cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plough fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas: a biomechanical investigation.

“Plough” fracture, in which the odontoid ploughs through and causes a high-energy shear fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas, has been documented in clinical case studies and classified as clinically unstable. Our objectives were to develop a biomechanical model to simulate atlantal plough fracture and investigate injury mechanisms. Horizontally aligned head impacts into a padded barrier were simulated using a human upper cervical spine specimen (occiput through C3) mounted to a surrogate torso mass on a sled and carrying a surrogate head. We divided 13 specimens into 3 groups based upon head-impact location: upper forehead in the midline, upper lateral side of the forehead, and upper lateral side of the head. Post-impact fluoroscopy and anatomical dissection documented the injuries. Time-history biomechanical responses were determined for neck loads, accelerations, and motions. A single specimen sustained a plough fracture variant to the atlantal anterior arch due to impact to the upper forehead and continued forward torso momentum. Horizontal velocity of C3 at the time of forehead impact was 2.7 m/s. This specimen had an anteriorly displaced fracture fragment consisting of the inferior portion of the atlantal anterior arch together with multiple complete fractures of the axis. Peak force occurred first at the impact barrier (1,903.0 N; 47 ms) followed by the neck (1,715.9 N; 58 ms). Forward translation ended at 48 ms for the head and 72 ms for the C3 vertebra. Our present results, though preliminary, indicate that plough fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas likely occurred immediately following or simultaneously with associated axis fractures at approximately 58 ms following impact to the upper forehead. The present injury response data highlighted the role of load transfer from torso momentum to the upper cervical spine to produce anterior shear force and forward displacement of the dens and bony fragment of the anterior arch of the atlas relative to the C1 ring.
A Meta-Composite Software Development Approach for Translational Research

Translational researchers conduct research in a highly data-intensive and continuously changing environment and need to use multiple, disparate tools to achieve their goals. These researchers would greatly benefit from meta-composite software development or the ability to continuously compose and recompose tools together in response to their ever-changing needs. However, the available tools are largely disconnected, and current software approaches are inefficient and ineffective in their support for meta-composite software development. Building on the composite services development approach, the de facto standard for developing integrated software systems, we propose a concept-map and agent-based meta-composite software development approach. A crucial step in composite services development is the modeling of users' needs as processes, which can then be specified in an executable format for system composition. We have two key innovations. First, our approach allows researchers (who understand their needs best) instead of technicians to take a leadership role in the development of process models, reducing inefficiencies and errors. A second innovation is that our approach also allows for modeling of complex user interactions as part of the process, overcoming the technical limitations of current tools. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach using a real-world translational research use case. We also present results of usability studies evaluating our approach for future refinements.
Clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix in young women.

This report describes 2 cases of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix in adolescent girls in whom a history of maternal administration of diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy was obtained. In 1 case other pathology was also present in other portions of the endocervix. The 1st case was a 16-year-old girl with a history of vaginal spotting and irregular periods for over a year. Examination revealed a large mass replacing the cervix and parametrial involvement. 1 month after completion of radiation therapy pelvic examination revealed no clinical evidence of remaining tumor. 4 months later a radical hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy with pelvic node dissection showed no residual visable malignancy. 4 years later she shows no evidence of recurrent tumor. The 2nd case was a 15-year-old girl who had noted vaginal discharge for 5 months. Pelvic examination showed an eroded tumor covering most of the cervix. A radical hysterectomy was done with hemivaginectomy deep pelvic node dissection and an incidental appendectomy. When last seen 3 years later there was no evidence of recurrence on pelvic examination. The patients mother gave a history of 5 previous miscarriages and had been given DES during the first trimester of the pregnancy at risk because of vaginal bleeding. Most reported cases of vaginal adenocarcinoma in young women have been associated with intrauterine exposure to DES or other synthetic carcinogenic substances and with vaginal adenosis. Preliminary data record an 18% mortality rate with an additional 8% recurrence. Since cases have mostly occurred after puberty following a long latent period it is possible that the endogenous steroid hormones play a role in acting on epithelium previously primed during the first trimester of fetal life. Failure of the primitive mullerian epithelium to transform to a low stratified squamous type which normally occurs toward the end of the first trimester of pregnancy may represent the initial step in the later development of vaginal aadenosis and adenocarcinoma.
Adaptive deadband control of a drifting process with unknown parameters

Abstract Adjusting a drifting process to minimize the expected sum of quadratic off-target and fixed adjustment costs is considered under unknown process parameters. A Bayesian approach based on sequential Monte Carlo methods is presented. The benefits of the resulting “deadband” adjustment policy are studied.
Development and reproduction of fall armyworms on several wild grasses.

