cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C/EBPα and C/EBPβ Are Required for Sebocyte Differentiation and Stratified Squamous Differentiation in Adult Mouse Skin

C/EBPα and C/EBPβ are bZIP transcription factors that are highly expressed in the interfollicular epidermis and sebaceous glands of skin and yet germ line deletion of either family member alone has only mild or no effect on keratinocyte biology and their role in sebocyte biology has never been examined. To address possible functional redundancies and reveal functional roles of C/EBPα and C/EBPβ in postnatal skin, mouse models were developed in which either family member could be acutely ablated alone or together in the epidermis and sebaceous glands of adult mice. Acute removal of either C/EBPα or C/EBPβ alone in adult mouse skin revealed modest to no discernable changes in epidermis or sebaceous glands. In contrast, co-ablation of C/EBPα and C/EBPβ in postnatal epidermis resulted in disruption of stratified squamous differentiation characterized by hyperproliferation of basal and suprabasal keratinocytes and a defective basal to spinous keratinocyte transition involving an expanded basal compartment and a diminished and delayed spinous compartment. Acute co-ablation of C/EBPα and C/EBPβ in sebaceous glands resulted in severe morphological defects, and sebocyte differentiation was blocked as determined by lack of sebum production and reduced expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD3) and melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R), two markers of terminal sebocyte differentiation. Specialized sebocytes of Meibomian glands and preputial glands were also affected. Our results indicate that in adult mouse skin, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ are critically involved in regulating sebocyte differentiation and epidermal homeostasis involving the basal to spinous keratinocyte transition and basal cell cycle withdrawal.
When amateurs are the experts: amateur mycologists and wild mushroom politics in the Pacific Northwest, USA

In the 19th century, amateur scientists and amateur science societies played important roles in producing scientific knowledge and generating popular support for scientific endeavors. As state and federal natural resource management agencies in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States begin to implement ecosystem and landscape management mandates, amateur scientists are emerging as important players in the special forest products policy arena. Yet amateur science remains a largely invisible social phenomenon in the environmental policy literature. This policy overview addresses that gap by examining attempts by Pacific Northwest amateur mycological societies to protect wild mushroom patches on public lands from encroachment by commercial harvesters. These groups have relied on two major strategies—organized political advocacy in state legislative processes, and formation of research partnerships with resource management agencies wishing to develop scientifically based harvesting guidelines. This ...
In vitro biocompatibility assessment of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterials using normal human urothelial cells

The reconstruction of urinary tissues often employs various types of biomaterials, and adequate material biocompatibility is essential for the successful reconstruction of urinary tissues. In this study we utilized a primary normal human urothelial cell culture system to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of a number of naturally derived biomaterials [i.e., bladder submucosa, small intestinal submucosa, collagen, and alginate] and polymeric biomaterials [i.e., poly(glycolic acid), poly(L-lactic acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), and silicone] that are either experimentally or clinically used in urinary reconstructive surgery. To determine the cytotoxic and bioactive effects of these biomaterials, the cell viability, metabolic activity, apoptotic properties, and DNA-synthesis activity were measured with four types of assays [Neutral Red, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, apoptotic activity, and tritiated thymidine incorporation assays] using extract and direct contact methods. Most of the biomaterials tested did not induce significant cytotoxic effects and exhibited normal metabolic function and cell growth in vitro. This normal primary human urothelial cell culture model is suitable for in vitro biocompatibility assessments and is able to provide information on the cell-biomaterial interactions and the ability of biomaterials to support bioactive cell functions.
On the importance of specific heats as regards efficiency increases for highly dilute IC engines

Abstract Engineering and scientific efforts continue with the development of advanced, IC engines using highly dilute mixtures, and relatively high compression ratios. Such engines are known to provide opportunities for low emissions as well as high efficiencies. The main features of these engines include higher compression ratios, lean operation, use of EGR, and shorter burn durations. First, this study reviews the quantitative contributions of each of these features as determined by an engine cycle simulation. Second, this study provides the quantitative contributions to the increased efficiency in terms of fundamental thermodynamic considerations. An automotive engine operated at 2000 rpm was selected for this study. For the conditions examined, the net indicated thermal efficiency increased from 37.0% (conventional engine) to 53.9% (high efficiency engine) – for an incremental increase of 16.9% (absolute). The contribution of increases of the ratio of specific heats towards the final thermal efficiency is quantified. This aspect has been well known, but has not been quantified for actual engines. For the various conditions examined, 21–35% of the total efficiency improvement was estimated to be due to the increase of the ratio of specific heats.
CAROTENOID PIGMENTS AND THE IN VIVO SPECTRUM OF BACTERIOCHLOROPHYLL

— The isolation of a mutant, strain PM-9, of Rhodopseudonionus spheroides with an abnormal complement of carotenoid pigments is described. PM-9 accumulates phytoene, phytofluene, ζ-carotene and neurosporene. Semi-aerobic cultures form more ζ-carotene and neurosporene relative to total carotenoids than do photo-synthetic cultures. PM-9 is killed on exposure to light and oxygen. By making use of the effect of oxygen on the nature of the carotenoids in PM-9, we have shown that these pigments do not directly influence the in vivo spectrum of bacteriochlorophyll. Diphenylamine inhibits the synthesis of coloured carotenoids in Rhodopseudonionos gelatinosa but does not change the bacteriochlorophyll spectrum.
Association of resistin with heart failure and mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease: data from the heart and soul study.

