cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sign language iconicity and its influence on the ability to describe the function of objects.

Abstract We examined the influence of sign language iconicity on children’s ability to describe the function of objects. Forty-eight hearing preschoolers were divided into three groups and asked to describe the function of 15 high and 15 low iconic signs. We questioned the Hearing/Verbal (H/V) group verbally, Hearing/Verbal+Sign (H/V+S) group verbally with objects simultaneously signed, and the Hearing/Sign (H/S) group with objects signed without voice. Ten deaf children (D/S) were also tested using sign language. H/S and D/S performed significantly better on high than low iconic items. Nine signs were sufficiently iconic to aid function identification by sign naive hearing children. Results suggest that certain highly iconic signs may contribute to performance on tests administered in sign language. Learning outcomes The reader will learn about sign language iconicity and its influence on the ability of hearing and deaf children to perform on object function questions.
Bridging the Horizon: American Indian Beliefs and Whole Language Learning

Because of the high dropout rate among Native American Indian children, as well as the likelihood that Native students will be labeled as handicapped or learning disabled, it is clear that American education has not well served native peoples. This author explores the compatibility of many Native beliefs and the principles of whole language learning in hopes that the logic of implementing whole language with Native children may be worthy of serious consideration by more educators.
Pollutant transfer into water bodies

Although considerable effort has been devoted to the development of air pollution models, little has been done to incorporate natural mechanisms capable of removing pollutants from the atmosphere. One important process is the uptake of atmospheric pollutants by water bodies. In this paper, a calculational scheme to quantify this transport process is presented. In particular, two models characterizing wind induced turbulence in a water body are invoked to estimate the liquid phase mass transfer coefficient. A priori specification of parameters yielded predictions well within an order of magnitude of experimental evidence in both the laboratory and the field.
Spin-correlated position modulations of a polarized proton beam

Abstract We have investigated position modulations of the polarized proton beam at the Texas A&M cyclotron correlated with spin state. Position modulations as large as 50 nm were measured with secondary electron emission beam centroid monitors. Previous measurements lacked the sensitivity necessary to see such small effects.
Crocidolite asbestos and SV40 are cocarcinogens in human mesothelial cells and in causing mesothelioma in hamsters

Only a fraction of subjects exposed to asbestos develop malignant mesothelioma (MM), suggesting that additional factors may render some individuals more susceptible. We tested the hypothesis that asbestos and Simian virus (SV40) are cocarcinogens. Asbestos and SV40 in combination had a costimulatory effect in inducing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity in both primary Syrian hamster mesothelial cells (SHM) and primary human mesothelial cells (HM). Ap-1 activity caused the expression and activation of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1 and MMP-9, which in turn led to cell invasion. Experiments using siRNA and chemical inhibitors confirmed the specificity of these results. The same effects were observed in HM and SHM. Experiments in hamsters showed strong cocarcinogenesis between asbestos and SV40: SV40 did not cause MM, asbestos caused MM in 20% of hamsters, and asbestos and SV40 together caused MM in 90% of hamsters. Significantly lower amounts of asbestos were sufficient to cause MM in animals infected with SV40. Our results indicate that mineral fibers and viruses can be cocarcinogens and suggest that lower amounts of asbestos may be sufficient to cause MM in individuals infected with SV40.
Relation of stenosis resolution pressure to long-term clinical outcome after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract Variables associated with a poor long-term prognosis after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) include a short duration of symptoms before PTCA, unstable angina and the presence of thrombus at the PTCA site. These imply a component of transient or dynamic obstruction as opposed to a pure fixed obstruction. It is postulated that resolution pressure (i.e., the pressure at which complete balloon inflation occurs) may also correlate with prognosis after successful PTCA. In 173 consecutive patients undergoing successful, elective, single-lesion PTCA, 48 (28%) were found to have narrowings that resolved at ≤2 atm (group 1) and 125 (72%) were found to have narrowings resolved at >2 atm (group 2). There were no significant differences in baseline, anatomic or procedural variables between the 2 groups, except that angiographic coronary dissection occurred in 17% of group 1 patients versus 40% of group 2 patients (p
Tolterodine extended release improves overactive bladder symptoms in men with overactive bladder and nocturia

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nighttime dosing with tolterodine extended release (TER) in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of data from two 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of nighttime ( Results A total of 745 men (mean age 64 years) were randomized to placebo (n = 374) or TER (n = 371). Of the 745 men, 73% reported no incontinence episodes in a 7-day diary at baseline. At week 12, the weekly values for nighttime severe OAB micturitions and 24-hour and daytime total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions were significantly reduced in the TER group versus the placebo group. The TER-treated men also reported a significant reduction in the mean urgency rating versus placebo. Adverse events associated with TER were low and comparable to those in the placebo group, with the exception of dry mouth (11% versus 4%). Withdrawals because of adverse events were infrequent (3% TER, 4% placebo). Five men were withdrawn for symptoms suggestive of urinary retention (3 TER, 2 placebo). Conclusions Nighttime TER dosing reduced urgency-related micturitions and was well tolerated in men with OAB and nocturia.
Progressive visual loss with normal examination. A conundrum

