cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the spatiotemporal expression pattern and function of N-cadherin inhibit cellular condensation and chondrogenesis of limb mesenchymal cells in vitro

Cartilage formation in the embryonic limb is presaged by a cellular condensation phase that is mediated by both cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. N-Cadherin, a Ca2+-dependent cell–cell adhesion molecule, is expressed at higher levels in the condensing mesenchyme, followed by down-regulation upon chondrogenic differentiation, strongly suggesting a functional role in the cellular condensation process. To further examine the role of N-cadherin, we have generated expression constructs of wild type and two deletion mutants (extracellular and intracellular) of N-cadherin in the avian replication-competent, RCAS retrovirus, and transfected primary chick limb mesenchymal cell cultures with these constructs. The effects of altered, sustained expression of N-cadherin and its mutant forms on cellular condensation, on the basis of peanut agglutinin (DNA) staining, and chondrogenesis, based on expression of chondrocyte phenotypic markers, were characterized. Cellular condensation was relatively unchanged in cultures overexpressing wild type N-cadherin, compared to controls on all days in culture. However, expression of either of the deletion mutant forms of N-cadherin resulted in decreased condensation, with the extracellular deletion mutant demonstrating the most severe inhibition, suggesting a requirement for N-cadherin mediated cell–cell adhesion and signaling in cellular condensation. Subsequent chondrogenic differentiation was also affected in all cultures overexpressing the N-cadherin constructs, on the basis of metabolic sulfate incorporation, the presence of the cartilage matrix proteins collagen type II and cartilage proteoglycan link protein, and alcian blue staining of the matrix. The characteristics of the cultures suggest that the N-cadherin mutants disrupt proper cellular condensation and subsequent chondrogenesis, while the cultures overexpressing wild type N-cadherin appear to condense normally, but are unable to proceed toward differentiation, possibly due to the prolonged maintenance of increased cell-cell adhesiveness. Thus, spatiotemporally regulated N-cadherin expression and function, at the level of both homotypic binding and linkage to the cytoskeleton, is required for chondrogenesis of limb mesenchymal cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 87: 342–359, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement and defect modeling for a legacy software system

This paper analyzes the quality of a large-scale legacy software system using selected metrics. Quality measurements include defect information collected during product development and in-field operation. Other software metrics include measurements on various product and process attributes, including design, size, change, and complexity. Preliminary analyses revealed the high degree of skew in our data and a weak correlation between defects and software metrics. Tree-based models were then used to uncover relationships between defects and software metrics, and to identify high-defect modules together with their associated measurement characteristics. As results presented in tree forms are natural to the decision process and are easy to understand, tree-based modeling is shown to be suitable for change solicitation and useful in guiding remedial actions for quality improvement.
Simplified density-matrix model applied to three-well terahertz quantum cascade lasers

A simplified density-matrix model describing the population and coherence terms of four states in a resonant phonon scattering based terahertz quantum cascade laser is presented. Despite its obvious limitations and with two phenomenological terms---called the pure dephasing time constants in tunneling and intersubband transition---the model agrees reasonably well with experimental data. We demonstrate the importance of a tunneling leakage channel from the upper lasing state to the excited state of the downstream phonon well. In addition, we identify an indirect coupling between nonadjacent injector and extractor states. The analytical expression of the gain spectrum demonstrates the strong broadening effect of the injection and extraction couplings. The gain is decomposed into three terms: a linear gain and two nonlinear components related to stimulated anti-Stokes scattering processes. The nonlinear gain is not negligible at high temperature. Under certain approximations, analytical forms of population and coherence terms are derived. This model is well suited for structures with only a few states involved. This model can simplify the optimization process for new laser designs; it is also convenient for experimentalists to adopt.
Interurban population and capital accumulations and structural stability

A nonlinear dynamical model of urban and regional economic growth in labor and capital stock is presented which draws from the literature of mathematical ecology. By stating the problem of urban and regional development in a Volterra-Lotka type system of differential equations, points of bifurcating behavior in urban and regional structure are obtained. It is suggested that the recent abrupt phenomena of change in regional and urban population accumulations in the U.S. could be captured by such model formulation.
Sleep disorders in the elderly patient

Abstract The primary care physician commonly encounters patients who complain of insomnia, defined as persistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep that affects daytime functioning. Causes include circadian rhythm disturbances, primary sleep disorders, psychiatric or medical disorders, medications, and substance abuse. Older patients have shortened total nocturnal sleep, easier arousal, more difficulty falling asleep, and less deep sleep. These physiologic sleep changes can resemble pathologic sleep conditions. A thorough history and physical examination and a selective laboratory examination should be performed. Formal sleep studies are indicated when a primary sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, is suspected. Educating the patient about avoiding stimulating or diuretic medications close to bedtime is an important aspect of the treatment. Otherwise, specific therapy is tailored to the underlying etiology. Benzodiazepines should be avoided because of the many adverse effects and the risk of habituation. Benzodiazepine use and sleep disturbances are especially prevalent in older female patients. Therefore, the obstetrician/gynecologist must be very familiar with the work-up, differential diagnosis, and treatment of insomnia in the elderly patient.
Prospective randomized trial to determine the influence of laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resection on intravasal fibrinolytic capacity.

