cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Foveal cone pigments and sensitivity in young patients with Usher's syndrome.

Psychophysical and reflection retinal densi-tometric techniques were used to investigate foveal function of three patients (ages 14, 16, and 19 years) with Usher's syndrome who had good central visual acuity and, by ophthalmoscopic examination, normal foveal areas. During dark adaptation foveal sensitivity and its relation to proportion of cone pigment present were normal, but the kinetics of regeneration of the pigments were markedly abnormal. Measurements were made to consider the possibilities that the disorders of regeneration were associated with altered light-catching capacities of the patients' cone pigments, deranged transport of visual cycle substances between the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, or lingering photoproducts. None of these mechanisms fully accounted for the observed kinetics. The results suggested that abnormal kinetics of regeneration are among the earliest signs of malfunction of the foveal photoreceptor-pigment epithelial complex in some of the retinal degenerative disorders.
Numerical Study of Erosive Burning in Multidimensional Solid Propellant Modeling

Using numerical simulations, the combustion response of heterogeneous solid propellants to an imposed crossflow velocity field are examined. It is shown that this model flow is useful to capture the influence of shear flow in the so-called erosive burning phenomenon observed in actual experiments. Previous numerical studies on a model quarter-plane problem and on homogeneous solid propellants have shown that the presence of shear in the crossflow plays a role in increasing the heat transfer to the propellant surface, thus enhancing the burn rate. In the current work, the response of twoand three-dimensional packs to an imposed velocity field are first examined for different propellant morphologies and at different pressures. The imposed velocity field has its root in a separate nonreactive multiscale analysis. It is shown that, with the model flow, the variations of the erosive burning rate with shear parameters are captured, the trends being in line with experimental results. Furthermore, a comparison with experimental results present in the literature is examined, where it is shown that the results compare qualitatively well with the experiments using the estimated shear rates from the experiment. These results suggest that the influence of the shear flow on the primary diffusion flame may be a leading factor in the erosive burning effect.
Development of 12 new microsatellite markers for the naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber

Twelve novel microsatellite markers were developed for the naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber, a species characterized by a social structure analogous to that seen in eusocial insects. All but one locus (Hglab01) were found to be polymorphic across the 33 samples screened, with the number of alleles ranging from one to seven (average 3.58). Average observed and expected estimates of heterozygosity were 0.328 and 0.533, respectively. These are the first microsatellites developed for H. glaber and provide a useful tool for further population and mating system studies.
Application of symbolic computation in robot pose error modelling

This paper presents an application of symbolic computation in geometrical error modelling and simulation of an industrial robotic manipulator. A program named SCRPE (Symbolic Computation of Robot Pose Errors) has been developed to automatically generate error model equations for the end-eflector of N degree-of-freedom robots. The SCRPE utilizes symbolic manipulation capability of MACSYMA (a Lisp-base artificial intelligence language). The prime reasons of this work are to provide a base for comparison, performance assessment and accuracy judgment of numerous error calibration and compensation models available in the literature; and to represent output results in a concise form eliminating completely the manual derivation process. When such computer generated outputs are fed to a simulation program, saving in computational time for error estimation is realized. As an example, the mathematical error model considered here is based on small perturbation in link parameters defined in accordance with a classical Denavit-Hartenberg notation. The time required to compute first and second order terms of the model are compared for numerous robots. The worst case scenario takes 290 seconds for a PUMA 600 series robot, which is insignificant compared to the time required for accurate manual derivation. The SCRPE program is user-friendly, interactively menu-driven and has been developed on VAX 750 Digital computer under the VMS operating system. Interested readers can obtain the program copy by contacting the first author.
Evidence of quasi‐biennial oscillations in a general circulation model

Pulses with periods of nearly two years are known to influence weather and climate. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon has remained elusive. In this report we show that the time series of air temperature, air pressure, and ocean temperature calculated in a coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation model display quasi-biennial oscillations. The amplitude of the oscillation generally increases with latitude although its magnitude relative to the annual cycle decreases with latitude. The general circulation model we have studied does not incorporate the tropical stratosphere; this implies that tropospheric quasi-biennial oscillations originate within the troposphere-ocean system.
Free Fatty Acids Do not Influence the Concentrations Free Steroid Hormones in Serum under Physiological Conditions

In several recent studies it has been suggested that FFA may influence the concentrations of unbound steroid hormones in serum, but the experimental design of these studies has been questioned. We have reexamined the effects of oleic acid on the unbound concentrations of several steroid hormones in serum, including cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol. The results demonstrate that under physiological conditions, oleic acid does not affect the unbound concentrations of these hormones when assays are carried out with whole serum.
Crystal structures of two intermediates in the assembly of the papillomavirus replication initiation complex