A 68-year-old woman experienced rapid progressive visual loss to blindness over a seven-week period. Inadequate clinical and diagnostic testing masked the diagnosis of a malignant glioma of adulthood.
A faster technique for rendering meshes in multiple display systems

Level of detail algorithms have widely been implemented in architectural VR walkthroughs and video games, but have not had widespread use in VR terrain visualization systems. This thesis explains a set of optimizations to allow most current level of detail algorithms run in the types of multiple display systems used in VR. It improves both the visual quality of the system through use of graphics hardware acceleration, and improves the framerate and running time through moifications to the computaitons that drive the algorithms. Using ROAM as a testbed, results show improvements between 10% and 100% on varying machines.
Epidemiology and outcome of cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) in Rochester, Minnesota

The natural history of cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) was investigated in a population-based study in Rochester, Minnesota. Eleven new cases were identified with onset during the 20-year period 1960–1979. The overall incidence rate was 1.2 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 0.5–1.9) with a female: male ratio of age-adjusted incidence rates of 3.6:1. A unitary etiology was not apparent: injury antedated onset in four of the 11 patients, whereas six had documented thyroid disease and four had diabetes. A family history of movement disorder was recorded for only one subject. Only one of the cases would have been classified as moderate in severity; the others were mild. In follow-up through 1993, progressive disability was noted in only two patients, and two others went into remission. Three cases of intracranial aneurysm were confirmed, two of which produced fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A third death was due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The need for ventilators in the developing world: An opportunity to improve care and save lives.

The drive to breathe is a fundamental human and biologic behavior, regulated by a complex system of checks and balances in the body. When respiratory mechanics are deregulated by injury, infection, coma, or a host of other conditions, the biologic equilibrium shifts into a state of respiratory failure. When this occurs, mechanical ventilation can be a life saving therapy. While commonplace in developed countries, critical care is at its infancy in many developing countries [1], where basic technology is often not available. Thus, while many lives are saved in developed nations through the provision of mechanical ventilation, patients in many developing nations often die from otherwise reversible causes due to lack of resources, education, and training. In this viewpoint paper, we will explore arguments in support of and against the provision of one vital resource – mechanical ventilators – in resource–poor settings. Furthermore, we will address both the benefits and challenges in implementing a program of increased provision of mechanical ventilators. Lastly, we will provide some solutions to address potential barriers to this initiative.
Particle size influence on the strength relation for air sintered aluminum

A new strength relation with respect to an alternative processing schedule and varying Al particle size is evaluated. It is concluded that the strength relation is a strength-density expression. The applicability of this model to alternative processing schedules is demonstrated and the influence of particle size is shown to be extensive. An equation is given which allows delineation of the strength-compaction pressure relation with minimal experimentation. Designing components requiring simultaneous strength and porosity is thereby facilitated by its use. (JRD)
On the measurement of voltage transfer functions

The voltage transfer function of a network may be determined by measuring its reflection properties. Unless the network meets certain conditions, the difference between the actual and measured functions can be significant. The relation between these two quantities is investigated. Its application is illustrated by measurements made on a bandpass network.
Engineering a prokaryotic Cys-loop receptor with a third functional domain

Prokaryotic members of the Cys-loop receptor ligand-gated ion channel superfamily were recently identified. Previously, Cys-loop receptors were only known from multicellular organisms (metazoans). Contrary to the metazoan Cys-loop receptors, the prokaryotic ones consist of an extracellular (ECD) and a transmembrane domain (TMD), lacking the large intracellular domain (ICD) present in metazoa (between transmembrane segments M3 and M4). Using a chimera approach, we added the 115-amino acid ICD from mammalian serotonin type 3A receptors (5-HT3A) to the prokaryotic proton-activated Gloeobacter violaceus ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC). We created 12 GLIC-5-HT3A-ICD chimeras by replacing a variable number of amino acids in the short GLIC M3M4 linker with the entire 5-HT3A-ICD. Two-electrode voltage clamp recordings after expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes showed that only two chimeras were functional and produced currents upon acidification. The pH50 was comparable with wild-type GLIC. 5-HT3A receptor expression can be inhibited by the chaperone protein RIC-3. We have shown previously that the 5-HT3A-ICD is required for the attenuation of 5-HT-induced currents when RIC-3 is co-expressed with 5-HT3A receptors in X. laevis oocytes. Expression of both functional 5-HT3A chimeras was inhibited by RIC-3 co-expression, indicating appropriate folding of the 5-HT3A-ICD in the chimeras. Our results indicate that the ICD can be considered a separate domain that can be removed from or added to the ECD and TMD while maintaining the overall structure and function of the ECD and TMD.
The use of nonhuman primates for studies of reagin