Background: Although the pneumoperitoneum decreases venous reflux from the lower extremities, the rate of thromboembolic complcations seems to be lower after laparoscopic than after conventional procedures. Therefore, it has been assumed that laparoscopic surgery better preserves the intravasal fibrinolytic capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the operative technique on intravasal fibrinolytic capacity in colorectal resection. Methods: Randomized controlled trial conducted in parallel with the multicenter trial LAPKON II comparing the long-term effects of elective laparoscopic (group I) and conventional (group II) resections for colorectal cancer. Blood samples were taken from 30 patients preoperatively, at the beginning and end of surgery as well as 2, 8, and 24 hr postoperatively. Activities and concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), tPA/PAI complex, fibrinogen, and D-dimers were determined in all specimen with ELISA tests. Area under the curve values (AUC) were calculated for all parameters. Results: Patient characteristics and indication for surgery were not different between both groups. Preoperative values of fibrinolytic parameters were similar in both groups. Postoperatively, tPA activity decreased significantly in both groups, but AUC values for tPA and PAI-1 activity (p = 0.23; p = 0.68); concentration of tPA, PAI-1, and tPA/PAI complex (p = 0.52; p = 0.78; p = 0.95); and concentration of fibrinogen and D-dimers (p = 0.67; p = 0.71) did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: An intravasal fibrinolytic "shutdown" occurs not only after conventional but also after laparoscopic colorectal resection. Both operative techniques had similar effects on postoperative intravasal fibrinolytic capacity. Therefore, the lower incidence of thromboembolic complications after laparoscopic colorectal resections does not seem to be caused by a lesser depression of the intravasal fibrinolytic capacity.
Natural history of untreated otitis media.

Objective/hypothesis Data from cohort studies and untreated groups in randomized controlled trials can be identified through systematic literature review and synthesized with meta-analysis to estimate natural history of acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). Study design Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Method Source articles were identified by MEDLINE search through August 2002 plus manual crosschecks of bibliographies and published meta-analyses. Data were abstracted independently by two investigators and combined with random effects meta-analysis to estimate spontaneous resolution, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed. Results Sixty-three articles met inclusion criteria. AOM symptoms improved within 24 hours without antibiotics in 61% of children (95% CI, 50-72%), rising to 80% by 2 to 3 days (95% CI, 69-90%). Suppurative complications were comparable if antibiotics were withheld (0.12%) or provided (0.24%). Children entered recurrent AOM trials with a mean rate of 5.5 or more annual episodes but averaged only 2.8 annual episodes while on placebo (95% CI, 2.2-3.4). No AOM episodes occurred in 41%, and only 17% remained otitis prone (3 or more episodes). OME after untreated AOM had 59% resolution by 1 month (95% CI, 50-68%) and 74% resolution by 3 months (95% CI, 68-80%). OME of unknown duration had 28% spontaneous resolution by 3 months (95%, CI 14-41%), rising to 42% by 6 months (95% CI, 35-49%). In contrast, chronic OME had only 26% resolution by 6 months and 33% resolution by 1 year. Conclusions The natural history of otitis media is very favorable. Combined estimates of spontaneous resolution provide a benchmark against which to judge new or established interventions. The need for surgery in children with recurrent AOM or chronic OME should be balanced against the likelihood of timely spontaneous resolution and the potential risk of learning, language, or other adverse sequelae from persistent middle ear effusion. Further research is needed to identify prognostic factors that can target children unlikely to improve spontaneously for earlier intervention.
THE EFFECT OF CORTIN AND THE Na FACTOR ON ADRENALECTOMIZED ANIMALS

IN 1927 BAUMANN and KURLAND (I) demonstrated that plasma sodium falls in adrenal insufficiency. Six years later Loeb et al. (2) and Harrop et al. (3) showed that this was due to loss of sodium through the kidney. Recently we (4) have shown that the disturbance in sodium metabolism is due to a separate factor without which it is possible to maintain life. We have called this the Na factor. The hormone essential for life but without influence on sodium retention, we designated as cortin (5). In this paper we are reporting a study of the effects of cortin and the Na factor on adrenalectomized animals. Methods. All animals were selected from a colony which had been kept in our laboratory for many weeks in order to be sure that they were in good condition and that they thrived under laboratory conditions. The dogs and cats were freed from worms as indicated by low eosinophil count and the dogs were immunized against distemper. Adrenalectomy was performed in 2 stages under aseptic conditions.
Accounting seasonal nonstationarity in time series models for short-term ozone level forecast

