cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for oxygen use in preterm infants

Aim: To review the evidence for optimal oxygen use in preterm infants. Results: Clinicians have embraced lower saturation targets to minimize retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Large randomized trials now have shown that while such targets reduce ROP, neonatal mortality is increased significantly. Conclusions: Preterm infants should be resuscitated with blended oxygen (30‐ 90%) targeted to avoid hyperoxia. Later, saturation management remains uncertain. Until ongoing trials and follow-up are complete, it is prudent to avoid saturation of 85‐89%.
Applications of Automation Methods for Nonlinear Fracture Test Analysis

As fracture mechanics material testing evolves, the governing test standards continue to be refined to better reflect the latest understanding of the physics of the fracture processes involved. The traditional format of ASTM fracture testing standards, utilizing equations expressed directly in the text of the standard to assess the experimental result, is self-limiting in the complexity that can be reasonably captured. The use of automated analysis techniques to draw upon a rich, detailed solution database for assessing fracture mechanics tests provides a foundation for a new approach to testing standards that enables routine users to obtain highly reliable assessments of tests involving complex, non-linear fracture behavior. Herein, the case for automating the analysis of tests of surface cracks in tension in the elastic-plastic regime is utilized as an example of how such a database can be generated and implemented for use in the ASTM standards framework. The presented approach forms a bridge between the equation-based fracture testing standards of today and the next generation of standards solving complex problems through analysis automation.
Automatic misconfiguration troubleshooting with peerpressure

Technical support contributes 17% of the total cost of ownership of today's desktop PCs [25]. An important element of technical support is troubleshooting miscon-figured applications. Misconfiguration troubleshooting is particularly challenging, because configuration information is shared and altered by multiple applications. In this paper, we present a novel troubleshooting system: PeerPressure, which uses statistics from a set of sample machines to diagnose the root-cause misconfigurations on a sick machine. This is in contrast with methods that require manual identification on a healthy machine for diagnosing misconfigurations [30]. The elimination of this manual operation makes a significant step towards automated misconfiguration troubleshooting. In PeerPressure, we introduce a ranking metric for misconfiguration candidates. This metric is based on empirical Bayesian estimation. We have prototyped a PeerPressure troubleshooting system and used a database of 87 machine configuration snapshots to evaluate its performance. With 20 real-world troubleshooting cases, PeerPressure can effectively pinpoint the root-cause misconfigurations for 12 of these cases. For the remaining cases, PeerPressure significantly narrows down the number of root-cause candidates by three orders of magnitude.
Extracellular matrix composition influences insulinlike growth factor I receptor expression in rat IEC-18 cells

Abstract Background: The composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor density vary along the crypt-villus axis. We determined whether components of the ECM influence IGF-I receptor expression in IEC-18 rat small intestine crypt cells. Methods: IEC-18 cells were cultured on plastic, collagen type IV, Matrigel, and laminin at the plateau and proliferative growth phases. Receptor affinity (K d ) and number (B max ) were determined by competitive binding of 125 I-IGF-I in the presence of increasing concentrations of unlabeled IGF-I. Receptor isolation was performed by affinity cross linking. Messenger RNA (mRNA) for IGF-I receptor was quantified by Northern analysis. Results: Specific binding of IGF-I>IGF-II>insulin was observed. A 130,000-molecular weight protein was identified by cross-linking, consistent with the α subunit of the IGF-I receptor. Scatchard analysis revealed no effect of ECM on IGF-I binding affinity. In contrast, the B max was 18% lower for plateau-phase cells cultured on Matrigel vs. plastic and was 42% lower for cells cultured on laminin vs. collagen type IV. The B max for proliferative growth phase cells was decreased when cultured on Matrigel vs. plastic and was 10-fold less than for cells cultured at the plateau growth phase. Northern analysis revealed that IEC-18 cells cultured on Matrigel had less mRNA for IGF-I receptor than cells cultured on plastic. Conclusions: The rate of cell proliferation and the composition of the ECM influence IGF-I receptor expression in IEC-18 cells.
Transition of Slocum Electric Gliders to a sustained operational system

In the 1980s Slocum Gliders were a vision of Douglas C. Webb, which Henry Stommel promoted in a science fiction article published in Oceanography in 1989. In the early 1990s the glider concept was proven and in the late 1990s open water test flights were done at LEO15. In 2002 Rutgers University COOL Group began collaborating with Webb Research Corporation on the development and deployment of the Gliders. Initially the deployments were on the order of hours to a few days with constant human supervision. By the latter half of 2003 Slocum Gliders were routinely flying multiple week missions and calling in to the automated Glider Command Center on Rutgers main campus via satellite phone to provide a status update, download data and receive any new mission commands. The ability to operate Gliders with minimal human intervention for extended periods of time has allowed Rutgers to integrate them into the New Jersey Shelf Observing System. Since November 2003 a Glider has been occupying the Endurance Line, a 123 km track located between the LEO15 nodes and the shelf break, on a monthly basis. The sustained data set being collected permits scientists to go beyond collecting snapshots of information for short-term projects and gather long-term, expanded region data sets that would allow the tracking of trends over multiple years. While the Endurance Line Glider has been flying, additional Gliders have been operating for shorter periods of time on the West Florida Shelf, in the northwestern Mediterranean and in the Hudson River plume. Like the Endurance Line Glider, these Gliders are controlled by the Glider Command Center via satellite phone. Rutgers would be adding 2 Gliders to its fleet the end of this year bringing the total to 6 electric Gliders. One Glider would be dedicated to the West Florida Shelf Red Tide research program and the second would be used in the Mediterranean to look at the significance of Sahara Desert dust on biological and optical signals. Dedication of the new Gliders to these two research projects would enable Rutgers to have a continual presence in these regions as well as on the shelf of New Jersey.
IPhone or Kindle: Competition of Electronic Books Sales