Initiation of DNA replication of the papillomavirus genome is a multi-step process involving the sequential loading of viral E1 protein subunits onto the origin of replication. Here we have captured structural snapshots of two sequential steps in the assembly process. Initially, an E1 dimer binds to adjacent major grooves on one face of the double helix; a second dimer then binds to another face of the helix. Each E1 monomer has two DNA-binding modules: a DNA-binding loop, which binds to one DNA strand and a DNA-binding helix, which binds to the opposite strand. The nature of DNA binding suggests a mechanism for the transition between double- and single-stranded DNA binding that is implicit in the progression to a functional helicase.
A constructive algorithm for 2-D spectral factorization with rational spectral factors

Spectral factorization of para-Hermitian polynomial matrices nonnegative on the imaginary axis is known to play a crucial role in signal and system theory. Such factorization, although always feasible in one-dimensional (1-D) case, can be carried out in two-dimensional (2-D) case in a somewhat modified form. In this modified form, even spectral factors of scalar polynomials must be rational matrices (with normal rank one), analytic in the Cartesian products of open right half planes. Despite this constrained form, such spectral factors are important in the context of 2-D systems. The feasibility of such spectral factorization is apparent in view of classical results from algebraic geometry, but a constructive proof of it has not been available in system theoretic literature. By a selection of elementary techniques borrowed from different sources, we give a constructive algorithm for the aforementioned spectral factorization of 2-D para-Hermitian scalar positive definite polynomials, and thus, indirectly provide a constructive proof of the corresponding result for para Hermitian polynomial matrices as well. An example illustrating the main aspect of the algorithm is included. Analog of the result for discrete time systems, and comparisons with known 2-D spectral factorization results of other types are also included.
The hematotoxic effects of inhaled benzene on peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleen cells are increased by ingested ethanol.

Abstract For 13 weeks, groups of C57Bl 6J male mice were exposed to 300 ppm benzene by inhalation, 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, and to 5 or 15% ethanol in the drinking water, 4 days/week. The number and type of blood cells in the peripheral blood, marrow, and spleen were determined at regular intervals. Anemia and lymphocytopenia were observed in the peripheral blood of all benzene and benzene/ethanol-treated groups. These cytopenias, however, were more severe in the benzene/ethanol-treated mice. In addition, there was a transient increase of normoblasts in the peripheral blood of benzene/ethanol-treated mice which was not observed in mice treated with benzene alone or in control mice. Groups exposed to benzene or benzene/ethanol displayed reduced marrow and splenic cellularities but the reductions were more severe in mice exposed to benzene/ethanol. Specifically, these reduced cellularities were characterized by decreased numbers of lymphocytes in both marrow and spleen and decreased numbers of granulocytes and normoblasts in the marrow. In benzene/ethanol-treated mice a transient increase in the numbers of splenic normoblasts was observed which coincided with the transient appearance of normoblasts in the peripheral blood of these animals. This condition was not observed in mice treated with only benzene or only ethanol. Mice exposed to benzene/ethanol presented a greater degree of atypical cellular morphology than mice treated with benzene alone. These data suggest that the ingestion of ethanol increases the hematotoxicity of inhaled benzene.
The tale of (fusing) two uncertainties

This work addresses the problem of fusing spatio-temporal uncertainties obtained from heterogeneous location sources: on-board GPS devices and roadside sensors. We develop a model for combining the uncertain location-values from the different sources, which further narrows the possible locations of a given object. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed model may eliminate significant amount of the false positives, compared to the traditional space-time prism (bead) uncertainty models.
I have feelings, too

