cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedforward Origins of Response Variability Underlying Contrast Invariant Orientation Tuning in Cat Visual Cortex

Contrast invariant orientation tuning in simple cells of the visual cortex depends critically on contrast dependent trial-to-trial variability in their membrane potential responses. This observation raises the question of whether this variability originates from within the cortical circuit or the feedforward inputs from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). To distinguish between these two sources of variability, we first measured membrane potential responses while inactivating the surrounding cortex, and found that response variability was nearly unaffected. We then studied variability in the LGN, including contrast dependence, and the trial-to-trial correlation in responses between nearby neurons. Variability decreased significantly with contrast, whereas correlation changed little. When these experimentally measured parameters of variability were applied to a feedforward model of simple cells that included realistic mechanisms of synaptic integration, contrast-dependent, orientation independent variability emerged in the membrane potential responses. Analogous mechanisms might contribute to the stimulus dependence and propagation of variability throughout the neocortex.
Direct Determination of the Self-Exchange Rate of a Nickel(IV/III) Bis(oxime-imine) Complex. Investigation of Orientation Effects in Electron-Transfer Reactions

Rate constants for cross-reactions calculated with use of this self-exchange rate in the Marcus relationship show good agreement with measured values. The effect of the paramagnetic ions [Cr(edta)] − , [Ni III Le 2 L(1)] + , and [Cr(phen) 3 ] 3+ on the 1 H NMR relaxation rates of the cobalt(III) complex [Co III Me 2 L(1)] + has been used to investigate ion-pair structure in solution. These ion pairs serve as models for the electron-transfer precursor assemblies in the self-exchange reaction and two cross-reactions, respectively. Marcus calculations are relatively insensittive to the precursor structures. However, these structures provide a basis for interpretation of stereoselectivity data
Thrombospondin-1 expression in patients with pathologic stage T3 prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy: association with p53 alterations, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor progression

Abstract Objectives. To investigate thrombospondin-1 (TSP) expression in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. TSP is a p53-dependent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that TSP expression is significantly associated with the microvessel density (MVD) count, p53 expression, and disease-specific and overall survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy. Methods. Radical prostatectomy specimens from 85 patients with pathologic Stage T3 disease were analyzed for TSP expression, p53 nuclear reactivity, and MVD using antigen-retrieval immunohistochemistry. The median follow-up after surgery was 10.6 years (range 1.8 to 15.4). Disease recurrence was defined as a prostate-specific antigen level of 0.2 ng/mL or greater on two consecutive occasions after surgery. TSP expression was graded as present or absent on the basis of the immunoreactivity in the extracellular matrix by persons unaware of the clinical outcome. Specimens were considered p53 positive (altered) if more than 10% of the tumor cells demonstrated nuclear reactivity. The chi-square test was used to determine whether the associations were significant between the pathologic tumor characteristics and the immunohistochemical findings. The log-rank test was used to determine the associations between the immunohistochemical findings and disease recurrence. Results. TSP and p53 were graded as positive in 21 (26%) and 16 (19%) tumors, respectively. The median MVD count was 111.5. No significant associations were found among p53 status, TSP expression, and MVD. Seminal vesicle invasion and Gleason pattern 4 or 5 disease were significant predictors of disease recurrence. A trend was noted toward a higher rate of disease recurrence for patients with altered p53 expression (p53 positive) or increased MVD. TSP expression was not associated with disease recurrence. Conclusions. We found no significant association between TSP expression and p53 status, MVD count, or outcome after radical prostatectomy for patients with pathologic Stage T3 prostate cancer. Our data suggest that p53 and MVD may be associated with outcome in these patients. Additional studies are needed to identify reliable molecular markers of outcome for patients with this disease.
Interfacial tension of oil—brine systems in the presence of surfactant and cosurfactant

Abstract The interfacial tension between bulk oil and brine phases containing a surfactant and a cosurfactant has been calculated using a multicomponent adsorption isotherm model that accounts for the different sizes of the solute molecules as well as for the solute—solvent and solute—solute interactions in the surface phase. The presence of appreciable amounts of electrolyte in these systems alters the equilibrium distribution of a solute between the two bulk phases because of the salting-out effect, and the calculations also account for this effect. The interfacial tension is found to decrease with increasing concentration for both ionic and nonionic surfactants. However, for fixed values of total concentrations of surfactant, the interfacial tension is found to be much smaller for nonionic surfactants than for ionic surfactants, since the head group is larger in the former case. At fixed values of the surfactant concentration, increasing amounts of cosurfactant and salt have the effect of lowering the interfacial tension. Other important parameters studied are the chain length of oil and the relative amounts of water and oil. The calculations for both ionic and nonionic surfactants indicate that the interfacial tension decreases as the chain length of surfactant increases, while it goes through a minimum as a function of cosurfactant chain length.
Endoscopic diagnosis of aortoduodenal fistula.