With the technical development of the reading equipment, e-books have witnessed a gradual and steady increase in sales in recent years. Last year, smart phones announced to be able to perform additional functions as e-book reading devices, making it possible for retailers selling e-books for smart phones (SPR) such as iPhone to differentiate with those selling e-books for specific reading equipment (SER) such as Amazon Kindle. We develop a game theory model to examine the competition between SER and SPR retailers. We derive the equilibrium price and analyze the factors that affect equilibrium outcomes under both scenarios of complete and incomplete information. Our results suggest that reduced cost due to inconvenience of reading e-books over iPhone lowers equilibrium prices, and reduced cost of specific reading equipment leads to more intense price competition. Under information asymmetry, we show that SER retailers will increase the price at equilibrium.
Children's Self-Concept: A Multicultural Comparison

Self-concept is critical in the social and emotional development of children, although little research has examined its relationship to ethnicity. The self-concept of 214 fourth- and fifth-grade students (White, Black/Haitian American, and Hispanic) revealed differences among groups on the Behavior and Total Self-Concept subscales of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. Findings revealed that Black students had the lowest scores on the Behavior domain and Blacks scored significantly lower than Hispanics on Total Self-Concept. Counseling implications are discussed.
New perspectives on Titan's upper atmosphere from a reanalysis of the Voyager 1 UVS solar occultations

Abstract We have reanalyzed the Voyager 1 UVS solar occultations by Titan to expand upon previous analyses and to resolve inconsistencies that have been noted in the scientific literature. To do so, we have developed a detailed model of the UVS detector and improved both the data reduction methods and retrieval techniques. In comparison to the values previously determined by Smith et al. (1982, J. Geophys. Res. 87, 1351–1359) we find N2 densities that are 25–60% higher, CH4 densities that are smaller by a factor of 3–7, and C2H2 densities that are roughly two orders of magnitude smaller. Our values for the thermospheric temperature are 153–158 K, which are approximately 20–40 K colder than previous estimates. We also report the first-ever determination from Voyager UVS data of density profile information for C2H4, HCN, and HC3N. Finally, we present a simple engineering model that is consistent with our new results in the upper atmosphere and merges smoothly with the model of Yelle et al. (1997, in: HUYGENS Science, Payload and Mission, in: ESA SP, vol. 1177, pp. 243–256) in the lower atmosphere. Our results provide improved constraints for photochemical models and offer scientists a better understanding of Titan's upper atmosphere as we head into the Cassini era in the exploration of the saturnian system.
Overexpression of catalase provides partial protection to transgenic mouse beta cells.

Abstract Pancreatic beta cells are sensitive to reactive oxygen species and this may play an important role in type 1 diabetes and during transplantation. Beta cells contain low levels of enzyme systems that protect against reactive oxygen species. The weakest link in their protection system is a deficiency in the ability to detoxify hydrogen peroxide by the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and catalase. We hypothesize that the deficit in the ability to dispose of reactive oxygen species is responsible for the unusual sensitivity of beta cells and that increasing protection will result in more resistant beta cells. To test these hypotheses we have produced transgenic mice with increased beta cell levels of catalase. Seven lines of catalase transgenic mice were produced using the insulin promoter to direct pancreatic beta cell specific expression. Catalase activity in islets from these mice was increased by as much as 50-fold. Northern blot analysis of several tissues indicated that overexpression was specific to the pancreatic islet. Catalase overexpression had no detrimental effects on islet function. To test whether increased catalase activity could protect the transgenic islets we exposed them to hydrogen peroxide, streptozocin, and interleukin-1β. Fifty-fold overexpression of catalase produced marked protection of islet insulin secretion against hydrogen peroxide and significantly reduced the diabetogenic effect of streptozocin in vivo. However, catalase overexpression did not provide protection against interleukin-1β toxicity and did not alter the effects of syngeneic and allogenic transplantation on islet insulin content. Our results indicate that in the pancreatic beta cell overexpression of catalase is protective against some beta cell toxins and is compatible with normal function.
Hip proprioceptors preferentially modulate reflexes of the leg in human spinal cord injury