University of Houston Houston, Texas D uring the first few weeks of school I have watched and listened to you very closely. I know you have also watched me. I have learned a lot about you and I am sure you have learned a great deal about me. I am going to tell you some of the things about myself some things I want to be sure you know. I want you to know what makes me me. But, if I am to tell you these things you must not think less of me. I couldn't stand knowing you were judging me or my thoughts. For now, believe in me. If I know you believe in me, I will tell you much more of what is me. While I am like so many other persons, I am quite different from them. You must see me as being just a little different; not really different. If I were really different, I would be too noticeable, and I wouldn't like that. I do many things that make me seem a little different. In the classroom I may smile at you in my own way. When I raise my hand, I try to time my move just right so that you will notice me. I flick my hand to get your attention. Sometimes I want you to call on me so much I get excited and jump up and down and call out to you. At times when I do this you get upset with me and call me down, often hurting my feelings. But, I am soon O.K. You always seem to come back to me later to let me know you aren't still mad. I'll still take these risks though. It is important that you notice me. I am a risk taker. I take chances that may cause you concern. I often do things that I know will get me into trouble, but I do them anyway. I take risks just to see what you will let me get away with. I take many of these at the first of the school year, just to test you. Sometimes I'll talk with my friends even though you have gotten after me for doing so. All the time I am talking I am watching to see just how mad you are getting. I look at your face, and especially your eyes. If they look real mad I quit what I am doing. I look for any sign that you are going to come over to my desk. If I see you start in my direction I know I had better do something quickly. There are other risks I take throughout the year so that you will think I am a good person. I raise my hand even when I don't know the answer. I know that if I don't raise my hand you will surely know that I did not do my work. You may think less of me for it. I can take this kind of risk because I know that if you do call on me I can stall. Then, you will move on to someone else, not knowing for sure if I did or did not know the right answer. When I am sitting in class and want to talk to one of my friends, I'll take a risk. I'll go up to the pencil sharpener and on the way back to my seat, stop at my friend's desk to talk. When I do this, I always take a book or piece of paper with me. This is my out in case you catch me talking. You may notice how quickly I talk about those materials when you see me talking with my friends. When I do that sort of thing I want you to forget that I was talking when I was not sup-
Municipal financial reporting and competition among underwriters for new issues of general obligation bonds

. This study develops and tests the hypothesis that the quality and quantity of municipal financial information are positively associated with increased competition in the primary market for new issues of general obligation bonds. A measure of market competition, the number of underwriter bids tendered, is regressed on several market-related and issue-specific control variables and a group of financial reporting test variables. A sample of 224 new issues of municipal general obligation bonds sold by competitive bid between 1978 and 1983 is examined. The results generally support the hypothesis. Employment of an independent CPA firm auditor and more extensive disclosure increase competition, as expected. However, no support was found for the argument that holding a Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Conformance increases the level of underwriter competition. Resume. Les auteurs etablissent et verifient l'hypothese selon laquelle la qualite et la quantite d'information financiere municipale sont en relation positive avec l'augmentation de la concurrence sur le marche primaire pour les nouvelles emissions d'obligations generales. Une mesure de la concurrence sur le marche, soit le nombre d'offres de preneurs ferme, est soumise a une analyse de regression basee sur plusieurs variables de controle reliees au marche et particulieres a l'emission et sur un groupe de variables-tests reliees a l'information financiere. Les auteurs examinent un echantillon de 224 nouvelles emissions d'obligations municipales generales vendues par soumission concurrentielle entre 1978 et 1983. Les resultats obtenus corroborent de facon generale l'hypothese posee. Le recours a un verificateur d'un cabinet de CPA independant et la publication d'informations plus etendues accentuent la concurrence, comme prevu. Cependant, rien ne confirme l'hypothese selon laquelle la detention d'un Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Conformance intensifie le degre de concurrence chez les preneurs ferme.
Use of sibutramine to treat obesity

Medications are useful adjuncts to diet and exercise and may help patients lose weight and maintain significant weight loss (5%-10% from baseline). Pharmacologic approaches are indicated in those patients who have had prior weight-loss attempts, who have a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with comorbidity, and who are motivated and ready to undertake dietary and physical activity changes. This article provides a treatment algorithm to help physicians measure meaningful weight loss and proposes conservative blood pressure limits to guide the long-term prescription of sibutramine. Sibutramine can be a useful tool in the obesity treatment toolbox if used by knowledgeable practitioners.
Evaluation of sensory irritation from acrolein-formaldehyde mixtures

Groups of mice were exposed to eleven combinations of acrolein-formalldehyde atmospheres and their respiratory rate was monitored. A mathematical model, previously derived for analysis of taste receptor stimulation, was applied to the data obtained for each of the above chemicals alone and in combination. The results obtained suggest that such a model adequately described sensory irritation due to these chemicals and indicates that competitive agonism exists between acrolein and formaldehyde when present together.
Stakeholder Theory and Justice Issues: The Leap from Business Management to Contemporary International Law

In this article, the two authors examine the leap from business management to contemporary international law in the context of stakeholder theory. Because stakeholder theory was developed for business management, they provide a thorough account of the original framework. Furthermore, to illustrate the theory's application as a recently adopted parameter for the United Nations, they use former Secretary-General Kofi Atta Annan's 2004-report to the Security Council, "The Rule of Law and Transitional Justice in Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies". Proceeding on the hypothesis that while all premises ultimately match traditional positions in general jurisprudence, it appears that stakeholder theory nevertheless forces the United Nations to take sides in an unprecedented manner, especially pertaining to rights-typology and the credentials-checking for this. Finally, some of the most important implications are distilled as part of an attempt to formulate a few recommendations for United Nations justice managers and administrators.
GOOD GENES AND DIRECT SELECTION IN THE EVOLUTION OF MATING PREFERENCES

