cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing Tools and Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Characterization of Microencapsulated Systems

Encapsulation is a versatile technology (comprising about 20–25% of the total flavor market) and is the preferred means to protect volatile flavor compounds. It can be utilized to add specific functionalities (physicochemical stability, functionality, safety, and organoleptic qualities) to a flavoring material. A retro-design approach is used to design flavor encapsulation where the knowledge of physical and chemical properties are fundamental. Various process variables impact the physical (e.g. internal and surface morphology, size, and wall thickness), mechanical (mechanical strength), and structural properties (flowability, glass transition temperature, degree of crystallinity and permeability) of encapsulated flavors, and thus impact their overall quality. For this reason, much effort has focused on development of reliable analytical techniques to characterize flavor encapsulates. This chapter reviews the general concepts and principles of existing tools used for the physical, chemical, and microbiological characterization of encapsulated flavors and provides recommendations and examples leading to a better understanding of their performance characteristics.
Origin of Mechanotransduction

Stretch-activated ion channels (SAC) serve as cardiac mechanotransducers. Mechanical stretch of intact tissue, isolated myocytes, or membrane patches rapidly elicits the opening of poorly selective cation, K+, and Cl− SAC. Several voltage- and ligand-gated channels also are mechanosensitive. SAC alter cardiac electrical activity and, with prolonged stretch, cause an intracellular accumulation of Ca2+ and Na+ that can serve to trigger multiple signaling cascades and ultimately may contribute to remodeling of the heart in response to hemodynamic stress. This chapter reviews the transmission of mechanical forces, the biophysical characteristics of cardiac SAC, and how SAC activity may be coupled to signaling cascades and thereby initiates the complex response of the heart to stretch.
Type 1-programmed dendritic cells drive antigen-specific latency reversal and immune elimination of persistent HIV-1

Abstract Background Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), latent HIV-1 continues to persist in a long-lived population of resting memory CD4+ T cells within those who are infected. Finding a safe and effective means to induce latency reversal (LR) during ART to specifically expose this latent HIV-1 cellular reservoir for immune elimination has been a major barrier to a functional cure. Methods In this study, we test the use of antigen-presenting type 1-polarized, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDC1) generated from chronic HIV-1-infected individuals on ART as a means to induce HIV-1 latency reversal in autologous CD4+ T cells harboring replication-competent provirus. We use the same MDC1 for ex-vivo generation of autologous HIV-1 antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and test their effector responses against the MDC1-exposed HIV-1- infected CD4+ T cell targets. Findings MDC1 presentation of either HIV-1 or cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens to CD4+ T cells facilitated HIV-1 LR. This antigen-driven MDC1-mediated LR was sharply diminished with blockade of the CD40L/CD40 ‘helper’ signaling pathway. Importantly, these antigen-presenting MDC1 also activated the expansion of CTL capable of killing the exposed HIV-1-infected targets. Interpretation Inclusion of virus-associated MHC class II ‘helper’ antigens in MDC1-based HIV-1 immunotherapies could serve both as a targeted means to safely unmask antigen-specific CD4+ T cells harboring HIV-1, and to support CTL responses that can effectively target the MDC1-exposed HIV-1 cellular reservoir as a functional cure strategy. Fund This study was supported by the NIH-NAID grants R21-AI131763, U01-AI35041, UM1-AI126603, and T32-AI065380.
Allergic Disease and low ASQ Communication Score in Children

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex and multifactorial. Previous investigations have revealed associations between allergic disease and ASD, which are characterized by impaired communication skills. In this study we observed an association between allergic disease and communication skills development as assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) communication score, as a proxy for ASD, among children who participated in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART). In particular, we observed significant associations between both a diagnosis of eczema at age 3 years (OR = 1.87; confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–3.47; p = 0.054) and a diagnosis of food allergy at age 6 years (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.18–9.85; p = 0.015) with ASQ communication score. Plasma metabolomics analyses suggest that dysregulated tryptophan metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of these co-morbidities.
Transfer Learning to Model Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments are designed using computer simulations that are approximations of reality and therefore must be calibrated to accurately predict experimental observations. In this article, we propose a novel technique for calibrating from simulations to experiments, or from low fidelity simulations to high fidelity simulations, via “transfer learning” (TL). TL is a commonly used technique in the machine learning community, in which models trained on one task are partially retrained to solve a separate, but related task, for which there is a limited quantity of data. We introduce the idea of hierarchical TL, in which neural networks trained on low fidelity models are calibrated to high fidelity models, then to experimental data. This technique essentially bootstraps the calibration process, enabling the creation of models which predict high fidelity simulations or experiments with minimal computational cost. We apply this technique to a database of ICF simulations and experiments carried out at the Omega laser facility. TL with deep neural networks enables the creation of models that are more predictive of Omega experiments than simulations alone. The calibrated models accurately predict future Omega experiments, and are used to search for new, optimal implosion designs.
Children’s perspectives on lunchtime practices: Connecting with others