Stretch-sensitive afferent feedback from hip muscles has been shown to trigger long-lasting, multijoint reflex responses in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). These reflexes could have important implications for control of leg movements during functional activities, such as walking. Because the control of leg movement relies on reflex regulation at all joints of the limb, we sought to determine whether stretch of hip muscles modulates reflex activity at the knee and ankle and, conversely, whether knee and ankle stretch afferents affect hip-triggered reflexes. A custom-built servomotor apparatus was used to stretch the hip muscles in nine chronic SCI subjects by oscillating the legs about the hip joint bilaterally from 10° of extension to 40° flexion. To test whether stretch-related feedback from the knee or ankle would be affected by hip movement, patellar tendon percussions and Achilles tendon vibration were delivered when the hip was either extending or flexing. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) and joint torques were recorded from both legs. Patellar tendon percussions and Achilles tendon vibration both elicited reflex responses local to the knee or ankle, respectively, and did not influence reflex responses observed at the hip. Rather, the movement direction of the hip modulated the reflex responses local to the joint. The patellar tendon reflex amplitude was larger when the perturbation was delivered during hip extension compared with hip flexion. The response to Achilles vibration was modulated by hip movement, with an increased tonic component during hip flexion compared with extension. These results demonstrate that hip-mediated sensory signals modulate activity in distal muscles of the leg and appear to play a unique role in modulation of spastic muscle activity throughout the leg in SCI.
Dynamics of Freely Oscillating and Coupled Hair Cell Bundles under Mechanical Deflection

In vitro, attachment to the overlying membrane was found to affect the resting position of the hair cell bundles of the bullfrog sacculus. To assess the effects of such a deflection on mechanically decoupled hair bundles, comparable offsets were imposed on decoupled spontaneously oscillating bundles. Strong modulation was observed in their dynamic state under deflection, with qualitative changes in the oscillation profile, amplitude, and characteristic frequency of oscillation seen in response to stimulus. Large offsets were found to arrest spontaneous oscillation, with subsequent recovery upon reversal of the stimulus. The dynamic state of the hair bundle displayed hysteresis and a dependence on the direction of the imposed offset. The coupled system of hair bundles, with the overlying membrane left on top of the preparation, also exhibited a dependence on offset position, with an increase in the linear response function observed under deflections in the inhibitory direction.
María Cristina Quintero, Gendering the Crown in the Spanish Baroque «Comedia»

Resena de Maria Cristina Quintero, Gendering the Crown in the Spanish Baroque «Comedia» , Ashgate, Surrey, 2012, 248 pp. ISBN: 9781409439639.
Does carotid-ankle vascular index reflect proper vascular distensibility in hemodialysis patients?

Does carotid-ankle vascular index reflect proper vascular distensibility in hemodialysis patients?
Towards an enterprise XML architecture

XML is being increasingly used in diverse domains ranging from data and application integration to content management. Oracle provides an enterprise wide platform for managing all types of XML content. Within the Oracle database and the application server, the XML content can be efficiently stored using a variety of storage and indexing methods and it can be processed using multiple standard languages within different programmatic environments.
Functional reactivity of cerebral capillaries.

The spatiotemporal evolution of cerebral microcirculatory adjustments to functional brain stimulation is the fundamental determinant of the functional specificity of hemodynamically weighted neuroimaging signals. Very little data, however, exist on the functional reactivity of capillaries, the vessels most proximal to the activated neuronal population. Here, we used twophoton laser scanning microscopy, in combination with intracranial electrophysiology and intravital video microscopy, to explore the changes in cortical hemodynamics, at the level of individual capillaries, in response to steady-state forepaw stimulation in an anesthetized rodent model. Overall, the microcirculatory response to functional stimulation was characterized by a pronounced decrease in vascular transit times (20%±8%), a dilatation of the capillary bed (10.9%±1.2%), and significant increases in red blood cell speed (33.0%±7.7%) and flux (19.5%±6.2%). Capillaries dilated more than the medium-caliber vessels, indicating a decreased heterogeneity in vessel volumes and increased blood flow-carrying capacity during neuronal activation relative to baseline. Capillary dilatation accounted for an estimated B18% of the total change in the focal cerebral blood volume. In support of a capacity for focal redistribution of microvascular flow and volume, significant, though less frequent, local stimulation-induced decreases in capillary volume and erythrocyte speed and flux also occurred. The present findings provide further evidence of a strong functional reactivity of cerebral capillaries and underscore the importance of changes in the capillary geometry in the hemodynamic response to neuronal activation.
Plastic Peritonitis Due to Neonatal Hydrometrocolpos : Radiologic and Pathologic Observations

Abstract Two cases of congenital hydrometrocolpos had a previously unemphasized complication: The genital secretions had spilled through the tubes into the peritoneal cavity prenatally producing a plastic peritonitis. This produced a completely different clinical and radiologic picture than usually seen, making diagnosis difficult. One appeared to have duodenal obstruction; the other case mimicked retroperitoneal neoplasia with ascites and inferior vena cava obstruction. Plastic peritonitis should be incorporated into the list of complications of congenital hydrometrocolpos with the corresponding widening of the radiologic, pathologic, clinical and surgical differential diagnoses.
FAILURE OF COUNTERPULSATION TO ASSIST CIRCULATION IN CANINE HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK.