Intermittent gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a patient having had an aortic graft should suggest an aortoduodenal fistula. Herewith is a description of the first endoscopic diagnosis.
Modeling optimal alfalfa harvest scheduling using short-range weather forecasts

Abstract Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) harvest is ideally scheduled to avoid rain damage to the cut forage while it is still in the field. The problem of timing alfalfa harvest in relation to available weather forecasts is addressed here using a dynamic programming approach. The modeled cutting decision is faced daily, and it must balance increasing yield and decreasing forage quality if cutting is deferred, with potential weather-related losses evaluated using probability forecast information for the upcoming 24-h period. Specific results for central New York conditions produce a four-cut system in most years, and indicate that alfalfa preservation as wilted silage is probably preferable to either direct-cut silage or dry hay. Using weather forecasts to schedule alfalfa cutting is estimated to increase average annual crop value by about 5–10%, while decreasing income variability.
Lack of catabolism of brain cholesterol

Since direct intracranial injections of precursors indicate that cholesterol is synthesized in the brain at all ages, there must be a mode of disposal also. The sterol nucleus itself is not degraded by mammalian systems but the side chain can be metabolized. [26-14C] Cholesterol was therefore injected directly into the brain of 80 to 19-day-old rats which were sacrificed at the end of 24 hr, 1 week and 2 weeks after injection. The results indicate that, irrespective of the interval between injection and sacrifice, all of the radioactivity was found in the free cholesterol or the cholesterol component of the sterol esters. No radioactivity was found in the fatty acids of the phospholipids. We therefore conclude that the side chain of the cholesterol does not get metabolized to propionyl CoA, which in turn, could lead to fatty acid synthesis. Radioactivity in the serum, even after 2 weeks, indicates that there must be a slow but steady exchange between the brain and the blood that would explain the route of exit for brain cholesterol.
Statistical variability of parameter bounds for n-pool unidentifiable mammillary and catenary compartmental models

Abstract Analytic (asymptotic) expressions are derived for estimating the variances of the parameter bounds for unidentifiable n-pool mammillary and catenary compartmental models with input and output probes in pool 1 (central, or first pool) only. These equations provide information about how output data errors propagate into the estimation of parameter bounds determined from interval identifiability analysis of the deterministic model. A key feature of the variance algorithm involves use of the Laplace transform to compute output sensitivity functions with respect to the structural invariants of the model, required for estimating convariances in an intermediate step. The resulting variance algorithm is compared with Monte Carlo simulations for several test cases, using data-error models with constant coefficient of variation (CV). The asymptotic variances compare well with simulated results, tending to slightly underestimate the true variances of the parameter bounds with greatest variability. Overall, the results suggest that the variances of parameter bounds for these two classes of models may be uniformly well behaved, at least for constant-CV data errors. This last result appears to hold for quasiidentifiable models in the presence of noisy data, as well as interval identifiable models that are far from being quasiidentifiable.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans arising on the hand

Summary Dermatofibrosarcoma is a relatively common, locally aggressive, soft tissue fibrous histiocytoma. Ignorance of its marked propensity for locally invasive growth can lead to inadequate excision, and patients often suffer multiple recurrences. We present a case of dermatofibrosarcoma arising on the hand, and discuss its natural history and proper surgical therapy.
The treatment capabilities of psychiatric emergency services

The author describes the treatment capabilities of a psychiatric emergency service. Psychiatric emergency facilities have become an integral part of general hospitals and the mental health system, and are used increasingly by patients. The author defines the treatment goals of psychiatric emergency care as, (1) symptomatic relief, (2) maintenance of ongoing treatment, and (3) referral and facilitation for entering treatment. The treatment techniques include an integration of psychologic, pharmacologic, and physical management principles. The qualities needed by an emergency service clinician to work in such a setting are described. Implications for training and research are discussed.
A family of isomorphic fusion algebras of twisted quantum doubles of finite groups

Let Dω(G) be the twisted quantum double of a finite group, G, where ω∈Z3(G,C∗). For each n∈N, there exists an ω such that D(G) and Dω(E) have isomorphic fusion algebras, where G is an extraspecial 2-group with 22n+1 elements, and E is an elementary abelian group with |E|=|G|.
Transforming clinic environments into information workspaces for patients

Although clinic environments are a primary location for exchanging information with clinicians, patients experience these spaces as harsh environments to access, use, exchange, and manage information. In this paper, we present results from an ethnographic-inspired study of breast cancer patients actively interacting with information in clinic environments. Through observations and interviews, we observed information interactions in awkward physical positions; inefficient use of existing clinical space; separation of patients from their information and lack of support for collaborative document viewing. These factors compromised patients' abilities to manage their information work when they experienced bursts of information exchange, lack of advance information, fragmented attention, and heightened stress in clinic environments. To overcome these challenges, we identify formative strategies to focus attention, encourage collaboration, and improve communication in clinical settings.
Processing power for a low voltage source-pulse load system

The objective of this investigation is to determine the best means of processing the power from remotely placed batteries or fuel cells to power sensors and communication devices having very light, steady state loads and much heavier short duration pulse loads. This paper discusses the requirements, interface characteristics, and problem areas associated with various approaches and illustrates the most favorable approach, push-pull converter-pulse width modulation, and the results obtained.
Second normal stress jump instability in non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract An instability mechanism is shown to operate in complex, non-Newtonian fluids in which a jump in normal stresses occurs between two fluids. Fluids with a negative second normal stress difference can be unstable with respect to transverse or spanwise perturbations. The mechanism appears to be generic, although the details will depend on the specific flow and the nature of the complex fluid. The instability mechanism is illustrated for two-layer Couette and falling film flows of viscous suspensions.
A high performance direct borohydride fuel cell employing cross-linked chitosan membrane

Abstract A cross-linked chitosan (CCS) membrane has been prepared by a solution casting method using sulfuric acid as cross-linking agent. The CCS membrane was used as the polymer electrolyte and separator in a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). Ionic conductivity and borohydride crossover rate have been measured for the CCS membrane. The DBFC used in this study employed nickel-based composite as anode catalyst and Nafion ® as anode binder. The power performance of the CCS membrane-based DBFC was compared with a similar DBFC employing Nafion ® 212 (N212) membrane as electrolyte /separator. The CCS membrane-based DBFC exhibited better power performance as compared to N212 membrane-based DBFC. Encouraged by this result, chitosan chemical hydrogel (CCH) was prepared and used as binder for anode catalysts. A DBFC comprising CCS membrane and CCH as anode binder was studied and found to exhibit even better power performance at all temperatures in this study. A maximum peak power density of 450 mW cm −2 was observed at 60 C for DBFC employing CCS membrane and CCH binder-based anode. The chitosan-based DBFC was operated continuously for 100 h and its performance stability was recorded.
Multicenter Crossover Study of Automated Control of Inspired Oxygen in Ventilated Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of automated adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) adjustment in maintaining arterial oxygen saturation (Spo2) within an intended range for mechanically ventilated preterm infants with frequent episodes of decreased Spo2. METHODS: Thirty-two infants (gestational age [median and interquartile range]: 25 weeks [24–27 weeks]; age: 27 days [17–36 days]) were studied during 2 consecutive 24-hour periods, one with Fio2 adjusted by clinical staff members (manual) and the other by an automated system (automated), in random sequence. RESULTS: Time with Spo2 within the intended range (87%–93%) increased significantly during the automated period, compared with the manual period (40% ± 14% vs 32% ± 13% [mean ± SD]). Times with Spo2 of >93% or >98% were significantly reduced during the automated period (21% ± 20% vs 37% ± 12% and 0.7% vs 5.6% [interquartile ranges: 0.1%–7.2% and 2.7%–11.2%], respectively). Time with Spo2 of CONCLUSIONS: In infants with fluctuations in Spo2, automated Fio2 adjustment improved maintenance of the intended Spo2 range led to reduced time with high Spo2 and more-frequent episodes with Spo2 between 80% and 86%.
Non-affine Extensions to Polyhedral Code Generation

This paper describes a loop transformation framework that extends a polyhedral representation of loop nests to represent and transform computations with non-affine index arrays in loop bounds and subscripts via a new interface between compile-time and run-time abstractions. Polyhedra scanning code generation, which historically applies an affine mapping to the subscript expressions of the statements in a loop nest, is modified to apply non-affine mappings involving index arrays that are represented at compile time by uninterpreted functions; non-affine loop bounds involving index arrays are also represented. When appropriate, an inspector is utilized to capture the non-affine subscript mappings, and a generalized loop coalescing transformation is introduced as a non-affine transformation to support non-affine loop bounds. With this support, complex sequences of new and existing transformations can then be composed. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework by optimizing sparse matrix vector multiplication operations targeting GPUs for different matrix structures and parallelization strategies. This approach achieves performance that is comparable to or greater than the hand-tuned CUSP library; for two of the implementations it achieves an average 1.14× improvement over CUSP across a collection of sparse matrices, while the third performs on average within 8% of CUSP.
Expression of a viral protein by muscle cells in vivo induces protective cell-mediated immunity

Intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA expression vectors results in transfection of myocytes in situ. To determine whether expression of antigen by myocytes is sufficient to induce protective cell-mediated immunity, stably transfected myoblasts expressing influenza nucleoprotein (NP) were transplanted into mice. These animals produced high-titer anti-NP antibodies and MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and were protected from a cross-strain lethal challenge with influenza A virus. Therefore, antigen expression by muscle cells in vivo is sufficient to confer protective cell-mediated immunity.
Simultaneous maturation of transverse tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum during muscle differentiation in the mouse.

The development and maturation of transverse (T) tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) have been studied in pre- and postnatal mouse muscle, using selective "staining" of these membrane systems. As previously reported in the literature, orderly transverse orientation of the T tubules occurs late in development and early T-SR junctions (triads and dyads) are located at random along the T tubules in a predominantly longitudinal orientation. We find that initial appearance of transverse tubules occurs fairly abruptly, and that all early T tubules have a longitudinal orientation. Transverse orientation of the T tubule network, location of triads at the A-I junction, and development of differentiated regions of the SR are coordinated events which occur gradually over a period of about 3 weeks for leg muscle.s The timing of triad development coincides with that reported for the increase in slow calcium current and dihydropyridine binding. Differences in T tubule patterns between muscle fibers of EDL and soleus are apparent only at relatively late stages.
Sequencing methods for automated storage and retrieval systems with dedicated storage

In this paper, we study the effect of sequencing storage and retrieval requests on the performance of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) where a storage request is assigned a predetermined storage location. By exploiting this unique operating characteristic, we present several optimum and heuristic sequencing methods under static and dynamic approaches. Applications of such sequencing methods include unit-load AS/RS with dedicated storage, miniload AS/RS, and potentially unit-load AS/RS with randomized storage. We find that the sequencing methods can significantly reduce travel time by a storage and retrieval machine, thereby, increasing throughput, and that the dynamic heuristic method is simple and fast, yet considerably outperforms the others.
25 EFFECT OF REPRODUCTIVE TRACT SIZE ON CONCEPTION RATES IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS UTILIZING A REPRODUCTIVE TRACT SCORING SYSTEM

Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) systems have been effective in evaluating fertility of heifers. A similar RTS system has not been reported in lactating dairy cows pertaining to conception rates following artificial insemination. Objectives of this study include development of a RTS system for lactating dairy cows and determining if RTS had an effect on artificial insemination (AI) success with various types of semen [conventional (CS), sexed (SS)]. During pre-breeding examinations (typically 30–60 DIM) by trained personnel, cows were assigned a RTS (1, 2, or 3) based on size and length of the cervix and uterine horns, but not including status of the ovaries. Tracts for RTS 1 were small, compact uterine horns resting within the pelvic cavity, RTS 2 were intermediate in size with uterine horns resting partially outside the pelvic cavity, and RTS 3 were large, deep tracts resting entirely outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. Additionally, cows were evaluated for RTS at a local abattoir before harvest, and tracts collected for volume and length measurements. Volume measurements were collected using Foley catheters and measuring water displaced in the uterine horns at a constant pressure. Length of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns were measured using a flexible tape. Insemination data analysis was performed using mixed model analysis of variance in Glimmix SAS 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Insemination data included 613, 308, and 572 scores in first, second, and third+ lactation cows, respectively. First-lactation cows had 65.25% with RTS 1, 30.02% RTS 2, and 4.73% RTS 3. Second-lactation cows had 53.25% RTS 1, 39.29% RTS 2, and 7.47% RTS 3. Cows with 3+ lactations had 43.18% RTS 1, 43.88% RTS 2, and 12.94% RTS 3. Cows were artificially inseminated (n = 2401 inseminations) with either CS (n = 1981) or SS (n = 420). Conception rates for CS were 38.65%, 34.26%, and 24.41% for RTS 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.0154 for RTS 1 v. 3). Conception rates for CS (38.65%, RTS 1; 34.26%, RTS 2) were higher compared to SS (21.37%, RTS 1 (P = 0.0001); 20.72%, RTS 2 (P = 0.0186)). No differences were detected between CS (24.40%) and SS (22.35%) within RTS 3; however, observations were limited for SS inseminations with RTS 3. Preliminary data regarding total length (vagina, cervix, and uterine horns; RTS 1, 2, 3 = 103.1 cm, 114.9 cm, 134 cm, respectively) and volume (RTS 1, 2, 3 = 102 mL, 131 mL, 133.3 mL, respectively) suggest both increase as RTS increases but limited observations prevent conclusions at this time. Conception rates indicate smaller reproductive tracts have improved fertility in lactating dairy cows when using CS. Identification of larger reproductive tracts will allow for more economically efficient AI programs by utilising inexpensive, high fertility semen.
Dilatometric and X-Ray Thermal Expansion in Non cubic Crystals. II. Experiments on Cadmium

Precision measurements of macroscopic thermal expansion $\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}l}{{l}_{0}}$ and microscopic (x-ray) thermal expansion $\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}d}{{d}_{0}}$ have been carried out for cadmium single crystals in both the $a$ and $c$ directions, between room temperature and the melting point. In accordance with the prediction of the previous paper (paper I) it was found that the difference $\ensuremath{\Delta}=(\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}L}{{L}_{0}})\ensuremath{-}(\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}d}{{d}_{0}})$ in a given direction is sample dependent. Accordingly, information on the equilibrium defect concentration was obtained from samples cut from the same large crystal. The mole fraction of vacancies in equilibrium, given by $2{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{a}+{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{c}$, has the value 5.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ at the melting point. The results as a function of temperature are consistent with an interpretation in terms of monovacancies only, with enthalpy and entropy of formation, respectively, of (0.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02) eV and $(0.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)k$.. With the aid of self-diffusion data, appropriate vacancy-migration parameters are also obtained. In addition, the ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{c}}{{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{a}}$ is found to be independent of temperature, and is interpreted in accordance with the theory of paper I. In particular, it is found that nonbasal dislocations play a large role as sources and sinks for vacancies.
Resonant chemical surveillance tags

Results will be reported from efforts to develop a self-contained micromachined microfluidic detection system for the presence of specific target analytes under the US Office of Naval Research CIED Basic Research Program. Our efforts emphasize improving/optimizing a dedicated micromachined sensor array with integrated photodetectors that are coupled to chemically sensitized chemiluminescent receptors. Here we will review our work on the fabrication of integrated photodiodes within an array of micromachined silicon pyramidal cavities that will contain the chemiluminescent compounds. One particular advantage of such approach over a conventional planar photodiode would be its collection efficiency without the use of external optical components. This should allow a more compact and robust system to be constructed by integrating photodetection and fluidics into a single chip-based platform. Additionally, overview of accessing the photodiode using wireless coupling to a resonant chemically sensitive tag will be discussed.
Creating Materials for Interactive Television ("Winging it" doesn't Work):

This article looks beyond camera skills to focus on the planning and development efforts needed to make televised instruction a rich and productive experience for learners. Jim Hall, an experienced TV instructor who has coached more than 300 university faculty members and corporate trainers on how to teach on television, describes the design of instructional materials, student and instructor guides, and graphics that will add value to interactive TV courses for both teachers and learners.
A psychometric evaluation of the panic disorder severity scale for children and adolescents.

The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS; Shear et al., 1997) is a well-validated measure that assesses symptoms of panic disorder and agoraphobia (PDA) in adults. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale for Children (PDSS-C) is an adaptation of the PDSS for youth ages 11 to 17. The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the PDSS-C. Participants included sixty adolescents from an RCT investigating the efficacy of an intensive cognitive behavioral treatment for adolescent PDA. Convergent and discriminant validity of PDSS-C scores were evaluated via observed associations between the PDSS-C and the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI; Silverman et al., 1991), Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC; March et al., 1997), and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI; Kovacs, 2003). Baseline and post-treatment data afforded the opportunity to evaluate the measure’s sensitivity to treatment-related change. PDSS-C scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.82) and adequate 1-day test-retest reliability (r = 0.79). Convergent and discriminant validity of the PDSS-C scores were supported through significant associations with the CASI and the MASC, and non-significant associations with the CDI, respectively. Linear regression analysis demonstrated sensitivity to treatment-related changes—i.e., greater PDSS-C change scores were significantly associated with assignment to CBT versus waitlist condition. Clinical utility was further established through significant associations between PDSS-C change scores and MASC and CASI change scores, and through non-significant associations with CDI change scores. Results support the use of PDSS-C scores as reliable, valid, and clinically useful for the assessment of youth panic disorder in research and clinical settings.
751 ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE EXPRESSION IN CULTURED HUMAN SKIN FIBROBLASTS AND SOMATIC CELL HYBRIDS

We have developed an in vitro model system for studying the human hypophosphatasias, a group of familial diseases characterized by low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and poor bone development. ALP electrophoretic and activity patterns were studied in human fibroblasts, mouse fibroblasts, and mouse-human hybrids. On polyacrylamide gels, human fibroblast ALP is seen as two zones of activity (a fast and a slow band), while the mouse fibroblast ALP appears as only one. Studies in human fibroblasts suggest that the ALP fast band is a product of modification of the slow band. In the hybrids, ALP fast band segregates with the gene for human malate dehydrogenase (MDH) which is located on chromosome 2 (p<0.001). This association has been confirmed by concordant segregation of ALP fast band and MDH in two hybrid subclones. ALP activity profiles were studied on 37 independently isolated hybrid clones. In one group of clones, human chromosome 19 was associated with high ALP activity levels (p=0.04), while in another group, chromosome 19 was missing from clones with repressed ALP activity levels (p=0.005). These observations suggest that a gene on human chromosome 19 may be involved in the regulation of ALP activity. The identification of genes which control ALP expression in cultured cells should help us to understand the genetic mechanism operating in hypophosphatasia.
Clinical factors affecting the strength of composite resin to enamel bonds

When adhesive bonding anchors composite resin to tooth enamel, a good restoration can be made. This study analyzes clinical factors affecting bond strength with emphasis on sources of air used while restoring teeth.
Mechanisms underlying the neuronal-based symptoms of allergy

Persons with allergies present with symptoms that often are the result of alterations in the nervous system. Neuronally based symptoms depend on the organ in which the allergic reaction occurs but can include red itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, coughing, bronchoconstriction, airway mucus secretion, dysphagia, altered gastrointestinal motility, and itchy swollen skin. These symptoms occur because mediators released during an allergic reaction can interact with sensory nerves, change processing in the central nervous system, and alter transmission in sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric autonomic nerves. In addition, evidence supports the idea that in some subjects this neuromodulation is, for reasons poorly understood, upregulated such that the same degree of nerve stimulus causes a larger effect than seen in healthy subjects. There are distinctions in the mechanisms and nerve types involved in allergen-induced neuromodulation among different organ systems, but general principles have emerged. The products of activated mast cells, other inflammatory cells, and resident cells can overtly stimulate nerve endings, cause long-lasting changes in neuronal excitability, increase synaptic efficacy, and also change gene expression in nerves, resulting in phenotypically altered neurons. A better understanding of these processes might lead to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at limiting the suffering of those with allergies.
BACTERIAL ENDOSYMBIONTS IN VOLVOX CARTERI (CHLOROP HYCEAE)1

SUMMARY The morphology of the bacterial endosymbiont of Volvox carteri Stein (Clone KA-1) was studied with the electron microscope. Endosymbionts were found in the cytoplasm of somatic cells, gonidia and sperm, but never in nuclei, chloroplasts or mitochondria. DNA preparations contained, an extra DNA species assumed to be endosymbiont DNA. Attempts to isolate the endosymbionts or to “cure” the alga with antibiotics were unsuccessful. All progeny from crosses of infected and noninfected strains contained the endosymbiont.
Pulsed Plasma Thruster plume analysis

Abstract Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (μPPTs) are a promising method for precision attitude control for small spacecraft in formation flying. They create an ionized plasma plume, which may interfere with other spacecraft in the formation. To characterize the ions in the plume, a diagnostic has been built that couples a drift tube with an energy analyzer. The drift tube provides time of flight measurements to determine the exhaust velocity, and the energy analyzer discriminates the ion energies. The energy analyzer measures the current on a collector plate downstream of four grids that repel electrons and ions below a specified energy. The first grid lowers the density of the plasma, therefore increasing Debye length. The second and fourth grids have a negative potential applied to them so they repel the electrons, while the third grid's voltage can be varied to repel lower energy ions. The ion energies can be computed by differentiating the data. Combining the information of the ion energies and their velocities identifies the ion masses in the PPT plume. The PPT used for this diagnostic is the micro-PPT developed for the Dawgstar satellite. This PPT uses 5.2 Joules per pulse and has a 2.3 cm 2 propellant area, a 1.3 cm electrode length, and an estimated thrust of 85μN [C. Rayburn et al. , AIAA-2000-3256]. This paper will describe the development and design of the time of flight/gridded energy analyzer diagnostic and present recent experimental results.
Tree detection from aerial imagery

We propose an automatic approach to tree detection from aerial imagery. First a pixel-level classifier is trained to assign a {tree, non-tree} label to each pixel in an aerial image. The pixel-level classification is then refined by a partitioning algorithm to a clean image segmentation of tree and non-tree regions. Based on the refined segmentation results, we adopt template matching followed by greedy selection to locate individual tree crowns.As training a pixel-level classifier requires manual generation of ground-truth tree masks, we propose methods for automatic model and training data selection to minimize the manual work and scale the algorithm to the entire globe. We test the algorithm on thousands of production aerial images across different countries. We demonstrate high-quality tree detection results as well as good scalability of the proposed approach.
Low pressure oxidation of Ni3Al alloys at elevated temperatures as studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy

Abstract In-situ low pressure oxidation of stoichiometric Ni3Al alloys has been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy for the temperature range 300 to 700°C. For these conditions, only aluminum oxides are observed. At 300 and 500°C, two oxide species are formed: one ascribed to an “intermediate state” and the other to amorphous Al2O3. This intermediate species, not reported previously, is interpreted as due to a precursor oxide species. Above 700°C, only γ-Al2O3 is formed. Below 700°C, the oxidation appears to be diffusion limited as the oxide does not increase for exposures above 600 L, whereas at 700°C, the oxide continues to grow with increasing exposure. The different behaviors for the two temperature ranges are discussed in terms of different oxidation mechanisms. In addition to these mechanisms, it is found that the oxide growth rate depends on the grain orientation. The development of intergranular oxides has also been observed.
Neural mechanisms in Williams syndrome: a unique window to genetic influences on cognition and behaviour.

Williams syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with a distinct behavioural and neuropsychological profile. Meyer-Lindenberget al. describe new research relating structural and functional differences to the underlying genetics of this disorder and their influence on cognition and behaviour. Williams syndrome, a rare disorder caused by hemizygous microdeletion of about 28 genes on chromosome 7q11.23, has long intrigued neuroscientists with its unique combination of striking behavioural abnormalities, such as hypersociability, and characteristic neurocognitive profile. Williams syndrome, therefore, raises fundamental questions about the neural mechanisms of social behaviour, the modularity of mind and brain development, and provides a privileged setting to understand genetic influences on complex brain functions in a 'bottom-up' way. We review recent advances in uncovering the functional and structural neural substrates of Williams syndrome that provide an emerging understanding of how these are related to dissociable genetic contributions characterized both in special participant populations and animal models.
Dynamics of reduced density matrices: Classical memory versus quantum nonlocality

The nonlocality in the path integral description of the reduced density matrix for a system interacting with a classical harmonic bath can be eliminated through the introduction of auxiliary variables, leading to Markovian equations. By contrast, the presence of an imaginary part in quantum mechanical response functions appears to prohibit similar approaches, necessitating explicit treatment of quantum nonlocality.
Object-oriented systems

The authors review object-oriented systems from the user's point of view and discuss problems that need solving. They describe how characteristic features of object-oriented systems can provide a foundation for various computational tasks. In particular, they address the impact of object models on programming environments, expert systems and databases. Although they use a relatively simple example for illustration, they believe that the same concepts and techniques can be applied to general applications. The authors also discuss related problems and highlight important research directions. >
Asleep at the Switch: MEK Kinases Control Transit to Gliogenesis in Developing Cortex

In this issue of Neuron, Li et al. (2012) show that the neuron/glia cell fate switch of cortical progenitors is regulated by MEK1 and MEK2. The observations resonate with recent studies on the genesis of low-grade astrocytomas and highlight neuronal support functions of astrocytes in the postnatal brain.
Genome-Wide Association Studies: Present Status and Future Directions

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involve the genotyping of large case-control cohorts using array-based genotyping platforms typically including several hundred thousand markers. The application of GWAS to a large number of different phenotypes of interest (often specific diseases) in recent years has resulted in the identification of an enormous number of associated loci, which have dramatically advanced understanding of genetic factors contributing to human disease. In this review, the genetic architecture of human disease is addressed and the technical features of GWAS are described. Next, approaches for defining the biologic basis for GWAS signals are described. The future challenges of developing improved phenotypic definitions for complex traits are also discussed.
Effect of sucrose accumulation on zein synthesis in maize starch-deficient mutants

Abstract Starch-deficient maize ( Zea mays ) mutants, brittle -2 ( bt 2), brittle -1 ( bt ), and shrunken -2 ( sh 2), which accumulated large quantities of sucrose, had less than normal amounts of zein (the major storage protein) in the endosperm. Reduction of zein synthesis in the starch-deficient mutants was negatively correlated with the accumulation of sucrose and low osmotic potential in the developing endosperms. When radioactive amino acids were injected into the shank below ears that segregated for the starch-deficient mutant and normal kernels at 28 days post-pollination, mutant kernels absorbed only ca 22–36% of the labelled amino acids found in their normal controls. Thus, a low osmotic potential in the mutant endosperm may favour water movement but reduce solute movement. The inability of amino acids to move into the mutant endosperms, therefore, in part explains the reduction of zein accumulation in starch-deficient mutant endosperms.
Selective effects of alcohol on electrodermal indices of orienting reflexes to signal and nonsignal stimuli.

Effects of a moderate dose of alcohol on the electrodermal orienting reflexes evoked by novel signal, novel nonsignal, and common nonsignal stimuli were assessed. Social drinkers were randomly assigned to the four cells of a balanced placebo design, with 10 males and 10 females per group. They drank a beverage consisting of either tonic water only, or tonic water plus enough vodka to raise blood alcohol levels to approximately .05%. Following drinking and absorption periods, spontaneous and evoked skin conductance responses (SCRs) were recorded. Subjects pressed a footpedal whenever they heard an odd stimulus tone in a series. Alcohol increased the frequency of spontaneous SCRs, increased the number of incorrect pedal-press responses, and selectively enhanced SCRs evoked by the signal tone, p less than .05. Results are interpreted in terms of a hypothesized selective effect of alcohol on frontal cortical inhibitory functions.
Antihistamines as analgesics

Histamine activates pain-transmitting nerve fibres, releases pain-related neuropeptides, and is painful when injected into the skin. Histamine agonists mimic these effects, suggesting that histamine plays a role in mediating the signal transduction of tissue damage or other painful stimulus. Certain 'antihistamines' (histamine H1 receptor antagonists) and other antihistaminics are 'analgesic' in preclinical or clinical models. Potential sites of action of these agents include the brain and spinal cord and a specific histamine receptor subtype might be involved (three subtypes have been identified). However, it is possible that other mechanisms account for the analgesic effect.
Epidemiological Features of Pertussis in the United States, 1980–1989

From 1980 through 1989, 27,826 cases of pertussis were reported to the Centers for Disease Control, for an average annual crude incidence of 1.2 cases/100,000 population. The incidence of reported disease increased in all age groups during this period, but the increase was disproportionately large among adolescents and adults. Infants between 1 and 2 months of age were at highest risk for pertussis (average annual incidence, 62.8/100,000). Infants less than 2 months of age had the highest reported rates of pertussis-associated hospitalization (82%), pneumonia (25%), seizures (4%), encephalopathy (1%), and death (1%). Rates of complication were generally higher among unvaccinated children than among those who had received three or more doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine; 64% of children 3 months to 4 years of age who had reported cases of pertussis had not been immunized appropriately for their age. Whereas control of pertussis in the United States may be further improved through increased levels of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination among eligible infants and children, the use of acellular vaccines in adolescents and adults may also be needed to reduce the burden of pertussis in very young infants.
Erbium:YAG Laser Surgery of the Vitreous and Retina

Purpose: These studies evaluated an erbium:YAG laser for transaction of vitreous membranes, retinotomy, and incision and ablation of epiretinal membranes. Methods: Elevated vitreous membranes, detachments, and epiretinal membranes were induced in rabbit eyes. An erbium:YAG laser, emitting at a wavelength of 2.94 ,um and equipped with a flexible fiber and endoprobes with tips ranging from 75 to 375 ,um, was used to perform vitreous membrane transactions, retinotomies, and epiretinal membrane incisions and ablations in nontransmitting aqueous media with the endoprobe in proximity to the tissue. Ablations of epiretinal membranes also were performed in transmitting media, including air and perfluoro-N-octane with the endoprobe elevated above the membrane. Results: Twenty-five vitreous membrane transactions were made in 16 eyes at distances ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 mm from the retina with radiant exposures ranging from 2 to 50 J/cm 2 with nonhemorrhagic retinal damage in a single transaction. Sharp, linear retinotomies were created successfully in five eyes. Epiretinal membrane ablations were performed with radiant exposures ranging from 1.8 to 22.6 J/cm 2 . In aqueous media, results of microscopic examination showed partial- to full-thickness ablation with a maximum lateral thermal damage of 50 μm. In air- and perfluoro-N-octane-filled eyes, there was increased lateral damage with desiccation of residual tissue. In 12 aqueousfilled eyes, l 8 linear incisions were successfully performed, with retinal nonhemorrhagic damage in 2 eyes and hemorrhage in 5. Conclusion: The erbium:YAG laser may provide new approaches to maneuvers performed in vitreoretinal surgery.
Regional myocardial three-dimensional principal strains during postinfarction remodeling.

Background The purpose of this study was to quantify myocardial three-dimensional (3D) principal strains as the left ventricle (LV) remodels after myocardial infarction (MI). Serial quantification of myocardial strains is important for understanding the mechanical response of the LV to MI. Principal strains convert the 3D LV wall-based strain matrix with three normal and three shear elements, to a matrix with three nonzero normal elements, thereby eliminating the shear elements, which are difficult to physically interpret. Methods The study was designed to measure principal strains of the remote, border zone, and infarct regions in a porcine model of post-MI LV remodeling. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure function and strain at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks after infarct. Principal strain was measured using 3D acquisition and the optical flow method for displacement tracking. Results Principal strains were altered as the LV remodeled. Maximum principal strain magnitude decreased in all regions, including the noninfarcted remote, while maximum principal strain angles rotated away from the radial direction in the border zone and infarct. Minimum principal strain magnitude followed a similar pattern; however, strain angles were altered in all regions. Evolution of principal strains correlated with adverse LV remodeling. Conclusions Using a state-of-the-art imaging and optical flow method technique, 3D principal strains can be measured serially after MI in pigs. Results are consistent with progressive infarct stretching as well as with decreased contractile function in the border zone and remote myocardial regions.
Riboflavin nutritional status and flavoprotein enzymes in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Abstract Riboflavin nutritional status was assessed on the basis of activity coefficients of glutathione reductase in erythrocyte hemolysates of normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Activity coefficient values higher than 1.3 were regarded as evidence of riboflavin deficiency. All diabetic animals were found to be riboflavin-deficient, with activity coefficient values of 1.47–2.11. Treatment of diabetic rats with either insulin or riboflavin returned their activity coefficients to normal. Rats fed a restricted diet had normal activity coefficient values. The erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity was significantly lower in diabetic rats, and the augmentation of enzyme activity in the presence of flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD) was 72% compared to 16% in normal rats. Hepatic activities of glutathione reductase and succinate dehydrogenase, both FAD-containing enzymes, were significantly lower in diabetic than in normal rats. Like activity coefficient values, all enzyme activities were normalized after insulin or riboflavin treatments. These data suggest that insulin and riboflavin enhance the synthesis of erythrocyte and hepatic FAD. The results of the present study suggest that experimental diabetes causes riboflavin deficiency, which in turn decreases erythrocyte and hepatic flavoprotein enzyme activities. These changes can be corrected for by either insulin or riboflavin. The pathogenesis of riboflavin deficiency in diabetes mellitus is not clearly understood. The data of the present study provide evidence in addition to the previous findings of an increased prevalence of riboflavin deficiency in genetically diabetic KK mice.