Supporting prosocial participation and mental health during school lunch has been studied over the past decade, yet surprisingly little in-depth research has addressed how children experience and p...
Light sheet microscopy of the gerbil cochlea

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) provides a rapid and complete three-dimensional image of the cochlea. The method retains anatomical relationships-on a micrometer scale-between internal structures such as hair cells, basilar membrane (BM), and modiolus with external surface structures such as the round and oval windows. Immunolabeled hair cells were used to visualize the spiraling BM in the intact cochlea without time intensive dissections or additional histological processing; yet material prepared for LSFM could be rehydrated, the BM dissected out and reimaged at higher resolution with the confocal microscope. In immersion-fixed material, details of the cochlear vasculature were seen throughout the cochlea. Hair cell counts (both inner and outer) as well as frequency maps of the BM were comparable to those obtained by other methods, but with the added dimension of depth. The material provided measures of angular, linear, and vector distance between characteristic frequency regions along the BM. Thus, LSFM provides a unique ability to rapidly image the entire cochlea in a manner applicable to model and interpret physiological results. Furthermore, the three-dimensional organization of the cochlea can be studied at the organ and cellular level with LSFM, and this same material can be taken to the confocal microscope for detailed analysis at the subcellular level.
Labor Market Impacts of Deforestation Caused by Invasive Species Spread

Loss of tree cover caused by forest-attacking invasive species negatively affects environmental quality by impacting air quality, temperature, and recreational opportunities. Prior work has shown causal associations between these environmental quality metrics and labor market outcomes, however, never before due to invasive species spread. To address this gap, this paper explores the labor market effects of invasive species-induced deforestation using quasi-random detections of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) as a natural experiment. Using multiple sources of labor market data, it is shown that wage earnings are lower by an average of 1% in the years after EAB detection. Strongest impacts are observed in the manufacturing (4.3% decline) and accommodation and food service (4.2% decline) industries. Additional impacts are observed on the number of Social Security claimants and the number of people employed at firms in EAB counties. Lost labor market earnings due to EAB total $11.8 billion, or, $1.2 billion/year over the 10-year period investigated. Many robustness and falsification tests are performed.
Contribution of T-Type Calcium Channels to Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Hyperexcitability of Nociceptors

A hyperexcitable state and spontaneous activity of nociceptors have been suggested to play a critical role in the development of chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). In male rats, we employed the action potential-clamp technique to determine the underlying ionic mechanisms responsible for driving SCI-nociceptors to a hyperexcitable state and for triggering their spontaneous activity. We found that the increased activity of low voltage activated T-type calcium channels induced by the injury sustains the bulk (∼60-70%) of the inward current active at subthreshold voltages during the interspike interval in SCI-nociceptors, with a modest contribution (∼10-15%) from tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive and TTX-resistant sodium channels and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. In current-clamp recordings, inhibition of T-type calcium channels with 1 μm TTA-P2 reduced both the spontaneous and the evoked firing in response to current injections in SCI-nociceptors to a level similar to sham-nociceptors. Electrophysiology in vitro was then combined with the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to determine the relationship between the increased activity of T-type channels in SCI-nociceptors and chronic neuropathic pain following SCI. The size of the interspike T-type calcium current recorded from nociceptors isolated from SCI rats showing TTA-P2-induced CPP (responders) was ∼6 fold greater than the interspike T-type calcium current recorded from nociceptors isolated from SCI rats without TTA-P2-induced CPP (non-responders). Taken together, our data suggest that the increased activity of T-type calcium channels induced by the injury plays a primary role in driving SCI-nociceptors to a hyperexcitable state and contributes to chronic neuropathic pain following SCI.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic neuropathic pain is a major comorbidity of spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting up to 70-80% of patients. Anticonvulsant and tricyclic antidepressant drugs are first line analgesics used to treat SCI-induced neuropathic pain, but their efficacy is very limited. A hyperexcitable state and spontaneous activity of SCI-nociceptors have been proposed as a possible underlying cause for the development of chronic neuropathic pain following SCI. Here, we show that the increased activity of T-type calcium channels induced by the injury plays a major role in driving SCI-nociceptors to a hyperexcitable state and for promoting their spontaneous activity, suggesting that T-type calcium channels may represent a pharmacological target to treat SCI-induced neuropathic pain.
Cyclophosphamide in treatment of tumefactive multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective . To review the Mayo clinic experience of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis (TMS). Methods . Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with TMS who did not respond to corticosteroid and plasma exchange and were treated with cyclophosphamide. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome parameters were collected. Results . We identified 12 patients with TMS who were treated with cyclophosphamide. Median follow-up was 17 (range 1-72) months after cyclophosphamide administration. The tumefactive attack was the first clinical symptom in 5/12 patients. The median age at index attack onset was 36 (range 22-57). The median age at the first demyelinating attack was 29.3 (range 20-55). The most common clinical presentation at the index attack was the visual disturbance, followed by motor symptoms. The index attack was accompanied by headache in 5/12 patients. Median attack related Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 6 (range 3-9.5), which improved to 5.25 (range 1-10) after treatment with cyclophosphamide. All patients were treated with corticosteroids and plasma exchange prior to treatment with cyclophosphamide. EDSS score improved in 8/12 patients and targeted neurological deficits improved to a moderate or marked degree in 9/12 patients after cyclophosphamide administration. The number of gadolinium enhancing lesions decreased in 10/12 and 8/12 patients had lack of disease activity (no new T2 or GAD lesions) in a median (range) time of 11 months (1-16) after the last dose of cyclophosphamide. Conclusion . Cyclophosphamide could be an effective option for the treatment of TMS, refractory to corticosteroids and plasmapheresis, and is associated with improvement of clinical and radiological disease activity.
Counting Congress In: Patterns of Success in Judicial Nomination Requests by Members of Congress to Presidents Eisenhower and Ford