Summary o 1. A canine irreversible hemorrhagic shock preparation is described. It is produced by lowering the blood pressure to 20 mm. Hg for 40 minutes in the anesthetized, ventilated animal, followed by retransfusion of the shed blood in 15 minutes. 2. Arterio-arterial counterpulsation in animals subjected to hemorrhagic shock caused increased diastolic and decreased systolic pressures. This is known to increase coronary perfusion and decrease the pressure work of the heart. Measurements of flow and cardiac function studied showed no significant differences in the control and counterpulsated groups. 3. It would seem that improvement in coronary perfusion and decreased pressure work of the heart failed to alter the course of the experimental animal with hemorrhagic shock.
Standard molar enthalpies of formation of realgar (α-AsS) and orpiment (As2S3) by high-temperature direct-synthesis calorimetry

Abstract The standard molar enthalpies of formation of realgar (α-AsS) and orpiment (As 2 S 3 ) were determined at 768 K by high-temperature direct-synthesis calorimetry well above the melting temperature of either mineral. Our experiments yield values of Δ f H m o (α-AsS, s, 298.15 K) = −(28.1 ± 0.38 kJ · mol −1 and Δ f H m o (As 2 S 3 , s, 298.15 K) = −(83.0 ± 3.8) kJ · mol −1 . systematically less negative than values previously obtained by fluorine combustion calorimetry. New, directly determined values for Δ fus H m o ( AsS , s , α , 298.15 K ) and Δ fus H m o (As 2 S 3 , s, α, 298.15 K) are (5.95 ± 0.27) kJ · mol −1 and (23.33 ± 0.65) kJ · mol −1 , respectively. The latter represents the first directly determined value for the enthalpy of the crystal-to-glass transition for As 2 S 3 .
Elastic Scattering of Photons by Protons. I

The results of some preliminary measurements on the elastic scattering of photons by protons are reported. In the region of the (3,3) resonance and immediately above, our measurements join smoothly with those previously reported at lower energies. The scattering cross section shows a peak in the vicinity of 300 Mev. There is indication of a ${cos}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}$ term in the center-of-mass angular distribution.
PROSTAGLANDIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE EPIDERMIS AND DERMIS OF YOUNG MOUSE SKIN, AND THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM AND CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES

Homogenates of skin from 2- to 3-day old mice converted labeled eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid to prostaglandins (PGs) PGE1, D1, and F1alpha. For several reasons PGD2 has been overlooked as a possible major PG in skin. The relative formation of each PG was modified by the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), chelating agents (EDTA, EGTA), and L-epinephrine. Chelating agents and l-epinephrine increased conversion, espeicially to PGE1 but this effect was not due to inactivation of Ca++ which was shown to have no control over the reaction. Cyclic nucleotides including cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) were also ineffective. The conversion occurred mostly in the epidermis. Epidermal preparations were more efficient in the conversion than those from whole skin. Indomethacin (0.2 mM) completely inhibited the reaction.
Designing for solid rocket booster reusability

The Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) of the Space Shuttle Program has been designed to be recovered, refurbished, and reused up to 19 times on subsequent launches. The design modifications to the SRB to incorporate this capability include the addition of a parachute recovery system and minor structural modifications to the nose cone, forward skirt, aft skirt, and solid rocket motor structures for withstanding the water impact loading. In addition, the detail design of subsystem hardware requires careful attention to corrosion prevention and facility of refurbishment operations. A cost analysis comparing the reusable SRB with an expendable version shows a substantial reduction in Space Shuttle cost per flight is achieved with the reusable design approach.
The role of fitness on VO2 and VCO2 kinetics in response to proportional step increases in work rate

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fitness and work level on the O2 uptake and CO2 output kinetics when the increase in work rate step is adjusted to the subject's maximum work capacity. Nine normal male subjects performed progressive incremental cycle ergometer exercise tests in 3-min steps to their maximum tolerance. The work rate step size was selected so that the symptom-limited maximum work rate would be reached in four steps at 12 min in all subjects. Oxygen consumption (VCO2) and carbon dioxide production VCO2 were calculated breath by breath. For the group, the time (mean, SEM) to reach 75% of the 3-min response (T0.75) for VO2 increased significantly (P<0.01) at progressively higher work rate steps, being 53.3 (5.5) s, 63.5 (4.6) s, 79.5 (5.0) s, and 94.5 (5.8) s, respectively. In contrast, T0.75 for VCO2 did not change significantly [74.9 (7.4) s,. 75.6 (5.0) s, 85.1 (5.3) s, and 89.4 (6.3) s, respectively]. VCO2 kinetics were slower than VO2 kinetics at the low fractions of the subjects' work capacities but were the same of faster at the high fractions because of the slowing of VO2 kinetics. The first step showed the fastest rise in VO2. While VO2 kinetics slowed at each step, they were faster at each fraction of the work capacity in the fitter subjects. The step pattern in VO2 disappeared at high work rates for the less fit subjects. The heart rate response paralleled that of VO2. We conclude that VO2 and VCO2 kinetics are slower in the less fit subjects but only VO2 kinetics are significantly attenuated in response to proportional step increases in work rate.
Enhancement of Release of Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Milk Fat with Immobilized Microbial Lipase