A model is used to study quantitatively the impact of a good genes process and direct natural selection on the evolution of a mating preference. The expression of a male display trait is proportional to genetic quality, which is determined by the number of deleterious mutations a male carries throughout his genome. Genetic variances and covariances, including the covariance between the preference and male trait that drives the good genes process, are allowed to evolve under an infinitesimal model. Results suggest that the good genes process generates only weak indirect selection on preferences, with an effective selection intensity of a few percent or less. If preferences are subject to direct natural selection of the intensity observed for other characters, the good genes process alone is not expected to exaggerate the male trait by more than a few phenotypic standard deviations, contrary to what is observed in highly sexually selected species. Good genes can, however, cause substantial exaggeration if preference genes are nearly selectively neutral. Alternatively, direct selection on preference genes, acting on mating behavior itself or on the genes' pleiotropic effects, can cause mating preferences and male display traits to be exaggerated by any degree. Direct selection of preference genes may therefore play an important role in species that show extreme sexual selection.
GMB: a tool for manipulating and animating graph data structures

This paper describes a tool graph originally developed for the Faust environment. Faust is a scientific program development environment being implemented at the Center for Supercomputing Research and Development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The graph tool comprises two major components: the Graph Manager that implements an abstract graph data type, and the Graph Browser that handles the details of displaying a subgraph of a graph created through the Graph Manager. The Graph Browser displays graph views, where a graph view is a subgraph of its parent graph. The concept of graph views is analogous to the concept of views in the traditional database sense. Several graph views may simultaneously exist for a single parent graph, where each view's subgraph depends on the context of the application requesting the view. Goals of the graph tool, GMB, included providing an abstract graph data type for general use and animating graphs efficiently.
Comparison of the extent of Nd:YAG and diode (810 nm) laser-induced thermal coagulation of human prostate: a histopathological analysis of acute response

The objective of the study was to compare the extent of thermocoagulation induced in the human prostate by two regimens of Nd:YAG laser (50 W X 60 s and 15 W X 180 s) and one regimen of diode (810 nm) laser (15 W X 180 s). Powers were measured at the fiber tip. The study was conducted in 6 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy because of malignancy whose prostates were treated transurethrally with laser radiation at the time of the procedure. The prostate specimens were retrieved approximately 90 minutes after laser treatment, and then prepared for histological examination. In all the cases, the diode laser was applied to the left side of the prostate and the Nd:YAG laser (either regimen) to the right side, in order to prevent treatment variables related to histological composition. Coagulation necrosis was confined within the transition zone in all the case and at times BPH was unaffected, if nodular. Similar depth of coagulation was observed for both Nd:YAG regimens (mean 12 mm, range 10 to 14) and the depth of coagulation was slightly less for the diode laser (mean 10.6 mm, range 8 to 14). Our results suggest that, at the studied dosimetries, the thermocoagulation effect of diode laser in the human prostate approximates to that seen with Nd:YAG laser.
Effects of mineral-supplement delivery system on frequency, duration, and timing of supplement use by beef cows grazing topographically rugged, native rangeland in the Kansas Flint Hills

The effects of mineral-supplement delivery system on patterns of supplement use by grazing beef cows were measured in 2 studies. Study 1 was conducted on 4 pastures grazed by pregnant, mature beef cows (BW = 562 ± 38 kg) from February to May. Study 2 was conducted on 4 pastures grazed by lactating beef cows (BW = 579 ± 54 kg) and their calves from May to September. Treatments were mineral delivered in salt-based, granular form (salty) or mineral provided in a low-protein, cooked, molasses-based block (sweet); both were fed ad libitum. The salty supplement was supplied to cattle via a covered mineral feeder; the sweet supplement was supplied via an open-topped barrel. Both salty and sweet supplements were deployed in each pasture. No additional salt was supplied to cattle. Forage use in the vicinity of each supplement-deployment site and the frequency and duration of herd visits to each supplement-deployment site were measured during four 14-d periods during study 1 and seven 14-d periods during study 2. Supplements were moved to new locations within pastures at the beginning of each period. Consumption of the sweet supplement was greater than salty during each data-collection period in study 1; however, relative differences in consumption diminished over time (treatment × time, P = 0.03). In study 2, sweet consumption was greater than salty in periods 1, 6, and 7 but was not different from salty during periods 2, 3, 4, and 5 (treatment × time, P 0.10) between treatments for periods 1 through 6; however, herds visited the sweet sites more often than salty during period 7 (P < 0.01). Herd visits to the sweet sites were longer than those to the salty sites in study 2 (83.8 vs. 51.4 min/herd visit; P < 0.01). Forage disappearance within 100 m of supplement-deployment sites was not influenced (P ≥ 0.54) by treatment in either study. Results were interpreted to suggest that the sweet supplement influenced the location of grazing cattle more strongly than the salty supplement and may be more effective for luring cattle into specific areas of pasture during the winter, spring, and early fall but not during summer.
The ABC's of wound care