Abstract The work of Layton 6–11 demonstrating passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in nonhuman primates with human atopic serum has been confirmed and expanded. The reaction appears to be a measure of reaginic activity; the sera from untreated atopic individuals utilized in these studies contained no detectable precipitating antibodies and no detectable tanned-cell antibodies to the antigen employed. Heating the sera to 56° C. for 1 hour destroyed their ability to produce PCA. The same immunoglobulin fraction, γ 1A , believed to contain reaginic activity is implicated by these studies as responsible for producing PCA in nonhuman primates. PCA could not be produced with γ 2 and γ 1M immunoglobulin fractions from these same sera. There appears to be a difference between the sensitivity of the techniques of Prausnitz-Kustner and monkey PCA as a measure of reaginic activity, the P.K. technique manifesting greater sensitivity with the sera used in these studies. Both nonhuman primate PCA and P.K. exhibited the same specificity with the antigens used in these studies. Passive systemic anaphylaxis can also be produced in monkeys by intravenous sensitization with human atopic serum and with a fraction of this serum containing predominantly γ 1A globulin.
Ultra-low-loss optical delay line on a silicon chip

Light propagation through an optical fibre causes a long, non-resonant (true) time delay used in numerous applications. In contrast to how it is deployed in optical communication systems, fibre is coiled in these applications to reduce footprint. This is a configuration better suited for a chip-based waveguide that would improve shock resistance, and afford the possibility of integration for system-on-a-chip functionality. However, integrated waveguide attenuation rates lag far behind the corresponding rates of optical fibre, featuring attenuation many orders larger. Here we demonstrate a monolithic waveguide as long as 27 m (39 m optical path length), and featuring broadband loss rate values of (0.08±0.01) dB m^(−1) measured over 7 m by optical backscatter. Resonator measurements show a further reduction of loss to 0.037 dB m^(−1), close to that of optical fibres when first considered a viable technology. Scaling this waveguide to integrated spans exceeding 250 m and attenuation rates below 0.01 dB m^(−1) is discussed.
NT-12IMPACT OF HUMANIZED CHONDROITINASE ABC ON OV THERAPY FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMORS.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death and source of brain metastases (BM) among women in the US. With a dismal two year survival of 2%, novel treatment modalities are essential. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) expression has been directly associated with metastatic potential in breast cancer. The Chondroitinase ABC (Chase) enzyme is able to digest CSPGs, thereby disrupting critical extracellular matrix interactions. We recently generated an oncolytic virus expressing Chase which resulted in some efficacy in mice bearing intracranial gliomas. Here, we developed a second generation Chase mutant (ChaseM) vector, which results in optimal enzymatic expression and function in mammalian cells. ChaseM decreases neurosphere formation in vitro, akin to the phenotype observed with pharmacologic blockade of CSPG assembly. In nude mice bearing glioma xenografts, OV-ChaseM led to a significant increase in median survival over control virus treated animals (p = 0.005). CSPGs in the CNS are formed as an integral part of the glial scar and implicated in the sequestration of inflammation at the site of insult. Thus, we hypothesize that the dissolution of CSPGs by OV-ChaseM will facilitate the influx of immune cells into the tumor stroma, alleviate microglia suppression and elevate T-cell responses following viral therapy, resulting in long term responses. We generated a syngeneic model of BM to test the ability of OV-ChaseM to facilitate these effects. Intracranial implantation of DB7 breast cancer cells results in 100% tumor development and pathology akin to human BM disease. In this model, a single dose of OV-ChaseM resulted in a significant survival advantage compared to controls (p = 0.02). Ongoing studies are evaluating the contribution of host anti-tumor immune activation towards this survival efficacy. With this data, we aim to broaden the scope of treatment for brain cancer patients and provide therapeutic evidence for regiments to be implemented in the clinic.
Potentiodynamic and Galvanostatic Stripping Methods for Characterization of Alloy Electrodeposition Process and Product