Candida cylindracea or Rhizopus arrhizus lipase was entrapped in polymer gels prepared from photo-cross-linkable resin prepolymers. The immobilized enzyme was used in milk fat hydrolysis and effective in enhancing the release of short-chain fatty acids compared with free enzyme. The molar percentage of short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid to capric acid) released in the reaction increased significantly after enzyme immobilization. The gel composed of hydrophobic long-chain prepolymer gave the highest increase, with 5.9-fold and 4.5-fold increases for C. cylindracea and R. arrhizus lipase, respectively. Difference in substrate diffusion rate between milk fat triglycerides may be responsible for this behavior.
13C-13C coupling in [1.1.1]propellane

Abstract The C1–C2 coupling constant in [1.1.1]propellane is measured to be 9.9 ± .1 Hz. The CH bond is sp 2.1 and the CCH 2 bond is estimated to be sp 8.6 -sp 4.8 . The remaining orbital at each bridgehead carbon is sp 0.5 .
Methodology for the study of the effect of drugs on development and DNA replication in Drosophila melanogaster embryonic tissue

Methodology is described that will permit the study of the effect of various drugs on development and DNA replication in the cleavage nuclei of Drosophila eggs. It is shown that permeabilized eggs can be exposed to an aqueous incubation medium for up to 30 min without measureable effects on development and that such incubations can be performed with eggs that have a relatively sharp age distribution. The effect on development and viability of a variety of drugs has been examined as an aid for future studies directed toward achieving synchronous development in a population of eggs and electron microscopic studies of DNA replication in the presence of various drugs.
Replication of vaccinia DNA in mouse L cells II. In vitro DNA synthesis in cytoplasmic extracts

Abstract Cytoplasmic extracts prepared from vaccinia virus-infected L cells catalyzed the incorporation of labeled deoxynucleotide triphosphates into DNA which hybridized with vaccinia virus DNA. The incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine 5′ triphosphate ([ 3 H]TTP) into DNA was shown to be dependent on the presence of all four deoxynucleoside triphosphates and incorporation was stimulated twofold by the addition of ATP, NAD, and ribonucleoside triphosphates. The incorporation of [ 3 H]TTP in vitro was linear for 10 min and continued at a reduced rate for 30 min at 30°. The viral DNA synthesized in vitro was analyzed by sedimentation in alkaline-sucrose gradients and by isopycnic centrifugation in CsCl gradients. Alkaline-sucrose sedimentation analysis showed that replication of in vitro labeled DNA was discontinuous. Small fragments (∼10 S) were synthesized in vitro in 10–30 sec which appeared to elongate so that after 30 min of synthesis the in vitro synthesized molecules cosedimented with in vivo labeled viral DNA species of 10–70 S. No molecules of greater length than mature viral single-stranded DNA (Type 1, 70–72 S) were observed when cell extracts prepared 3 hr postinfection were employed. Replication of viral DNA in vitro was symmetrical. No evidence for circular or superhelical DNA duplex molecules was obtained when in vitro synthesized DNA was analyzed by equilibrium density centrifugation in CsCl containing ethidium bromide.
Endothelial cell signaling and endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial cells have an important protective role in maintaining the normal physiologic function of the vascular wall. When these cells become dysfunctional, they lose this protective influence and they actively promote pathophysiological changes within the blood vessel. This review will discuss some of the extracellular signaling mechanisms employed by normal endothelial cells to exert a protective influence in the vascular wall and those signals generated by dysfunctional cells to promote the atherosclerotic process. It will also discuss the intracellular processes that regulate the release/expression of these signals and that control the transformation of this protective cell to one that promotes the development of vascular disease.
Analysis and Speciation of Arsenic in Herbicide-Treated Soils by DC Helium Emission Spectrometry

Abstract The analysis and speciation of arsenic in two South Texas soil samples treated with arsenical herbicides was carried out utilizing hydride generation-dc helium emission spectrometry. Extractions with Bray P-1 solution (0.03 M NH4FF + 0.025 M HC1) showed that the extractability of arsenic decreased in the order dmaa (dimethylarsinic acid or its salts) < maa (methanearsonic acid or its salts) < arsenate. It was found that maa underwent degradative changes such as oxidation of the C-As bond or methylation most easily. In general the herbicides were more strongly sorbed on clay than on loam.
Immobilization increases bone prostaglandin E. Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on disuse osteoporosis studied in dogs.

Compared with the controls, the casted limb of untreated dogs had half the bone mass and a twofold increase in bone PGE. Aspirin treatment was associated with a 65 percent reduction in bone PGE and...
DSCAM: an endogenous promoter drives expression in the developing CNS and neural crest.

