this article demonstrates the importance of combining network and individual variables to investigate individuals’ EP.
Propionibacterium can be isolated from deep cultures obtained at primary arthroplasty despite intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Background Propionibacterium organisms are commonly recovered from deep cultures obtained at the time of revision arthroplasty. This study sought to determine whether deep cultures obtained at the time of primary arthroplasty can be substantially positive for Propionibacterium despite thorough skin preparation and preoperative intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods After timely administration of preoperative antibiotics chosen specifically for their activity against Propionibacterium and after double skin preparation, specimens from the dermis, fascia, capsule, synovium, and glenoid tissue were sterilely harvested from 10 male patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty and were submitted for culture for Propionibacterium . Results Of the 50 specimens, 7 were positive for Propionibacterium : 3 in each of 2 patients and 1 in 1 patient. The specimen sources having positive anaerobic cultures were the dermis (1 of 10), fascia (2 of 10), synovium (1 of 10), and glenoid tissue (3 of 10). None of these patients had evidence of infection at the time of the arthroplasty. Discussion and Conclusion Preoperative antibiotics and skin preparation do not always eliminate Propionibacterium from the surgical field of primary shoulder arthroplasty. The presence of these bacteria in the arthroplasty wound may pose a risk of delayed shoulder arthroplasty failure from the subtle type of periprosthetic infection typically associated with Propionibacterium .
Dysphagia New Technologies in Aging

The normal process of swallowing is an extremely complicated and highly integrated process, only part of which is under voluntary control. The normal process of swallowing requires that the neuromuscular structure, the cartilaginous and bony elements and their innervation will be intact. A number of high technology and semitechnology procedures have been developed which will help elucidate the cause of the swallowing problem. These include: videofluoroscopy, scintigraphy, manometry, fiberoptic endoscopy, ultra-sound, and clinical auscultation. A deglutition team consisting of otolaryn-gologist, neurologist, speech-language pathologist, radiologist, nurse practitioner, and dietitian can have a major impact on determining the cause of the swallowing dificulty and correcting it.
Rapid Estrogen Receptor-α Activation Improves Ischemic Tolerance in Aged Female Rats through a Novel Protein Kinase Cε-Dependent Mechanism

The effects of estrogen deficiency on the loss of cardioprotection with advancing age are complex and poorly understood. A major focus of the current study was to uncover a cardioprotective role for rapid, nongenomic estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in the aged female myocardium. We hypothesized that selective ERα activation in aged females would reduce infarct size in part, through reversal of age-associated reductions in mitochondrial protein kinase Ce (PKCe). Hearts isolated from adult (6 month old) and aged (23–24 months old) female F344 rats with ovaries removed (n = 20 per group) were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (47 min global ischemia). Rats were injected sc with the ERα agonist propylpyrazole triol (PPT) or vehicle 45 min before heart isolation (5 μg/kg). Infarct size was greatest in aged vs. adult ovariectomized rats, significantly reduced by PPT, and the protection reversed by prior administration of the ER inhibitor ICI 182,780 (3 mg/kg). Increased ERα particulate targeting occurred after...
Foreign exchange futures volatility: Day-of-the-week, intraday, and maturity patterns in the presence of macroeconomic announcements

Using standard deviations and numbers of price changes calculated from tick data for currency futures, this study finds strong day‐of‐the‐week effects for both the Deutsche mark and Japanese yen, mild effects for the British pound, and no effects for the Canadian dollar after controlling for scheduled macroeconomic announcements and days to contract expiration. The day‐of‐the‐week effects are found to be caused either by Mondays’ low volatility, or by Thursdays’ or Fridays’ high volatility. This result suggests that the day‐of‐the‐week effects in the currency futures are not driven by the announcements of macroeconomic indicators as proposed in previous studies, but rather by other factors, such as private information‐based trading or by market microstructure. This study also finds that the announcements are processed equally across the days of the week for all four currency futures. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 19: 665–693, 1999
Burnett—isochoric P—V—T measurements of a nominal 20 mol% hydrogen—80 mol% methane mixture at elevated temperatures and pressures

