cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure, function, and long-term maintenance of the isolated turtle colon.

We describe the 5-day maintenance of sacs of turtle colonic mucosa in enriched bathing solutions. The mean maximum transepithelial potential difference (PD) developed by the sacs in Ringer solution enriched with tissue-culture medium and gassed with 95% air-5% CO/sub 2/ was 126 mV at 24 hours. Lower values were observed in other solutions. The PD of 24-hour sacs was partially or totally inhibited by ouabain, replacement of Na by choline in mucosal bathing fluids, or removal of Ca from serosal bathing fluids. The sacs transported Na in excess of H/sub 2/O forming a dilute mucosal solution. The responses of four different sac preparations (normally oriented or everted, and stripped normally oriented or everted) to long incubation were compared. Stripped normally oriented tissue developed the highest PD and maintained the lowest water content. The morphology of fresh and long-incubated tissue was examined. This investigation demonstrates that the turtle colon can be maintained in vitro for long periods, and it provides information on the morphology and physiology of this tissue.
TGF-β and Regulatory T Cell in Immunity and Autoimmunity

Introduction The immune response is controlled by several inhibitory mechanisms. These mechanisms include regulatory T cells, which exist in multiple classes. Notable among these are Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg), NKT cells, and Tr1 cells. Common to these mechanisms are inhibitory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). TGF-β and Foxp3-expressing Treg cells are critical in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis.
Auxin-gibberellin interaction in apical dominance.

Indoleacetic acid and gibberellic acid were added to decapitated light-grown ;Alaska' pea seedlings as substitutes for the intact apex in the control of apical dominance. Of various concentrations and combinations tried, a combination of 1% indoleacetic acid + 1% gibberellic acid was the most inhibiting to side bud growth. The greatest degree of hormonally induced side bud inhibition was achieved when seedlings were deprived of soil nutrients.
The reduction of DPN+ and TPN+ with sodium borohydride

Abstract The reduction of the pyridine nucleotides with NaBH 4 has been examined and the primary reduction products, the 1,2-, 1,4-, and 1,6-dihydrophyridine nucleotides, have been characterized.
Catalytic aminolysis of epoxide by alumina prepared from amine-protected Al precursor

The catalytic activities of alumina prepared from an Al alkoxide-amine adduct monomer for the reaction of cyclopentene oxide with piperidine was determined after various pretreatments, including calcination and exposure to moisture. They were compared with the activity of alumina prepared by the conventional hydrolysis method. It was found that the as-prepared sample from the alkoxide-amine monomer preparation was five times more active than a conventional preparation, suggesting that it has a higher density of surface Lewis acid sites. However, its activity was much more severely suppressed by exposure to moisture.
Family Relationships and Perfectionism in Middle-School Students.

Several authors have suggested that perfectionism develops in the context of a person's family of origin. However, there are few empirical studies that address the relationship between family variables and perfectionism. This study examined the relationship between family variables and multidimensional perfectionism among a sample of 253 middle-school students. The results indicated that adaptive perfectionism was correlated with numerous positive family variables, and adaptive perfectionists tended to have more balanced, cohesive, adaptable families, with a greater perception of parental nurturance than either maladaptive perfectionists or nonperfectionists. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lexical processing of visually and auditorily presented nouns and verbs: evidence from reaction time and N400 priming data

We investigated two aspects of lexical organization in normal adults employing behavioral and electrophysiological indices of semantic priming, namely: (1) Is there evidence for differential processing of nouns and verbs? (2) Is there evidence for separate systems for processing of orthographic and phonologic representations of words? Reaction time (RT), N400 amplitude and latency were used to examine the effect of semantic priming on lexical access of auditorily and visually presented nouns and verbs. We found that the temporal patterns of primed RTs and N400 latencies differed for nouns and verbs, indicating a functional difference in processing. However, the absence of topographic differences in N400 between nouns and verbs did not support anatomically distinct representations of these word classes. By contrast, a modality-specific topography at N400, in addition to RT and N400 amplitude differences between auditory and visual conditions, supported the proposed separation of the orthographic and phonologic representations of words. The implications of the findings for general theories of lexical organization are discussed.
Deepwater reservoir heterogeneity delineation using rock physics and extended elastic impedance inversion: Nile Delta case study

Deepwater channel reservoirs in the Nile Delta are delineated using extended elastic impedance inversion (EEI). We used the following workflow: seismic spectral blueing, rock physics and amplitude variation with offset modeling, seismic EEI and interpretation of the inverted cubes in terms of geologic facies, net-to-gross ratio, and static connectivity among depositional geobodies. Three subenvironments within the targeted reservoir interval were recognized using a combination of shale volume and ![Formula][1] -inverted cubes. These were used to generate 3D geobodies and a net-pay thickness map that were used in turn to calculate reservoir volumetrics. The results from the workflow matched well logs and could thus be used to investigate the potential of nearby prospects that have the same geologic settings. [1]: /embed/mml-math-1.gif
SYNTHESIS OF BENZO(1,2)PHENALENO(BC)THIOPHENES