We studied the development and fecundity of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) on 16 food plants and an artificial bean diet. We found highly significant differences in the amount of food consumed, larval duration, pupal weights, and egg production. Goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.). Gaertn., large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., vaseygrass, Paspalum urvillei Steud., and coastal bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., were the most suitable hosts for fall armyworm growth and development. Yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L., Cyperus globulosus Aubl., and Texas panicum, Panicum texanum Buckl., were the least suitable.
Treatment of terminal restlessness: a review of the evidence.

Terminal restlessness is an important issue in the management of symptoms at the end of life with between 25% and 88% of dying patients exhibiting this condition.1–5 The purpose of this review was ...
Genetic influences on blood pressure response to the cold pressor test: results from the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention Heart Study.

OBJECTIVES Blood pressure (BP) response to the cold pressor test (CPT) has been found to predict the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in prospective studies. The determinants of BP response to the CPT, including the role of genetic factors, however, are largely unknown. Additionally, to our knowledge, no study has examined the genetics of BP recovery from the CPT, including whether shared genetic factors influence both reactivity and recovery. METHODS As part of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention Heart Study, we administered a 2.5 min hand CPT to 835 participants from 18 extended Amish families. We estimated the heritability of BP reactivity and recovery (measured by the incremental area under the curve) and the genetic correlations between baseline, reactivity, and recovery BP phenotypes. RESULTS After adjusting for relevant covariates, including baseline BP, the heritability estimates for both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) reactivity and recovery differed significantly from zero (P < 0.01), with 12-25% of the total variation in BP response attributable to additive genetic effects. The genetic correlations between baseline DBP and response phenotypes were not significantly different from zero, whereas the genetic correlation between DBP reactivity and recovery (0.74) was significantly different from zero and 1 (P < 0.005). The genetic correlation between SBP reactivity and recovery was similar (0.81; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION We conclude that, independent of baseline BP, BP response to CPT is heritable, and that both shared and unshared genetic factors influence BP reactivity and recovery, thus stressing the importance of identifying genetic variants that influence both traits.
Screening for fall risk in patients with haemophilia

Many risk factors for falls identified in the general population are found in patients with haemophilia. Furthermore, fall risk increases with age and patients with haemophilia are increasingly entering the over 65 age group. After a fall occurs, there are often behavioural changes that have significant health consequences and further increase fall risk. Fall risk can be quickly assessed in the clinical setting with specific questions in the medical history and by a variety of performance-based screening tools. Identification of fall risk enables early intervention, thereby preventing injury and fear of physical activity, both of which have been associated with falling and may carry an increased risk in patients with haemophilia. Review of the existing literature on assessment of fall risk reveals the importance of screening in the clinical setting, which is commonly done via a fall history and performance-based assessment tools. Selecting appropriate fall risk screening tools is an important step in identifying and providing optimal interventions for those at risk. Assessments of fall history, fear of falling, gait velocity, gait variability and vestibular dysfunction are suggested as screening tools for patients with haemophilia. Additional research is needed to determine the optimal screening, evaluation and treatment techniques for these patients. The longitudinal physical therapy care provided by Haemophilia Treatment Centres presents a unique opportunity for instituting measures that will reduce the incidence of falling in patients with haemophilia.
A finite element method for calculating stress intensity factors and its application to composites

Abstract A concept which allows for the development of efficient finite element techniques in the analysis of plane elastic structures containing cracks is discussed. It consists of combining a specially defined finite element in the region surrounding each crack tip with conventional CST elements describing the remaining portion of the geometry considered. For the special element a pair of displacement functions is chosen which adequately represents the singular character of the elastic solution at the crack tip. The application of this concept is illustrated through a specific numerical method developed by W. K. Wilson for the calculation of mode I stress intensity factors. Wilson's method was coded and used to analyze an infinitely long strip under tension with a line crack perpendicular to its axis of symmetry. Circular inclusions of different material properties were assumed to be present near the tips of the crack and their effect on the mode I stress intensity factor was investigated. It was found that more flexible inclusions increase the intensity factor while more rigid inclusions decrease it. These results are quite similar to those obtained by analytical methods in an analogous problem involving an infinite sheet, but in the case of a strip, the influence of inclusions on the intensity factor was found to be more pronounced.
Oral plasma feeding; a preliminary report on neonatal feedings.