The power to nominate and confirm federal judges is shared by Congress and the president, yet few works explicitly address the role that Congress plays in shaping the preselection pool for judicial nominees. In this article, we illuminate this debate by exploring judicial nomination requests from Members of Congress to the Eisenhower and Ford Administrations. In explaining who is nominated, the characteristics of the nominee matter more than the characteristics of the nominator, with the party affiliation of a nominee being the strongest predictive factor. Institutional characteristics are more prevalent at the confirmation stage, where the Senate relied more heavily on its members and the judicial experience of nominees than did presidents in nominating them. Given our results, partisanship appears to have mattered earlier than presumed in judicial nominations, with even ostensibly nonpartisan presidents such as Eisenhower understanding the importance of appointing like-minded individuals to lifetime pos...
Managing Fiscal Risks from State-Owned Enterprises

Ensuring that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are efficient and managed prudently is important for economic and social reasons. It is also crucial to contain fiscal risks and reduce the burden on taxpayers from recurrent and large bailouts. Governments need to develop stronger capacity to monitor and mitigate the risks from SOEs. We present a risk tool to benchmark the performance of SOEs relative to their peers and assess their vulnerabilities, including through stress tests. A strategy to mitigate risks requires the right incentives for managers to perform and for government agencies to conduct effective oversight. Incorporating SOEs in overall fiscal targets would promote greater fiscal discipline and transparency.
Malnutrition and Lung Host Defenses: Implications for the Pathogenesis and Prevention of Pneumonia

The role of nutritional impairment in promoting respiratory infection has been recognized for many years, but only recently have some of the mechanisms of malnutrition-induced respiratory host defense failure been clarified. Malnutrition has multiple influences on the lung’s ability to resist invading pathogens and these alterations in lung defenses lead to three clinical consequences: an increased incidence of lung infections, a more virulent and prolonged bout of infection than is usually seen, and a more subtle clinical presentation of pneumonia than is typical of well-nourished individuals.10
What Does Economics Have to Say about Afghanistan's Future?: Western Economic Naiveté and the Afghanistan Mess

Using three market examples: opium, grapes, and timber; this paper illustrates mismanagement of Afghan economic affairs. These examples show an adverse effect of Western influence since the 9/11 invasion. Economic policy in Afghanistan is based on the history of capitalism, not the principles of economics. This mistake has been catastrophic. The Science of Economics has predictive power in Afghanistan if Afghan beliefs are distinguished from Western beliefs. Once Afghan attitudes are understood, Afghanistan is more easily managed. The greatest economic distinction between the West and Afghanistan is the absence of individual rights, particularly, in economic terms, property rights – in Afghanistan. A focus on self-interests of Afghans, instead of property rights and foreign spending would lead to better economic outcomes in Afghanistan.
Sequence and expression of chicken and mouse rsk: homologs of Xenopus laevis ribosomal S6 kinase.