Abstract The development of central nervous system (CNS) neuronal networks involves processes including neuroblast migration, axonal pathfinding, and synaptogenesis. To evaluate the role of the axonal guidance molecule DSCAM in CNS connectivity, we generated a lacZ reporter construct, Pr1.8-βgal, containing a 1.8 kb fragment of the human DSCAM promoter region, and analyzed its expression in four E12.5 transgenic mouse embryos. We found that Pr1.8-βgal drives lacZ expression in the choroid plexus and roof of the fourth ventricle, the floor plate of the fourth ventricle, pons and medulla oblongata, and the eye, limb buds, and dorsal root ganglion. This recapitulates a subset of DSCAM expression as demonstrated by in situ hybridization, supporting this 1.8 kb fragment as a component of the endogenous DSCAM promoter. The Pr1.8-βgal expression pattern supports a role for DSCAM in CNS development, providing an endogenous promoter to investigate the contribution of DSCAM to Down syndrome neural defects.
Cocaine Experience Guides Dynamic Changes in AMPA Receptors within the Nucleus Accumbens

Increasing evidence suggests that drug addiction results from modifications of neural circuitry regulating reward learning and memory ([Berke, 2003][1]). Drugs of abuse induce long-lasting neuroadaptations at glutamatergic synapses within reward-related structures such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc
Distribution driven binary tree balancing with R-trees

A binary tree built by comparisons to theoretical rather than actual values can be balanced while it is being built, resulting in a BST the balance of which depends upon the distribution of the values rather than the order.
Closing the youth access gap: the projected health benefits and cost savings of a national policy to raise the legal smoking age to 21 in the United States.

Current youth access laws, even if strictly enforced, do not prevent teenagers from obtaining cigarettes through social sources. To reduce the number of legal buyers a typical teenager routinely encounters, and to lessen ambiguity for vendors determining if a teen is of legal purchasing age, legislation raising the minimum legal purchase age (MLPA) for cigarettes to 21 has been discussed in several states. To estimate how a national law raising the smoking age to 21 would impact smoking prevalence, net costs (in terms of compliance enforcement, ID checking, and medical care) and health benefits (in terms of life years and QALYs) to the population over time, a dynamic computer simulation model was developed using publicly available secondary data. The model simulations were carried out for several scenarios assuming varying impacts of the policy change on smoking initiation probability over a 50-year period. One scenario assumes that smoking initiation probabilities for individuals under 21 shift by 3 years so a 18-year old in the simulation, for example, is as likely to initiate smoking as an 15-year old in the status quo. Under this assumption, raising the smoking age would reduce smoking prevalence for adults (age 18+) from the status quo level of 22.1–15.4% after 50 years. Prevalence would drop from 20 to 6.6% for 14–17-year olds, from 26.9 to 12.2% for 18–20-year olds, and from 21.8 to 15.5% for the 21+ group. The policy would produce a net cumulative savings to society of US$ 212 billion (driven by reduced medical costs), and the accumulation of nearly 13 million additional QALYs over the period. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
EPR Spectroscopic Reinvestigation of the Activation of Iron Complexes of PMAH as a Bleomycin Model

The structure and reactivity of iron complexes of PMAH, which contains ligands that mimic the metal binding domain of iron bleomycin (FeBLM), have been studied using EPR spectroscopy. It had been reported [Guajardo, R. J.; Hudson, S. E.; Brown, S. J.; Mascharak, P. K. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 7971] that iron complexes of PMAH can be activated to a ferric hydroperoxide, a structural analog by activated BLM, by various routes, including reaction of [FeIIIPMA]2+ with iodosylbenzene (PhIO), methanol, and base. We show that with or without PhIO, the latter reaction produces the methoxide complex of FeIIIPMA, and not the hydroperoxide, contrary to the previous report. Thus, O−O bond formation through generation of a ferric hydroperoxide does not occur. The same methoxide complex (g = 2.28, 2.18, 1.93) is generated by the addition of organic base and CH3OH, or LiOCH3, to [FeIIIPMA]2+. The formation of this [CH3O−FeIIIPMA]+ complex is confirmed by EPR titration of [FeIIIPMA]2+ with -OCH3 and by electrospray m...
Production of NO and N2O by soil nitrifying bacteria

The composition of the atmosphere is influenced both directly and indirectly by biological activity. Evidence is presented here to suggest that nitrification in soil is a potentially significant source of both NO and N2O. Between 0.3 and 10% of the ammonium oxidized by cultures of the soil bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea is converted to these gases. The global source for NO associated with nitrification could be as large as 15,000,000 tonnes N/yr, with a source for N2O of 5,000,000-10,000,000 tonnes N/yr. Nitric oxide has a key role in tropospheric chemistry, participating in a complex set of reactions regulating OH and O3. Nitrous oxide is a dominant source of stratospheric NO and has a significant influence on climate.
Patterns of tongue and jaw movement in a cinefluorographic study of feeding in the macaque