Abstract Background Resistin is a pro-inflammatory signaling molecule that is thought to contribute to atherosclerosis. We sought to evaluate whether resistin is predictive of worse cardiovascular outcomes among ambulatory patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods and Results We measured baseline serum resistin in 980 participants with documented CHD. After a mean follow-up of 6.1 (range, 0.1 to 9.0) years, 358 (36.5%) were hospitalized for myocardial infarction or heart failure or had died. As compared with participants who had resistin levels in the lowest quartile, those with resistin levels in the highest quartile were at an increased risk of heart failure (hazard ratio [HR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–3.39) and death (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.11–2.18), adjusted for age, sex, and race. Further adjustments for obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and renal dysfunction eliminated these associations. Resistin levels were not associated with an increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (unadjusted HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.68-2.05). Conclusions Elevated serum resistin is associated with higher rates of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure. However, this appears to be explained by the association of resistin with traditional measures of cardiovascular risk. Thus, serum resistin does not add prognostic information among high-risk persons with established CHD.
Kinematical bounds on evolution and optimization of mixed quantum states

Upper and lower bounds are established for time-dependent ensemble averages of observables of driven quantum systems in mixed states. They limit controllability of observables independently of the control fields. Narrower bounds are established when the observable is a projector onto a pure quantum state or subspace. They are optimal in the sense of being kinematically achievable. Calculations on nonlinear optimal control of a four-level model indicate that these kinematical bounds are dynamically achievable asymptotically with increasing control pulse strength.
Extended Notions of Grammar and Reading Comprehension

Within the history of linguistics as it has developed over the past half century, there have been some rather distinct trends. During the earlier part of this period, "structuralism", with its emphasis on the segmentation and classification of a primary corpus of observed data, reigned supreme. In the decade of the 60's, Professor Chomsky's transformational-generative grammar challenged many of the tenets held dear to structuralists, as the emphasis shifted from the description of a primary corpus to a characterization of what took place in a speaker-hearer's mind. Now that the 70's are in full swing, we find that things are again changing rapidly. While both structural and transformational-generative grammar emphasized, albeit in quite different ways, the primacy of grammatical form, there is an emerging interest in linguistics today in which facts of the real world, including the knowledge of how language is used in the real world, are seen to have an important relation to language. It has now become obvious that the total communication event, whether it be in spoken or written language, leaves much unsaid—it is implied by what is said and is filled in based on the background knowledge that an interlocutor or reader brings to the situation. Yet, such information does not relate to the literal content of the grammatical structures, but the knowledge of how language is used in the real world. This developing interest in what has sometimes been referred to as pragmatic aspects of language has now taken linguistics past some of the restricted interest in overt grammatical form. Trends in the development of linguistic theory naturally do not exist in a vacuum. The eras of structuralism and transformationalism have had their effect on the reading profession. It is safe to assume that there is also a broad spectrum of application for reading which emerges from the recent interest in language
Territory and state power in Latin America : the Peruvian case

Part 1 Peripheral capitalism and the organization of space: fundamental issues in the development of regional analysis waves of internationalization and their impact on peripheral societies. Part 2 Society, state and territory - Peru 1919-1984: emerging modalities of the regional question - Peru 1919-1940 capitalist development and the urbanization process - Peru 1940-1968 state power and territorial centralization - Peru 1968-1980 towards the territorial generalization of crisis - Peru 1980-1984. Part 3 Conclusions: zones of the peripheral state.
Prospective endoscopic evaluation for gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease: determination of the best diagnostic approach.