The synthesis of both isomers of benzo[1,2]phenaleno[bc]thiophene namely, benzo[1,2]phenaleno[3,4-bc]-thiophene and benzo[1,2]phenaleno[4,3-bc]thiophene is described.
IDENTIFYING DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION IN MONOTERPENE-TREATED MAMMARY CARCINOMAS USING SUBTRACTIVE DISPLAY

Monoterpene-induced/repressed genes were identified in regressing rat mammary carcinomas treated with dietary limonene using a newly developed method termed subtractive display. The subtractive display screen identified 42 monoterpene-induced genes comprising 9 known genes and 33 unidentified genes, as well as 58 monoterpene-repressed genes comprising 1 known gene and 57 unidentified genes. Several of the identified differentially expressed genes are involved in the mitoinhibitory transforming growth factor beta signal tranduction pathway, as demonstrated by isolation of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor and the transforming growth factor beta type II receptor. The monoterpene-induced/repressed genes indicate that apoptosis and differentiation act in concert to effect carcinoma regression. Apoptosis is suggested by the cloning of a marker of programmed cell death, lipocortin 1. Consistent with a differentiation/remodeling process occurring during tumor regression, subtractive display identified YWK-II and neuroligin 1. Thus far, of the cDNAs putatively identified as differentially expressed in this complex in situ carcinoma model, 5 were tested, and each one has been confirmed to be differentially expressed. Additionally, many of the identified known genes are expressed as rare transcripts and exhibit small but significant changes in abundance. Together, these points demonstrate the unique utility of this new gene expression screen to identify altered gene expression in a complex in vivo environment.
Aerosol delivery of PEI-p53 complexes inhibits B16-F10 lung metastases through regulation of angiogenesis.

Aerosol delivery of PEI–p53 complexes inhibits B16-F10 lung metastases through regulation of angiogenesis
Multiplier-less VLSI architecture for real-time computation of multi-dimensional convolution

A VLSI efficient multiplier-less architecture for real-time computation of multi-dimensional convolution is presented in this paper. The new architecture performs computations in the logarithmic domain by utilizing novel multiplier-less log"2 and inverse-log"2 modules which are capable of converting the fraction numbers currently not available in the literature. An effective data handling strategy is developed in conjunction with the logarithmic modules to eliminate the necessity of multipliers in the architecture. The proposed approach reduces hardware resources significantly compared to other approaches maintaining a high degree of accuracy. The architecture is developed as a combined systolic-pipelined design that produces an output in every clock cycle after an initial latency of 93.19 uSec. The architecture is capable of operating with a clock frequency of 99MHz based on Xilinx's Virtex II 2v2000ff896-4 FPGA and the throughput of the system is observed as 99 MOPS (million outputs per second). Error analysis performed with the FPGA-based system in the image processing examples of edge detection and noise filtering shows that the proposed architecture produces outputs similar to that obtained by software simulation using Matlab.
Chemical condensation in the outflowing matter from the proto-sun and its application to meteorites

A novel model for solar nebula is proposed which is based on the observations of nebular disks around young solar-type stars in their T Tauri phase and the evidence that these disks formed from the material condensed from the outflowing gases from these stars. The model makes it possible to calculate the mass and the angular momentum. From these, parameters and the known photospheric temperature of T Tauri stars, the characteristic features of the nebula (such as radial extent, thickness, and temperature and pressure profiles) can be calculated. The model accounts very well for meteoritic mineralogy. It is suggested that chemical condensation took place in the outflowing matter from the protosun and that the solar nebula formed from this condensed material. The model also accounts for the formation of ices in the outer solar system and for planetary composition.
Importance of signaling via the IFN-α/β receptor on host cells for the realization of the therapeutic benefits of cyclophosphamide for mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor

Here we show that low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY), that depends for its therapeutic effectiveness on the immunopotentiating activity of the drug for T cell-mediated tumor-eradicating immunity, is curative for ~80% of wild-type (WT) mice bearing a large s.c. MOPC-315 tumor, but only for ~10% of IFN-α/βR−/− mice bearing a large s.c. MOPC-315 tumor. Histopathological examination of the s.c. tumors of such mice on day 4 after the chemotherapy revealed that the low dose of CY led to accumulation of T lymphocytes in both the WT and the IFN-α/βR−/− mice. However, in the CY treated tumor bearing WT mice the T lymphocytes were present throughout the tumor mass and in direct contact with tumor cells, but in the CY treated tumor bearing IFN-α/βR−/− mice most of the T lymphocytes remained in blood vessels. In addition to being important for CY-induced transendothelial migration of T lymphocytes into the tumor mass, we show here that signaling via the IFN-α/βR is also important for CY-induced control of metastatic tumor progression in the spleen and liver of the tumor bearing mice. Finally, CY cured tumor bearing WT mice were resistant to a subsequent challenge with MOPC-315 tumor cells, but the few CY cured tumor bearing IFN-α/βR−/− mice were not. Thus, signaling via the IFN-α/βR on host cells in MOPC-315 tumor bearers is important for CY-induced: (a) transendothelial migration of T lymphocytes into the tumor mass and the eradication of the primary tumor, (b) control of metastatic tumor progression, and (c) resistance to a subsequent tumor challenge.
Microsedimentary analysis of the lias in South Wales