Summary 1. Human plasma has been successfully administered by mouth to premature and neonatal infants with satisfactory results. So far as is known from available literature this is the first time plasma has been administered orally. 2. Reduced vomiting would indicate the absence of gastric irritation in this kind of feeding. It is not unlikely that plasma may act as a natural antacid in such feeding to reduce vomiting (Case 7). 22 3. Intestinal disturbance was likewise absent if the plasma when fed to infants was free of red cells and of suspicious antigens. 4. The fact that Nature's first nutrient substance is comparable in many respects to orally fed plasma solution, provided recognized and undesirable elements are absent, largely removes any natural and scientific disagreement from the idea of high protein neonatal feedings. 5. It is possible that hormones, such as estrogenic substances, vitamins, and immune material, could prove an added benefit to the newborn infant in this type of feeding. 6. It remains a problem for further intensive study to show whether human plasma could be replaced in this form of “intestinal transfusion” by a synthetic protein-salt-carbohydrate mixture, in which the protein substance is not of human origin. 7. The use of autogenic protein may be more beneficial to the newborn infant, whose capacity for antibody production is much smaller than in later periods of life. 8. Weight gain is not necessarily to be associated with the complex picture of plasma protein digestion, but rather with the ready absorption of plasma protein, a fact borne out by the single case (Case 6) in which an operation removed a pathologic obstruction. The cyanotic syndrome encountered in premature and neonatal infants, and which here faute de mieux , I call “the inanition cyanosis of the newborn incidental to hemoconcentration” has been successfully treated on three different occasions by the oral administration of plasma.
Mo1538 High Success Rate for Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC) System in the Acute Management of GI Tract Perforations: a Single Center Experience

CRD at 2.3 years after the initial banding procedure. None of the 8 esophageal varices banding patients experienced a bleeding complication compared to 7 of the 52 EMR-RFA patients (13.5%), however this difference did not approach statistical significance (PZ0.58). Limitations: Retrospective analysis; small number of patients; limited follow up. Conclusions: HGD-BE can be safely managed with EBL, with diligent monitoring for post-procedure hemostasis however resolution of dysplasia and Barrett’s epithelium is rarely achieved with banding alone. Further study is needed to assess safety of multiband mucosectomy and RFA after completion of EVL eradication.
THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS OF SOTALOL IN THE IMMATURE MAMMALIAN HEART

Sotalol (So), a new antiarrhythmic agent, is a beta-blocker that also has been shown to have some class III electrophysiologic (EP) effects. To evaluate the EP effects of So on the immature heart and to assess the relative importance of its class III actions, two groups of neonatal canines, ages 4-15 days, were studied and compared. Group I consisted of 6 puppies in whom EP studies were performed in the control state (C) and following 1.5, 2.5 and 4.0 mg/kg I.V. So. Group II consisted of 6 puppies in whom EP studies were performed prior to and following beta-blockade with 0.6 mg/kg I.V. propranolol (P). So caused a dose dependent decrease in heart rate (181 ± 27 to 125 ± 21 bpm, p< 0.001) while P caused no significant change (169 ± 9 to 159 ± 14, ns). So significantly prolonged atrial refractoriness (AERP: 67 ± 14 C, 117 ± 28 So; AFRP: 102 ± 9 C, 152 ± 31 So, p < 0.001) while P only slightly increased the AFRP (114 ± 12 C, 120 ± 10 P, p < 0.03). While the AV node FRP was prolonged by P (183 ± 9 C, 193 ± 19 P, p< 0.05) So caused a greater increase (171 ± 29 C, 244 ± 57 So, p< 0.01). Similarly, while P slightly increased the VERP (158 ± 12 C to 168 ± 13, p <0.05) So caused a far greater increase in ventricular refractoriness (VERP: 152 ± 26 C, 227 ± 41 So; VFRP: 173 ± 23 C, 253 ± 34 So, p < 0.001). Because the EP changes with beta-blockade in the immature heart are modest, the large changes in myocardial refractoriness induced by So must be largely due to a significant class III antiarrhythmic effect.
Properties of Syrian hamster cells transformed in the presence of carcinogenic hydrocarbons.