The best endoscopic diagnostic strategy for gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is unknown. Over a 48-month period, all patients with unexplained diarrhea at risk for acute gastrointestinal GVHD were prospectively identified. Acute GVHD was defined as symptoms and histologic evidence of GVHD occurring within 100 days of transplant or donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). Colonoscopy was performed with multiple biopsies of the ileum, right colon and rectosigmoid colon. Next, upper endoscopy with duodenal and random gastric biopsies of both antrum and body were performed. All biopsies were evaluated for GVHD by an experienced GI pathologist. Over the study period, 24 patients (mean age 37 years; 62.5% male) were evaluated. The median time from transplantation or DLI was 30.5 days. The biopsy site with the highest yield was the distal colon (82%). A combination of upper endoscopy with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy with ileal biopsies were equivalent (∼94%). In patients with diarrhea at risk for GVHD, biopsies of the distal colon had the highest diagnostic yield suggesting the importance of sigmoidoscopy and biopsy. Colonoscopy and ileoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy plus upper endoscopy had the highest diagnostic yields.
“Unity Admirable But Not Necessarily Heeded” Going Rates and Gender Boundaries in the Straight Edge Hardcore Music Scene

Drawing on interviews, this article examines how the third wave of the straight edge (sXe) hardcore music scene can promote a gender-progressive image in light of evidence that suggests men's continued advantage over women in the scene. The author argues that this discrepancy can be explained by straight edgers' use of going rate comparisons (to its previous waves, to other times and places, and to gender relations as a whole) that highlight the scene's “doings” and “not-doings” in ways that portray sXe favorably. By insisting that gender is no longer relevant, straight edgers (sXers) then set up a going rate of authenticity that is purportedly attainable by men and women. This going rate, however, ultimately reinstates gender boundaries sXers claim to erase. The author concludes the article by discussing the larger implications of doings and not-doings in going rate constructions and the performance of gender.
Neogene tectonic evolution of the California Continental Borderland and western Transverse Ranges

Geologic, geophysical, and paleomagnetic data suggest that major lithologic belts which now make up the outer California Continental Borderland and western Transverse Ranges were disrupted from their original geographic and tectonic setting off northern Baja California. Disruption began in the early Miocene and is closely linked to a change in relative plate motions from subduction to right-lateral strike-slip (transform) motion along the southern California—Baja California continental margin. A model is proposed which restores these lithologic belts to their original tectonic setting within an earlier arc-trench system. The model is based on the following assumptions: (1) major lithologic belts in southern California, northwestern Baja California, and the California Continental Borderland are equivalent in age, lithology, and structure to the Franciscan and Great Valley lithologic belt of northern and central California; (2) the Franciscan and Great Valley belts and their southern equivalents, respectively, represent the subduction complex and forearc basin deposits of a Late Jurassic to mid-Cenozoic arc-trench system; (3) the borderland off southern California contains paired Franciscan and Great Valley belts that are repeated in map view, and the western Transverse Ranges are made up largely of Great Valley or forearc basin deposits which have undergone large-scale clockwise rotation. The model is supported by areal distributions of lithofacies, paleocurrent trends, structural trends, and paleomagnetic data from Miocene volcanic rocks. If valid, the model proposed here will require major reconsiderations of earlier lithologic correlations and Paleogene and Neogene paleogeographic and paleotectonic models of southern California and the offshore borderlands.
Dynalign: an algorithm for finding the secondary structure common to two RNA sequences.

With the rapid increase in the size of the genome sequence database, computational analysis of RNA will become increasingly important in revealing structure-function relationships and potential drug targets. RNA secondary structure prediction for a single sequence is 73 % accurate on average for a large database of known secondary structures. This level of accuracy provides a good starting point for determining a secondary structure either by comparative sequence analysis or by the interpretation of experimental studies. Dynalign is a new computer algorithm that improves the accuracy of structure prediction by combining free energy minimization and comparative sequence analysis to find a low free energy structure common to two sequences without requiring any sequence identity. It uses a dynamic programming construct suggested by Sankoff. Dynalign, however, restricts the maximum distance, M, allowed between aligned nucleotides in the two sequences. This makes the calculation tractable because the complexity is simplified to O(M(3)N(3)), where N is the length of the shorter sequence. The accuracy of Dynalign was tested with sets of 13 tRNAs, seven 5 S rRNAs, and two R2 3' UTR sequences. On average, Dynalign predicted 86.1 % of known base-pairs in the tRNAs, as compared to 59.7 % for free energy minimization alone. For the 5 S rRNAs, the average accuracy improves from 47.8 % to 86.4 %. The secondary structure of the R2 3' UTR from Drosophila takahashii is poorly predicted by standard free energy minimization. With Dynalign, however, the structure predicted in tandem with the sequence from Drosophila melanogaster nearly matches the structure determined by comparative sequence analysis.
The Total Cross Sections of Carbon and Hydrogen for Neutrons of Energies from 35 to 490 kev

The total cross sections of carbon and hydrogen have been measured at mean neutron energies of 35, 95, 265, and 490 kev.
Relationship of Management and Financial Measures Among Dairy Herds in Virginia