Non-healing wounds represent a challenging problem for physicians and patients alike. Although treatment strategies are aimed at specific causes, there are basic management principles that apply to all wounds. The purpose of this article is to review these core management principles as they apply to lower extremity wounds. Key points include a multidisciplinary approach and individualized plans of care as per specific patient needs. A comprehensive treatment plan will lead to faster healing and improved outcomes.
A rat model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: targeting chemical carcinogens.

Abstract Background. Current experimental models of pancreatic cancer either fail to reproduce the ductal phenotype or cause simultaneous cancers in other organs also. To develop an animal model of pancreatic cancer that accurately mimics the human condition, we restricted carcinogenic exposure to the pancreas and specifically targeted ductal epithelial cells. Three different carcinogens were either implanted directly into the pancreas or infused into the pancreatic duct, with or without near-total pancreatectomy (as a means of inducing pancreatic ductal cell proliferation). Methods. Groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to varying doses of dimethylbenzanthracine (DMBA), methynitronitrosoguanidine, or ethylnitronitrosoguanidine either through direct implantation into the pancreas or infusion into the pancreatic duct. Near-total pancreatectomy was added in all groups except two DMBA implantation groups. Surviving rats were killed at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and the pancreata were evaluated histologically. Results. All three carcinogens caused pancreatic inflammation, ductal hyperplasia, atypia, and dysplasia beginning by 3 months and becoming more prominent at later time points. Only DMBA caused frequent invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which was first evident by 6 months. The prevalence, of pancreatic cancer among DMBA-treated rats evaluated after 10 months was 39% (19 of 49). The addition of pancreatic resection did not enhance pancreatic cancer development. Conclusions. Of the strategies tested, only direct implantation of DMBA into the rat pancreas frequently produces pancreatic cancer histologically similar to human ductal adenocarcinoma. The development of hyperplastic, atypical, and dysplastic changes preceding and accompanying carcinomas suggests that these lesions are preneoplastic. This model recapitulates the progression from normal to neoplastic epithelium and is likely to be useful for the study of morphologic and molecular mechanisms underlying the early stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis and for the investigation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Anaerobes: Problems and Controversies in Bacteriology, Infections, and Susceptibility Testing

Three key questions are discussed in this manuscript: (1) What is the clinical relevance of anaerobic bacteriology? (2) How can the microbiologist, with limited and decreasing resources, perform reliable, detailed studies of anaerobic bacteriology? (3) When and how should susceptibility testing be done with anaerobes? If the clinician knows the usual bacteriology of various types of infection and how this may be modified by pathophysiologic processes in the host or by prior therapy, he/she can use a logical empiric approach to treatment of the patient. As to the microbiologist's dilemma, it is not realistic or rational for a microbiologist in a nonteaching hospital to do detailed bacteriologic studies and routine anaerobic susceptibility testing. The resources available should be committed primarily to the patient who is seriously ill. Such allocation of resources, of course, requires repeated and effective communication between microbiologist and clinician.
Inhibition of the Akt, cyclooxygenase‐2, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 pathways in combination with androgen deprivation therapy: Potential therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer cells are generally dependent on androgen stimulation mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) for growth and survival, and, therefore, hormonal manipulation, such as castration and/or the use of AR antagonists, results in a regression of the cancer. However, this treatment very rarely leads to the “cure” of advanced disease, and cancers eventually become androgen-independent. A number of genes/pathways have been reported to be activated in prostate cancer, most of which are possibly associated with disease progression. In this article, among them, we focus on Akt (also known as protein kinase B), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, whose activities or expressions have been found to be regulated by androgens/AR. Previous studies by us and others, with androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines, have demonstrated that androgen deprivation results in activation/overexpression of Akt, COX-2, and MMP-9 in cells. This suggests that androgen deprivation in clinical settings activates the Akt, COX-2, and MMP-9 pathways in prostate cancer, which may increase cell growth and in turn promote the transition to the androgen-independent state. We hypothesize that androgen deprivation, in combination with inhibition of the Akt, COX-2, and MMP-9 pathways, delays the androgen-independent transition and has more beneficial effects than hormonal therapy alone. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The occurrence of internal phosphorus loading in two small, eutrophic, glacial lakes in Northeastern Ohio