Abstract We have previously reported the isolation of cDNAs encoding two closely related Xenopus ribosomal S6 kinases, S6KII alpha and -beta (S. W. Jones, E. Erikson, J. Blenis, J. L. Maller, and R. L. Erikson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3377-3381, 1988). We report here the molecular cloning of one chicken and two mouse homologs of the Xenopus laevis cDNAs. As described for the Xenopus proteins, these cDNAs were found to predict polypeptides that contain two distinct kinase domains, of which one is most closely related to the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and the other is most closely related to the catalytic subunit of phosphorylase b kinase. The three predicted proteins were more than 79% identical to the Xenopus S6KII alpha protein. The chicken and one of the mouse cDNAs were, respectively, 3.7 and 3.1 kilobase pairs in length, predicted proteins of 752 and 724 amino acids with molecular weights of 84.4 and 81.6 kilodaltons, and hybridized to mRNAs in fibroblasts and tissues of approximately 3.6 and 3.4 kilobases (kb). The second mouse cDNA was approximately 6.1 kilobase pairs and was not full length but predicted the C-terminal 633 amino acids of a protein that is similar to the C-terminal portion of Xenopus S6KII alpha. This clone hybridized to mRNA transcripts of 7.6 and 3.4 kb. In vitro transcription and translation of the chicken and the mouse cDNAs that predict complete proteins produced major products with apparent molecular weights of 96 and 84 kilodaltons. Analysis of mRNA levels in chicken tissues showed significant quantities of the 3.6-kb transcript in small and large intestine, spleen, and bursa. Both mouse cDNA were similarly expressed at significant levels in intestine, thymus, and lung; however, the 7.6-kb mRNA was differentially and more highly expressed in heart and brain. The two mouse cDNAs represent two different S6 kinase genes, as shown by comparison of their protein sequences, mRNA transcript sizes, genomic organizations, and nucleic acid sequences. We propose that this family of genes be named rsk, for ribosomal S6 kinase.
Improved Signal-to-Noise in PET Activation Studies Using Switched Paradigms

PET activation studies employing the autoradiographic technique and {sup 15}O-water or {sup 15}O-butanol use the difference between images acquired under baseline conditions and during activation to detect focal changes in cerebral blood flow which occur upon stimulus presentation. Typically, the activating task or baseline conditions are maintained throughout the entire imaging period. Simulations of the kinetics of these freely diffusible tracers suggest there may be an advantage to switching between activation and baseline conditions during the course of the study which results in images which maximize the difference signal rather than seeking to quantitate blood flow. The authors examine the potential of these switched protocols to increase signal-to-noise (S/N) in PET activation studies. They examined S/N in activation studies using both standard and switched paradigms with a simple switched protocol and dynamic three-dimensional PET data from human subjects. With tracer kinetic simulations, they investigated the sensitivity of the S/N gain to factors such as the shape of the input function, the time at which the conditions are switched and the magnitude of the activation. In human studies of activation sites in the visual cortex, primary motor and premotor areas, S/N improvements of 20%-30% were detected using the switched paradigms. Simulationsmore » show that this gain is virtually independent of activation magnitude and that there is a broad time window of 20 sec for making the switch between conditions. Switched paradigms have the potential to significantly increase S/N in PET activation studies. In human studies, the S/N increase averaged 25% which is equivalent to increasing the number of counts collected by 50%. Switched paradigms can be used to maximize the difference signal in many activation studies, and do not preclude the absolute quantitation of blood flow using the standard autoradiographic-technique. 29 refs., 10 figs.« less
State-Wide Self-Report of Treatment Effectiveness

This paper reports on two surveys commissioned by the State of Missouri, Division of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, to begin the assessment of state supported treatment programs. The first survey, commissioned in 1989, was a retrospective study conducted a full year after the sample frame was discharged from treatment. The study was based primarily on client self-reports gleaned from a telephone survey. The process and products of this study led to substantial changes in the methodology employed in an ongoing three-year prospective study commissioned in 1991. This paper will discuss the results of the original survey, detail how this experience has shaped the prospective study, arid briefly compare preliminary data, particularly response rates and the representativeness of the two samples.
Die gebruik van die Delphi-tegniek vir die ontwikkeling van kriteria vir die beoordeling van kurrikula vir transkulturele verpleging

Nursing professionals need specific training to be empowered to render culture congruent care. In this article, criteria regarding transcultural nursing content for inclusion in nursing curricula are drafted. Opsomming Verpleegkundiges benodig spesifieke opieiding om bemagtiging vir die lewer van kultuur-kongruente sorg te ontvang. In hierdie artikel word kriteria rakende transkulturele verpleegkundige inhoud vir insluiting in Verpleegkunde kurrikulu opgestel. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.
Atomic-scale friction of a tungsten tip on a graphite surface.