Abstract Owners of 74 dairy herds (58 DHI) chosen randomly from nine percentiles of size and production per cow were surveyed personally for management characteristics not available in DHI records, in cluding financial information. Management variables were related to production and financial measures on a per cow basis. Variables contributing to production per cow were parlor milking (+680kg), regular herd health care (+448kg), and corn silage as primary forage (+480kg). Contributing to net cash in come per cow were estrus detection aids (+$147), silages (+$470), high moisture corn (+$64), and feed analysis (+$227). Herringbone parlors were associated with 7% more frequent severe mastitis, which was reduced by .9% for each milking recommendation practiced. Estrus detection aids reduced days open by 11 d. Lowest calf mortality to freshening was 8.4% for calves housed individually in cold housing and weaned before 7 wk of age. Income minus feed cost from survey and DHI were similar but lowly correlated (.35). Net cash income per cow was largest in large herds ($951) and smallest in medium-sized high producing herds ($308). Purchased feed accounted for 42% of expenses and 46% of variation in expenses. The DHI herds had $644/cow more debt than non-DHI herds but $991/cow more 5-yr debt capacity.
Win probabilities and simple majorities in probabilistic voting situations

This paper considers an election between candidatesA andB in which (1) voters may be uncertain about which candidate they will vote for, and (2) the winner is to be determined by a lottery betweenA andB that is based on their vote totals. This lottery is required to treat voters equally, to treat candidates equally, and to respond nonnegatively to increased support for a candidate. The setźn of all such lottery rules based on a total ofn voters is the convex hull of aboutn/2 `basic' lottery rules which include the simple majority rule. For odd values ofn ź 3 let $$\mu (n) = \tfrac{1}{2} + (n - 1)/[2n(n + 3)]$$ , and for even values ofn ź 4 let $$\mu (n) = \tfrac{1}{2} + [(n + 2)(2n(n + 2))^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 2}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}} - n(n + 6)]/[n(n - 2)(n + 4)]$$ . With $$\bar p$$ the average of then voters probabilities of voting forA, it is shown that withinźn the simple majority rule maximizes candidateA's overall win probability whenever $$\bar p \geqslant \mu (n)$$ , and thatμ(n) is the smallest number for which this is true. Similarly, the simple majority rule maximizesB's overall win probability whenever $$1 - \bar p$$ (the average of the voters probabilities of voting forB) is as large asμ(n).
The effects of a novel stimulus introduced into a DRL schedule at two temporal placements

A potentially disinhibiting novel stimulus was introduced early or late into a 20-sec DRL interval after Ss had attained criterion performance on this schedule. Evidence was found for disinhibition, the inhibition of inhibition, of the leverpressing response. The effect decreased over stimulus presentations within any one test session and likewise decreased over test days. These results lend support to a traditional interpretation of inhibition and the disinhibition phenomenon rather than a mediating response explanation.
Regression of metastatic seminoma in a patient referred for carcinoma of unknown primary origin.

Patients with carcinoma of unknown primary origin (CUP) pose a difficult diagnostic challenge, but a missed diagnosis of the primary tumor site is, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence. Musser and colleagues describe a patient with a large para-aortic mass that was initially diagnosed as CUP, but was subsequently identified as metastatic seminoma that showed remarkable spontaneous regression. Background. A 63-year-old man presented to an emergency department with abdominal and back pain. A 5 × 3 × 2 cm para-aortic mass was found adjacent to the left kidney, but the location of the primary tumor could not be identified. He was referred to a tertiary center with a diagnosis of retroperitoneal carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Atrophy of the left testicle was noted. Review of the biopsy material obtained at the first presentation showed histology characteristic of seminoma, and imaging revealed the presence of small intratesticular lesions. Repeat CT showed complete resolution of the metastatic para-aortic mass. The patient underwent left orchiectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy, and showed no signs of disease 6 months later. Investigations. CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, measurement of serum tumor markers, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, PET–CT and percutaneous needle biopsy of the para-aortic mass at the first presentation; physical examination, review of biopsy specimen with immunohistochemical staining for tumor markers, testicular ultrasonography and repeat CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis at the second presentation. Diagnosis. Metastatic seminoma with spontaneous regression of the metastatic lesion. Management. Radical orchiectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy.
Analysis of Low Frequency Combustion Instabilities in a Laboratory Ramjet Combustor

Abstract Low frequency pressure oscillations in a research ramjet combustor have been studied using an integral technique. The analysis deals with plane one-dimensional oscillations with a two-dimensional mean flowfield. The flowfield in the dump combustor consists of three parts: a flow of reactants, a region containing combustion products, and a recirculation zone. separated by a flame sheel and a dividing streamline. Each region is treated separately and matched with the other. Acoustic fields in the inlet section and in the combustion chamber are coupled at the interface to determine the complex wave number characterizing the linear stability. Good agreement with experimental results has been demonstrated.
Brain Death Criteria