Internal loading of phosphorus for the summers of 1972–1974 in the eutrophic Twin Lakes, Ohio, USA was calculated from nutrient budgets, and was found to account for 65–100% of the increase in phosphorus content of the lakes during this period. Recovery of lakes of this type after nutrient diversion may be delayed by internal loading and chemical inactivation of phosphorus may be needed. A discussion of sources of this internal loading is presented.
The seeking of strategy where it is not: Towards a theory of strategy absence

Strategy researchers are preoccupied with the study of existing strategy systems and processes, with the result that they do not question situations where a strategy is expected to exist but does not. The investigation of such voids is likely to enhance greatly the understanding of the nature of organizational strategy, both in its presence and in its absence. The perspective offered in this paper is that strategy absence is a legitimate phenomenon of interest to business management scholars.
Hypoxia Induces Synthesis of a Novel 22‐kDa Protein in Neonatal Rat Oligodendrocytes

: Neonatal (3-day-old) rat oligodendrocytes grown in monolayer culture and exposed to increasingly hypoxic culture conditions showed a dramatic reduction in myelin basic protein synthesis but no significant inhibition of Tran35S-label incorporation into oligodendrocyte proteins in general or into structural proteins such as actin. However, there was a dramatic increase in synthesis of a novel 22-kDa protein. Reoxygenation of cultures reversed the synthesis of the 22-kDa protein, and thiol and calpain protease inhibitors (EP-459 and leupeptin) did not prevent synthesis of the protein, suggesting that it did not result from proteolysis. The 22-kDa protein (which we have called hypoxin) was coimmunoprecipitated by a polyclonal antibody to actin but did not react with the anti-actin antibody on western blots. The synthesis of hypoxin accounted for up to 50% of the Tran35S-label incorporated into immunoprecipitated protein, suggesting that it plays a major role in the cell's response to hypoxia. Subcellular fractionation revealed that the 22-kDa protein was largely associated with the cytosolic/cytoskeletal compartment. However, it is unlikely to be one of the cytoskeleton-associated Rho or Rac low-molecular-mass (20–24 kDa) GTP-binding proteins because it did not bind [α-32P]GTP on western blots. Oligodendrocytes did not synthesize a 22-kDa protein in response to heat shock but did synthesize the typical 70- and 90-kDa heat-shock proteins. The novel aspects of this protein were further emphasized by the fact that increased synthesis of this 22-kDa protein was not detected in cultured embryonic chick neurons, rat astrocytes, mouse, rat, or human gliomas, and oligodendrogliomas subjected to similar periods of hypoxia. Thus the induction of the hypoxin appears specific for nontransformed oligodendrocytes subjected to hypoxic injury.
Production of a hybrid of Nicotiana repanda willd.× N. tabacum L. by ovule culture

Abstract Nicotiana repanda ( n = 24) × N. tabacum ( n = 24) was obtained by ovule culture following regeneration from the callus. The hybrid showed an aneuploid chromosome number (44) and morphological characteristics intermediate between those of N. repanda and N. tabacum . The resistance of N. repanda to tobacco mosaic virus was incorporated into the hybrid.
Flat-panel detector-based cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: preliminary phantom study

The clinical goal of breast imaging is to detect tumor masses when they are as small as possible, preferably less than 10 mm in diameter. Conventional film-screen mammography is the most effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer currently available. However, conventional mammography has relatively low sensitivity to detect small breast cancers (under several millimeters). Specificity and the positive predictive value of mammography remain limited owing to an overlap in the appearance of benign and malignant lesions, and surrounding structure. The limitations accompanying conventional mammography is to be addressed by incorporating a cone beam volume CT reconstruction technique with a recently developed flat panel detector. A computer simulation study has been performed to prove the feasibility of developing a flat panel detector-based cone beam volume CT breast imaging (FPD-CBVCTBI) technique. In this study, a preliminary phantom experiment is conducted to verify the findings in the computer simulation using a prototype flat panel detector-based cone beam volume CT scanner. The results indicate that the FPD-CBVCTBI technique effectively removes structure overlap and significantly improves the detectability of small breast tumors. This suggests that FPD-CBVCTBI is a potentially powerful breast-imaging tool.
A GRID-SUPPORTED MARKER PARTICLE SCHEME FOR INTERFACE TRACKING