Due to the nonlinear feature of a ozone process, regression based models such as the autoregressive models with an exogenous vector process (ARX) suffer from persistent diurnal behaviors in residuals that cause systematic over-predictions and under-predictions and fail to make accurate multi-step forecasts. In this article we present a simple class of the functional coefficient ARX (FARX) model which allows the regression coefficients to vary as a function of another variable. As a special case of the FARX model, we investigate the threshold ARX (TARX) model of Tong [Lecture notes in Statistics, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1983; Nonlinear time series: a dynamics system approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1990] which separates the ARX model in terms of a variable called the threshold variable. In this study we use time of day as the threshold variable. The TARX model can be used directly for ozone forecasts; however, investigation of the estimated coefficients over the threshold regimes suggests polynomial coefficient functions in the FARX model. This provides a parsimonious model without deteriorating the forecast performance and successfully captures the diurnal nonstationarity in ozone data. A general linear F-test is used to test varying coefficients and the portmanteau tests, based on the autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation of fitted residuals, are used to test error autocorrelations. The proposed models were applied to a 2 year dataset of hourly ozone concentrations obtained in downtown Cincinnati, OH, USA. For the exogenous processes, outdoor temperature, wind speed, and wind direction were used. The results showed that both TARX and FARX models substantially improve one-day-ahead forecasts and remove the diurnal pattern in residuals for the cases considered.
Thermal and carrier transport originating from photon recycling and non-radiative recombination in laser micromachining of GaAs thin films

Coupled thermal and carrier transports (electron/hole generation, recombination, diffusion and drifting) in laser photoetching of GaAs thin film is investigated. A new volumetric heating mechanism originating from SRH (Shockley–Read–Hall) non-radiative recombination and photon recycling is proposed and modeled based on recent experimental findings. Both volumetric SRH heating and Joule heating are found to be important in the carrier transport, as well as the etching process. SRH heating and Joule heating are primarily confined within the space-charge region, which is about 20 nm from the GaAs surface. The surface temperature rises rapidly as the laser intensity exceeds 105 W/m2. Below a laser intensity of 105 W/m2, the thermal effect is negligible. The etch rate is found to be dependent on the competition between photovoltaic and photothermal effects on surface potential. At high laser intensity, the etch rate is increased by more than 100%, due to SRH and Joule heating.
Effect of polarization and morphology on the optical properties of absorbing nanoporous thin films

This paper investigates the possibility of tuning the optical properties of thin films by introducing nanopores with different shape, size, and spatial distribution. The complex index of refraction of nanoporous thin films with various morphologies is determined for normally incident transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) absorbing electromagnetic waves by numerically solving the two-dimensional Maxwell's equations. The numerical results are compared with predictions from widely used effective medium approximations. For thin films with isotropic morphology exposed to TM waves, good agreement is found with the parallel model. For thin films with anisotropic morphology, the numerical results for TE waves are independent of the morphology and agree well with the Volume Averaging Theory model. By contrast, for incident TM waves, the retrieved effective optical properties depend on both porosity and film morphology. These results can be used to design nanocomposite materials with tunable optical properties and to determine their porosity and pore's spatial arrangement.
Throat flora of a closed colony of beagles.

SummaryThroat cultures from 467 beagles in a closed breeding colony showed a high incidence of Mycoplasma species (100%), coliforms (82%), Pasteurella multocida (79.5%) and Lancefield group G β hemolytic streptococci (41.8%). The flora was relatively stable over a 1-year period, although younger dogs (1-4 years old) had a consistently lower incidence of β hemolytic streptococci than dogs 4 years old and older. The incidence of other organisms regarded as part of the normal throat flora was similar to that reported in man.
Airway Occlusion Pressure and Respiratory Nerve and Muscle Activity in Studies of Respiratory Control

M.D.; Gabriel Zubillaga, M.D.; and Ruy V. Louren#{231}o, M.D. W e have evaluated the relationship between respiratory nerve and muscle electrical activity and airway occlusion pressure in both anesthetized animals and conscious humans. This relationship which reflects the coupling of the neuromuscular components of the respiratory control system was studied under conditions of unloaded and loaded breathing. In anesthetized cats, changes in phrenic nerve activity, quantified as a moving time average ( N 1 were compared to changes in intratracheal pressure (PiT) obtained during complete airway occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC) . PiT plotted against PNG(t) during the course of an inspiratory effort while breathing room air, and at different levels of PACO2 during CO2 rebreathing showed an approximately linear relationship. During the course of CO2 rebreathing, increases in PIT and N (t) , both obtained 150 msec after the onset of the occluded breath, were linearly related with high correlation coefficients. Therefore, both during single breaths at different levels of PACO2, and during the course of CO2 rebreathing, inspiratory muscle pressure appears to be linearly related to phrenic nerve activity. During room air breathing in the intact cat, the relationship between PIT and PNG(t) usually became somewhat alinear with positive pressure breathing (PPB), but the overall slope, though slightly diminished, was similar to that at FRC (Fig 1) . At low lung volumes induced by negative pressure breathing (NPB), PIT/
Assessment of neuromuscular response characteristics at the knee following a functional perturbation