Abstract Tongue movements in three female Macaca fascicularis , with radio-opaque markers in the tongue, teeth and hyoid, feeding on apple, banana and monkey chow, were recorded using lateral projection cineradiography (± 100 f.p.s.) with synchronized frontal view cinephotography (50 f.p.s.). Marker positions were digitized and the resultant Cartesian coordinates manipulated: (a) to establish the gape time profile; (b) anteroposterior and dorsoventral movements of tongue and hyoid markers relative to an upper occlusal/palatal reference plane; and (c) expansion and contraction of tongue segments in selected sections of complete sequences. The relative timing of tongue and jaw movement events was established using interval analysis. In simple transport cycles (semisolid food), all parts of the tongue moved in synchrony, travelling forwards and expanding during early opening, and backwards and contracting during late opening and closing. In contrast, in simple chewing cycles with a power stroke (SC phase): (a) the tongue markers reached their most backward position before or at the beginning of the SC phase, travelling forwards until the teeth approached intercuspation, then paused until after the teeth had reached centric occlusion; (b) the markers moved asynchronously, so that the relation between each marker and jaw movement changed; (c) expansion and contraction was largely confined to the middle tongue segment. In complex chewing cycles, jaw movement in opening was linked to the behaviour of the anterior tongue segment: reversal from forward to backward movement of the anterior tongue marker occurred within 30 ms of the rate change at the SO (slow open)-FO (fast open) transition: the greater the amplitude of forward movement, the longer the SO phase. Hyoid (tongue base) movement occurred throughout masticatory sequences. A backward drift of the hyoid and posterior part of the tongue occurred in cycles preceding swallows. Linkages between tongue and jaw movements in feeding in macaques are more complex than those reported for non-primate mammals, as they change between successive jaw cycles. The changes observed during sequences, and between different foods, suggest that the effector systems involved are continuously modulated, and the jaw-movement profile during opening may be dependent on the pattern of tongue movement.
Development of a Pavement Marking Management System: Measurement of Glass Sphere Loading in Retroreflective Pavement Paints:

Of critical economic importance to roadway management agencies is the retroreflectivity of edge lines and centerlines and the retention of retroreflectivity with exposure to weather, snowplowing, road salt and sand, and traffic density. This study evaluated factors affecting the performance and durability of painted edge lines and centerlines on specific Michigan roadway sections as part of a project to develop a practical pavement marking management system. An ill-defined aspect of retroreflectivity is the relationship of glass sphere content and the decay of retroreflectivity over time and from seasonal maintenance. Two techniques were developed to quantify the glass sphere content of retroreflective pavement paints. In the first method, aluminum plates are fastened to the roadway and painted in the field as the painting crew applies the striping. The plates are retrieved and pyrolyzed at elevated temperature, with observations made on weight changes of the painted plate. A mass fraction of glass spheres can then be calculated. In the second method, the painted plates are photographed at low magnifications. The macrographs are converted to a binary image that is evaluated using image analysis software to determine the number of spheres per area, average size, and aerial percent. The glass sphere content, as determined by pyrolysis and image analysis, is correlated with retroreflectivity measurements collected on the same samples. These new methods will lead to a better understanding of factors related to the retroreflectivity loss of pavement paints and ultimately to improved products and maintenance practices.
The excess co-movement of commodity prices reconsidered

This paper provides an empirical reconsideration of evidence for excess co-movement of commodity prices within the framework of univariate and multivariate GARCH(1, 1) models. Alternative formulations of zero excess co-movement are provided, and corresponding score and likelihood ratio tests are developed. Monthly time series data for two sample periods, 1960–85 and 1974–92, on up to nine commodities are used. In contrast to earlier work, only weak evidence of excess co-movement is found.
Increased dietary arachidonic acid enhances the synthesis of vasoactive eicosanoids in humans

Data on the effect of dietary arachidonic acid (AA) (20∶4n-6) on the synthesis of thromboxane and prostacyclin (PGI2) in humans are lacking. We measured the effect of 1.5 g/d (ca. 0.5 en%) of 20∶4n-6 added isocalorically to a stabilization (low-AA) diet on the excretion of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DTXB2) and 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-PGF1α (PGI2-M). In a crossover design, 10 healthy men, living in a metabolic unit, were fed a diet (low-AA) containing 210 mg/d of 20∶4n-6 for 65 d and an identical diet (high-AA) that contained 1.5 g/d of additional 20∶4n-6 for 50 d. Three-day urine pools were collected at the end of each dietary period and analyzed for eicosanoids by gas chromatography-electron capture negative ion-tandem mass spectrometry. Mean excretion of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 was 515±76, 493±154, and 696±144 ng/d (SD; n=10) during the acclimation (15 d) low-AA diet and high-AA diet periods, respectively (41% increase from low-AA to high-AA diet, P=0.0037); mean excretion of PGI2-M was 125±40, 151±36, and 192±55 ng/d (SD; n=10) during acclimation (15 d) low-AA and high-AA diets, respectively (27% increase from low-AA to high-AA diets; P=0.0143). Thus, both the metabolites of thromboxane and PGI2 increase on the high-AA diet. Furthermore, both indicated changes in metabolite excretion may be associated with measurable effects on several physiologically significant cellular functions, such as platelet aggregation in vivo and inflammation in response to immune challenges.
The use of simplified air interface dimensioning techniques to explain the impact of various UMTS options