Abstract A methodology is presented to simulate the growth and interaction of unstable fronts. Such fronts are found to be important in instabilities arising in several natural and industrial processes, such as solidification, spray dynamics, and bubble growth. The numerical simulation of such phenomena is challenging on account of the highly distorted moping boundary at which, often, curvature-dependent boundary conditions need be applied in each phase. Herein is presented a numerical technique to capture highly distorted interfaces. The interface is represented employing marker particles. Joining successive markers with circular arcs yields values of curvatures and normals on the interface. The markers are followed over an underlying Cartesian grid and new marker particles are generated at each time step by an intersection procedure. The issue of mergers of interfaces is also attacked and the use of cells permits the simulation of merger-breakup processes. Thus, the method presented here, unlike previou...
Suicide ideation in pediatric and adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Survivors of pediatric brain tumors are at risk for long-term psychological morbidities. The current study investigated the prevalence and predictors of suicide ideation (SI) in a clinical sample of youth and adult survivors. Retrospective chart reviews were completed for 319 survivors of pediatric brain tumors who were assessed via clinical interview during routine neuro-oncology clinic visits between 2003 and 2007. Survivors were, on average, 18.0 years of age (SD = 4.9) and 10 years from diagnosis (SD = 5.0) at their most recent follow-up. The most common diagnosis was low-grade glioma (n = 162) followed by embryonal tumors (PNET/medulloblastoma; n = 64). Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for SI. Nearly 12 % of survivors (11.7 %, n = 37) reported SI. Five survivors (1.5 %) had documented suicide attempts, though none were fatal. In a multivariable model, adjusting for sex and age, history of depression (OR = 20.6, 95 % CI = 4.2–101.1), psychoactive medication treatment (OR = 4.5, 95 % CI = 1.8–11.2), observation or surgery only treatment (OR = 3.7, 95 % CI = 1.5–9.1), and seizures (OR = 3.6, 95 % CI = 1.1–11.1) were significantly associated with SI in survivors. Survivors of pediatric brain tumors appear to be at risk for experiencing SI. Our results underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to providing follow-up care for childhood brain tumor survivors, including routine psychological screenings.
LE DEUIL, MODE D'EMPLOI, DANS DEUX ROMANS DE CHRÉTIEN DE TROYES

Comment la mort et le deuil s'inserent-ils dans le monde idealise (mais imparfait) des romans arthuriens de Chretien de Troyes et comment ce mode romanesque transforme-t-il la representation de la mort et du deuil ? En etudiant deux scenes de deuil dans Erec et Enide et dans Yvain, l'A. montre comment la contextualisation et la parodie du deuil dans ces deux recits remet en question la signification et la fonction du deuil au niveau individuel et collectif.
Electrophysiological and morphological properties of rat basolateral amygdaloid neurons in vitro

Electrophysiological and morphological properties of neurons in the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) were assessed using intracellular recordings in brain slice preparations. The vast majority of cells studied were identified as pyramidal cells on the basis of their accommodation response and by a prominent afterhyperpolarization that followed a current-evoked burst of action potentials. The second class of cells consisted of late-firing neurons that were distinguished electrophysiologically by their very negative resting membrane potential (-82 mV) and conspicuous delay in the onset of spike firing in response to depolarizing current injection. The third class of cells, termed fast-firing neurons, possessed many of the features of intrinsic inhibitory interneurons found elsewhere in the brain. These included very brief action potentials (0.7 msec), a relatively depolarized resting membrane potential (-62 mV), and spontaneous firing at a high rate and the absence of spike frequency accommodation. Intracellular labeling with Lucifer yellow of electrophysiologically identified pyramidal and late-firing cells showed them to have pyramidal to stellate cells bodies and spine-covered dendrites. Although having an overall pyramidal-like morphology, late-firing neurons possessed cells bodies and dendritic fields that were smaller than those of pyramidal cells. Lucifer yellow-labeled fast-firing neurons had a nonpyramidal morphology, with somata that were spherical to multipolar in shape and spine-sparse or aspiny dendrites. The morphological features of these cells corresponded closely to those of GABA-containing interneurons that have been described previously in the rat BLA using immunohistochemical techniques (McDonald, 1985b). Thus, it seems likely that activation of fast-firing neurons underlies inhibitory synaptic events that are recorded in the rat BLA. Our data support the conclusion derived from previous anatomical studies that pyramidal neurons constitute the predominant cell type in the BLA and function as projection neurons in this region of the amygdala. The determination of whether late-firing cells constitute a unique class of projection neurons distinct from pyramidal cells must await the outcome of studies in which the anatomical terminations of this cell type are specified.
Graft-versus-lymphoma effect plus vorinostat as successful approach in a case of refractory gastric peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, after reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

A 54-year-old African American male presented in July 2009 with an unintentional 50 lb weight loss and a gastric antral mass. Evaluation revealed histologically proven peripheral T cell lymphoma, n...
Neighborhood-level Influences on Delays in Diagnostic Follow-up from Mammography Screening in African-American Women: A Systematic Review