Abstract Mass cultures resulting from trypsinized whole Syrian hamster embryos were exposed to polycyclic hydrocarbons and were analyzed for morphology, growth rate, culture pattern, karyology and tumor production. Cell cultures exposed to carcinogens exhibited toxic response dependent upon the carcinogen used. Eventually cultures recovered, proliferated, and later were resistant to the addition of large amounts of either the original carcinogen or to a second carcinogen. Few abnormalities in cellular and clonal morphology relative to untreated culture were seen. Cultures derived from cells originally exposed to carcinogens grew to a saturation value 10 to 20 times greater than that of untreated secondary hamster embryo cultures. The cultures produced fibrosarcomatous growths when large numbers of cells were injected into irradiated hamsters. Differences were found in the chromosomal changes and in efficiency of cloning between the benzo(a)pyrene and 3-methylcholanthrene exposed cultures. Neither untreated control cultures nor cultures exposed to noncarcinogenic pyrene which had a finite life produced tumors. When the life of untreated cultures was extended by irregular subculturing no tumors resulted. Because of the long time interval between treatment and demonstration of neoplastic transformation it cannot be concluded that a direct carcinogen cell interaction was responsible for the transformation.
Right ventricular function and structure: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Recent studies of right ventricle (RV) structure and function have recognized the critical role of the RV in maintaining cardiac function. Previous studies on the RV have been limited by sample size and inadequate inclusion of participants from different races. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a large ongoing multi-center study that aims to investigate the subclinical progression of cardiovascular disease in an ethnically diverse clinically asymptomatic population.
Brain deposition and neurotoxicity of manganese in adult mice exposed via the drinking water

Natural leaching processes and/or anthropogenic contamination can result in ground water concentrations of the essential metal manganese (Mn) that far exceed the current regulatory standards. Neurological consequences of Mn drinking water (DW) overexposure to experimental animals, i.e., mice, including its brain deposition/distribution and behavioral effects are understudied. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to Mn via the DW for 8 weeks. After 5 weeks of Mn exposure, magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant Mn deposition in all examined brain regions; the degree of Mn deposition did not increase further a week later. Behaviorally, early hyperactivity and more time spent in the center of the arenas in an open field test, decreased forelimb grip strength and less time swimming in a forced swim test were observed after 6 weeks of Mn DW exposure. Eight-week Mn DW exposure did not alter striatal dopamine, its metabolites, or the expression of key dopamine homeostatic proteins, but it significantly increased striatal 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (a serotonin metabolite) levels, without affecting the levels of serotonin itself. Increased expression (mRNA) of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, an astrocyte activation marker), heme oxygenase-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, respectively) were observed 8 weeks post-Mn DW exposure in the substantia nigra. Besides mRNA increases, GFAP protein expression was increased in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In summary, the neurobehavioral deficits, characterized by locomotor and emotional perturbations, and nigral glial activation associated with significant brain Mn deposition are among the early signs of Mn neurotoxicity caused by DW overexposure.
Intersections of translated algebraic subtori

Abstract We exploit the classical correspondence between finitely generated abelian groups and abelian complex algebraic reductive groups to study the intersection theory of translated subgroups in an abelian complex algebraic reductive group, with special emphasis on intersections of (torsion) translated subtori in an algebraic torus.
Receiver-based loss tolerance method for 3D progressive streaming

While progressive compression techniques were proposed long time ago, fast and efficient streaming of detailed 3D models over lossy networks still remains a challenge. A primary reason is that packet loss occurring in unreliable networks is highly unpredictable, leading to connectivity inconsistency and distortions of decompressed meshes. Although prior researches have proposed various methods to handle errors caused by transmission loss, they are always accompanied by additional costs such as redundant transmission data, bandwidth overloads, and result distortions. In this paper, we address this problem from a receiver's point of view and propose a novel receiver-based loss tolerance scheme which is capable of recovering the lost data when streaming 3D progressive meshes over lossy networks. Specifically, we use some constraints during the model compression procedure on the server side, and suggest a prediction method to handle loss of structural and geometric data on the client/receiver side. Our algorithm works without any data retransmission or introducing any unnecessary protection bits. We stream mesh refinement data on reliable and unreliable networks separately so as to reduce the transmission delay as well as to obtain a satisfactory decompression result. The experimental results indicate that the decompression procedure can be accomplished quickly, suggesting that it is an efficient and practical solution. It is also shown that the proposed prediction technique achieves a very good approximation of the original mesh with low distortions, and in the mean time, error propagations are also well controlled.
Mexican American Adolescents' Family Obligation Values and Behaviors: Links to Internalizing Symptoms across Time and Context.