Using an atomic force microscope, we have observed atomic-scale features on the frictional force acting on a tungsten wire tip sliding on the basal plane of a graphite surface at low loads, < 10-4 N. The atomic features have the periodicity of the graphite surface and are discussed in terms of a phenomenological model for the tip motion described by the sum of a periodic tip-surface force and the spring force exerted by the wire.
Temperature distribution in a case - bonded cylindrical rocket assembly

Abstract : Equations are presented for the temperature distribution in a case bonded propellant grain when the environmental temperature is suddenly changed. It is found that whenever the Biot modulus is relatively small, the temperature distribution is essentially independent of the radial coordinate but varies with the time coordinate only, at a rate which is dependent upon the geometry and the physical properties of the propellant grain as well as the heat transfer coefficients. (Author)
Chitosan/siRNA nanoparticle targeting demonstrates a requirement for single-minded during larval and pupal olfactory system development of the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti

Background Essentially nothing is known about the genetic regulation of olfactory system development in vector mosquitoes, which use olfactory cues to detect blood meal hosts. Studies in Drosophila melanogaster have identified a regulatory matrix of transcription factors that controls pupal/adult odorant receptor (OR) gene expression in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). However, it is unclear if transcription factors that function in the D. melanogaster regulatory matrix are required for OR expression in mosquitoes. Furthermore, the regulation of OR expression during development of the larval olfactory system, which is far less complex than that of pupae/adults, is not well understood in any insect, including D. melanogaster. Here, we examine the regulation of OR expression in the developing larval olfactory system of Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector mosquito.
Testing a Flexible Geographic Information System-Based Network Flow Model for Routing Hurricane Disaster Relief Goods

Recent weather events, particularly in the southeastern United States, have brought issues of hurricane disaster planning to the forefront of public policy. Efficient distribution of relief goods to populations after severe weather events is one of many challenges faced by governing bodies. This paper focuses on provision of hurricane disaster relief and develops a flexible network flow model that provides efficient transport linkages between critical elements of the relief goods supply chain. The model identifies accessible locations in which to place intraurban distribution sites for relief goods. Flexibility inherent in the model structure allows the pursuit of multiple policies, including the ability to trade off the costs paid for constructing various components of the goods supply chain. The model is linked to a geographic information system and can be used to visualize relief planning scenarios. The results of model tests with sample spatial data demonstrate how average population time to relief facilities (accessibility) varies substantially depending on the cost structure input into the model. Conclusions and several suggestions for future research are provided.
Recoverin in pineal organs and retinae of various vertebrate species including man.

Recoverin is a recently discovered 26 kDa calcium-binding protein, which activates guanylate cyclase in retinal photoreceptors when the intracellular concentration of free calcium drops upon photoexcitation. In this study we examined the distribution of recoverin in retinae and pineal organs of Xenopus laevis larvae, 1-day-old chicken, adult pigeon, albino rat, sheep and man by means of immunocytochemistry. Recoverin immunoreaction was found in all species investigated except for the chicken. In the retina, recoverin immunoreaction was restricted to photoreceptors; all other cell types were immunonegative. In the pineal organ, the recoverin immunoreaction labeled ‘pinealocytes of the sensory line’, i.e. classical pineal photoreceptors of Xenopus laevis larvae, modified pineal photoreceptors of pigeon, and pinealocytes of mammals. The number of recoverin immunoreactive pinealocytes varied considerably among species of mammals; very few cells were stained in the rat pineal organ, whereas in rabbit, sheep and man, numerous pinealocytes were found to be recoverin-immunoreactive. No immunocytochemical staining was observed after preabsorption of the recoverin antibody with the recombinant protein. Immunoblotting experiments showed that the immunoreaction is due to a protein of 26 kDa in both retina and pineal tissue. Thus, recoverin appears to belong to the family of proteins which are expressed in both retina and pineal organ and are highly conserved in the course of phylogeny. Recoverin may be involved in phototransduction in the directly light-sensitive pineal organs of poikilothermic vertebrates and birds. However, the functional role of recoverin in the mammalian pineal organ, which is not photosensitive, remains unknown.
Development of case definitions for acute encephalopathy, encephalitis, and multiple sclerosis reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), administered by the FDA and CDC, is the U.S. system for surveillance of vaccine adverse events (AE). Acute encephalopathy age or =18 months (EO > or = 18), encephalitis (EI), and multiple sclerosis (MS) after vaccination have been reported to VAERS, but reports often contain insufficient information to validate diagnoses. Standardized case definitions would enhance the utility of VAERS reports for AE surveillance. We developed practical case definitions for classification of VAERS reports, and three neurologists independently applied the definitions to reports submitted in 1993. Inter-observer agreement was assessed, and non-concordant classifications were reviewed in a follow-up conference call. Reports of EO or = 18 (n = 20), EI (n = 15), and MS (n = 16) were classified as "definite" in 7% to 30% of the cases, while 26% to 51% of reports were thought to have insufficient information to make a classification. Agreement among reviewers was good to excellent, (kappa: 0.65 to 0.85) except for EO < 18 m for which it was marginal (kappa: 0.37). It is possible to develop reproducible case definitions for acute encephalopathy, encephalitis, and multiple sclerosis using a standardized approach. Application of standardized case definitions to VAERS reports documents the limited information in many reports, specifies data for supplemental collection, and indicates that VAERS reports should be cautiously interpreted. Development and application of case definitions for other adverse events reported after vaccination should enhance the value of vaccine safety databases. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Locality and anti-locality in Spanish DPs