Although there has been a steady decrease in breast cancer deaths among all women (pooled data) age 40 to 65 years during the past two decades in the United States, breast cancer deaths remain substantially higher among African-American women than White women (32.4% vs. 23.9%), resulting in an overall lower five-year survival rate (78.4% vs. 91.2%). These differences are primarily due to delays in diagnostic follow-up from mammography screening (MS) (ACS, 2012]. Following the secondary research data methods by analyzing the popular medical databases and articles published in the peer-reviewed medical journals in US during 2004-2014 the author would like to explore the Neighborhood-level Influences in Delays in Diagnostic and Follow-up in the Mammography Screening among the African-American Women.
Anomalies in the Behavior of Mo Field Emitter Arrays in Inert Gases and Some Insights into the Degradation Mechanisms

Field emission displays can be seriously limited by the rapid current degradation of Mo field emitter arrays primarily due to poor vacuum conditions inside their thin vacuum packages. There have been a number of studies to understand the interaction mechanisms. However, we find that models that have been proposed so far are not consistent with observed device behavior in a variety of gas ambients including inert gases and hydrogen. In this paper, we present a summary of our results on residual gases inside a large number of field emission displays, and the effects of these gases on emission behavior. We describe how these issues and the inter-electrode spacing leading to local pressure buildup impact device life. We present an alternate model based on shallow ion implant to explain the observed device behavior.
Disaster Planning for Libraries and Archives: What You Need to Know and How to Do It

Since no one can predict when a disaster will strike, all libraries and archives need a disaster preparedness and recovery plan, but most archivists and librarians do not know how to go about developing one. While the task at hand is daunting, so is the literature, which contains volumes of texts and journal articles that belabor the subject. This article, based on the varying experience of the two authors, is a summary of the planning process. It will offer the reader the basics required to develop an effective disaster preparedness and recovery plan.
Territorial Behavior and Social Interactions of Pullets Kept in Large Flocks

Abstract INTRODUCTION TERRITORIAL behavior has been observed in a variety of forms in vertebrate animals, from fishes through primates (Carpenter, 1958). Investigators of territoriality in birds, working under natural conditions, generally stress the role of the male in defending an area against intrusion of other males of the same species. Conspicuous displays and vocalizations commonly serve to keep other males from entering an occupied territory without the necessity of physical encounters. They often have the additional effect of attracting one or more sexually mature females. Territoriality has implications relative to natural selection, as it increases the probability of successful reproduction, reduced predation and an adequate food supply for socially dominant males, their mates and progeny. Collias et al. (1966) found that flocks of an unconfined population of Red Jungle Fowl in the San Diego Zoo showed extreme territorial fixation. Dominant cocks within flocks associated with one to several hens, while subordinate…
Pseudolipomatosis affects specimens from endometrial biopsies.

Pseudolipomatosis refers to optically clear vacuoles that artifactually contaminate specimens, and it most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Pseudolipomatosis closely resembles adult white fat and is of group “A” or “B” when vacuoles have mild or marked variation in size, respectively. Pseudolipomatosis has yet to be reported to occur in the endometrium. Pseudolipomatosis in the endometrium might be easily mistaken for extrauterine adipocytes and misdiagnosed as perforation. We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive specimens from endometrial biopsies to determine the prevalence of endometrial pseudolipomatosis and whether pseudolipomatosis was related to perforation. All 50 specimens contained pseudolipomatosis of group “B,” and lacked extrauterine tissue. To our knowledge, all patients lacked clinical evidence of perforation at follow-up. Pseudolipomatosis commonly affects specimens from endometrial biopsies and is likely unrelated to perforation. Awareness of pseudolipomatosis is necessary to avoid misdiagnosing uterine perforation.
Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations

[1] Hydrostatic expansion in a gravity field of an atmospheric layer with elevated temperatures, such as the long known thermospheric midnight temperature maximum (MTM), results in a total mass density increase at a given altitude above the layer. Long-term simulations with the Whole Atmosphere Model reveal a noticeable midnight density maximum (MDM), appropriately lagging behind the MTM at the same height. The MDM magnitude, timing, and variability are in good agreement with available in-situ observations. Of particular importance is the observation of a downward phase progression of the MDM peak time obtained from the San Marco satellites and closely reproduced in the model results. This is consistent with the suggestion, made over 30 years ago, that both the MTM and MDM are driven by tidal waves, in particular, the terdiurnal tide propagating upward from the lower atmosphere and interacting with a diurnally varying ion drag. The accompanying wind variations are also found in good agreement with radar observations, which first related them to the nighttime ionosphere collapse in the early 1970s.