There are many features inherent to the 3G standards, which can be used to improve performance within a UMTS network. This paper discusses some of these features in relation to the air interface and uses simplified dimensioning methods to explain their impact on cell range, coverage quality and throughput capacity. In order to utilize each of these features to the maximum benefit it is important to understand what the limiting factors are within the air interface in terms of coverage, capacity and link direction. A simple dimensioning scenario shows how these principles can he used in the planning process. It is shown how and when to utilize each of the features most effectively based upon the limiting conditions within the network and how coverage and capacity requirements can be maintained with minimal increase in site numbers.
Cu-In-Ga-Se nanoparticle colloids as spray decomposition precursors for Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cell materials

The use of nanoparticle colloids for spray deposition of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) precursor films and subsequent fabrication of CIGS solar cells has been investigated. According to this approach, amorphous Cu-In-Ga-Se nanoparticle colloids were first prepared by reacting a mixture of CuI, InI3, and GaI3 in pyridine with Na2Se in methanol at reduced temperature. Purified colloid was sprayed onto heated molybdenum-coated sodalime glass substrates to form Cu-In-Ga-Se precursor films. After thermal processing of the precursor films under a selenium ambient, CIGS solar cells were fabricated. Cu-In-Ga-Se colloids and films were characterized by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. Standard current-voltage characterization was performed on the CIGS solar cell devices with the best film exhibiting a solar conversion efficiency of 4.6%.
Randomized trial of very low birth weight infants receiving higher rates of infusion of intravenous fat emulsions during the first week of life.

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to determine whether very low birth weight infants could tolerate higher rates of infusion of intravenous fat emulsion during the first week of life and maintain their serum triglyceride levels at ≤200 mg/dL. METHODS. This was a randomized, controlled trial of 110 infants who were classified as appropriate for gestational age and had birth weights between 750 g and 1500 g. The primary clinical outcome was serum triglyceride levels; secondary outcomes also were monitored. RESULTS. One hundred infants completed the study (experimental group: N = 48; control group: N = 52). Infants in the experimental group had significantly higher energy intake for the entire 7-day study period and achieved 90 kcal/kg per day (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ) significantly sooner (7.38 ± 3.381 days vs 9.44 ± 3.578 days). Triglyceride levels for infants in the experimental group remained significantly higher for the first 5 days of life. Fifteen percent of infants in the experimental group but only 4% of infants in the control group developed hypertriglyceridemia. Ten percent of infants in the control group but no infants in the experimental group required insulin therapy. Forty-two percent of infants in the experimental group and 17% of infants in the control group remained at ≥10th percentile for weight for age. Fourteen percent of infants in the control group but no infants in the experimental group developed necrotizing enterocolitis. Twenty-three percent of infants in the control group but only 6% of infants in the experimental group developed retinopathy of prematurity. There were no significant differences in other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. Very low birth weight infants can tolerate higher rates of infusion of intravenous fat emulsion solutions during the first week of life without significant adverse events.
Arginine Infusion Stimulates Prolactin, Growth Hormone, Insulin, and Subsequent Lactation in Pregnant Dairy Cows

L-Arginine or saline was administered intravenously by rapid infusion into 16 late-pregnant Holstein cows to study changes of prolactin, growth hormone, insulin, total protein, urea nitrogen, and subsequent lactation. Arginine was infused daily at .1 g/kg body weight starting about 7 days prior to predicted calving until calving. Blood was sampled via a jugular cannula at 0700, 0715, 0730 (infusion immediately followed 0730 h sample), 0745, 0815, 0845, 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, and 1900 h. Arginine infusion evoked dramatic but transient increase of concentrations of blood serum prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin. Urea nitrogen also was elevated in blood serum but not total protein. The secretory response of prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin to daily arginine infusion during the entire prepartum period was not diminished. Milk production for the first 22 wk of lactation tended to be higher (by about 10%) for cows infused with arginine as compared to cows infused with saline. Therefore, repeated arginine infusion in late-pregnant cows dramatically increased prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin and tended to increase subsequent milk yield.
Inpatient substance abuse care and the outcome of subsequent community residential and outpatient care

Aim. To compare participation in treatment and 1-year substance use, symptom and functioning outcomes between patients with substance use disorders who did versus those who did not have an episode of inpatient care immediately prior to an episode of community residential and outpatient mental health care. Design. Two matched groups of 257 patients each with substance use disorders were assessed at entry to and discharge from a community residential facility (CRF) and at a 1-year follow-up. Findings. Patients in the two treatment groups received a comparable amount of CRF and outpatient mental health care. Nevertheless, patients who had prior inpatient care were more likely to be employed at 1-year follow-up. In addition, when they entered CRF care directly, patients with co-morbid psychiatric disorders were more likely to continue use of alcohol and drugs in the CRF and less likely to complete the program. These patients also experienced more distress and psychiatric symptoms, and were less likely to be employed at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions. Among patients who seek treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, those who have both substance use and psychiatric disorders and enter CRF care directly have somewhat worse outcomes than those who have an immediately prior episode of inpatient care.