. The paper develops an analysis of Spanish DPs that establishes a complete parallelism between CP and DP. The analysis adopts some of the latest developments regarding CP structure (e.g., Grohmann's [2003] division of clause structure into three domains) and extends them to account for the properties of Spanish DPs (following Grohmann & Haegeman 2002). The resulting analysis enables us to explain the full paradigm regarding the different possibilities of extraction observed in Spanish DPs from the locality (Manzini 1994, Fox & Lasnik 2003) and anti-locality (Boskovic 1994, 1997; Grohmann 2003, among others) conditions on movement that elements within DPs must satisfy. The differences among nonspecific DPs, specific DPs, and some definite DPs with respect to extraction are the result of the presence or absence of the DP projection in the structure.
Use of prophylactic combined H1 and H2 antagonists reduces mortality in chymopapain anaphylaxis.

Abstract The American experience concerning the epidemiology of anaphylactic reactions following chemonucleolysis with chymopapain (Chymodiactin®) were presented. The first study involved 1,585 patients of whom 17% were premedicated with some drug with either an H 1 or H 2 antagonist or both. The rate of anaphylaxis was 0.82%. Following its clinical introduction, a postmarketing surveillance study was undertaken. During the first 30,000 cases of which 93% were premedicated with combined H 1 and H 2 antagonists, the frequency of anaphylactic reactions was 0.78%. Subsequently, following the introduction of an immunologic test to screen for circulating IgE, the reaction rate fell to 0.44% in 45,000 cases of which 92% were premedicated with combined H 1 and H 2 antagonists. Females were far more likely to experience an anaphylactic event. Overall mortality from anaphylaxis decreased from one in 800 to one in 25,000 administrations. The decreased number and severity of these reactions correspond to the development of an immunologic screening test and utilization of prophylactic antihistamines.
Rapid changes in cell physiology as a result of acute thermal stress House sparrows, Passer domesticus

Abstract Given that our climate is rapidly changing, Physiological Ecologists have the critical task of identifying characteristics of species that make them either resilient or susceptible to changes in their natural air temperature regime. Because climate change models suggest that heat events will become more common, and in some places more extreme, it is important to consider how extreme heat events might affect the physiology of a species. The implications of more frequent heat wave events for birds have only recently begun to be addressed, however, the impact of these events on the cellular physiology of a species is difficult to assess. We have developed a novel approach using dermal fibroblasts to explore how short-term thermal stress at the whole animal level might affect cellular rates of metabolism. House sparrows, Passer domesticus were separated into a “control group” and a “heat shocked” group, the latter acclimated to 43 °C for 24 h. We determined the plasticity of cellular thermal responses by assigning a “recovery group” that was heat shocked as above, but then returned to room temperature for 24 h. Primary dermal fibroblasts were grown from skin of all treatment groups and the pectoralis muscle was collected. We found that glycolysis (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rates (OCR), measured using a Seahorse XF 96 analyzer, were significantly higher in the fibroblasts from the heat shocked group of House sparrows compared with their control counterparts. Additionally, muscle fiber diameters decreased and, in turn, Na+–K+-ATPase maximal activity in the muscle significantly increased in heat shocked sparrows compared with birds in the control group. All of these physiological alterations due to short-term heat exposure were reversible within 24 h of recovery at room temperature. These results show that acute exposure to heat stress significantly alters the cellular physiology of sparrows, but that this species is plastic enough to recover from such a thermal insult within 24 h.
Interpersonal Influences on Male Drug Use and Drug Use Intentions

The relationship between (1) the respondent's perception of the drug behavior of his father, mother, siblings, current friends, and wife/female partner; and (2) past drug use and future drug use intentions for tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, psychedelics, stimulants, sedatives, heroin, other opiates, and cocaine is examined among a representative sample of men in the U.S. population who were 20-30 years old in 1974 (N = 2,510). For each drug the results indicated that current friends' and wife/partner's drug behaviors are the factors most strongly associated with the respondent's past drug use as well as his intentions of future drug use. Although substantially less important, siblings' drug behavior also appears to be a source of influence, while the drug behavior of mothers and fathers is only minimally associated with drug use and future intentions.
Likely Effects of Stock Exchange Governance Proposals and Sarbanes‐Oxley on Corporate Boards and Financial Reporting