Sir.—The need to establish brain death criteria in the pediatric age group was addressed by Rowland et al1in theAJDC. Neurologists generally agree about the pure clinical criteria in the diagnosis of brain death—deep coma with absent brain-stem reflexes, including apnea. Questions arise, both for adult and pediatric patients, concerning the "preconditions" needed before considering brain death diagnosis and the "observation period" necessary once cessation of brain functions has been established. Rowland et al1omitted a major precondition that represents a keystone of the more recent sets of brain death criteria—the establishment of a known cause for brain damage that is sufficient to account for the cessation of brain functions.2,3The absence of such an adequately established diagnosis should prompt the physician to gather further clinical and laboratory data. Furthermore, to consider cases for brain death determination in which the diagnosis is even remotely in
Low Noise Charge Sensitive Amplifier with Low Input Impedance

This amplifier was designed for use in a large array of proportional wire chambers with charge division readout and for cathode readout of proportional chambers. The single stage high gain (104) amplifier with FET input has low component count, low cost, and a high packing density of 32 channels per double-sided P. C. board. Edge connectors are used for input, output, power and calibration signals. The on-board calibration system drives two independent groups of amplifiers through a range which is proportional to a distributed DC level over 3 orders of magnitude. The input and output signals are differentially driven for optimum noise rejection and interchannel isolation.
Brain bisection and the unity of consciousness

There has been considerable optimism recently, among philosophers and neuroscientists, concerning the prospect for major discoveries about the neurophysiological basis of mind. The support for this optimism has been extremely abstract and general. I wish to present some grounds for pessimism. That type of self-understanding may encounter limits which have not been generally foreseen: the personal, mentalist idea of human beings may resist the sort of coordination with an understanding of humans as physical systems, that would be necessary to yield anything describable as an understanding of the physical basis of mind. I shall not consider what alternatives will be open to us if we should encounter such limits. I shall try to present grounds for believing that the limits may exist – grounds derived from extensive data now available about the interaction between the two halves of the cerebral cortex, and about what happens when they are disconnected. The feature of the mentalist conception of persons which may be recalcitrant to integration with these data is not a trivial or peripheral one, that might easily be abandoned. It is the idea of a single person, a single subject of experience and action, that is in difficulties. The difficulties may be surmountable in ways I have not foreseen. On the other hand, this may be only the first of many dead ends that will emerge as we seek a physiological understanding of the mind.
SECONDARY METABOLISM AS DIFFERENTIATION

Secondary metabolism is the biosynthesis, transformation, and degradation of a wide array of natural products. These low molecular weight organic compounds are generally produced at a restricted phase of the life cycle, often in association with differentiated morphological structures. No unified theory to explain the function of secondary metabolism in the producing organism has been accepted, however one hypothesis that has received widespread attention views secondary metabolites as initiatiors or coordinators of spore formation. A review of the literature indicates that there is ample experimental evidence to nullify this hypothesis. Although secondary metabolite production is often correlated with morphological differentiation, it is not the cause of it. Cellular and chemical differentiation can both be comprehended as different aspects of biological diversification, mediated by Darwinian evolutionary forces.
Studies of Team Teaching in the Open-Space School.

Three studies conducted by the Environment for Teaching Program of the Stanford Center for Research and Development in Teaching, concerning the effects on teachers and learners of factors in the organization of schools, are reported. Teacher influence, autonomy, interaction, and job satisfaction were perceived differently by teachers in open-space team-teaching schools, compared with teachers in self-contained-classroom schools. Observed patterns of decision-making interaction in teaching teams were related to teachers' perceptions of their own influence and autonomy. Observed activity levels of children in open-space team-teaching schools were greater than in schools with self-contained classrooms.
Indo theoretical studies of the lowest triplet and singlet states of stilbene

Abstract Using the INDO (intermediate neglect of differential overlap) approximation for molecular integrals, Hartree-Fock and generalized valence bond calculations were carried out for the lowest singlet and triplet states of stilbene as a function of dihedral twist angle. The triplet potential curve exhibits a single minimum near 90° and is fairly symmetric in the region of 60° to 120°. The singlet state crosses the triplet state near 90°, as for ethylene, suggesting a rapid intersystem crossing from triplet to singlet (and hence no phosphorescence).
Advances in frequency-domain fluorometry, gigahertz instrumentation, time-dependent photomigration, and fluorescence lifetime imaging