Abstract Continuously oscillating sea levels during the Lower Jurassic produced lithological and biological variations in the Glamorgan Lias which are not readily discernible from field studies alone. Quantitative analysis to study regional variations in the fauna and sediments have proven useful for correlating between the nearshore Lias lithoclast conglomerates and sandstones and the offshore, fossiliferous, limestoneshale sequence. In the absence of marker beds or index fossils, similar techniques can be useful for correlating unfossiliferous or lithologically-homogeneous stratigraphic sections in other parts of the geological column. Criteria for environmental interpretation are reviewed and cyclical lithofacies and biofacies established for the Lias in Glamorgan.
Quantifying Metrics of External Airport Risk Exposure in Vicinity of Public Use, Nontowered Airports

This paper presents research conducted in modeling specific exposure metrics of communities in the vicinity of public use, nontowered airports to aviation accidents that result in crash sites outside the immediate confines of a runway (termed external airport risk). Two exposure metrics are explored: a relative exposure (termed crash hazard), defined as the probability that a crash site will be located in a specific area if a crash were to occur at an airport, and an absolute exposure (termed crash risk), defined as the expected number of crashes per year within any defined area. Results of this research are presented as a series of choropleth maps that define boundaries as contours, within which these metrics exceed some defined threshold. A specific application of this research is presented within the context of a model airport.
Response to Comment on “S-Nitrosylation of Parkin Regulates Ubiquitination and Compromises Parkin's Protective Function”

Our finding that parkin, a ubiquitin E3 ligase, can be selectively S -nitrosylated by nitric oxide (NO) ([ 1 ][1]) was later confirmed by Yao et al . ([ 2 ][2]) and suggests a common pathogenic pathway in familial and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). We found that nitrosylation of parkin
Rbf1-independent termination of E2f1-target gene expression during early Drosophila embryogenesis.

The initiation and maintenance of G1 cell cycle arrest is a key feature of animal development. In the Drosophila ectoderm, G1 arrest first appears during the seventeenth embryonic cell cycle. The initiation of G117 arrest requires the developmentally-induced expression of Dacapo, a p27-like Cyclin E-Cdk2 inhibitor. The maintenance of G117 arrest requires Rbf1-dependent repression of E2f1-regulated replication factor genes, which are expressed continuously during cycles 1-16 when S phase immediately follows mitosis. The mechanisms that trigger Rbf1 repressor function and mediate G117 maintenance are unknown. Here we show that the initial downregulation of expression of the E2f1-target gene RnrS , which occurs during cycles 15 and 16 prior to entry into G117, does not require Rbf1 or p27Dap. This suggests a mechanism for Rbf1-independent control of E2f1 during early development. We show that E2f1 protein is destroyed in a cell cycle-dependent manner during S phase of cycles 15 and 16. E2f1 is destroyed during early S phase, and requires ongoing DNA replication. E2f1 protein reaccumulates in epidermal cells arrested in G117, and in these cells the induction of p27Dap activates Rbf1 to repress E2f1-target genes to maintain a stable G1 arrest.
Accessing images with multiple representations

In this paper we present a formalism for query rewriting in the presence of data types with multiple representation, such as images. We show that the formalism is consistent and that it allows to derive rewriting rules, and we argue that the algebraic level at which it is express is the appropriate level for image access systems distributed over the internet, in which the internal details of the individual data repositories are not accessible from outside the local environment.
Marsh development after large floods in an alluvial, arid-land river

Large expanses of riverine marsh are rare in the desert Southwest, given the dry surface of many floodplain soils. Along the Hassayampa River, riverine marsh underwent a 5-fold increase (from 2% to 9% of the floodplain-channel area) after a large winter flood in 1993. Flood waters eroded terraces that had aggraded during frequent, smaller floods, widened the channel from about 3 to 50 m, and recharged the floodplain aquifer. The net effect of these changes was a lowering of the floodplain surface relative to the water table, a variable of critical importance to riparian plant composition in arid-land rivers. Olney’s bulrush (Scirpus americanus Pers.), southern cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.), jointed rush (Juncus articulatus L.), and other obligate wetland species were abundant in 1993 and 1994 on areas with saturated surface soils or shallow water tables and often were intermixed with seedlings of early-seral tree species, including Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii S. Watson), Goodding willow (Salix gooddingii Ball), and salt cedar (Tamarix chinensis Loureiro and related species). The gain in riverine marsh and young cottonwood-willow stands occurred at the expense of mature cottonwood-willow forests and deep-rooted, velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina Woot.) woodlands. Another large flood in 1995 scoured the channel of most existing vegetation and aggraded the 1993 flood channel. Early-seral tree species again established in moist soils exposed by the slowly receding flood waters. However, redevelopment of extensive marsh habitat was precluded by sediment deposition that increased the elevation of the floodplain surface relative to the water table. These changes highlight the transitory nature of riverine marsh and other vegetation patch types in the dynamic floodplains of alluvial, arid-land rivers and underscore the importance of maintaining flood flows of varying magnitude to maintain patch type diversity.
15 Years of web systems evolution

From its inception in 1999 to its fifteenth anniversary in 2013, the Web Systems Evolution (WSE) series of events have provided a forum for researchers and practitioners to present original work on subjects related to the disciplined evolution of large-scale Web sites and the development and deployment of Web applications. This paper summarizes the central themes of WSE over the years, with a brief summary of the last five years (2009-2013) of the symposium. The future of WSE is also discussed.
Multiprocessor system-on-chip technology

Signal processing is a prime application for very large scale integration (VLSI) technology and systems-on-chips (SoCs), so it should be no surprise that a great deal of effort has been put into the design of architectures for signal processing. The need for programmability, real-time performance, and low-power operation are all driving factors in the development of these architectures. Although multicore processors have recently emerged for desktop and server computing, single-chip multiprocessors have a much longer history in embedded computing thanks to the strict requirements placed on these systems. Multiprocessor SoCs (MPSoCs) have been developed in response to the needs of embedded signal processing and multimedia computing. This article surveys the requirements on embedded signal processing systems and how those requirements are reflected in MPSoC architectures and the software developed for them.
Multiple-scattering expansions for non-relativistic three-body collision problems

Abstract A simple derivation of the three-body multiple-scattering expansions from the Faddeev equations is given for non-relativistic elastic, inelastic, rearrangement, and break-up processes. The Faddeev approach to the multiple scatterings is compared with the Watson multiple-scattering theory and is shown to be equivalent to a symmetric version of the Watson multiple-scattering theory, treating all three particles on the same footing. The significance of the Faddeev-Watson expansion is interpreted diagrammatically. The advantages of these expansions lie in the fact that there is no disconnected diagram, suggesting a better convergence behavior. The modifications required by the inclusion of an intrinsic three-body interaction are investigated.
Nonadiabatic Theory of the Scattering of Electrons from Hydrogen

An outline is given of a rigorous series for phase shifts in electron scattering from hydrogen. It provides a method for calculating phase shifts reliably, and the successive terms of the series can be put in a one-to-one relation with an adiabatic series which has been derived for dealing with this problem. The method is an extension of that used bv Breit and by Luke et al. for calculating the energy of some excited states of 2-electron atoms and ions. (B.O.G.)
Sex-dependent effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on locomotor activity in mice

Sex differences in the effects of several drugs of abuse have previously been demonstrated. The present study evaluated sex differences in the effects of acute and repeated dosing with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on locomotor activity in male and female Swiss Webster (CFW) mice. Results showed that acute Δ9-tetrahydrocannibol (1–30 mg/kg) increased locomotor activity in female, but not in male, mice. Following 3 days of daily injections of 10 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, re-tests of the same doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol tested acutely showed that female mice continued to exhibit greater sensitivity to the stimulatory effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol than did male mice; however, higher doses were required to produce these increases, suggesting a modest degree of tolerance development. These results are consistent with those of previous studies in which cannabinoids were more potent at producing locomotor suppression and antinociception in female than in male rats.
Hemodynamic Effects of Exercise in Isolated Valvular Aortic Stenosis

Hemodynamic data, including simultaneously measured left ventricular and aortic pressures, were obtained from 20 patients with isolated valvular aortic stenosis at rest and during supine leg exercise. Changes in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during exercise were not significantly related to the severity of aortic stenosis but were correlated with age; patients with abnormal left ventricular end-diastolic pressures during exercise were significantly older than those in whom this variable remained normal. Exercise resulted in significant increases in both the mean rate of systolic aortic blood flow and the mean systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve. Analysis of this pressure gradient demonstrated symmetrical shortening of the ejection time per beat with an increase of the maximal systolic pressure gradient during exercise. Although changes in mean systolic aortic pressure gradient and mean aortic flow were significantly positively correlated, the increases in mean systolic pressure gr...
Autohydration of Nanosized Cubic Zirconium Tungstate

Nanoparticulate zirconium tungstate prepared through hydrothermal methods was found to autohydrate under ambient conditions. This results in positive thermal expansion, limiting its usefulness for controlled thermal expansion composites. TEM and BET studies provided strong evidence that the cause of autohydration is a result of structural defects present in the nanoparticles, while kinetics are governed by surface area, suggesting that processing methods can be used to minimize or overcome this problem.
Design-for-test methodologies for current tests in Analog/Mixed-Signal Power SOCs

Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) Power Systems-on-chip (SOC) require variety of current-based tests to be performed, with large dynamic range: from leakages in micro-ampere levels to high power load regulations and current limit test in multi-ampere levels. Limitations associated with automatic test equipment (ATE) incur high test cost in the form long test times and additional hardware required to multiplex high power resources to device-under-test pins. In our work we propose a framework for forcing and measuring currents on-chip via combo-DFT (built-in current sensor, current DAC, recycling and ATE co-test methodologies) and achieves >50% reduction in manufacturing test time and 50% reduction in ATE resource requirements.
Solid Phase Extraction of Cesium from Aqueous Solution Using Sol-Gel Encapsulated Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate

The synthesis and evaluation of silica sol-gels doped with cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) for solid phase extraction of Cs+ from aqueous solution is described. The CoHCF is formed by first introducing K4Fe(CN)6 (HCF) into the sol-gel and subsequently contacting the porous solid to a solution containing Co2+. Generally, sols contain alcohol as a co-solvent, which limits the solubility of HCF. Inclusion of generation-4 polyamidoamine (G4-PAMAM) dendrimer in the sol-gel increases the level of HCF and, in turn, the CoHCF. The uptake capacity of this composite was 0.43±0.01 mmol Cs+ g−1. A second approach to increasing the level of HCF silica is to exclude alcohol from the sol and use ultrasound to obtain a homogeneous suspension; HCF concentrations up to 0.17 M in the sol were thereby achieved. After gelation and reaction with Co2+, the resulting composite had a capacity of 0.61±0.01 mmol Cs+ g−1. With 0.5 mM Cs+ as the sample, the presence of either 0.5–100 mM Na+ or 10 mM Ca2+ did not change that value at the 95% confidence level.
Stance Time and Step Width Variability Have Unique Contributing Impairments in Older Persons

Gait variability may have multiple causes. We hypothesized that central nervous system (CNS) impairments would affect motor control and be manifested as increased stance time and step length variability, while sensory impairments would affect balance and be manifested as increased step width variability. Older adults (mean ± standard deviation (sd) age = 79.4±4.1, n= 558) from the ___________ site of the Cardiovascular Health Study participated. The sd across steps was the indicator of gait variability, determined for 3 gait measures, step length, stance time and step width, using a computerized walkway. Impairment measures included CNS function (modified mini-mental status test, Trails A & B, Digit Symbol Substitution, finger tapping), sensory function (lower extremity (LE) vibration, vision), strength (grip strength, repeated chair stands), mood, and LE pain. Linear regression models were fit for the 3 gait variability characteristics using impairment measures as independent variables, adjusted for age, race, gender, and height. Analyses were repeated stratified by gait speed. All measures of CNS impairment were directly related to stance time variability (p<0.01), with increased CNS impairment associated with increased stance time variability. CNS impairments were not related to step length or width variability. Both sensory impairments were inversely related to step width (p<0.01) but not step length or stance time variability. CNS impairments affected stance time variability especially in slow walkers while sensory impairments affected step width variability in fast walkers. Specific patterns of gait variability may imply different underlying causes. Types of gait variability should be specified. Interventions may be targeted at specific types of gait variability.
Two new carnivores from an unusual late Tertiary forest biota in eastern North America

Late Cenozoic terrestrial fossil records of North America are biased by a predominance of mid-latitude deposits, mostly in the western half of the continent. Consequently, the biological history of eastern North America, including the eastern deciduous forest, remains largely hidden. Unfortunately, vertebrate fossil sites from this vast region are rare1,2, and few pertain to the critically important late Tertiary period, during which intensified global climatic changes took place3,4. Moreover, strong phylogenetic affinities between the flora of eastern North America and eastern Asia clearly demonstrate formerly contiguous connections, but disparity among shared genera (eastern Asia–eastern North America disjunction) implies significant periods of separation since at least the Miocene epoch1,2. Lacustrine sediments deposited within a former sinkhole in the southern Appalachian Mountains provide a rare example of a late Miocene to early Pliocene terrestrial biota from a forested ecosystem5. Here we show that the vertebrate remains contained within this deposit represent a unique combination of North American and Eurasian taxa. A new genus and species of the red (lesser) panda (Pristinailurus bristoli), the earliest and most primitive so far known, was recovered. Also among the fauna are a new species of Eurasian badger (Arctomeles dimolodontus) and the largest concentration of fossil tapirs ever recorded. Cladistical analyses of the two new carnivores strongly suggest immigration events that were earlier than and distinct from previous records6,7, and that the close faunal affinities between eastern North America and eastern Asia in the late Tertiary period are consistent with the contemporaneous botanical record8,9.
Phase space acceptance and emittance in beam transport with application to tandem accelerators

Abstract Phase space acceptance and emittance ellipse areas for a region bounded by beam-limiting apertures of half widths r 1 and r 2 are shown to be πr 1 r 2 /| a 12 | and πr 1 r 2 D /| a 12 |, respectively, for linear beam transport in which D is the determinant of the basic 2×2 portion of the standard beam transport matrix and a 12 is the matrix element which transforms initial divergence into final displacement. A technique of analysis using these and related results is demonstrated for typical beam transport components. Examples are given for analyzing and optimizing beam transport through tandem electrostatic accelerators.
Treatment of nevus of Ota by the Q-switched alexandrite laser

BACKGROUNDThe Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 nanoseconds) selectively targets and destroys cutaneous pigment such as that found in dermal pigmented lesions and tattoos. The nevus of Ota is a benign dermal melanocytic lesion, which, due to its large size and periocular location, has been n
Mutagenesis and in vitro culture of Tillandsia fasciculata Swartz var. fasciculata (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract The genus Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) has very few variegated species, and cultivars with chlorophyll-deficient variegation are especially rare. With the objective of inducing chlorophyll-deficient leaf variegation, seeds of Tillandsia fasciculata var. fasciculata were treated with gamma radiation, combined gamma and thermal neutron radiation or by chemical mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Wild type, albino, yellow, yellowish-green and variegated phenotypes were obtained in the subsequent M0 generation. These variegated seedlings were either sectorial or mericlinal chimeras, consequently the variegation of these seedlings was lost as they grew older. Gamma radiation at 21 kR and 27 kR produced the highest percentage of variegated seedlings (4.4%). The highest percentage of seedlings with chlorophyll-deficient leaves was 8.4% with 27 kR gamma radiation, and 15.8% with 1.2% EMS. Radiation and chemical mutagenesis caused chlorophyll-deficiency mutations in one or more of the histogenic layers: LI, LII, LIII. Wild types had greater total chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll than mutant phenotypes. Most of the yellow and yellowish-green seedlings multiplied in a solid half-strength MS medium with equimolar 0.3 or 0.5 μM BA and IBA. The yellowish-green seedlings were able to grow photoautotrophically while the yellow ones were not. This is one of the first reports on the mutagenesis of a Tillandsia species. Stable periclinal chlorophyll-deficient chimeras of Tillandsia species can likely be obtained via mutagenesis if large numbers of seeds are treated with a suitable mutagen.
Vascular calcification: an age-old problem of old age.

Vascular calcification, once considered a passive consequence of aging, is now recognized to be a highly regulated process akin to bone formation. Vascular calcification is prevalent across ethnicities and age groups, and observational studies show an interaction with aging in asymptomatic adults and in individuals with established coronary artery disease.1,2 Recent findings from the HORUS study have shown that the link between aging and vascular calcification is an age-old association. In this study, 137 mummies up to 4000 years old were examined with computed tomography scans. Vascular calcification was present in 47 of 137 or 34% of the mummies, and age at the time of death correlated positively with the presence of vascular calcification and the number of vascular beds with calcified vessels.3 In the modern era, the incidence of vascular calcification has been shown to increase with advancing age and has been reported to be 12% for individuals >80 years of age.2 When present, vascular calcification portends a worse clinical outcome; a meta-analysis of 218 000 patients found a 3.94-fold higher risk for cardiovascular mortality and a 3.41-fold higher risk for any cardiovascular event.4 Thus, understanding how aging influences the pathobiology of vascular calcification may have far-reaching implications for associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Article see p 2442 To understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie aging-related vascular calcification, investigators have begun to focus on the vascular pathophenotype associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). This rare genetic disorder is the result of a point mutation in the LMNA …
Preshape Jacobians for minimum momentum grasping

Dexterous grasps for multifingered robot hands are planned. A real-time, joint space finger path planning algorithm is derived for the enclosure phase of grasping motion. The algorithm minimizes the impact momentum of the hand. It uses a preshape Jacobian matrix to map task-level hand preshape requirements into kinematic constraints. A master-slave scheme avoids inter-finger collisions and reduces the dimensionality of the planning problem. >
Developmental Trajectories of Acculturation in Hispanic Adolescents: Associations With Family Functioning and Adolescent Risk Behavior

This study examined longitudinal acculturation patterns, and their associations with family functioning and adolescent risk behaviors, in Hispanic immigrant families. A sample of 266 Hispanic adolescents (Mage = 13.4) and their primary parents completed measures of acculturation, family functioning, and adolescent conduct problems, substance use, and sexual behavior at five timepoints. Mixture models yielded three trajectory classes apiece for adolescent and parent acculturation. Assimilated adolescents reported the poorest family functioning, but adolescent assimilation negatively predicted adolescent cigarette smoking, sexual activity, and unprotected sex indirectly through family functioning. Follow-up analyses indicated that discrepancies between adolescent and parent family functioning reports predicted these adolescent outcomes. Results are discussed regarding acculturation trajectories, adolescent risk behavior, and the mediating role of family functioning.
A Multivariate Analysis of Bivariate Attitude-Behavior Relationships Based on Marginal Popularities*

The results of a contextual analysis of bivariate attitude-behavior findings, which is based on marginal popularities, are presented. The substantial rise in consistency as the popularity of behavior increases suggests that behavioral popularity has a strong contextual effect on the attitude-behavior relationship. Attitudinal popularity, however, is not positively related to consistency. The implications of the findings for the reference group approach to the attitude-behavior problem are considered, and it is suggested that the behavioral popularities may be indexing behavioral climates that are affecting consistency. An alternative individual-level behavioral competency interpretation of the results is also discussed.
Who's Gay? Does It Matter?

To answer the question “Who's gay?”—and its logical follow-up, “Does it matter?”—researchers usually define homosexuality with reference to one of three components or expressions of sexual orientation: sexual/romantic attraction or arousal, sexual behavior, and sexual identity. Yet, the three components are imperfectly correlated and inconsistently predictive of each other, resulting in dissimilar conclusions regarding the number and nature of homosexual populations. Depending on which component is assessed, the prevalence rate of homosexuality in the general population ranges from 1 to 21%. When investigators define the homosexual population based on same-sex behavior or identity, they enhance the possibility of finding a biological basis for homosexuality and a compromised mental health (suicidality).
Human meningitis from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus acquired as zoonoses

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus rarely causes meningitis in humans by contact with domestic animals or their unpasteurized products. In this paper we reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to this infection on previously reported cases of human disease. Additionally, the case of a 51-year-old female who acquired meningitis with this organism after contact with a horse is described. This patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, yet penicillin remains the treatment of choice. This aetiological agent should be considered in the proper epidemiological context.
New Prospects for American Labor: A Proposal

The reformulation of employee rights constitutes one important dynamic in the ongoing refashioning of US private-sector employment relations. Rights are currently being contested because of the growing inefficacy of traditional worker protections rooted in collective contracts and statutes; new rights forms, especially enterprise rights (rights unilaterally granted by employers) have assumed an increasing importance, especially since a dramatic new jurisprudence of labor law based on contract theory has substantially eroded the traditional doctrine of at-will employment. Enterprise rights based on market competition may serve workers effectively, but only if they are supported by certain key interventions in market processes. One possible schema, Choosing Rights, is explored.
A resistance gene product of the nucleotide binding site -- leucine rich repeats class can form a complex with bacterial avirulence proteins in vivo

Resistance (R) genes in plants mediate gene-for-gene disease resistance. The ligand-receptor model, which explains the gene-for-gene specificity, predicts a physical interaction between an elicitor, which is directly or indirectly encoded by an avirulence (avr) gene in the pathogen, and the corresponding R gene product. The nucleotide binding site (NBS) - leucine rich repeats (LRR) class of R genes is the largest known class of R genes. Here we report that an NBS-LRR R protein and its cognate Avr protein form a complex together in the plant cell. The Arabidopsis thaliana R genes RPS2 and RPM1 confer gene-for-gene disease resistance to strains of the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae carrying the avr genes avrRpt2 and avrB, respectively. Using transient expression of these genes in Arabidopsis leaf mesophyll protoplasts, we first demonstrated that the protoplast system is appropriate for the investigation of the gene-for-gene recognition mechanism. Formation of an in vivo complex containing the RPS2 and AvrRpt2 proteins was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation of the proteins following expression of the genes in protoplasts. This complex contained at least one additional plant protein of approximately 75 kDa. Unexpectedly, RPS2 also formed a complex with AvrB. We speculate that complex formation between AvrRpt2 and RPS2 is productive and leads to the elicitation of the resistance response, whilst complex formation between AvrB and RPS2 is unproductive and possibly competes with complex formation between AvrRpt2 and RPS2.
Input impedance characterization of the QSC ultra wide band feed

We have fabricated a prototype of the ultra wide band QSC feed with a 10:1 frequency bandwidth. We have characterized the input impedance of the QSC feed using a differential S-parameter approach. We have used a non-linear model fit in the frequency domain for de-embedding the coaxial fixture that connects to the antenna terminals. The non linear model included the parameterization of a family of loads as a series R-L in parallel with a capacitance. The characteristic ultra-wide band response of the QSC feed is already evident from the start, trough the antenna coaxial fixture, even prior to the de-embedding process.
Signaling Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms through which Branched-Chain Amino Acids Mediate Translational Control of Protein Synthesis

BCAAs stimulate protein synthesis in in vitro preparations of skeletal muscle. Likewise, the stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle produced by intake of a mixed meal is due largely to BCAAs. Of the three BCAAs, leucine is the one primarily responsible for the stimulation of protein synthesis under these circumstances. The stimulatory effect of leucine on protein synthesis is mediated through upregulation of the initiation of mRNA translation. A number of mechanisms, including phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 Kinase, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4E binding protein-1, and eIF4G, contribute to the effect of leucine on translation initiation. These mechanisms not only promote global translation of mRNA but also contribute to processes that mediate discrimination in the selection of mRNA for translation. A key component in a signaling pathway controlling these phosphorylation-induced mechanisms is the protein kinase, termed the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The activity of mTOR toward downstream targets is controlled in part through its interaction with the regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (known as raptor) and the G protein beta-subunit-like protein. Signaling through mTOR is also controlled by upstream members of the pathway such as the Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb), a GTPase that activates mTOR, and tuberin (also known as TSC2), a GTPase-activating protein, which, with its binding partner hamartin (also known as TSC1), acts to repress mTOR. Candidates for mediating the action of leucine to stimulate signaling through the mTOR pathway include TSC2, Rheb, and raptor. The current state of our understanding of how leucine acts on these signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms to stimulate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle is summarized in this article.
Higher-Order Patterns of Neuronal Interspike Intervals (Trigrams and Quadgrams) Analyzed as Self-Adjusting Sets of Ratios

The present study proposes a new technique designed to disclose patterns of intervals, and which allows to make probabilistic statements about sequential arrangement of three, four and five intervals. It discloses patterns of intervals since it reduces the number of possible relationships between sequential intervals to only three alternatives by assuming that the first interval in a sequential pair can be either smaller than, equal to or larger than the second interval. The rationale of this technique is based on the assumption that information is carried by discrete patterns rather than statistical parameters such as the mean, standard deviation, etc., a contention strongly supported by experimental evidence.
Cost-Effectiveness of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis have a poor prognosis, and medical therapy has little, if any, effect on their natural history. Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is risky, yet it appears to be effective in extending life expectancy and reducing symptoms due to aortic stenosis. In this setting, the development of transcatheter AVR appears to be a breakthrough technology, potentially offering the benefits of surgical AVR without the need for an operation.1 Early clinical experience with transcatheter AVR has been promising and set the stage for a randomized trial to provide the definitive test of its efficacy. The concurrent PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valves) trials2,3 compared transcatheter AVR with medical therapy among patients at prohibitive risk of surgery (PARTNER cohort B), and compared transcatheter and surgical AVR among patients at high, but acceptable risk of surgery (PARTNER cohort A). The PARTNER cohort B trial showed that transcatheter AVR reduced mortality by 50% among inoperable patients and also improved quality of life.2 Transcatheter AVR was clearly a great improvement over medical therapy among elderly patients (average age of 83 years) with inoperable aortic stenosis. Article see p 1102 Transcatheter AVR is a successful new medical technology, but new medical technologies are also the prime drivers of increasing medical costs in the United States. Because the rising cost of health care has the potential to bankrupt the country, policymakers rightfully ask for evidence that any new technology provide sufficient clinical value to justify its costs. Cost-effectiveness analysis provides an explicit framework to assess the value of medical interventions. The fundamental principles of cost-effectiveness analysis are simple: How much does the new technology improve clinical outcomes compared with the next best alternative, and how much does it cost compared with the next best alternative? The difference in …
Characterization of the melting and wetting of Sn-Ag-X solders

There is tremendous interest at present with Pb-free solder assembly in the surface mount assembly industry in response to recent Japanese and European initiatives and proposed governmental restrictions regarding Pb usage and disposal. Many different solder alloys have been proposed as potential Pb-free solder replacements and the most promising of these fall into the general alloy families of tin-silver (Sn-Ag), tin-silver-copper (Sn-Ag-Cu) and tin-silver-bismuth (Sn-Ag-Bi). Published melting point data on some of these alloys indicates that they should be capable of reduced reflow temperatures relative to the commonly available Sn-3.5Ag alloy, which melts at 221/spl deg/C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and reflow visualization was used to characterize the melting and wetting of the Pb-free alloys and generate the practical reflow temperature requirements. This was compared to the DSC data to gain insight on the meaning of the DSC melting data for surface mount applications. The results show that, in general, the wetting performance of the Sn-Ag-Bi alloys are more similar to Sn-Ag and Sn-Ag-Cu than would be predicted by the major onset melting temperature data as measured by the DSC.
A new, facile synthesis of bis(ethylene)dithiotetrathiafulvalene and related donors for synthetic metals

Summary form only given. Bis(ethylene)dithiotetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF), bis(oxybis(methylenethio))tetrathiafulvalene (BOBMT-TTF) and bis-(thiobis(methylenethio))tetrathiafulvalene (BTBMT-TTF) and related donors were prepared in two steps starting from 1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene-2,5-dione (thiapendione) via the intermediate 4,5-dimercapto-1,3-dithiol-2-one. The reaction conditions for and the mechanism of the basic cleavage of thiapendione are briefly discussed.