Potentiodynamic and galvanostatic stripping techniques have been applied towards the characterization of zinc‐nickel alloy deposition process and product. The current‐potential relations required to recover the equilibrium and kinetic properties of alloys have been obtained for the eutectic, solid solution, and intermediate phase types of alloys. The galvanostatic stripping response shows a series of plateau regions, and the potentiodynamic response reveals a peak structure. These stripping responses have been employed to determine the chemical and phase compositions of electro‐deposited zinc‐nickel alloys, evaluate their corrosion resistance, and estimate the equilibrium potentials of various zinc‐nickel phases (α, γ, and η‐phases). The zinc‐nickel deposition process has been characterized through evaluation of partial currents due to alloy components and the current efficiency of alloy deposition. The design of multiple layered zinc‐nickel alloy films for the protection of steel is discussed on the basis of the accelerated corrosion behavior of the γ‐phase and the equilibrium potentials of the phases.
Oxidation of alkenyldisilanes by m-chloroperbenzoic acid

Abstract Oxidation of vinylpentamethyldisilane by m -chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA) yields 1-(α,β-epoxyethyl)-1,1,2,2,2-pentamethyldisilane as major product. Conversely, the oxidation of allylpentamethyldisilane yields approximately equal amounts of allylpentamethyldisiloxane and 3-pentamethyldisilanylpropanal. These results have been accounted for in terms of the relative rates of oxidation of the various carboncarbon double bonds and siliconsilicon single bonds which have been determined.
Inhibition of K+ flux into rat liver hitochondria by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

Summary Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), which has been reported to react covalently with a subunit of the ATP synthase complex involved in proton translocation, decreases the rate of unidirectional K+ flux into rat liver mitochondria in the presence of the respiratory substrate, succinate. In contrast, oligomycin does not affect the rate of K+ influx. At concentrations which completely block ADP-stimulated respiration, DCCD increases the apparent Km for K+ of the K+ transport mechanism, while having little effect on the Vmax of K+ influx. Inhibition of K+ influx by DCCD is observed over the whole pH range tested from 6.8 to 8.0. A slight, but reproducible, decrease in the pH-dependence of K+ influx is observed in the presence of DCCD.
Osteology, skeletal development, and chondrocranial structure of Hamptophryne boliviana (Anura: Microhylidae).

Hamptophryne boliviana is a medium-sized microhylid frog inhabiting the forest-floor leaf litter of South American rainforests. Larvae of this species typically are found near the bottom of small ponds and water-filled depressions in the forest. On the basis of cleared-and-stained specimens, the larval chondrocranium is described, as well as the development of the skeleton and its condition in adults. Contrary to previous reports, adult Hamptophryne boliviana possess neopalatine (= palatine) bones. The vomer is divided into anterior and posterior parts; the degree of development of the posterior vomers varies among individuals and bilaterally within individuals. In its osteological development, Hamptophryne differs from most other anurans studied in that the vomer, and bones of the suspensorium and mandible, appear postmetamorphically. Similarly, the ischium, pubis, carpals, and tarsals do not appear until metamorphosis is completed. The chondrocranium possesses paired suprarostral cartilages—elements that have been reported to be absent in microhylid larvae. Furthermore, the chondrocranium differs from those described for other microhylid taxa by the possession of 1) a subpalatoquadrate bar that is described herein and 2) a greatly expanded, fenestrate sheet of cartilage associated with the larval otic process and otic capsule.
Vapor adsorption on coal- and wood-based chemically activated carbons: (I) Surface oxidation states and adsorption of H2O

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to evaluate the surface element distribution/concentration and surface chemical structure of coal- and wood-based chemically activated carbons and to investigate the effect of these features on the adsorption of water vapor at low relative pressure and room temperature. It was found that high surface area carbon samples generally show low concentrations of surface oxygen and low surface area carbon samples generally show high concentrations of surface oxygen. The concentrations of carbon surface oxygen groups such as C–O and CO generally decrease with increasing heat treatment temperature. Increased water vapor adsorption on the lower surface area activated carbons can be correlated with higher concentrations of surface oxygen functional groups.
Increasing effects of repetitive cocaine administration in the rat

REPORTS of chronic cocaine (and related psychomotor stimulant) administration suggest that tolerance develops to many drug effects1–3. A few studies of high dose cocaine administration have suggested that, on the contrary, repetitive administration may be associated with increasing effects on cocaine-induced convulsions in the rat4,5 and monkey6 and increasing bizarre visual and inhibitory behaviour, as well as dyskinesias, in the monkey6. We now report for the first time that repetitive cocaine administration can be associated with progressively increasing effects on horizontal and vertical hyperactivity as well as stereotypy in the rat.
An efficient full potential implicit method based on characteristics for analysis of supersonic flows

A nonlinear aerodynamic prediction technique based on the full potential equation in conservation form has been developed for the treatment of supersonic flows. The method uses the theory of characteristic signal propagation to accurately simulate the flow structure, which includes shock waves and mixed elliptic-hyperbolic crossflow. An implicit approximate factorization scheme is employed to solve the finite-differenced equation. The necessary body-fitted grid system in every marching plane is generated numerically, using an elliptic grid solver. Results are shown for conical and nonconical wing-body combinations and compared with experimental data and Euler calculations. The method demonstrates an enormous savings in execution time and memory requirements over Euler methods.
False bifurcations in chemical systems : canards