Previous research indicates that both the extent and timing of muscular activation at the knee can be influenced by muscle activity state, joint angle, weight-bearing status and trunk position. However, little research to date has evaluated protective neuromuscular response times and activation patterns to an imposed perturbation with the knee joint in a functional, weight-bearing stance. Hence, we designed a lower extremity perturbation device to produce a sudden, forward and either internal or external rotation moment of the trunk and femur relative to the weight-bearing tibia. Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded long latency reflex times of the medial and lateral quadriceps, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles in 64 intercollegiate lacrosse and soccer players in response to both internal and external rotation perturbation. We found the gastrocnemius fired significantly faster that the hamstring, which in turn fired significantly faster than the quadriceps. There was also a significant difference in activation times of the medial and lateral hamstring not found for the quadriceps or gastrocnemius muscles. Our findings confirmed that reactive neuromuscular responses following this functional perturbation differ markedly from those previously reported using seated, partial weight-bearing and/or uni-planar models under relaxed conditions.
Diagnosis of Large Combinational Networks

A method is described for constructing a set of input patterns able to detect every given failure of a combinational network. The result may not be a minimal set of tests, but it is surely a complete test. The procedure is designed for large networks with high number of independent inputs. It can deal with networks including any elementary logical gates such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, and NOT. No limitations on fan-out are considered. The method can treat any class of single or multiple logical failures which can be described by means of a transformation of the logic equations of the network. The conventional description of the failures as one wire stuck at one or stuck at zero is not required. This can be useful in detection of wiring errors in equipment testing. The basis of the procedure is a ``choice technique'' which avoids, in most cases, the two-level expansion of the mapping realized by the network. The procedure is illustrated in detail and two application examples to the detection of a single wire stuck at zero failure and of a wiring error are given.
Crystal-field splitting in the M11,111 spectra of Co(II) compounds

Abstract We have analyzed part of the M 11,111 absorption spectra of the compounds CoF 2 , CoCl 2 , CoBr 2 , Co(acac) 2 as due to the crystal-field splitting of a 4 G state arising from the configuration 3p 5 3d 8 .
Effects of biased group selection on cooperative predation in digital organisms

A key issue in cooperative task completion is team composition. Prior studies have addressed two ends of a spectrum, with homogeneous teams on one end and heterogeneous teams on the other. In this paper we explore a space in between. In biased group selection, subpopulations compete against one another with respect to a cooperative task, but an external bias favors the genes of those individuals actually participating in the task. We evaluate this selection model on a cooperative predation task in digital organisms, where feasible solutions can be carried out by either homogeneous or heterogeneous teams. Our results show that, consistent with earlier studies, homogeneous teams tend to find better overall solutions than their heterogeneous counterparts. However, populations comprising teams with some degree of heterogeneity found solutions more frequently. Effectively, while evolution pushed heterogeneous teams toward functional homogeneity for this particular task, heterogeneity with a selection bias proved more effective at exploring the search space.
Powder Injection Molding of Implantable Grade Materials

In this paper the attributes of powder injection molding that influence the ability to implant a material are evaluated. Specific emphasis is given to technology readiness of stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chromium alloys since these are the most common alloys that are both implantable and metal injection moldable. Issues such as ductility and strengthening are discussed. Also, component size capability of the technology is discussed since prosthetic replacement pushes the upper size limit of the technology and implantable micro devices that require MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) scale features push the lower limit.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Social Exclusion and Selective Memory: How the Need to belong Influences Memory for Social Events

The need to belong has been forwarded as a pervasive human motive, influencing a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. The current research explored the influence of belongingness needs on the selective retention of social information. Just as physical hunger results in selective memory for food-relevant stimuli, it was hypothesized that social hunger, aroused when belongingness needs were unmet, would result in selective memory for socially relevant stimuli. In two studies, the authors used a simulated computer chat room to present brief acceptance or rejection experiences to participants. Participants then read a diary containing both social and individual events. In both, rejection experiences resulted in selective memory for the explicitly social events of the diary. The implications of these results for the existence and consequences of a basic need to belong are discussed.
Determination of pentaborane in air by means of activated carbon.

(1960). Determination of Pentaborane in Air by Means of Activated Carbon. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 15-19.
Dual function for a unique site within the β2I domain of integrin αMβ2

Abstract Integrin activation has been postulated to occur in part via conformational changes in the I domain of the β subunit (the βI domain), especially near the F-α7 loop, in response to “inside-out” signaling. However, direct evidence for a role of the F-α7 loop in ligand binding and activity modulation is still lacking. Here, we report our finding that the F-α7 loop (residues 344–358) within the β2I domain has dual functions in ligand binding by αMβ2. On the one hand, it supports intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) binding to αMβ2 directly as part of a recognition interface formed by five noncontiguous segments (Pro192–Glu197, Asn213–Glu220, Leu225–Leu230, Ser324–Thr329, and Glu344–Asp348) on the apex of the β2I domain. On the other hand, it controls the open and closed conformation of the αMβ2 receptor, thereby indirectly affecting αMβ2 binding to other ligands. Switching the five constituent sequences of the ICAM-1-binding site within the β2I domain to their β1 counterparts destroyed ICAM-1 binding but had no effect on the gross conformations of the receptor. Of the five ICAM-1 binding-defective mutants, four had normal or even stronger interaction with Fg and C3bi, as reported in our previous study. Synthetic peptides derived from the identified site inhibited αMβ2-ICAM-1 interaction and supported direct binding to ICAM-1. Most importantly, perturbation of the F-α7 loop caused conformational changes within the β2I domain, which was further propagated to other regions of αMβ2. Altogether, our data demonstrate that inside-out signaling could modulate ligand binding directly by changing the ligand-binding pocket per se and/or indirectly by inducing multiple conformational changes within the receptor.
Responses of primate spinothalamic neurons located in the sacral intermediomedial gray (Stilling's nucleus) to proprioceptive input from the tail.

Abstract Extracellular and intracellular recordings were obtained from 24 spinothalamic neurons located in the intermediomedial gray (Stilling's nucleus) in the S2 and S3 spinal segments of anesthetized adult monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ). Most units were spontaneously active. They lacked cutaneous receptive fields but could be excited by subcutaneous receptors. Bending the tail to one side of the animal's body axis excited cells located on the contralateral side of the cord and inhibited ipsilateral cells. The firing rate of each cell was a reproducible function of the angle of the portion of the tail distal to the innervated segment. Cells responded with a burst of spikes to electrical stimulation of low threshold ipsilateral primary afferent fibers in the homosegmental dorsal root. The latency of the underlying synaptic potential was 0.5–0.7 from the time of arrival of the afferent volley at the cord, indicating monosynaptic input. Low intensity stimulation of the contralateral homosegmental dorsal root inhibited background activity. The latency of the underlying inhibitory synaptic potential was 0.8–1.1 ms, suggesting crossed disynaptic inhibition. We conclude that sacral spinothalamic tract neurons located in the intermediomedial gray participate in signalling the spatial orientation of the animal's tail.
Inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in hepatoblastoma cells.

Background An increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins is regularly found in malignant cells, contributing to their clonal expansion by conferring an improved survival ability. In Hepatoblastoma (HB) apoptosis regulation contributes to resistance and therapy failure, therefore we modulated apoptosis sensitivity of HB cells for an improved cytotoxic activity of commonly used drugs. Procedure Apoptosis-related proteins were quantified in HB cells (HuH6 and HepT1) using protein assays. Interaction of ABT-737, a small-molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-W with cytotoxic drugs was monitored in a proliferation assay. Apoptosis induction was measured by caspase-3 activity. Results We found high levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Bcl-X as well as low levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and Bad in both HB cell lines. ABT-737 induced apoptosis in HuH6 and HepT1 cells at concentrations higher than 1 µM. ABT-737 also enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin (CDDP), doxorubicin (DOXO), etoposide and paclitaxel when used as combination therapy. HuH6 expressed slightly higher pro-apoptotic and lower anti-apoptotic protein levels than HepT1, which may explain the stronger enhancement of cytostatic drug effects in HuH6 cells when treated in combination with ABT-737. Conclusion The observed anti-apoptotic phenotype in HB cell lines may contribute to resistance to cytotoxic drugs used in the standard treatment protocol of HB. These pre-clinical results suggest that apoptosis sensitizers with BH-3 mimicry, such as ABT-737, should be further evaluated in preclinical models of HB. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1089–1095. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Relationship between Flux Rope Acceleration and Thermal Energy Release in a Model of Eruptive Solar Phenomena

In this paper, we examine the relationship between the thermal energy release rate and the flux rope acceleration in a loss-of-equilibrium CME model. The model consists of a flux rope in equilibrium in the corona and two point sources at the chromosphere. As the point sources are brought together quasi-statically, the equilibrium state of the flux rope is disturbed, and an eruption occurs. After the eruption begins, a current sheet forms under the flux rope. The thermal energy release rate is assumed to be equal to the Poynting flux swept into the current sheet as the flux rope accelerates. We find that the flux rope acceleration and the thermal energy release rate are well correlated when the background magnetic field is high and the reconnection rate is fast. They are not well correlated for events with low magnetic fields and slow reconnection rates.
Microelectrophoresis of brain and pineal proteins in polyacrylamide gel