One of the primary aims of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, the New York Stock Exchange, and the NASDAQ corporate governance proposals is to improve the reporting systems for publicly traded companies. Many of the exchange proposals redefine the composition and duties of firms' boards of directors and their compensation and nominating committees. Sarbanes‐Oxley places new duties on audit committees and provides oversight and restraints on public accounting companies. This paper describes many of the exchange proposals and puts them in their historical context. I also present the likely effects of the new corporate governance proposals on future boards of directors and assess their impact on the financial reporting system.
Around-the-objective total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy uses the evanescent field on the aqueous side of a glass/aqueous interface to selectively illuminate fluorophores within ~100 nm of the interface. Applications of the method include epi-illumination TIRF, where the exciting light is refracted by the microscope objective to impinge on the interface at incidence angles beyond critical angle, and prism-based TIRF, where exciting light propagates to the interface externally to the microscope optics. The former has higher background autofluorescence from the glass elements of the objective where the exciting beam is focused, and the latter does not collect near-field emission from the fluorescent sample. Around-the-objective TIRF, developed here, creates the evanescent field by conditioning the exciting laser beam to propagate through the submillimeter gap created by the oil immersion high numerical aperture objective and the glass coverslip. The approach eliminates background light due to the admission of the laser excitation to the microscopic optics while collecting near-field emission from the dipoles excited by the ~50 nm deep evanescent field.
On the oblique collision of unequal amplitude ion-acoustic solitons in a field-free plasma☆

Abstract Experiments on the oblique collision of unequal amplitude ion-acoustic solitons in a plasma are described. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of a resonance interaction theory derived from the Kadmotsev-Petviashvili equation.
Consequences of sport training during puberty

Growth at puberty depends on one's genetic potential, nutritional status and a series of hormones. Energy expenditure may modify the effects of these three factors on the linear growth rate and the relative proportions of fat-free and fat mass. Participation in sports where weight control is not required does not seem to affect pubertal timing or alter linear growth rate. The growth and maturation of athletes in weight control sports have the additional burden of energy output greater than intake; however, in only a minority the energy deficit is great enough to slow growth and maturation. Studies focusing on male wrestlers and female gymnasts are reviewed. In the wrestlers the hormonal picture is consistent with mild-to-moderate GH resistance and perhaps mild maturational delay, especially in the lower weight classes. The deficits in lean body mass and fat mass "catch-up" quickly following the end of training and competitive season. The situation with the gymnasts is somewhat different, the goal being to develop muscular strength within a shorter and lighter physique. Marked under-nutrition can keep these adolescents pre-pubertal for many years of training and competition. Whether subsequent growth is disproportionate or not remains indeterminate, but the marked delay in the onset of estrogen action can permanently cause the skeleton to be under-mineralized. In conclusion, most athletes continue to track along the centiles of their genetic potential. To define the mechanisms of growth and maturational delay one must longitudinally study children in weight-control sports.
Elevated concentrations of endogenous ouabain in patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND An endogenous digitalis-like compound in mammals has long been postulated, but only recently has a substance indistinguishable from ouabain been identified in human plasma. Because of the potential significance of such a substance in patients with congestive heart failure, we sought to evaluate the pathophysiology of endogenous ouabain in these individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS Using an immunoassay, we determined plasma ouabain concentrations in 51 patients with heart failure and in 19 control subjects. Plasma ouabain concentrations in control subjects ranged from 0.16 to 0.77 nM (mean, 0.44 +/- 0.20 nM). In 19 matched heart failure patients receiving digoxin, the mean ouabain was significantly elevated at 1.59 +/- 2.2 nM (range, 0.17-8.76 nM, p less than 0.05 versus control subjects). The ouabain concentration correlated inversely with both cardiac index (r = -0.62, p less than 0.005) and mean arterial pressure (r = -0.51, p less than 0.05). However, there was no correlation between ouabain and left ventricular filling (r = 0.19, NS) or right atrial pressures (r = 0.20, NS). In 16 heart failure patients not receiving digoxin, the mean ouabain was 1.52 +/- 2.58 nM. No relation between renal function and ouabain was detected. CONCLUSIONS The unanticipated lack of correlation of ouabain with atrial pressures indicates that volume is not the chief determinant of ouabain concentration in patients with congestive heart failure. However, the significant relations of plasma ouabain concentration with cardiac index and mean arterial pressure imply that endogenous ouabain may be an important homeostatic factor in humans.
Safe separation distances from liquid fuel fires