A canard is a false bifurcation in which the amplitude of an oscillatory system may change by orders of magnitude while the qualitative dynamical features remain unchanged. Recent theoretical considerations suggest that canards are characteristic of fast-slow dynamical systems and are associated with the stable and unstable manifolds of the phase plane. An alternative characterization of canard behaviour is proposed involving the crossing of an inflection line by a limit cycle growing out from an unstable stationary state. The inflection line comprises the locus of points at which the curvature of any phase plane trajectory is zero. The role of the inflection line in the onset of canard behaviour as well as in the continuity of the transition is examined in a two-variable model for the oscillatory EOE reaction, the Auto-catalator, and the two-variable Oregonator. The approach is also applied to the van der Pol oscillator, the system in which canard behaviour was first examined.
The Use of a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) to Determine Practice Expense Costs: A Novel Technique of Practice Management for the Vascular Surgeon

Vascular surgeons have had to contend with rising costs while their reimbursements have undergone steady reductions. The use of newer accounting techniques can help vascular surgeons better manage their practices, plan for future expansion, and control costs. This article reviews traditional accounting methods, together with activity-based costing (ABC) principles that have been used in the past for practice expense analysis. The main focus is on a new technique-resource-based costing (RBC)-which uses the widely available Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) as its basis. The RBC technique promises easier implementation as well as more flexibility in determining true costs of performing various procedures, as opposed to more traditional accounting methods. It is hoped that RBC will assist vascular surgeons in coping with decreasing reimbursement.
Reversible Skeletal Abnormalities in γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase-Deficient Mice

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a widely distributed ectopeptidase responsible for the degradation of glutathione in the gamma-glutamyl cycle. This cycle is implicated in the metabolism of cysteine, and absence of GGT causes a severe intracellular decrease in this amino acid. GGT-deficient (GGT-/-) mice have multiple metabolic abnormalities and are dwarf. We show here that this latter phenotype is due to a decreased of the growth plate cartilage total height resulting from a proliferative defect of chondrocytes. In addition, analysis of vertebrae and tibiae of GGT-/- mice revealed a severe osteopenia. Histomorphometric studies showed that this low bone mass phenotype results from an increased osteoclast number and activity as well as from a marked decrease in osteoblast activity. Interestingly, neither osteoblasts, osteoclasts, nor chondrocytes express GGT, suggesting that the observed defects are secondary to other abnormalities. N-acetylcysteine supplementation has been shown to reverse the metabolic abnormalities of the GGT-/- mice and in particular to restore the level of IGF-1 and sex steroids in these mice. Consistent with these previous observations, N-acetylcysteine treatment of GGT-/- mice ameliorates their skeletal abnormalities by normalizing chondrocytes proliferation and osteoblastic function. In contrast, resorbtion parameters are only partially normalized in GGT-/- N-acetylcysteine-treated mice, suggesting that GGT regulates osteoclast biology at least partly independently of these hormones. These results establish the importance of cysteine metabolism for the regulation of bone remodeling and longitudinal growth.
A simple proof technique for certain parametricity results

Many properties of parametric, polymorphic functions can be determined simply by inspection of their types. Such results are usually proven using Reynolds's parametricity theorem. However, Reynolds's theorem can be difficult to show in some settings, particularly ones involving computational effects. I present an alternative technique for proving some parametricity results. This technique is considerably simpler and easily generalizes to effectful settings. It works by instantiating polymorphic functions with singleton types that fully specify the behavior of the functions. Using this technique, I show that callers' stacks are protected from corruption during function calls in Typed Assembly Language programs.
Mobile robot routing with dynamic programming

Abstract The rise of automated manufacturing systems, and autonomous systems in general, is creating a need for increased intelligence in mobile robotic devices, also known as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). One of the most important tasks these vehicles must perform is routing their own path in a cluttered environment. The path must ensure that obstacles are avoided without any unnecessary distance being covered. This paper discusses an approach to solving this routing problem. The method employed digitizes the workspace into a grid of nodes and treats the grid as a transition network. The principles of dynamic programming, with slight modifications, can be used to generate paths through this network that exhibit the desired degree of collision avoidance and economy. The algorithm is quick and simple enough to be executed by an on-board microprocessor, and it can be updated whenever the environment changes. The general principles are discussed, both of dynamic programming in general and of its modifications to fit the AGV routing problem. Two examples are then presented. The first example is generated with the emphasis on creating as short a path as possible, and the second includes a trade-off between path shortness and safety.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Increases Postnatal Acceptability of Nicotine Odor and Taste in Adolescent Rats