Family obligation is an important aspect of family relationships among families from Mexican backgrounds and can have significant implications for adolescents' well-being. Prior research and theory regarding youths' obligations offer conflicting hypotheses about whether it is detrimental or beneficial for adolescents' well-being. In the current longitudinal study, we used a daily diary method among 428 Mexican American adolescents and their parents to closely examine the impact of adolescents' family obligation values and family assistance behaviors on internalizing symptoms over time. The authors closely examined the role of the family context in these associations. Results suggest that family obligation values relate to declines in adolescents' internalizing symptoms, whereas family assistance behaviors are both a protective and risk factor, depending on the family context. Only when youths provide family assistance in response to acute changes in parental physical and psychological distress do family assistance behaviors relate to increases in adolescents' internalizing symptoms.
Contemporary Female Perspectives of Female Role Portrayals in Advertising

Abstract Acknowledging the decades of social awareness and diverse views on the portrayal of women in advertising, the authors evaluate the perceptions of a stratified sample of adult women in a large mid-Atlantic SMSA regarding their general perceptions of female role portrayals, company image, purchase intention, and female autonomy orientation responses. The results suggest that despite changes made in female role portrayals in recent years, the problem of avoiding negative reactions from women has not gone away. Analysis of structural relations indicates that a strong female autonomy orientation leads to criticality of female role portrayals, which in turn leads to criticality of sponsoring company image as well as propensity to boycott products featured in advertising which is perceived to be offensive.
Specificity of alloactivated human T lymphocyte clones in secondary proliferation, cell-mediated lympholysis and interleukin-2 release.

SUMMARY Alloreactive cytolytic T cell clones were generated from mixed leucocyte reactions (MLRs) between unrelated individuals. Two clones exhibited proliferative responses specific for class I HLA antigens B21 and B17. They were also found to be cytolytic toward cells bearing these HLA-B antigens as measured in cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) assays. Four clones exhibited primed lymphocyte test (PLT) and CML activity specific for various class II HLA antigens, namely DR1, DR5, DQw3 and DRw53. For each of these six clones, the CML specificity was identical to the PLT specificity. Both class I and class II specific clones released interleukin-2 (IL-2) upon restimulation with irradiated cells carrying the relevant HLA specificity. This stimulator-induced IL-2 release showed the same specificity pattern as that observed in the PLT assay. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibition studies on alloreactive T cell clones showed similar inhibition profiles of PLT, CML and IL-2 release assays. These findings suggest that cytolytic activity, secondary proliferation and IL-2 release by alloactivated T cells may be induced by the same HLA encoded determinant.
Application of the arc-length method for the stability analysis of solid unreinforced masonry walls under lateral loads

Abstract The stability behavior of slender unreinforced masonry members (URM) under out-of-plane lateral loads in proportion to the axial load is investigated, using a finite element model developed previously [Lu M, Schultz AE, Stolarski HK. Analysis of the influence of tensile strength on the stability of eccentrically compressed slender unreinforced masonry walls under lateral loads. Journal of Structural Engineering (ASCE) 2004;130(6):921–33]. However, significant changes are made to the solution procedure, the most important of which is application of the arc-length method. A very slender wall with a height–thickness ratio of 30 is used as an example for systematic analysis. The influence of tensile strength and slenderness parameter on the buckling capacity is also investigated. It is found that tensile strength, though very low, may produce peculiar phenomena in the post-buckling equilibrium paths. Lateral loads are shown to have a similar effect on the buckling behavior to vertical load eccentricity.
Childhood habit cough treated with consultation by telephone: a case report

Background Childhood habit cough has been treated successfully by making suggestions that it can be stopped, desensitization techniques, use of distractors, provision of rewards, and self-hypnosis. All of these techniques have involved personal contact between a health care provider and a patient.
Accuracy limits in the determination of absolute optical properties using time-resolved NIR spectroscopy

Time-resolved spectroscopy of tissue is considered to be a powerful tool in the NIR that can readily measure absorption and scattering properties of diffuse media. This can be done employing curve-shape fitting of the experimental measurements to the diffusion equation. Several experimental factors however can significantly affect the accuracy of the method and should be taken under consideration when quantitative measurements are desired. In this work we examine the influence of laser time drift and jitter, limited excitation of waveguide modes in multimode collection fibers and the finite width of the impulse response. The percent error in absorption coefficient calculation grows with an average rate of 5% error per 20 ps of time-uncertainty while the percent error in determining the reduced scattering coefficient increases with a rate of 10% per 20 ps of time uncertainty. Deconvolution is found necessary to compensate for photon dispersion higher than 50 ps. Furthermore the quantification accuracy is shown to be dependent on the medium optical properties in a non-linear fashion due to intrinsic time-characteristics of the diffusion process.
Geographies of Hope: Mining the Frontiers of Health in Denver and beyond, 1870-1965

Across the western landscape of the United States, health was a natural resource, mined and sold by late-nineteenth and twentieth-century town boosters and physicians to those afflicted with chronic pulmonary illnesses such as tuberculosis and asthma. Regional economies of health were built upon climate and sunshine. After the Second World War, children, rather than nature, increasingly became a vital resource upon which institutions such as Denver's Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children expanded the economic networks through which capital and drugs flowed. Despite these changes, the material traces of past landscapes lingered and resurfaced in the reconfigured places where hope dwelled.
Purinergic modulation of the seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazol in the rat.

Abstract The effects of various metabolically-stable analogs of adenosine on the threshold for seizures in rats was determined by measuring the dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), infused through a tail vein, required to elicit a myoclonic jerk. The adenosine receptor agonists, 2-chloroadenosine (2-ClAdo), cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and l - and d -phenylisopropyladenosine ( l - and d -Pia), all produced dose-dependent elevations of the seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazol in rats. l -Phenylisopropyl-adenosine was the most potent analog of adenosine tested with a dose as small as 5 μg/kg (i.v.) producing a 23% increase in seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazol. The rank order of the potency of adenosine agonists in increasing the seizure threshold was l -PIA > 2-ClAdo > CHA > d -PIA, with l -PIA being 79 times more potent than d -PIA. In contrast to these effects, the adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline, elicited a proconvulsant effect in doses from 15 to 60 mg/kg (i.p.). The effect of theophylline in reducing seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazol peaked at 30 mg/kg, a dose which reduced the seizure threshold by approx. 27%. Support for the involvement of recognition sites for adenosine in the observed modulation of seizure threshold was provided by the antagonism of the elevation of the seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazol induced by 2-ClAdo, by pretreatment with theophylline (5 mg/kg, i.v.). These findings provide support for the idea that endogenous adenosine may function as a regulator of seizure susceptibility.
Variation among and within smooth bromegrass collections from rural cemeteries

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) is poorly adapted to management-intensive rotational grazing because of slow and limited regrowth potential. In an effort to find existing germplasm with tolerance to frequent cutting, smooth bromegrass germplasm was collected from fence and sod habitats of 30 rural cemeteries in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Ramets of 25 clones from each habitat of each cemetery were transplanted into a replicated and randomized experiment at Arlington, WI, and evaluated from 1999 to 2002. Within-population genotypic variance was greater in sod populations for plant height and diameter. Across cemeteries, genotypic variances for regrowth vigor of sod and fence populations were positively correlated. These two results suggest that a large amount of genotypic variability is being maintained at some cemeteries by migration into sod populations and disruptive selection favoring different genotypes in the two habitats. Fence populations averaged 7.6% higher in reproductive forage yield, 9.5% higher in vegetative forage yield, 6.0% taller, 8.4% wider plant diameter, 4.7% higher regrowth vigor, and 6.9% higher frequent-harvest forage yield than sod populations. Sod populations tended to be more variable among cemeteries than fence populations, suggesting greater adaptive responses to selection pressure. Two sod populations were highly unusual, one with unusually fast regrowth arising from tillers that initiated obvious growth within 24 h after apical dominance was removed, the other with extremely high reproductive forage yield, but low regrowth vigor. This germplasm may have value in the development of smooth bromegrass germplasm with improved tolerance to frequent cutting or grazing.
The Influence of University R & D Expenditures on New Business Formations and Employment Growth

Since new firms generally lack the resources necessary to compete with their larger, older counterparts in the knowledge development process, we argue that they often rely on spillovers to fuel their own innovative efforts. Thus, we hypothesize that new firms will tend to form in areas characterized by high levels of university research and development (R & D) expenditures and that these births will in turn stimulate the local economy by generating increases in employment level and growth. We test our hypotheses at the U.S. labor market area level using secondary data from various government sources for the years 1990 through 1999. Our results demonstrate that university R & D expenditures are positively related to new firm formations, and that these new firm formations are positively related to employment level and change. These findings suggest that university R & D expenditures are an important indirect contributor to overall economic growth by encouraging primary and secondary firm births.
Evolutionary morphology of the rattlesnake style

The rattlesnake rattling system is an evolutionary novelty that includes anatomical, behavioral, and physiological modifications of the generalized pitviper tail. One such modification, the formation of a bony clublike style at the terminal region of the caudal vertebrae, has not previously been examined in a phylogenetic context. Here we used skeletal material, cleared and stained preparations, and radiographs of whole preserved specimens to examine interspecific variation in style morphology among 34 rattlesnake species. Evolutionary Principal Components Analysis revealed an inverse relationship between caudal segmental counts and style size, supporting the hypothesis that bone from caudal vertebral elements was reallocated to style formation during the evolution of this structure. Most of the basal rattlesnake species have small styles consisting of few compacted vertebral elements; however, early in the rattlesnake radiation there appears to have been two independent transitions to relatively large, pronged styles consisting of multiple coalesced vertebrae (once in Sistrurus catenatus, and once in Crotalus following the divergence of the Mexican long-tailed rattlesnakes). In terms of style shape, the two most divergent species, C. catalinensis and C. ericsmithi, provide insight into the possible relationship between style and rattle matrix morphology and lineage-specific evolutionary strategies for retaining rattle segments. The considerable interspecific variation in rattle morphology appears to correspond to variation in the bony style. We hypothesize that style morphology evolves indirectly as an integrated module responding to adaptive evolution on matrix morphology.
Continuous fluorescence depletion anisotropy (CFDA) measurement of protein rotation