In question is the adequacy of the current method for calculating safe separation distances from large-scale liquid fuel fires. The authors point out the limitations and weaknesses of such calculations and recommend further research.
The policy relevance of virtual water can be enhanced by considering comparative advantages

The virtual water metaphor was created originally to gain the attention of public officials responsible for choosing policies that influence the use of water resources in arid regions. Over time, the metaphor has been used in both empirical and conceptual settings, primarily to describe the water used to produce crop and livestock products that are traded in international markets. Several authors have described how water-short countries can enhance their food security by importing water-intensive food crops. Some authors have noted similarities between the virtual water metaphor and the economic theory of comparative advantage. The virtual water metaphor addresses resource endowments, but it does not address production technologies or opportunity costs. Hence, the metaphor is not analogous to the concept of comparative advantage. The metaphor can be helpful in motivating public officials to consider policies that will encourage improvements in the use of scarce resources, but comparative advantages must be evaluated to determine optimal production and trading strategies. The theory of comparative advantage is explained and demonstrated in several scenarios that depict differences in resource endowments and production technologies. Optimal strategies are not always consistent with expectations based only on resource endowments. Policy discussions regarding water resources can be enhanced by considering comparative advantages when evaluating opportunities to import or export agricultural products.
Consumer attitudes toward privacy and direct marketing in Argentina

Abstract As international direct marketing continues to grow, understanding international consumers’ attitudes toward direct marketing practices becomes paramount. In this article we develop and test a conceptual model that delineates antecedents to consumers’ attitudes toward direct marketing and consumer privacy issues in Argentina. Our empirical study partially replicates the Equifax survey. The results from our sample of Argentine consumers are compared to those of U.S. consumers.
Site Specific Electropolymerization To Form Transition-Metal-Containing, Electroactive Polythiophenes

We report a series of novel bis(salicylidene) metal complexes that undergo oxidative electropolymerization to afford polymers comprised of three different backbone constitutions and a variety of film colors. The ligand architecture, being either N,N‘-bis(salicylidene)-3,4-diaminothiophene (SALOTH) or N,N‘-bis(salicylidene)-3‘,4‘-diamino-2,2‘:5‘,2‘‘-terthiophene (BTh−SALOTH), is based upon a thiophene or 2,2‘:5‘,2‘‘-terthiophene core with the imine functionalities attached at the 3-, 4-, or 3‘-,4‘-positions, respectively. This monomer design possesses two switchable polymerization sites that yield phenylene-linked backbones with unblocked salicylidene rings or polythiophenes with the use of methyl blocking groups. As expected with metal centers in direct electronic communication with the polymer chains, the metal type has a dramatic influence over electrochromic properties, with colors unique to each metal being achieved. For example, the Ni-containing films exhibit an orange-to-green redox transition whil...
Direct comparison of the efficacy of intuitive and analytical cognition in expert judgment

Direct comparisons were made of expert highway engineers' use of analytical, quasirational, and intuitive cognition on three different tasks, each displayed in three different ways. Use of a systems approach made it possible to develop indices for measuring the location of each of the nine information display conditions on a continuum ranging from intuition-inducing to analysis-inducing and for measuring the location of each expert engineer's cognition on a continuum ranging from intuition to analysis. Individual analyses of each expert's performance over the nine conditions showed that the location of the task on the task index induced the expert's cognition to be located at the corresponding region on the cognitive continuum index. Intuitive and quasirational cognition frequently outperformed analytical cognition in terms of the empirical accuracy of judgments. Judgmental accuracy was related to the degree of correspondence between the type of task and the type of cognitive activity on the cognitive continuum.
Elevated Connexin-43 Expression in Term Human Myometrium Correlates with Elevated c-Jun Expression and Is Independent of Myometrial Estrogen Receptors

Just previous to the onset of parturition, a number of genes such as the one that codes for connexin-43 (Cx43) gap junction protein are induced in the myometrium. We have shown previously that activation of protein kinase C in human myometrial cultured cells leads to an up-regulation of cx43 transcription through an activating protein-1 element in the 5′-flanking promoter. Analyses were now performed on extracts of term myometrial tissue to test for an association between the up-regulation of cx43 expression and the expression of transcription factors and steroid hormone receptors that might regulate cx43 expression at term. Immunoblot analyses were performed on extracts of term myometrial tissue from women receiving elective or indicated cesarean sections to test for an association between the up-regulation of cx43 expression and the up-regulation of expression of the transcription factors c-Jun, c-Fos, and Sp1, which have cognate binding elements in the cx43 5′-flanking promoter. Immunoblot analysis, im...
Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution

The article reviews the book “Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution,” by Geoffrey A. Moore.