Abstract A polyacrylamide gel microelectrophoresis apparatus and techniques to fractionate cytoplasmic proteins contained in supernatant from 0.8 to 2 mg rat brain tissue are described. This system provides a marked increase in resolution over previously described methods. It allows the use of minimal amount of proteins in manageable sample sizes. It has the advantage of rapid application of stain, fixative, or precipitable substrate without removing the gel from its protective container. The relatively great surface area of the gel permits the application of sufficient current to maintain excellent resolution without noticeable heating. This method was applied to the extracts of rat pineal, anterior hypothalamus, putamen, and cortical areas 1, 2, and 3 gray and white matter. As many as 19 bands were observed migrating toward the anode. Major quantitative and minor qualitative variations are found to exist among areas studied.
Challenges and Opportunities for Collecting and Sharing Data on Water Governance Institutions

This article explores the usability and availability of data needed for investigating the interplay between institutional arrangements (i.e. rules, regulations, policy, compacts, laws) and water resource outcomes. It examines a sample of 33 water governance and water research organizations’ websites for publicly available datasets containing linked information on institutions and water resource conditions or outcomes. While scholars and decision-makers alike have identified institutional arrangements as an important aspect of improving water governance, their calls for enhancing publicly available institutional data remain unanswered. Within our sample of websites, few datasets link institutions and water resource conditions or outcomes and those that do limit the institutional data to jurisdictional boundaries. More in-depth and diverse institutional data are required to understand which governance tools and structures do and do not work in varying contexts. This will require funding of strategically located, place-based data collection efforts, more transparent and replicable data collection instruments, and coding and storage of institutional data for enhanced data integration.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of BK Channel Splice Variant Stability by miR-9 Underlies Neuroadaptation to Alcohol

Tolerance represents a critical component of addiction. The large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel (BK) is a well-established alcohol target, and an important element in behavioral and molecular alcohol tolerance. We tested whether microRNA, a newly discovered class of gene expression regulators, plays a role in the development of tolerance. We show that in adult mammalian brain, alcohol upregulates microRNA miR-9 and mediates posttranscriptional reorganization in BK mRNA splice variants by miR-9-dependent destabilization of BK mRNAs containing 3'UTRs with a miR-9 Recognition Element (MRE). Different splice variants encode BK isoforms with different alcohol sensitivities. Computational modeling indicates that this miR-9-dependent mechanism contributes to alcohol tolerance. Moreover, this mechanism can be extended to include regulation of additional miR-9 targets relevant to alcohol abuse. Our results describe a mechanism of multiplex regulation of stability of alternatively spliced mRNA by microRNA in drug adaptation and neuronal plasticity.
On Certain Integral Equations of Convolution Type with Bessel-Function Kernels

In this paper we first obtain elementary solutions of the integral equations and Using these solutions we then define operators of fractional integration. These operators may be regarded as a generalisation of the operators of fractional integration introduced by Sneddon ( 1 ) as a modification of Erde1yi–Kober operators. In fact Erdelyi–Kober–Sneddon operators may be obtained by multiplying both sides of the equations by α -1½β and considering the limiting case α→0. We employ these operators to find a generalisation of the Mellin transform.
Structural studies on porcine hemopexin

Abstract 1. 1. Porcine hemopexin was isolated from the serum of a single animal and purified to homogeneity. 2. 2. Porcine hemopexin has an apparent M w of 67,000, binds heme in a 1:1 molar ratio and consists of 24% N-linked oligosaccharides. The amino acid composition of porcine hemopexin compares well with the amino acid composition of human and rabbit hemopexins. 3. 3. Limited tryptic hydrolysis of apohemopexin generates stable peptides of apparent M w 42,000, 25,000, 24,000 and 21,000. The tryptic peptide of apparent M w 42,000 (peptide I) binds heme in a 1:1 molar ratio, consists of 33% N-linked oligosaccharides and is derived from the amino terminal of intact hemopexin. The three peptides of smaller- M w (collectively peptide II) represent the carboxyl terminal half of hemopexin, do not contain N-linked oligosaccharides and have no heme-binding capability. The M w heterogeneity of peptide II is likely due to cleavage at secondary sites. 4. 4. Under nondissociating electrophoresis two bands are resolved for hemopexin and peptide I. indicating the possibility of polymorphism in porcine hemopexin.
Global solar dynamo models: simulations and predictions of cyclic photospheric fields and long-term non-reversing interior fields

We review progress made in simulating and predicting principal properties of solar cycles using flux-transport dynamo models and predictive tools. We show that such models provide a consistent plausible theory for the following solar cycle properties: cycle period, phase relation between poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields, field symmetry about the equator, cycle 23 polar field amplitudes and reversal timings, timing of the end of cycle 23, and the relative peaks of cycles 16?23, as well as forecasts for the upcoming peak of cycle 24. The same model is also used to show that so-called 'interface' dynamo solutions do not calibrate well to solar observations, and that the current solar dynamo may be a significant source of high amplitude very long lived non-reversing toroidal field in the solar interior.
MUC/MET Evaluation Trends

During the course of the Tipster Program, evaluation methodology for information extraction developed as the technology progressed. Multiple task levels and multiple languages were successful targets of information extraction. Automated scoring and statistical significance algorithms were developed for use in scoring systems and for interannotator agreement measures. The scoring interface allowed both system developers and annotators to analyze errors and improve their work. This software and the marked datasets are now in the public domain. Future projects are being carried out based on simplifications indicated by the data, downstream applications, and tractability of scoring algorithms.
Quantum statistical testing of a quantum random number generator

The unobservable elements in a quantum technology, e.g., the quantum state, complicate system verification against promised behavior. Using model-based system engineering, we present methods for verifying the operation of a prototypical quantum random number generator. We begin with the algorithmic design of the QRNG followed by the synthesis of its physical design requirements. We next discuss how quantum statistical testing can be used to verify device behavior as well as detect device bias. We conclude by highlighting how system design and verification methods must influence effort to certify future quantum technologies.
Nitric Oxide as a Putative Transmitter in Aplysia: Neural Circuits and Membrane Effects

Nitric oxide (NO) is proposed as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. Histochemical staining and physiological studies suggest that it may be used as a transmitter in invertebrates as well. We stained the CNS of Aplysia using NADPH-diaphorase as a marker for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to identify neurons, fibre tracts, neuropil and synaptic terminals where NO may be produced. We found a few (3-6) densely stained neurons in most central ganglia and 30 or so bilaterally represented neurons in the cerebral ganglion. Axons, as well as cell bodies, were stained. They joined well defined stained fibre tracts in the ganglia and interganglionic connectives. Several conspicuous synaptic glomeruli were stained, including the lateral terminus of the optic tract. Antiserum to myomodulin, a transmitter/modulator, also stained the lateral terminus. Peripheral nerves including the optic, tentacular and lip nerves contained stained fibres. Select cerebral E-cluster neurons, impaled with micropipettes, responded to the NO generating compounds SIN-1 (3 morpholino-sydnonimine) and s-nitrosocysteine (S-NC). The membrane potential depolarized ca 10 mV, membrane resistance increased and spike activity increased. Degassed solutions had no effect. 8-bromo-cGMP mimicked the effect of SIN-1 and S-NC, suggesting that NO effects may be mediated by activation of guanylate cyclase. NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons were impaled and found to produce synaptic depolarization of follower neurons that also were responsive to SIN-1 and S-NC. The combined evidence identifies NO as a putative transmitter/ modulator in the Aplysia nervous system.
Comparison of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone for the Treatment of Acute Pain Associated with Fractures: A Double‐blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of oxycodone and hydrocodone for the treatment of acute pain. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous reports have compared the efficacies of these commonly prescribed agents. Objectives To compare the efficacies of oxycodone and hydrocodone for the treatment of acute pain associated with fractures in emergency department (ED) patients. Methods This prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at an urban trauma center with an annual census of 65,000. Eligible participants included ED patients over the age of 12 years with fractures who consented to participate. Subjects were randomized to receive either oxycodone (5 mg orally [po]) with acetaminophen, or hydrocodone (5 mg po) with acetaminophen. Measurements included demographic information; pain scores on a verbal numeric rating scale at baseline and at 30 and 60 minutes; vital signs at baseline and at 30 and 60 minutes; and adverse effects. Ninety-five-percent confidence intervals (95% CIs) constructed about means and proportions were used to assess differences between the oxycodone and hydrocodone groups in analgesic efficacy and side effects. Results Seventy-three subjects were randomized to receive oxycodone or hydrocodone. Sixty-seven subjects completed the ED study period (n = 35, oxycodone; n = 32, hydrocodone). There was no difference between the two groups in age, weight, gender, ethnicity, diagnoses, baseline pain scores, or vital signs. Patients in both groups had pain relief from baseline to 30 minutes (oxycodone mean change 3.7, 95% CI = 2.9 to 4.6; hydrocodone mean change 2.5, 95% CI = 1.7 to 3.3), and from baseline to 60 minutes (oxycodone mean change 4.4, 95% CI = 3.2 to 5.6; hydrocodone mean change 3.0, 95% CI = 2.1 to 3.9). There was no difference in pain between the patients treated with oxycodone and hydrocodone at 30 minutes (mean difference between groups -0.6, 95% CI = -1.8 to 0.5) or at 60 minutes (mean difference -0.5, 95% CI = -2.0 to 1.0). There was no difference between the groups in nausea, vomiting, itching, or drowsiness; however, the hydrocodone patients had a higher incidence of constipation (oxycodone 0%, hydrocodone 21%, difference in proportions 21%, 95% CI = 3% to 39% more with hydrocodone). Conclusions Treatment with acetaminophen and either oxycodone, 5 mg po, or hydrocodone, 5 mg po, resulted in pain relief among ED patients with acute fractures, and there was no difference between the two agents at 30 and 60 minutes. Adverse effect profiles were similar, with the exception of a higher incidence of subsequent constipation with the use of hydrocodone. These results suggest that oxycodone and hydrocodone have similarly potent analgesic effects in the first hour of treatment for ED patients with acute fractures.
A study of the temperature of the particles of the gunite-powder along the length of the torch (flame jet)

The suggested procedure for calculating the temperature to which the particles of the gunite-powder are heated up along the length of the torch (flame jet) makes it possible to obtain a quick solution to the problem of selecting the coarseness of the material of the gunite-powder and the working length of the burner flame for carrying out the guniting operation using a circular nozzle. The procedure permits one to calculate the temperature to which the particles of the gunite-powder are heated up along the length of the torch (flame jet) for the burners having flat nozzles.
A disconnect between O horizon and mineral soil carbon - implications for soil C sequestration.

Abstract Changing inputs of carbon to soil is one means of potentially increasing carbon sequestration in soils for the purpose of mitigating projected increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The effect of manipulations of aboveground carbon input on soil carbon storage was tested in a temperate, deciduous forest in east Tennessee, USA. A 4.5-year experiment included exclusion of aboveground litterfall and supplemental litter additions (three times ambient) in an upland and a valley that differed in soil nitrogen availability. The estimated decomposition rate of the carbon stock in the O horizon was greater in the valley than in the upland due to higher litter quality (i.e., lower C/N ratios). Short-term litter exclusion or addition had no effect on carbon stock in the mineral soil, measured to a depth of 30 cm, or the partitioning of carbon in the mineral soil between particulate- and mineral-associated organic matter. A two-compartment model was used to interpret results from the field experiments. Field data and a sensitivity analysis of the model were consistent with little carbon transfer between the O horizon and the mineral soil. Increasing aboveground carbon input does not appear to be an effective means of promoting carbon sequestration in forest soil at the location of the present study because a disconnect exists in carbon dynamics between O horizon and mineral soil. Factors that directly increase inputs to belowground soil carbon, via roots, or reduce decomposition rates of organic matter are more likely to benefit efforts to increase carbon sequestration in forests where carbon dynamics in the O horizon are uncoupled from the mineral soil.
Bleeding risk and safety profile related to the use of eptifibatide: a current review

Introduction: Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that blocks the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Its major adverse effect is bleeding. Balancing its safety and efficacy is paramount for its appropriate usage. Areas covered: The development of eptifibatide and its mechanism of action are explored. Clinical trials evaluating its efficacy and safety in a variety of clinical settings, as well as newer dosing regimens, are discussed. Readers will be able to understand the bleeding risks of eptifibatide in specific patient populations. Expert opinion: The risk of bleeding with eptifibatide needs to be weighed against the potential benefits. Understanding which patients are at higher risk of bleeding will help the clinician make appropriate decisions.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Arrays with Ultra-Uniform Length Electrodeposited in Highly Ordered Alumina Nanopores(“Alumite”)

We report nanometer-scale ordered arrays of cylindrical magnetic nanoparticles with low aspect ratio and ultra-high uniformity. Protracted anodization provides hexagonally ordered nanopores in amorphous Al 2 O 3 . For instance, pulsed electrochemical deposition grows Co particles of uniform length from the bottoms of these pores: these particles are polycrystalline and randomly oriented. The magnetism of the array is dominated by particle shape and by inter-particle magnetostatic interactions. A very clear transition of the anisotropy from perpendicular to in-plane is observed at a height to radius ratio of about 2. This pulse-reverse electrodeposition shows great promise for a reliable synthesis of uniform nanostructures of many metals.
SPATIAL COMPETITION WITH CHANGING MARKET INSTITUTIONS

SUMMARY Competition across space can be fundamentally altered by changes in market institutions. We propose a framework that integrates market-altering policy changes in the spatial analysis of competitive behavior and incorporates endogenous breaks in explanatory variables for spatial panel datasets. This paper fills a gap in the literature between work focusing on spatial price responsiveness of agents and work on changes in market regulations that affect competition. We apply the framework to an important current fishery management policy to explore how a change from aggregate to individual fishing quotas affects the spatial price responsiveness of fish processors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Albinism: Classification, clinical characteristics, and recent findings

ABSTRACTPurpose.To describe the clinical characteristics and recent findings in the heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of melanin biosynthesis grouped as “albinism.”Methods.The current classification of albinism, and the cutaneous, ocular, and central nervous system characteristics are prese