During the past seven years, there have been remarkable advances in the frequency-domain method for measurement of time-resolved emission or light scattering. In this presentation we describe the recent extension of the frequency range to 10 GHz using a specially designed microchannel plate PMT. Experimental data will be shown for measurement of picosecond rotational diffusion and for sub-picosecond resolution of time delays. The resolution of ps to ns timescale processes is not obtained at the expense of sensitivity or is it shown by measurements on the intrinsic tryptophan emission from hemoglobin. We also describe a time- resolved reflectance imaging experiment on a scattering medium containing an absorbing object. Time-resolved imaging of the back-scattered light is realized by means of a RF-phase- sensitive camera, synchronized to the laser pulses. By processing the stored images, a final image can be created, the contrast of which is based only on time differences of the back- scattered photons. This image reveals the presence and position of the absorber within the scattering medium. And finally, we describe a new methodology, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), in which the contrast depends on the fluorescence lifetime at each point in a two-dimensional image, and not the local concentration and/or intensity of the fluorophore. We used FLIM to create lifetime images of NADH when free in solution and when bound to malate dehydrogenase. FLIM has numerous potential applications in cell biology and imaging.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The ketogenic diet: seizure control correlates better with serum beta-hydroxybutyrate than with urine ketones.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and seizure control in children on the ketogenic diet. Seventy-four children on the ketogenic diet presenting for routine follow-up visits had blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate correlated with their seizure control. Forty-two children admitted for initiation of the ketogenic diet had urine ketones measured by dipstick and correlated with simultaneous blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels statistically correlated with seizure control (P = .003). Children with blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels greater than 4 mmol/L were significantly more likely to have a decrease in seizure frequency than those with levels less than 4 mmol/L. Urine ketones of 4+ (160 mmol/L) were found on dipstick when blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels exceeded 2 mmol/L. Seizure control correlates with blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and is more likely when blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels are greater than 4 mmo/L. The traditional measurement of urine ketones by dipsticks in children on the ketogenic diet provides a less than optimal assessment of the degree of blood ketosis. Three to four plus (80-160 mmol/L) urine ketones are necessary, but not necessarily sufficient, to achieve optimal seizure control in children on the ketogenic diet. At present, however, urine ketones are the only readily available inexpensive approach to ketone assessment.
24-hour pretreatment with delta opioid enhances survival from hemorrhagic shock.

Objectives:δ opioids have been shown to confer ischemic preconditioning and pharmacologic ischemic preconditioning to the myocardium. However, their role in providing extended pharmacologic ischemic preconditioning in hemorrhagic shock has not been explored. The authors examined the effects of 24-hour preinfusions of a selective δ opioid receptor agonist, Deltorphin-Dvariant (Delt-Dvar), on hemodynamic stability and duration of survival in a rat model of severe hemorrhagic shock. Methods: Conscious Sprague–Dawley rats with indwelling catheters were hemorrhaged at a rate of 3.18 mL/l00 g over 20 minutes. Twenty-four hours before hemorrhage, the control group (n= 14) was infused with 1.0 mL lactated Ringer's solution, and the Delt-Dvar–treated group (n= 22) was infused with 5.0 mg/kg Delt-Dvar in 1.0 mL lactated Ringer's solution. Rats were continuously monitored for heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, and four-hour survival rates. Plasma lactate levels were determined at the beginning of hemorrhage and the end of hemorrhage. Results: At 240 minutes, only one of 14 controls (7.1%) survived, while 16 (72.7%) of the 22 experimental rats survived. No significant differences in heart rate between controls and Delt-Dvar–treated rats were noted. Increases in mean arterial pressure of Delt-Dvar–treated rats at the beginning of hemorrhage and at the end of hemorrhage were found to be significant (p < 0.05). At 240 minutes, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were not different between the single surviving control and the Delt-Dvar group. At the end of hemorrhage, lactate levels in the Delt-Dvar–treated group were 8.5 (± 0.5) mmol/L versus 10.8 (± 0.6) mmol/L (p < 0.05) in the control group. Conclusions: Twenty-four–hour pretreatment with Delt-Dvar decreases plasma lactate levels and improves hemodynamic stability and survival during hemorrhagic shock. The use of δ-specific opioids may improve survival from hemorrhagic shock and have clinical utility in providing ischemic protection in scenarios of planned ischemia.
Anomalous intensity of pinned speckles at high adaptive correction.

Ground-based optical searches for faint stellar or planetary companions about other stars may be limited by speckle noise, which is the rapid intensity fluctuations that are due to motions of remnant atmospheric speckles. Adaptive optics (AO) can reduce residual wave-front phase errors to low values, substantially reducing the unwanted power in the speckle halo. At high correction, however, the noise in the halo will be dominated by anomalously bright “pinned” speckles that have a number of unusual properties. They can have negative intensities and will appear in spatially antisymmetric patterns; they are spatially pinned to Airy rings and have zero mean in a sufficiently long integration. Some of these properties may be used to reduce the unanticipated effect of pinned speckles on companion searches, depending on details of the AO system. But, in short exposures, pinned speckles dominate speckle noise over much of the inner halo for Strehl ratios S as low as 0.6 and over much of the outer halo too as Strehl and deformable-mirror actuator densities increase. I show that these anomalously bright pinned speckles are not included in the traditional expression for speckle power in an image, 1-S, on which sensitivity estimates of future high-performance AO systems have been based.
Ground-State Depletion Microscopy: Detection Sensitivity of Single-Molecule Optical Absorption at Room Temperature

Optical studies of single molecules in ambient environments, which have led to broad applications, are primarily based on fluorescence detection. Direct detection of optical absorption with single-molecule sensitivity at room temperature is difficult because absorption is not a background-free measurement and is often complicated by sample scattering. Here we report ground-state depletion microscopy for ultrasensitive detection of absorption contrast. We image 20 nm gold nanoparticles as an initial demonstration of this microscopy. We then demonstrate the detection of an absorption signal from a single chromophore molecule at room temperature. This is accomplished by using two tightly focused collinear continuous-wave laser beams at different wavelengths, both within a molecular absorption band, one of which is intensity modulated at a high frequency (>MHz). The transmission of the other beam is found to be modulated at the same frequency due to ground state depletion. The signal of single chromophore mol...
Planning with uncertainty in position an optimal and efficient planner

We introduce a resolution-optimal path planner that considers uncertainty while optimizing any monotonic objective function such as mobility cost, risk, or energy expended. The resulting path minimizes the expected cost of the objective function, while ensuring that the uncertainty in the position of the robot does not compromise the safety of the robot or the reachability of the goal. Although the problem domain is stochastic in nature, our algorithm takes advantage of deterministic path-planning techniques to achieve significant performance improvements.
High-temperature mid-IR type-II quantum well lasers

A series of optically-pumped type-II quantum well lasers with emission wavelengths between 3.2 micrometers and 4.5 micrometers have displayed stimulated emission up to ambient operating temperatures. The 4-constituent design combines the advantages of excellent carrier confinement, potential for significant Auger suppression, and a 2D density-of-states for both electrons and holes. For a device emitting at 4.5 micrometers , the characteristic temperature was 41 K and a peak output power exceeding 2 W/facet was observed at 200 K. Auger coefficients extracted from the threshold pump intensity confirm that Auger losses at 300 K were suppressed by at least a factor of two. We also discuss modeling results for a type-II interband cascade laser structure which is predicted to yield much higher output powers and operating temperatures than conventional bipolar diode lasers, as well as lower threshold currents than the intersubband quantum cascade laser.
Behind the MASK: Motivation through Avatar Skills and Knowledge

This study begins an interdisciplinary dialogue among game developers, researchers and educators to determine and realize the potential of using Avatars in a three-dimensional 3D virtual world to support experiential learning, role-playing, and problem-based learning. This research further investigates the pedagogical and instructional implications for transitioning teachers and students through alternative realities. This study discusses the psychological and sociocultural need for play, delineating the pros and cons of utilizing video games, virtual 3D worlds for both online and in the classroom followed by two case studies, which demonstrate the power of becoming an avatar within virtual spaces. This qualitative research investigation uses methods employed by collecting data through voluntary participation, students discussion logs, formal and informal interviews, and observation through video recording. These studies identify the significance of psychological activities and cognitive challenges using avatars to motivate learning holds true even when examined through the lens of constructivist, socioculturalist, behaviorists, psychological, developmental, cognitive, and sociolinguistic theories. Additionally this research analyzes several important studies that have shown the potential for the educational impact of, virtual 3D worlds and video games on learning.
Computational Philosophy of Science

By applying research in artificial intelligence to problems in the philosophy of science, Paul Thagard develops an exciting new approach to the study of scientific reasoning. He uses computational ideas to shed light on how scientific theories are discovered, evaluated, and used in explanations. He describes a detailed computational model of problem solving and discovery that provides a conceptually rich yet rigorous alternative to accounts of scientific knowledge based on formal logic. The model is used to illuminate such topics as the nature of concepts, hypothesis formation, analogy, and theory justification.Following a critique of the alternative account of scientific development offered by evolutionary epistemology, Thagard discusses philosophical issues concerning reasoning, truth, and the justification of scientific methods. He applies his general conclusions about science and pseudoscience to the fields of psychology and artificial intelligence, and explores the potential relevance of computational models to our understanding of the interrelations of theory and experiment and of the importance of group rationality in science."Computational Philosophy of Science" has been made accessible to readers from different disciplines through an appendix that includes tutorials on essential philosophical, computational, and psychological topics.Paul Thagard is a research scientist at the Princeton University Cognitive Science Laboratory. He is coauthor, with John H. Holland, Keith J. Holyoak, and Richard E. Nisbett, of "Induction: Processes of Inference, Learning, and Discovery (MIT Press/Bradford Books). A Bradford Book.
A COMPARISON OF USING MONOCLONAL AND POLYCLONAL ANTIBODIES IN AN IMMUNOASSAY OF AMPHETAMINES IN URINE

A total of 1970 urine samples were screened by enzyme immunoassay (EMIT) using both the mono and polyclonal antibodies, during the period of Dec. 1990 through Jan. 1991. Positives were subsequently analyzed for confirmation of amphetamine profile compounds by GC, using the established standard operating procedures. Results indicated that only a small percentage of positives, with 85 samples(or 4.3%) in poly vs. 12 samples(or 0.6%) in monoclonal were shown in this study. The majority of these positives by polyclonal were due to the presence of phenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine. The actual number of possitive due to amphetamine compounds was identical, with 0.05% in both the mono and polyclonal assays.
Common Musculoskeletal Injuries in Women

The causes of women's sports injuries are currently a topic of vigorous speculation in sports medicine. Research has yet to clearly link gender to any injury etiology. Meanwhile, physicians are analyzing gender differences to find ways that women can better condition themselves for sports, avoid injuries, and recover quickly from the injuries that do occur. An analysis of the most common problems active women face—anterior cruciate ligament, patellofemoral, shoulder, and foot injuries—suggests effective strategies for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.
Ice-Cap: A Method for Growing Arabidopsis and Tomato Plants in 96-well Plates for High-Throughput Genotyping

It is becoming common for plant scientists to develop projects that require the genotyping of large numbers of plants. The first step in any genotyping project is to collect a tissue sample from each individual plant. The traditional approach to this task is to sample plants one-at-a-time. If one wishes to genotype hundreds or thousands of individuals, however, using this strategy results in a significant bottleneck in the genotyping pipeline. The Ice-Cap method that we describe here provides a high-throughput solution to this challenge by allowing one scientist to collect tissue from several thousand seedlings in a single day (1,2). This level of throughput is made possible by the fact that tissue is harvested from plants 96-at-a-time, rather than one-at-a-time. The Ice-Cap method provides an integrated platform for performing seedling growth, tissue harvest, and DNA extraction. The basis for Ice-Cap is the growth of seedlings in a stacked pair of 96-well plates. The wells of the upper plate contain plugs of agar growth media on which individual seedlings germinate. The roots grow down through the agar media, exit the upper plate through a hole, and pass into a lower plate containing water. To harvest tissue for DNA extraction, the water in the lower plate containing root tissue is rapidly frozen while the seedlings in the upper plate remain at room temperature. The upper plate is then peeled away from the lower plate, yielding one plate with 96 root tissue samples frozen in ice and one plate with 96 viable seedlings. The technique is named "Ice-Cap" because it uses ice to capture the root tissue. The 96-well plate containing the seedlings can then wrapped in foil and transferred to low temperature. This process suspends further growth of the seedlings, but does not affect their viability. Once genotype analysis has been completed, seedlings with the desired genotype can be transferred from the 96-well plate to soil for further propagation. We have demonstrated the utility of the Ice-Cap method using Arabidopsis thaliana, tomato, and rice seedlings. We expect that the method should also be applicable to other species of plants with seeds small enough to fit into the wells of 96-well plates.
Development and validation of a risk score for serious infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background Infection risk is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and accurate assessment of infection risk could inform clinical decision-making. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a score to predict the 1 year risk of serious infections.
Limited functional and metabolic improvements in hypertrophic and healthy rat heart overexpressing the skeletal muscle isoform of SERCA1 by adenoviral gene transfer in vivo

Adenoviral gene transfer of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)2a to the hypertrophic heart in vivo has been consistently reported to lead to enhanced myocardial contractility. It is u...
On the lineshape of νas(NO2) in nitrate esters: 3,3-bis(nitratomethyl)oxetane

Abstract The anomalously large splitting and low intensity of ν as (NO 2 ) in solid 3,3-bis(nitratomethyl)oxetane, O(CH 2 ) 2 C(CH 2 ONO 2 ) 2 , is attributed to the effects of vibrational coupling based on a variable temperature study of the internal modes. In acetone- d 6 solution conformational isomer equilibria involving the ONO 2 groups appear to exist that are manifested in ν as (NO 2 ). This compound indicates that both isomerization and vibrational coupling should be kept in mind when using ν as (NO 2 ) to obtain structural information on nitrate esters.
Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures

T he term zygomaticomaxillary (zygomaticomalar) complex (ZMC) fractures refers to the osseous disruption of the malar eminence at 4 buttresses: zygomaticomaxilllary, frontozygomatic (FZ), zygomaticosphenoid, and zygomaticotemporal (Figure 1). The ZMC fracture is the second most common facial fracture, after the nasal bones. The prominent nature of the malar eminence places this structure at great risk for fracture, and the intricate 3-dimensional (3D) nature of the ZMC can sometimes make the repair quite challenging (Figure 2). Several authors have noted the high rate of misalignment and displacement after repair. Despite seemingly adequate reduction and/or fixation, several authors have also noted high rates of asymmetry in up to 13% of cases. The asymmetry manifests because of an inadequate intraoperative reduction or a postreduction displacement encountered during the postoperative period. Surgeons may place the blame on inadequate fixation during the initial operation, postoperative displacement due to the pull of the masseter muscle, or poor initial reduction.