Human studies indicate that alcohol exposure during gestation not only increases the chance for later alcohol abuse, but also nicotine dependence. The flavor attributes of both alcohol and nicotine can be important determinants of their initial acceptance and they both share the component chemosensory qualities of an aversive odor, bitter taste and oral irritation. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating epigenetic chemosensory mechanisms through which fetal alcohol exposure increases adolescent alcohol acceptance, in part, by decreasing the aversion to alcohol's bitter and oral irritation qualities, as well as its odor. Given that alcohol and nicotine have noteworthy chemosensory qualities in common, we investigated whether fetal exposure to alcohol increased the acceptability of nicotine's odor and taste in adolescent rats. Study rats were alcohol-exposed during fetal development via the dams' liquid diet. Control animals received ad lib access to an iso-caloric, iso-nutritive diet throughout gestation. Odorant-induced innate behavioral responses to nicotine odor (Experiment 1) or orosensory-mediated responses to nicotine solutions (Experiment 2) were obtained, using whole-body plethysmography and brief access lick tests, respectively. Compared to controls, rats exposed to fetal alcohol showed an enhanced nicotine odor response that was paralleled by increased oral acceptability of nicotine. Given the common aversive component qualities imbued in the flavor profiles of both drugs, our findings demonstrate that like postnatal alcohol avidity, fetal alcohol exposure also influences nicotine acceptance, at a minimum, by decreasing the aversion of both its smell and taste. Moreover, they highlight potential chemosensory-based mechanism(s) by which fetal alcohol exposure increases the later initial risk for nicotine use, thereby contributing to the co-morbid expression with enhanced alcohol avidity. Where common chemosensory mechanisms are at play, our results suggest broader implications related to the consequence of fetal exposure with one substance of abuse and initial acceptability of others.
Subsidence of uncemented stems in osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic cadaveric femora.

AbstractThe increased use of uncemented stems for hip arthroplasty and of fast-recovery protocols in elderly patients make initial stem stability and resistance to fracture critical factors in osteoporotic bone. In this paper, the subsidence and failure of two uncemented stem designs (M/L Taper and VerSys Fullcoat, Zimmer, Inc, Warsaw, Indiana, USA) in osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic cadaveric femora were compared under simulated walking conditions (axial compression and external rotation). Osteoporotic femora implanted with either stem design failed significantly more frequently than did non-osteoporotic femora. Femora implanted with the M/L stems (seven of ten by 1000 cycles) fractured earlier than did femora implanted with the Fullcoat stem (one of ten by 1000 cycles). The use of early weight-bearing protocols with uncemented stem designs in osteoporotic bone should be approached with caution.
Eating high-fat chow increases the sensitivity of rats to quinpirole-induced discriminative stimulus effects and yawning.

Discriminative stimulus effects of directly-acting dopamine receptor agonists (e.g. quinpirole) appear to be mediated by D3 receptors in free-feeding rats. Free access to high fat chow increases sensitivity to quinpirole-induced yawning and the current study examined whether eating high fat chow increases sensitivity to the discriminative stimulus effects of quinpirole. Five rats discriminated between 0.032 mg/kg quinpirole and vehicle while responding under a continuous reinforcement schedule of stimulus shock termination. When rats had free access to high fat chow (discrimination training was suspended), the quinpirole discrimination dose-response curve shifted leftward, possibly indicating enhanced sensitivity at D3 receptors. In the same rats, both the ascending (mediated by D3 receptors) and descending (mediated by D2 receptors) limbs of the dose- response curve for quinpirole-induced yawning shifted leftward. When rats had free access to a standard chow (discrimination training was suspended), the quinpirole discrimination and yawning dose-response curves did not change. Together with published data showing that the discriminative stimulus effects of quinpirole in free- feeding rats are mediated by D3 receptors and the insensitivity of this effect of quinpirole to food restriction (shown to increase sensitivity to D2 but not D3-mediated effects), these results suggest that the leftward shift of the discrimination dose-response curve when rats eat high fat chow is likely due to enhanced sensitivity at D3 receptors. Thus, eating high fat food enhances drug effects in a manner that might impact clinical effects of drugs or vulnerability to drug abuse.
Cooperative Learning and Peer Orientation Effects on Motivation and Achievement

The effects of graduate students' peer orientation on achievement and motivation to learn with cooperative learning strategies while enrolled in a 1-semester educational research methods course were investigated. During 15 weekly lessons (2 hr and 50 min each), students with high and low peer orientation were exposed to cooperative-learning instruction that involved face-to-face promotive interaction, positive interdependence, individual accountability enforced by group members, collaborative skills, and group processing. At the end of the course, the students' achievement and motivation levels were assessed. Differences in the achievement of students with high and low peer orientation were not statistically significant. However, students with high peer orientation were significantly more motivated to learn than were students with low peer orientation. Potential causes and ramifications of the findings are discussed.
Comprehensive health care for people infected with HIV in developing countries.