Fluorescence depletion anisotropy (FDA) measurements of protein rotation combine the long lifetime of chromophore triplet states with the sensitivity of the fluorescence excitation and detection. Frequency domain (FDA) addresses certain practical limitations of time-domain procedures, such as the need for detector gating, but presents its own difficulties. We have combined time- and frequency-domain FDA methods into an efficient continuous technique (CFDA). Intensity and polarization of a single laser beam are modulated continuously according to a complex, repetitive waveform and fluorescence signals are averaged over recurring waveform periods by a low rearm time signal averager. Methods for extracting triplet decay and absorption anisotropy decay kinetics from data traces generated by arbitrary waveforms have been developed. For a sample of eosin-BSA in 86% glycerol at 9 degree(s)C, rotational correlation times of 77 micrometers and 137 microsecond(s) , initial anisotropies of 0.109 and 0.125 and limiting anisotropies of 0.017 and 0.022, were obtained by CFDA and cuvet FDA, respectively. Differences in results apparently arise from the weighing of decay components in CFDA by triplet lifetimes of individual components.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ELEMENTAL MAPPING OF A POST OAK LEAF USING A PROTON MICROPROBE

Elemental distributions in a post oak leaf was measured using the Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique and a proton microbeam at energy of 3 MeV with spatial resolution of 10 μm. The elements detected in this sample were Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr. Among them, spatial differences in the distribution of nine elements were observed between the vascular and mesophyll tissue. Si, Cl, K, and Ca were mostly accumulated in vascular tissue, while Mg, P, S, Cr, and Mn were for the most part accumulated in the mesophyll. The distribution of Ca appeared to follow cell wall contours. The distribution of some of these elements is compared to the function of the elements in living tissue and future possibilities for this type of investigation are discussed.
Ozone-induced alterations in collagen metabolism of rat lungs.

Abstract Rats were exposed to amounts of ozone ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 ppm for intervals of 1, 2, or 3 weeks. Collagen synthesis rates in their lungs were quantitated by biochemical analyses performed with lung minces. Correlative histological observations were made in different lung lobes from the same rats. At all levels of ozone tested, collagen synthesis rates of the lungs were significantly elevated and histologically discernible fibrosis of the alveolar duct walls was observed. Within the range of ozone concentrations studied, the elevation of collagen synthesis rate in exposed rats was a linear function of the level of ozone to which the animals were exposed. We conclude that exposure of rats to near-ambient levels of ozone causes biochemically and histologically discernible fibrotic changes in their lungs, suggesting that such effects may occur at levels of ozone at or near the current ambient air quality standard for this pollutant.
High Resolution Overtone Spectroscopy On A Molecular Beam

An apparatus for studying high resolution overtone spectroscopy on a molecular beam has been constructed. With it molecular overtone lineshapes with dramatically reduced spectral congestion and Doppler broadening can be interrogated. A high sensitivity, low temperature bolometer is used to monitor the energy content of the molecular beam. A continuously tunable narrow band laser source, efficiently amplified in a resonant Fabry Perot cavity through which the molecular beam travels, imparts vibrational energy to the molecules. This is then transferred to the bolometer and therefore gives rise to the spectrum when the frequency is scanned. uv = 4 overtones of H 2 O have been studied. Other molecules have also been considered and will be discussed in terms of the nearby density of dark states.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum changes accompanying rigor mortis.

INFORMATION on the behaviour of water in biological cells is essential to developing an understanding of the roles of that ubiquitous molecule in biological systems. This communication reports observations of nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of cod muscle over a period of time from shortly after death to the cessation of rigor mortis, which suggests that cellular water suffers a loss in structure and an increase in mobility during this time.
Implantation and redistribution of dopants and isolation species in GaN and related compounds

Twelve different elements used for doping or isolation were implanted into GaN (and selected species into AlN and InN), and the resulting range parameters were measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. For lighter elements such as Be, F and H, the agreement between experimental range and range straggle determined using a Pearson IV computer fitting routine and those predicted by TRIM 92 calculations was good, but for heavier elements such as Ge and Se, the discrepancy can be as much as a factor of two in range. There was little redistribution of any of the investigated species up to 700°C, except for 2H in AlN and S in GaN. Elements such as F and Be, which are generally rapid diffusers in III–V compounds, do not display any redistribution in GaN for temperatures up to 800°C.
Actively Controlled Radial Flow Pumping System: Manipulation of Spectral Content of Wakes and Wake-Blade Interactions

A unique, actively controlled pumping system allows independent control of inflow and impeller perturbations, as well as the phase shift between them. The basic configurations of an impeller and an impeller-diffuser blade system have been investigated, with the objective of manipulating the spectral content of the unsteadiness of the near-wave at the impeller discharge. Substantial alteration of the discrete spectral components can be attained. A central feature is the generation of a number of nonlinear interaction components, corresponding to sum and difference frequencies, of the forcing- and blade passing-frequencies and their harmonics
Evaluating recipient and embryo factors that affect pregnancy rates of embryo transfer in beef cattle.

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of corpus luteum characteristics, progesterone concentration, donor-recipient synchrony, embryo quality, type, and developmental stage on pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. We synchronized 763 potential recipients for estrus using one of two synchronization protocols: two doses of PGF2alpha (25 mg i.m.) given 11 d apart (Location 1); and, a single norgestomet implant for 7 d with one dose of PGF2alpha (25 mg i.m.) 24 h before implant removal (Location 2). At embryo transfer, ovaries were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography. Of the 526 recipients presented for embryo transfer, 122 received a fresh embryo and 326 received a frozen embryo. Pregnancy rates were greater (P 0.1). There was a significant, positive simple correlation between CL diameter or luteal tissue volume and plasma progesterone concentration (r = 0.15, P < 0.01 and r = 0.18, P < 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in mean CL diameter, luteal volume or plasma progesterone concentration among recipients that did or did not become pregnant after embryo transfer. We conclude that suitability of a potential embryo transfer recipient is determined by observed estrus and a palpable corpus luteum, regardless of size or quality.
Prevalence of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on late season volunteer corn in Mississippi: Implications on Bt resistance management

The southern United States has a long growing period between corn, Zea mays L., harvest and first winter frost, so volunteer corn which germinates after harvest has a growing period sufficient for corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) to feed on these plants. However, lower air temperatures can limit larval development on late season volunteer corn and thereby successful pupation. Here we explore the suitability of late season volunteer corn for larval development and the potential contribution of H. zea larvae to the overwintering population. Our survey revealed the occurrence of volunteer corn in high densities, with monthly mean densities ranging from 56,000 to 143,000 plants ha−1. H. zea larvae were found feeding on both vegetative and reproductive stage plants while S. frugiperda were only found on vegetative stage plants. An analysis of H. zea growing degree day (GDD) accumulations based on Mississippi weather data from 1980 to 2010 revealed that sufficient GDD to reach prepupation would always be accumulated before first frost if oviposition occurred by 9 September, with the probability of successful pupation decreasing rapidly thereafter. However, most of the H. zea larvae were oviposited after this, and could not reach pupation. Because S. frugiperda cannot overwinter in Mississippi, their ability to pupate was not examined. Low suitability of whorl stage corn for H. zea development coupled with low larval densities during this stage effectively diminish the number of larvae that complete development on late season volunteer transgenic corn expressing genes from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This limits the Bt resistance risk posed by larvae developing on late season volunteer corn in all but the most southern locations in the US.
Pathology of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, human herpesvirus 8, HHV-8) is a human herpesvirus, classified as a gamma-herpesvirus. KSHV is detected in Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and some cases of multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). Similar to other herpes viruses, there are two phases of infection, latent and lytic. In KSHV-associated malignancies such as KS and PEL, KSHV latently infects almost all tumor cells. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that each tumor cell contains one copy of KSHV in KS lesions. The oncogenesis by KSHV has remained unclear. Latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA)-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated malignancies through inhibition of apoptosis and maintenance of latency. Because all KSHV-infected cells express LANA-1, LANA-1 immunohistochemistry is a useful tool for diagnosis of KSHV infection. KSHV encodes some homologs of cellular proteins including cell-cycle regulators, cytokines and chemokines, such as cyclin D, G-protein coupled protein, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 and -2. These viral proteins mimic or disrupt host cytokine signals, resulting in microenvironments amenable to tumor growth. Lytic infection is frequently seen in MCD tissues, suggesting a different pathogenesis from KS and lymphoma.