Abstract A new apparatus is described which has been developed to measure P—V—T relations for hydrogen—hdyrocarbon systems at elevated temperatures and pressures. The principal components are three heavy-walled spherical pressure cells with the same outer/internal diameter ratio, a fully submerged differential pressure cell, and measuring equipment including calibrated piston guages and a platinum resistance thermometer. This apparatus was used to measure densities of a 20.05±0.05 mol% hydrogen−79.95±0.05 mol% methane mixture from 273.15 to 600 K and pressures to 72 MPa. Two Burnett isotherms at 273.15 K established fluid densities without direct measurement of either mass or volume. Eight isochores, ranging in density from 1.62 to 14.91 mol dm−3, were anchored to the Burnett isotherms at 273.15 K where their densities were firmly established. An analytic equation for the thermodynamic surface has been fitted to the resulting P—V—T data, giving a 0.01% root mean square deviation of calculated compressibility factors from experimental results.
Easy predictions for the easy-hard-easy transition

We study the scaling properties of sequential and parallel versions of a local search algorithm, WalkSAT, in the easy regions of the easy-hard-easy phase transition (PT) in Random 3-SAT.In the underconstrained region, we study scaling of the sequential version of WalkSAT. We find linear scaling at fixed clause/variable ratio. We also study the case in which a parameter inspired by "finite-size scaling" is held constant. The scaling then also appears to be a simple power law. Combining these results gives a simple prediction for the performance of WalkSAT over most of the easy region. The experimental results suggest that WalkSAT is acting as a threshold algorithm, but with threshold below the satisfiability threshold.Performance of a parallel version of WalkSAT is studied in the over-constrained region. This is more difficult because it is an opumization rather than decision problem. We use the solution quality, the number of unsatisfied clauses, obtained by the sequential algorithm to set a target for its parallel version. We find that qualities obtained by the sequential search with O(n) steps, are achievable by the parallel version in O(log(n)) steps. Thus, the parallelization is efficient for these "easy MAXSAT" problems.
THREE‐DIMENSIONAL, CROSS‐SEMIVARIOGRAM CALCULATIONS FOR HYDROGEOLOGICAL DATA

. Geostatistics is a powerful tool for the analysis of hydrogeological data, but few well-documented computer programs for performing the necessary calculations have been presented in the technical literature. This is especially true for applications that require either three-dimensional or multivariate analyses. This paper describes a FORTRAN subroutine, VARIO, that can be used to compute experimental direct- and cross-semivariograms from a set of sample data, for any specified direction in one-, two-, or three-dimensional space. The subroutine combines into groups those sample pairs that fall within predetermined angular tolerances of the specified direction. The number of sample pairs used to compute the value of the experimental semivariogram at each value of separation can be specified in four different ways, depending on the nature of the available data. Written in FORTRAN 77, VARIO can be used on any computer that supports a FORTRAN 77 compiler. Source code listing, user instructions, and example input and output data for VARIO are presented.
Numerical Simulation of the Life Cycle of Tropical Cyclones

Abstract The tropical cyclone is a solitary creature of the tropical oceans accompanied by violent rotating winds and torrential rain. Observational studies and diagnostic analyses leave little doubt that the energy required for driving the vortex comes from the latent heat of condensation released by tall convective clouds around the center, and that the frictionally induced inflow in the vortex plays a major role in supporting the continued activity of convective clouds. This dual character with respect to important scales of motion poses a great difficulty in investigating the dynamics of tropical cyclones as time-dependent phenomena. However, in order to understand the large-scale aspects of tropical cyclones, one may formulate the role of convective clouds in terms of cyclone-scale variables with only implicit consideration of the dynamics of individual clouds. The present study is an attempt to understand the basic mechanism of tropical cyclones by constructing a numerical-dynamical model on such a ...
The widespread misinterpretation of p-values as error probabilities

The anonymous mixing of Fisherian (p-values) and Neyman–Pearsonian (α levels) ideas about testing, distilled in the customary but misleading p < α criterion of statistical significance, has led researchers in the social and management sciences (and elsewhere) to commonly misinterpret the p-value as a ‘data-adjusted’ Type I error rate. Evidence substantiating this claim is provided from a number of fronts, including comments by statisticians, articles judging the value of significance testing, textbooks, surveys of scholars, and the statistical reporting behaviours of applied researchers. That many investigators do not know the difference between p’s and α’s indicates much bewilderment over what those most ardently sought research outcomes—statistically significant results—means. Statisticians can play a leading role in clearing this confusion. A good starting point would be to abolish the p < α criterion of statistical significance.
Mechanics of a thin anisotropic elastic layer and a layer that is bonded to an anisotropic elastic body or bodies

When a very thin elastic layer is bonded to an elastic body, it is desirable to have effective boundary conditions for the interface between the layer and the body that take into account the existence of the layer. In the literature, this has been done for special anisotropic elastic layers. We consider here the layer that is a general anisotropic elastic material. The mechanics of a thin layer is studied for elastostatics as well as steady state waves. It is shown that one-component surface waves cannot propagate in a semi-infinite thin layer. We then present Love waves in an anisotropic elastic half-space bonded to a thin anisotropic elastic layer. The dispersion equation so obtained is valid for long wavelength. Finally, effective boundary conditions are presented for two thin layers bonded to two surfaces of a plate and a thin layer bonded between two anisotropic elastic half-spaces.
Predicting social cues during online discussions: Effects of evaluations and knowledge content

This study examined whether evaluations (agreements, disagreements), knowledge content (new ideas, justifications), or social cues (SCs) in recent messages affected a current message's positive or negative SC during asynchronous, online discussions. Using statistical discourse analysis, we modeled 894 messages by 183 participants on 60 high school mathematics topics (typically eight people posted per topic) on a mathematics problem solving website not connected to any class or school. Results showed that recent agreements increased the likelihood of positive SC, whereas justifications reduced it. Disagreements increased the likelihood of negative SC, whereas new ideas reduced it. Meanwhile, recent positive or negative SCs did not affect the likelihood of a subsequent SC. Together, these results suggest that judicious use of positive SCs rather than negative SCs during disagreements can help students both construct knowledge and maintain social relationships.
Analysis of PFOA in dosed CD-1 mice. Part 2: Disposition of PFOA in tissues and fluids from pregnant and lactating mice and their pups

Previous studies in mice with multiple gestational exposures to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) demonstrate numerous dose dependent growth and developmental effects which appeared to worsen if offspring exposed in utero nursed from PFOA-exposed dams. To evaluate the disposition of PFOA in the pregnant and lactating dam and her offspring, time-pregnant CD-1 mice received a single 0, 0.1, 1, or 5 mg PFOA/kg BW dose (n = 25/dose group) by gavage on gestation day 17. Maternal and pup fluids and tissues were collected over time. Pups exhibited significantly higher serum PFOA concentrations than their respective dams, and their body burden increased after birth until at least postnatal day 8, regardless of dose. The distribution of milk:serum PFOA varied by dose and time, but was typically in excess of 0.20. These data suggest that milk is a substantial PFOA exposure route in mice and should be considered in risk assessment modeling designs for this compound.
Time resolved 3-dimensional recording of redox ratio during spreading depression in gerbil brain.

Abstract Optical fluorescence and reflectance measurements have been used to map the distribution of metabolic states in three dimensions in the gerbil brain with a spatial resolution of 200 μm and a time resolution of 4–6 s. In Mongolian gerbils anesthetized with pentobarbital, the redox states of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavoprotein components of the electron transport chain exhibit two distinct phases during the wave of spreading depression: (1) a transient period of oxidation and (2) a prolonged period of reduction, during which the cytochromes are reduced, and the hemoglobin is predominantly in the deoxy form. These data are interpreted as indicating that the energy demand placed on the gerbil brain during such spreading depression wave is sufficient to drive the brain temporarily hypoxic.
Sp1 as a target site for metal-induced perturbations of transcriptional regulation of developmental brain gene expression

Differential gene expression is partially regulated by zinc finger proteins (ZFP) such as Sp1, which may be potential targets for perturbations by environmental metals. In this paper, we discuss the selective effects of lead (Pb) and other heavy metals on the in vitro and in vivo DNA-binding of Sp1, and the developmental expression of its target genes. We have found that the presence of Pb, Zn and Cd in a DNA-binding assay differentially modulated the binding of Sp1 to its specific DNA sequence, while Ca, Mg and Ba, did not. In PC12 cells, cultured in the presence of low concentrations of Pb, a premature enhancement of Sp1 DNA-binding was observed. Similarly, Sp1 DNA-binding in the cerebellum of Pb-exposed animals was shifted to the first week after birth, while the developmental profile of a non-ZFP, NFkB, was not. Furthermore, selective premature peaks of myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein mRNA expression were observed to occur in a manner relative to the changes in Sp1 DNA-binding. Since these genes are high targets for Sp1, these data suggest that exposure to heavy metals may alter developmental gene expression and brain development through selective modulation of the transcriptional activity of Sp1.
Plant community structure mediates potential methane production and potential iron reduction in wetland mesocosms

Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane to the atmosphere, but factors controlling methane emissions from wetlands are a major source of uncertainty in greenhouse gas budgets and projections of future climate change. We conducted a controlled outdoor mesocosm experiment to assess the effects of plant community structure (functional group richness and composition) on potential methane production and potential iron reduction in freshwater emergent marshes. Four plant functional groups (facultative annuals, obligate annuals, reeds, and tussocks) were arranged in a full-factorial design and additional mesocosms were assigned as no-plant controls. Soil samples from the top 10 cm were collected three times during the growing season to determine potential methane production and potential iron reduction (in unamended soils and in soils amended with 200 mM formate). These data were compared to soil organic matter, soil pH, and previously published data on above and belowground plant biomass. We found that functional group richness was less important than the presence of specific functional groups (reeds or tussocks) in mediating potential iron reduction. In our mesocosms, where oxidized iron was abundant and electron donors were limiting, iron reducing bacteria outcompeted methanogens, keeping methane production barely detectable in unamended lab incubations. When the possibility of re-oxidizing iron was eliminated via anaerobic incubations and the electron donor limitation was removed by adding formate, potential methane production increased and followed the same patterns as potential iron reduction. Our findings suggest that in the absence of abundant oxidized iron and/or the presence of abundant electron donors, wetlands dominated by either reeds or tussocks may have increased methane production compared to wetlands dominated by annuals. Depending on functional traits such as plant transport and rhizospheric oxygenation capacities, this could potentially lead to increased methane emissions in some wetlands. Additional research examining the role these plant functional groups play in other aspects of methane dynamics will be useful given the importance of methane as a greenhouse gas.
A new US approach to human spaceflight

Abstract In 2010 the administration of President Barack Obama proposed a dramatically new approach to future US human spaceflight. That new strategy was immediately controversial. This article traces the origins of the new spaceflight strategy and the continuing political debate with respect to its acceptance.
A Novel Depletion Mode High Voltage Isolation Device

A novel depletion mode high voltage isolation device is presented. It consists of a narrow n- resistor covered with a grounded metal field plate. This device will pass low voltages, but will block high voltages. It has potential application to isolate a NAND memory array from periphery low voltage circuitry, and has the benefit that it can be made more compact than a standard MOSFET device and can be integrated into the process without adding or changing process steps.
Rules for BN-Substitution in BCN−Fullerenes. Separation of BN and C Domains

Atomic arrangements, substitution patterns, and properties of BN-doped C60 fullerene have been investigated using semiempirical MNDO and density functional theory (B3LYP/3-21G). The BN units prefer to stay together following “hexagon−hexagon junction”, “N-site attachment”, “hexagon filling” and “continuity” rules; this characteristic of atomic arrangement is independent of the compositions of BCN fullerenes. Charge redistributions after each BN substitution seem to play a guiding role for selecting the next carbon pair to be replaced by BN. The incoming BN group seeks the most highly charged carbon pairs. Up to twenty carbon pairs of C60 may be replaced by heteroatoms. The band gap (HOMO−LUMO gap) strongly depends on the number of BN units and their filling patterns. BN-substitution increases the electron donation capacity of fullerene.
Complex Rays with an Application to Gaussian Beams

The use of rays to construct fields is illustrated by finding the field in the region z>0 when the field is given on the plane z = 0. This construction is valid for complex rays as well as real ones. The method is applied to a gaussian field in the plane z = 0, in which case a gaussian beam results. The calculation involves only complex rays. Exactly the same results are also obtained by applying the method of stationary phase to an integral representation of the field. However, the ray method is simpler than the stationary-phase method, and it is also applicable to problems for which the stationary-phase method cannot be used because no integral representation of the field is known.