By far the greatest burden of disease from HIV infection is in developing countries, where health services are generally ill equipped to cope. The authors consider how effective HIV services can be delivered in such countries HIV infection poses tremendous challenges to healthcare systems globally. Over 90% of the estimated 40 million people living with HIV infection in 20011live in resource poor settings and do not share the improved prognosis now achieved in developed countries.2The World Health Organization estimates that in 2002, of the 6 million people in developing countries in need ofantiretroviral therapy, only 4% are getting such treatment, half of whom live in Brazil.2 In 2001 about 900 000 people were infected with HIV in the United States, and over 500 000 (over55%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy.1 In sub-Saharan Africa, however, of the more than 28 million people with HIV infection in 2001, fewer than 30 000 (just over 0.1%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy.1 In 2001, there were about 15 000 deaths from AIDS in the United States (roughly 1.7% annual mortality)and an estimated 2.2 million deaths from AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa(over 7.9% annual mortality).1 In this article we explorethe question of how effective HIV services can be delivered in resource poor countries. #### Summary points
Genotype relative-risks and association tests for nuclear families with missing parental data.

The development of a new method for testing the association of genetic markers with disease is presented. This approach is applicable when sampling nuclear families with one or more affected siblings and when neither, one, or both parents are missing marker genotype data. All siblings, affected and not affected, are used to probabilistically infer the missing parental marker data. A likelihood ratio statistic, which treats marker allele frequencies as nuisance parameters, is presented to test whether all marker relative risks are equal to one (i.e., no marker association). This approach offers a solution to test for marker associations when parents are difficult to obtain.
Distal patellar pole fractures: A proposed common mechanism of injury

A variety of names has been given to disorders of the inferior pole of the patella occurring in young athletic individuals and several different causes have been proposed for these disorders. Occasionally a direct blow will cause fracture of the inferior pole of the patella, but the only other mechanism which seems to be responsible is subluxation or dislocation. Ten cases of distal patellar pole fracture secondary to dislocation or subluxation of the patella are reported. From these cases and an extensive review of the literature it is concluded that patellar subluxation or dislocation is the usual common mechanism of distal patellar pole fractures in young, active individuals and that adequate treatment of this problem must address the patellar instability as well as the fracture.
eBird: A citizen-based bird observation network in the biological sciences

New technologies are rapidly changing the way we collect, archive, analyze, and share scientific data. For example, over the next several years it is estimated that more than one billion autonomous sensors will be deployed over large spatial and temporal scales, and will gather vast quantities of data. Networks of human observers play a major role in gathering scientific data, and whether in astronomy, meteorology, or observations of nature, they continue to contribute significantly. In this paper we present an innovative use of the Internet and information technologies that better enhances the opportunity for citizens to contribute their observations to science and the conservation of bird populations. eBird is building a web-enabled community of bird watchers who collect, manage, and store their observations in a globally accessible unified database. Through its development as a tool that addresses the needs of the birding community, eBird sustains and grows participation. Birders, scientists, and conservationists are using eBird data worldwide to better understand avian biological patterns and the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence them. Developing and shaping this network over time, eBird has created a near real-time avian data resource producing millions of observations per year.
THEORETICAL STUDIES OF ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION REACTIONS CATALYZED BY ZIRCONIUM AND TITANIUM CHELATING ALKOXIDE COMPLEXES

Ethylene polymerization catalyzed by zirconium and titanium chelating alkoxide complexes has been studied using a density functional method. Activation barriers of 6.4 and 7.4 kcal/mol are found for the titanium and zirconium sulfur-bridged catalysts, respectively. The Zr/Ti CH2- and directly-bridged catalysts have higher insertion barriers of 10−15 kcal/mol. For the S-bridged systems, there is a strong interaction between the metal and the sulfur bridge, which leads to a less stabilized π-complex and a lower activation energy. The larger exothermicity to the γ-agostic direct product by 5 kcal/mol in the titanium case compared to zirconium for all three catalysts (S-, CH2-, and directly-bridged) is suggested to be one of the reasons why the barriers for titanium are lower than for zirconium. Flexible ligands with the ability to donate may be one method for developing more active alternative catalysts as the flexible ligand competes with the approaching olefin. The more weakly bound olefin leads to a lower...
Mn2+-dependent Catalysis by Restriction Enzymes: Pre-Steady-State Analysis of EcoRV Endonuclease Reveals Burst Kinetics and the Origins of Reduced Activity

The origins of divalent metal-dependent catalytic properties in phosphoryl transfer by EcoRV endonuclease have been investigated by transient kinetic methods. Pre-steady-state measurements on short oligodeoxynucleotide substrates reveal a burst of product formation for both Mg2+- and Mn2+-catalyzed DNA cleavage reactions, indicating that for each metal ion the product release step is partially or completely rate-limiting. However, the steepness of the burst is far greater for Mn2+ reactions, and analysis of the steady-state portions of the reaction profiles shows that the overall rate is 6-fold slower in the presence of this cofactor. The strongly rate-limiting product release step in Mn2+ reactions may arise from the higher intrinsic affinity of this metal ion for phosphates. Single-turnover experiments carried out with enzyme in molar excess over DNA were also used to isolate the chemical step of the reaction. In contrast to the slower steady-state rates, both these measurements and the pre-steady-state...
Molecular genetics of addiction vulnerability

Classical genetic studies document strong complex genetic contributions to abuse of multiple addictive substances. to mnemonic processes that are likely to include those involved in substance dependence, and to the volumes of brain gray matter in regions that are likely to contribute to mnemonic/ cognitive and to addictive processes. The working idea that these three heritable phenotypes are likely to share some of the same complex genetic underpinnings is presented. This review contains association-based molecular genetic studies of addiction that largely derive from my laboratory and their fit with linkage data from other laboratories. These combined results now identify many of the loci and genes that contain allelic variants that are likely to provide the heritable components of human addiction vulnerability. These data are also likely to have broad implications for neurotherapeutics. Drugs with potential abuse liabilities are widely used for indications that include pain, anxiety, sleep, seizure, and attentional disorders. There is increasing nonmedical use of these prescribed substances. Increasing information about addiction vulnerability gene variants should help to improve management of risks of dependence in individuals who receive such therapeutics. In addition, since mnemonic components that correlate well with individual differences in brain regional volumes are likely to play major roles in addiction processes, many addiction vulnerability genes are also good candidates to contribute to individual differences in mnemonic processes. Recently elucidation of addiction-associated haplotypes for the “cell adhesion” Nr-CAM gene illustrate several of these points.
Increasing throughput and sensitivity of DNA Methylation analysis through functional nanoparticles

DNA Methylation analysis has been proven as an invaluable tool in cancer screening and diagnosis. Conventional techniques for DNA methylation analysis have limited sensitivity and specificity, making early detection a complicated endeavor. Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis requires a series of disconnected processes. Although a wide variety of commercial kits are available for the individual steps, so far there is no product that can combine all the steps together. Our novel approach address these problems by integrating all the steps required for DNA methylation together through the use of the silica superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SSNP) and quantum dots, thus minimizing the sample transfer and reducing the processing time.
Stem cell approaches for diabetes: towards beta cell replacement

Stem cells hold great promise for pancreatic beta cell replacement therapy for diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, beta cells are mostly destroyed, and in type 2 diabetes beta cell numbers are reduced by 40% to 60%. The proof-of-principle that cellular transplants of pancreatic islets, which contain insulin-secreting beta cells, can reverse the hyperglycemia of type 1 diabetes has been established, and there is now a need to find an adequate source of islet cells. Human embryonic stem cells can be directed to become fully developed beta cells and there is expectation that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be similarly directed. iPS cells can also be generated from patients with diabetes to allow studies of the genomics and pathogenesis of the disease. Some alternative approaches for replacing beta cells include finding ways to enhance the replication of existing beta cells, stimulating neogenesis (the formation of new islets in postnatal life), and reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine cells to insulin-producing cells. Stem-cell-based approaches could also be used for modulation of the immune system in type 1 diabetes, or to address the problems of obesity and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of diabetes and beta cell biology at the genomic level, and we discuss how stem-cell-based approaches might be used for replacing beta cells and for treating diabetes.
Homozygosity Mapping Using Pooled DNA

Genomic screening is a common and popular method for localizing human disease genes. Genotyping each individual sample can be a laborintensive and expensive process. This unit describes the technique of pooling DNA from many related affected individuals, genotyping the resulting pools, and scoring the results. This technique can greatly reduce the effort required to screen for genetic linkage and is particularly useful when applied to inbred populations. The unit includes a table showing a pool of human STRP markers developed by the Cooperative Human Linkage Center.
A Comparison of Two Collision Detection Libraries in a Haptic Simulation Environment

Modeling the interaction between dynamic objects in a haptically enabled virtual environment requires high-speed collision detection. We present an independent comparison of two publicly available collision detection libraries, V-Clip and SWIFT++, as they perform in our assembly and disassembly simulation. Three assembly sequences, differing only by the complexity of the objects involved, are tested and compared based on speed of execution. In the process, some potentially limiting factors experienced while using these libraries are exposed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME