cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative serial sectioning analysis

A method for serial sectioning is presented that allows one to take about 20 sections per hour with spacings in the range 1–20 µm between sections. The alignment of the cross-sections is done with a linear variable differential transformer; it is thus independent of the microstructure of the sample and does not rely upon markers implanted in the sample. The alignment errors as well as tilts and rotation errors between sections associated with the new method are found to be negligible. Once all the sections are captured in a computer a three-dimensional image can be constructed. This image can be viewed interactively and rotated, thus allowing the direct observation of three-dimensional shapes. It can further be used to determine a vast array of microstructural parameters including those that cannot be determined from planar sections. The technique is illustrated through the reconstruction of the microstructure of a cast standard aluminium alloy specimen.
Sintering and vitrification heat treatment of cBN grinding wheels

Abstract Vitrification heat treatment of grinding wheels has been studied with great interest over the past 10 years but with very little work published in the area of superabrasive grinding wheels that use cubic boron nitride (cBN) and diamond as the abrasive medium. It has been shown that heat treatment of vitrified bonding systems has a remarkable effect on the resulting wear of the grinding wheel, which is shown by wide variations in the wheel wear parameter, grinding ratio. However, grinding wheels that contain cBN and diamond require bonding systems that fuse together under lower forming pressures and vitrification temperatures. This paper describes the initial stages of powder selection, consolidation and vitrification heat treatments applied to these types of grinding wheels, and shows that using bonding materials that contain very low quartz content can decrease the tendency for the grinding wheel to wear out very quickly.
Invasion of sorghum seed by storage fungi at moisture contents of 13.5–15 % and condition of samples from commercial bins

In sorghum seed stored at 22–25° C for 535 days, invasion by storage fungi and loss of germinability increased greatly with small increases in moisture content between 13.5 and 15.5 %. Seeds dried for 18 hours at 70° C, then exposed to a relative humidity of 75 %, had a lower equilibrium moisture content, but were more heavily invaded by storage fungi and lost germinability fsater, than those that had been conditioned to 20 % moisture before storage at 75 % relative humidity. The 10 samples of Grade No. 2 sorghum examined averaged about 13.0 % moisture, germinated an average of 59 %, yieldedAlternaria from 75 % of the surface-disinfected kernels andAspergillus glaucus from 4 %; judged by these criteria, the lots from which the samples came were in good condition for continued storage.
Sarcoma of mandible

A previously healthy 29-year-old woman (Fig 1) was reerred to the author with an incisional biopsy diagnosis of steosarcoma of the left mandible. The patient’s history of he present illness revealed a 1-year history of a painless ass of the left posterior mandible. She reported that the eft mandibular first molar was extracted at the onset of ymptoms, along with debridement of bone in this region y her restorative dentist. The removed segment of bone ad not been submitted for histopathologic analysis. The atient was doing well after the extraction but developed a ecurrence of the mass 1 month before the biopsy and eferral. The incisional biopsy was analyzed at a local hosital and revealed an atypical cartilaginous lesion suspicious or chondrosarcoma (Fig 2). A bone pathologist at a tertiary athology laboratory reviewed the glass slides in consultaion, and grade 2 chondroblastic osteosarcoma was diagosed. The patient’s past medical history was significant for ypertension that was diagnosed 2 years earlier, for which he was taking Lotrel (Novartis, East Hanover, NJ) (amloipine and benazepril); a 1-year history of hiatal hernia, for hich she was taking Prilosec (Astra Zeneca LP, Wilmingon, DE); a 2-year history of mild, unipolar depression, for hich she was taking Effexor (Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, A); and asthma, for which she was using Advair inhaler GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) on an aseeded basis. The patient reported no known drug alleries. Her surgical history included 2 cesarean sections and ecent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Physical examination revealed a well-developed woman ho appeared to be her stated age. Mild, palpable expanion was noted in the left mandible on transcutaneous and ransoral (Fig 3) examinations. The overlying mucosa apeared normal. Panoramic radiograph (Fig 4) revealed a
Effect of pH on Metabolism and Ultrastructure of Guinea Pig Cerebral Cortex Slices

Lactic acidosis is a prominent biochemical alteration which follows cerebral ischemia and is of sufficient degree to result in pH decrease in involved and adjacent tissue. Because of the significance of acidosis in the cerebral ischemic process, we have investigated ultrastruclural changes and some biochemical parameters under varying pH conditions using guinea pig cerebral cortex slices. Metabolic rates decreased markedly during acidic incubations, and increased only minimally during basic incubations. Acidic pH affected oxygen and glucose utilization rates and fine structure to a greater degree than did an equal change in pH from 7.4 toward the alkaline. Glucose consumption was affected by pH deviations from 7.4 to a greater degree than oxygen uptake.
Token transactions: managing fine-grained migration of data

Executing a transaction in a conventional distributed database system involves the execution of several subtransactions, each at a remote site where the data reside and running a two-phase commit protocol at the end of the transaction. With the advent of fast communication networks, we consider an alternative paradigm where the remote data being accessed are dynamically migrated to the initiation site of the transaction. One example of such a system is a distributed shared virtual memory system.In this paper, we examine the problem of recovery from system failure in data migration systems. Most data migration systems use the notion of tokens for the access rights a site has on the data elements it caches. Our goal is to recover the site's knowledge of the set of tokens it owned when a system failure occurred. Our approach is to consider the token knowledge at each site as a fragment of a global token database and the data migration activities as token transactions that update this distributed database. We have developed a unique commit protocol for token transactions, called unilateral commit (UCP), that efficiently achieves consistency and recoverability of the token state. The correctness of UCP with respect to the two-phase commit protocol is also presented.
An Exploratory Study of the Legal and Non-Legal Factors Associated With Exoneration for Wrongful Conviction: The Power of DNA Evidence

This study provides an exploratory quantitative examination of wrongful criminal conviction. Certain legal factors and perhaps some non-legal factors are related to wrongful conviction. Using data pertaining to all known exonerations in the United States from 1989 to 2012, we explore the extent to which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing and/or race of a convicted innocent are related to that person’s exoneration. Controlling for race, the availability of DNA testing increases the likelihood of exoneration for murder or sexual assault. We also find that race is a significant factor in the wrongful conviction and exoneration of Blacks for murder or sexual assault. This finding regarding race warrants further research. The role of DNA in exonerating the innocent is critical to public policy proposals aimed at reducing wrongful conviction. Understanding how DNA may prevent and correct wrongful conviction is crucial because conviction of factually innocent defendants represents the ultimate failure of justice.
Language, Truth, and Social Reality in the Work of W. Peter Robinson A Prologue

In this prologue, and after outlining the reasons for creating this double special issue in honor of W. Peter Robinson’s scholarship, the authors provide a brief biography of his academic career and achievements. The breadth of his work and important contributions to the understanding of language and communication, as well as the challenging intellectual questions and dilemmas he posed, are outlined. Particular attention is here afforded the processes of child communication and miscommunication, language and social class, and deceptive phenomena. Finally, the subsequent articles are overviewed in terms of their connection to Robinson’s concerns for the effects of context on cognition, language, and communication practices.
Neurological Consequences of Scuba Diving With Chronic Sinusitis

Sinus barotrauma from scuba diving is relatively common, usually self-limiting, and often the result of transient nasal pathology. We describe serious neurological sequelae occurring in two scuba divers who had chronic sinusitis. We suggest guidelines for evaluating and treating divers who have chronic sinusitis. Divers with nasal or sinus pathology should be aware of the potentially serious consequences associated with scuba diving even after endoscopic sinus surgery to correct this condition.
Neurotoxic probes of the axonal cytoskeleton

Abstract Neurofibrillary changes, characterized by accumulations of neurofilaments within the neuronal perikaryon or axon, occur in a variety of human and experimental disorders. The pathogenesis of one model, β,β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) toxicity, is partially understood. IDPN produces a distinctive alteration in which microtubules are segregated from neurofilaments. In this model, the axonal transport of neurofilaments is impaired, resulting in accumulations of neurofilaments in the proximal portions of large axons. Several lines of evidence suggest that similar mechanisms may underlie the neurotoxicity of other agents, including 2,5-hexanedione. These agents represent a distinctive class of toxic probes for studies of cytoskeletal organization and axonal transport.
An Eötvös versus a Galileo experiment: A study in two- versus three-dimensional physics

Abstract We show how the net effect of two new approximately cancelling (vector and scalar) gravitational forces could produce a measureable effect from a horizontal thin slab in an Eotvos experiment, yet yield a null result at the same level for a Galileo experiment. The resolution is an example of two- versus three-dimensional physics and the cancelling nature of the two forces. Using two different earth models, we apply this result to the Australian mine gravity data of Stacey et al., the Brookhaven Eotvos experiment of Thieberger, and the Colorado Galileo experiment of Niebauer et al.
Aristophanes' Frogs and the Contest of Homer and Hesiod

Dionysus' unexpected decision at the end of the play is generally thought to reflect the notion that poets such as Aeschylus and Euripides had practical moral advice to offer their audiences and to promote an "Aeschylean" over a "Euripidean" approach to life. I argue, however, that this ending offers a combination of aesthetic insight and intertextual playfulness that ultimately relieves the Aristophanic Aeschylus and Euripides of the moralizing burden they have had to shoulder for so long. My reasons for suggesting this arise from consideration of the relationship between Frogs and another literary text that featured a high-profile poetic contest, namely, the Contest of Homer and Hesiod.
Polymers for information storage systems: 4. Thermal and compressive properties of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates

Abstract Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, glyceryl trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate and dipentaerythritol monohydroxypentaacrylate were polymerized by ultra-violet irradiation in the presence of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone as a photoinitiator. The polymerization reactions and some of the polymers' physical properties were studied to determine the possible use of these monomers as lacquers for laser video disc production. Thermal analysis and compressive creep experiments were performed to investigate the crosslinked structure of these networks.
The application of the intercolor 8000 terminal to thematic cartography

The Intercolor 8000 color video terminal is used in conjunction with a timesharing computer system for applications in thematic cartography. The version of the terminal discussed can resolve the screen into a matrix of 25 rows by 80 columns with colored characters on colored backgrounds. Using the plot mode, the screen can be further resolved into single-color cells of 100 rows by 160 columns. The value and limitations of the terminal are discussed in terms of the selection and brightness of the eight colors, the dimensions of the cells and the ability to mix colors in small cells. The possibilities of using the terminal for dot, choropleth and isarithmic maps are explored. Acetate overlays can be used to add base lines such as boundaries and rivers and the composite images can be recorded on standard slide film.
Glycosphingolipid depletion in Fabry disease lymphoblasts with potent inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase

Glycosphingolipid depletion in fabry disease lymphoblasts with potent inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase. Background Fabry disease is an inherited X-linked disorder resulting in the loss of activity of the lysosomal hydrolase α-galactosidase A and causing the clinical manifestations of renal failure, cerebral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction. The phenotypic expression of this disorder is manifest by the accumulation of glycosphingolipids containing α-galactosyl linkages, most prominently globotriaosylceramide. Methods Based on quantitative structure activity studies, we recently reported two newly designed glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors based on 1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-pyrrolidino-1-propanol (P4). These inhibitors, 4′-hydroxy-P4 and ethylenedioxy-P4, were evaluated for their ability to deplete globotriaosylceramide and other glucosylceramide-based lipids in Fabry lymphocytes and were compared with N -butyldeoxynojirimycin, another reported glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor. Results Concentrations as low as 10 nmol/L of 4′-hydroxy-P4 and ethylenedioxy-P4 resulted in 70 and 80% depletion, respectively, of globotriaosylceramide, with maximal depletion occurring at three days of treatment. There was no impairment of cell growth. In contrast, N -butyldeoxynojirimycin only minimally lowered globotriaosylceramide levels, even at concentrations as high as 10 μmol/L. Globotriaosylceramide depletion was confirmed by the loss of binding of FITC-conjugated verotoxin B subunit to the lymphoblasts. Conclusions These findings suggest that selective glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors are highly effective in the depletion of globotriaosylceramide from Fabry cell lines. We suggest that these compounds have potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of Fabry disease.
Pathological and Clinical Correlates of FOXP3+ Cells in Renal Allografts during Acute Rejection

The localization and significance of regulatory T cells (Treg) in allograft rejection is of considerable clinical and immunological interest. We analyzed 80 human renal transplant biopsies (including seven donor biopsies) with a double immunohistochemical marker for the Treg transcription factor FOXP3, combined with a second marker for CD4 or CD8. Quantitative FOXP3 cell counts were performed and analyzed for clinical and pathologic correlates. FOXP3+ cells were present in the interstitium in acute cellular rejection (ACR) type I and II, at a greater density than in acute humoral rejection or CNI toxicity (p < 0.01). Most FOXP3+ cells were CD4+ (96%); a minority expressed CD8. FOXP3+CD4+ cells were concentrated in the tubules (p < 0.001), suggesting a selective attraction or generation at that site. Considering only patients with ACR, a higher density of FOXP3+ correlated with HLA class II match (p = 0.03), but paradoxically with worse graft survival. We conclude that infiltration of FOXP3+ cells occurs in ACR to a greater degree than in humoral rejection, however, within the ACR group, no beneficial effect on outcome was evident. Tregs concentrate in tubules, probably contributing to FOXP3 mRNA in urine; the significance and pathogenesis of ‘Treg tubulitis’ remains to be determined.
Angular dependence of c-axis plasma frequency and critical current in Josephson-coupled superconductors at high fields.

A vortex structure is predicted for Josephson-coupled superconductors in strong magnetic fields oriented near ab plane. The c axis component of the field forms an almost triangular pancake lattice inside the layers with the pancakes arranged in a zigzag structure along the c axis. This zigzag structure results in a sharp increase of the c-axis critical current and plasma frequency when the magnetic field deviates from ab orientation. These predictions are confirmed experimentally. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Factors Influencing Staff Perceptions of the Organizational Environment of Clubhouses

Environmental aspects of a treatment program can characterize both quality and experience for staff and clubhouse members alike, thus shaping the treatment environment. The current study examined the interplay of staff recovery attitudes and organizational characteristics on staff evaluations of the clubhouse environment. Two over-arching questions were explored in this study: (1) What is the association between staff characteristics, and perceptions of the clubhouse as an organization; and (2) to what extent is fidelity to the clubhouse model associated with staff attitudes and perceptions? Congruent with the generalist approach, staff came from a variety of mental health disciplines. Overall, clubhouse staff possessed optimistic attitudes about recovery and were positive about the organizational environment. There were only minor differences associated with role or background characteristics. There was evidence that employment in a Clubhouse with relatively higher fidelity to model was associated with more positive recovery attitudes to recovery and perception of the clubhouse as being more empowering, having more reasonable rules and greater staff continuity. However, characteristics of the clubhouse organization, auspice agency, and staff recovery attitudes were related to specific dimensions of program environment, and accounted for greater variability across clubhouse environments than fidelity alone.
A model for batch rod milling

Abstract A model for rod milling is proposed which states that the top sizes present in the distribution are broken preferentially. For the small mill used in the tests the enhancement of specific rate of breakage is about 1.4, that is, when a particle is in the top 15% by weight it breaks 1.4 times as fast as when it is in the bottom 85% by weight. Under normal breakage conditions, the preferential action of the rod mill on larger sizes makes relatively minor changes to the shapes of the size distributions produced. On the other hand, for large feed sizes where a ball mill would give inefficient abnormal breakage of the large particles, the rod mill still gives normal, approximately first-order breakage on these large size. Thus, compared to such ball milling, the rods appear to have a preferential action on larger particles. This is more accurately stated as: ball milling breaks too large particles slower than expected, rather than rod milling breaks large particles faster than expected.
On crucible effects during the growth of cadmium zinc telluride in an electrodynamic gradient freeze furnace

Abstract The CrysMAS code of the Crystal Growth Laboratory, Fraunhofer IISB, is applied to reveal conditions occurring in electrodynamic gradient freeze furnaces during the growth of cadmium zinc telluride crystals. Of particular interest are heat transfer and growth conditions associated with crucibles of different design, one constructed of graphite and the other of pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN). Under identical furnace set-point schedules, the two systems exhibit very different behaviors. Specifically, the temperature field through the cone region of the PBN crucible displays much steeper axial thermal profiles and promotes convex solid–liquid interface shapes (rather than the concave shapes computed for the graphite crucible). Both systems exhibit a concave interface during growth through the cylindrical part of the crucible. However, the axial thermal profile through the graphite-crucible charge is considerably more offset from the set-point profile of the furnace due to significant axial heat flows through the crucible walls. These factors argue in favor of the PBN crucible; however, comparatively larger radial gradients in the PBN system could lead to higher dislocation levels.
Print advertising: Executional factors and the RPB Grid

Abstract This study examines the effects of print ad execution variables on attention and processing as measured by Starch Noted, Associated, and Read most scores—on a univariate basis, then multivariate, and finally within the quadrants of the Rossiter–Percy–Bellman (RPB) Grid. Findings show that executional factors should create high noting scores because initial attention largely determines whether the brand is noticed and its message in the copy read. Univariate and multivariate effects of pictorial and verbal executional factors, ad placement factors, and message style mainly confirm the magazine ad attention tactics in the textbooks by Rossiter and Bellman (2005) and Rossiter and Percy (1997) but with several interesting exceptions. Six of the 16 executional factors investigated differed as a function of the product involvement dichotomy and product purchase motive dichotomy in the RPB Grid. Most (10 of 16), however, apply to all magazine ads, independent of RPB Grid dimensions.
Sensitivity of high-speed “perfusion-sensitive” magnetic resonance imaging to mild cerebral ischemia

This study assessed the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced dynamic echo-planar imaging to subtotal stenosis of the middle cerebral artery as a model of mildly compromised cerebral blood supply. Dynamic data was analyzed in terms of the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and bolus peak arrival time (BPAT), and the prognostic utility of these parameters was compared with measurements of the regional apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC) with the goal of identifying tissue at risk of future infarct. Dynamic echo-planar MRI in conjunction with bolus administration of a magnetic susceptibility contrast agent was used in a cat model of acute, unilateral cerebral ischemia, induced by partial occlusion (stenosis) of the right middle cerebral artery. The contrast agent transit was analyzed in terms of the regional time of arrival of the peak bolus-induced signal loss as well as the time integral of agent concentration, Pixel-by-pixel maps of cerebrovascular parameters (rCBV, BPAT) were constructed along with spatial maps of the ADC, derived from diffusion-weighted MR images at the same anatomical level. Arterial stenosis was maintained for a 6 h period, after which histological determination of tissue viability was obtained. Maps of BPAT showed sensitivity to mild flow perturbations not detectable from cerebral blood volume estimations from the same bolus injection or from determinations of the apparent diffusion coefficient of water. Of nine animals subjected to subtotal stenosis, BPAT identified compromised tissue in all nine after 1 h of stenosis. No animals had differences in rCBV or ADC at this point. Stenosis was maintained for 6 h in 7 of the cats. After 6 h, two cats had developed identifiable injury on ADC and rCBV maps. Of the remaining five, where rCBV and ADC appeared normal even after 6 h, three exhibited abnormal histological staining, whereas two indeed appeared normal. In the other two cats where initial subtotal stenosis was later made total, the anatomical region identified as “compromised” during stenosis, by the appearance of delayed bolus peak arrival, matched the area of subsequent infarct after total occlusion of the same vessel. Echo planar imaging in conjunction with bolus administration of a magnetic susceptibility contrast agent appears sensitive to mild perturbations to blood supply. These perturbations may not be resolved on synthesized maps of relative cerebral blood volume or apparent diffusion coefficient. Although “compromised” blood supply does not necessarily lead to infarct (over the 6-h course of this study), it may represent tissue particularly at risk of infarct in the event of further insult.
Investigating the in vitro interactive effects of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in a canine osteosarcoma cell line

Introduction: Dogs with osteosarcoma suffer intense bone pain. Conventional palliative treatment options include ionizing radiation with or without systemic chemotherapy. Intravenous pamidronate is a first-line therapeutic agent in people with painful skeletal metastases and is currently being evaluated for the management of osteolytic pain associated with canine osteosarcoma. The theoretical combination of radiation and pamidronate for managing bone pain appears to be a rational treatment option, however, in vitro experiments demonstrating additive or supraadditve cytotoxic effects of these two modalities would further support the clinical institution of this novel combination therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in a canine OSA cell line and to characterize the interaction between these two therapeutic modalities when used in combination. Methods: The canine osteosarcoma cell line, HMPOS, was subjected independently to varying doses of ionizing radiation (100 cGy, 300 cGy, 400 cGy, 600 cGy, 800 cGy, or 1000 cGy) or different concentrations of pamidronate (10, 25, 50, 66, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 μM). Cells were harvested following 48 hours of incubation and cell viability was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Dose-response curves were generated, and a theoretical ED50 for each treatment modality calculated. An ED50 isobologram was created to determine if different combinations of ionizing radiation and pamidronate (isoboles) would demonstrate subadditive, additive, or supraadditve cytotoxic effects. Results: The ED50 of ionizing radiation and pamidronate were 614 cGy and 65.3 μM, respectively. Of the six different isobole combinations evaluated, three produced supraadditve effects, one produced a subadditive effect, and two produced additive effects. Conclusions: Both ionizing radiation and pamidronate independently exert in vitro cytotoxic effects. Positive interactive effects can be generated, but only with specific isobole combinations. The results from this in vitro study support the use of specific combinations of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in order to maximize the cytotoxic properties of both treatment modalities.
Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions and Responses to Exercise

This article reviews the interaction between the neuroendocrine and immune systems in response to exercise stress, considering gender differences. The body's response to exercise stress is a system-wide effort coordinated by the integration between the immune and the neuroendocrine systems. Although considered distinct systems, increasing evidence supports the close communication between them. Like any stressor, the body's response to exercise triggers a systematic series of neuroendocrine and immune events directed at bringing the system back to a state of homeostasis. Physical exercise presents a unique physiological stress where the neuroendocrine and immune systems contribute to accommodating the increase in physiological demands. These systems of the body also adapt to chronic overload, or exercise training. Such adaptations alleviate the magnitude of subsequent stress or minimize the exercise challenge to within homeostatic limits. This adaptive capacity of collaborating systems resembles the acquired, or adaptive, branch of the immune system, characterized by the memory capacity of the cells involved. Specific to the adaptive immune response, once a specific antigen is encountered, memory cells, or lymphocytes, mount a response that reduces the magnitude of the immune response to subsequent encounters of the same stress. In each case, the endocrine response to physical exercise and the adaptive branch of the immune system share the ability to adapt to a stressful encounter. Moreover, each of these systemic responses to stress is influenced by gender. In both the neuroendocrine responses to exercise and the adaptive (B lymphocyte) immune response, gender differences have been attributed to the 'protective' effects of estrogens. Thus, this review will create a paradigm to explain the neuroendocrine communication with leukocytes during exercise by reviewing (i) endocrine and immune interactions; (ii) endocrine and immune systems response to physiological stress; and (iii) gender differences (and the role of estrogen) in both endocrine response to physiological stress and adaptive immune response.
Effect of penicillamine on new and pre-existing [3H]collagen in vivo

1. 1. Prelabeled rats in an isotopic steady state were used to study the effect of penicillamine in vivo. This approach was used to distinguish the effect of penicillamine on newly synthesized salt-soluble collagen from that on preformed insoluble collagen or acid-soluble collagen. 2. 2. The administration of d-penicillamine to mature rats, 6 or 12 weeks after multiple labeling with [3H]proline, resulted in a large increase in the amount of neutral salt-soluble collagen of skin. No effect was seen on the amount of acid-soluble collagen or urinary hydroxyproline. 3. 3. Penicillamine had no effect on the specific activity (relative to insoluble collagen) of neutral salt-soluble or acid-soluble collagen, and urinary hydroxyproline. The increase in total radioactivity observed in neutral salt-soluble collagen was due to the increase in pool size. 4. 4. The absence of change in the total amount or specific radioactivity of urinary hydroxyproline is consistent with penicillamine blocking the maturation of salt-soluble collagen to insoluble collagen without affecting the rate of collagen synthesis or destruction, and without converting pre-existing collagen to the salt-soluble state. 5. 5. Under these conditions the increase in pool size of salt-soluble collagen did not affect the amount of urinary hydroxyproline.
Rearing and step climbing behavior of X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mice

Hyp mice are a model for X-linked hypophosphatemia, the most common form of vitamin D-resistant rickets. Previous reports indicate alterations in the nervous system of these mice. The present study examined rearing and step climbing behavior in Hyp mice in the staircase test. We found that male Hyp mice have large reductions in both the number of rears and steps climbed when compared to normal male mice. When compared to normal female mice, female Hyp mice have a small reduction in the number of steps climbed but no significant reduction in the number of rears. However, they have greater rearing and climbing activity than male Hyp mice. These reductions in activity are not correlated with the severity of bone disease. Gonadectomy had no effect on activity in male mice but reduced activity comparably in both Hyp and normal female mice. We conclude that Hyp mice have altered behavior in the staircase test and that the magnitude and type of the alteration is influenced by the sex of the animal.
Practitioner advice and gestational weight gain.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate receipt of gestational weight gain advice in prenatal care and ideal and expected gestational weight gain outcomes for normal weight and overweight/obese women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of normal weight (n = 203) and overweight/obese (n = 198) women in early (<16 weeks) pregnancy. Results: Less than half of participants (41.7%) reported receiving weight gain advice from a practitioner. In multivariate models, pregravid weight status was not significantly related to receiving advice. However, women with lower income (odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.77, p = 0.01), younger age (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99, p = 0.02), and multiparity (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.87, p = 0.02) were least likely to report receiving advice. Among those receiving advice, most (85%) received accurate advice; however, overweight/obese women were more likely to be advised to overgain compared with normal weight women (22.2% vs. 2.3%...
Characterization of the pupil light reflex, electroretinogram and tonometric parameters in healthy rat eyes.

Purpose. To characterize the pupil light reflex (PLR), electroretinographic (ERG) and tonometric parameters which might be of importance for the in vivo characterization of mouse models of chronic ocular hypertension. Methods. C57/BL6 mice were used for experiments. The PLR was evaluated with a computerized pupillometer (n = 14), ERGs were recorded simultaneously from both eyes (n = 23) and IOP was measured with a modified Goldmann tonometer (n = 23). Results. The analysis of the PLR parameters confirmed the consensual PLR did not have significantly different amplitude (p > 0.1) and latency time (p > 0.1) compared to the direct PLR. However, PLR velocity (p = 0.004) was significantly smaller in the consensual PLR. Electroretinography revealed a-wave amplitude of 168.3 ± 9.6µV with latency of 27.5 ± 0.6 ms and b-wave 403 ± 28.8µV with latency of 22.7 ± 0.6 ms. The flicker ERG recording revealed amplitudes of 20.6 ± 2.4µV. Tonometry experiments revealed that modified Goldmann tonometer measurements co...
Identification and remediation of biases in the activity of RNA ligases in small-RNA deep sequencing

Deep sequencing of small RNAs (sRNA-seq) is now the gold standard for small RNA profiling and discovery. Biases in sRNA-seq have been reported, but their etiology remains unidentified. Through a comprehensive series of sRNA-seq experiments, we establish that the predominant cause of the bias is the RNA ligases. We further demonstrate that RNA ligases have strong sequence-specific biases which distort the small RNA profiles considerably. We have devised a pooled adapter strategy to overcome this bias, and validated the method through data derived from microarray and qPCR. In light of our findings, published small RNA profiles, as well as barcoding strategies using adapter-end modifications, may need to be revisited. Importantly, by providing a wide spectrum of substrate for the ligase, the pooled-adapter strategy developed here provides a means to overcome issues of bias, and generate more accurate small RNA profiles.
A radio coloring of a hypercube

A radio coloring of a graph G is an assignment of nonnegative integers to its nodes so that each pair of adjacent nodes have color numbers that differ by at least two, and any pair of nodes at distance 2 have different colors. Every graph has a radio coloring by simply assigning the odd integers 1; 3; 5; ... , but there is then a big difference between the smallest and largest colors. We define the span of a radio coloring of G as one plus the difference between the smallest and largest colors. We study radio colorings of a hypercube with the objective of finding such a coloring with minimum span. We develop a formulation for what we believe is the complete solution to this question in the form of a conjecture.
Spitzer Space Telescope Use of the Virtual Machine Language

Spitzer Space Telescope makes the most extensive use of the virtual machine language (VML) sequencing language of any mission launched to date. The use of VML has presented minor ground integration challenges to the mission and provides many benefits. While other missions such as Cassini use sequencing languages that can provide similar capabilities, VML's syntax, tools, and approach provide greater functionality in practice. Benefits of the sequencing approach taken include reduction in uplink volume, increased science efficiency, simplified operations, and increased mission safety. VML provides more commonality between missions than previous sequencing approaches, in an environment more like high level programming. It would be difficult to determine the life-cycle cost impact of using VML on Spitzer, but Spitzer's investment in the technology should enable future missions to achieve cost savings while simultaneously increasing autonomation and safety
Fault Tolerant Schemes for QCA Systems

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a promising nanotechnology that offers significant improvements over CMOS. QCA is limited by the high fault rate in manufacturing. New fault tolerant schemes are required to reliably assemble a system with fault-prone QCA technology. This paper analyzes and compares several fault tolerant schemes for QCA systems. It is shown that majority multiplexing (Maj-MUX) is a high capacity fault tolerant scheme specially suitable for QCA. The fault tolerant capability of QCA using Maj-MUX is investigated in detail in this work. The signal restoration speed of the Maj-MUX scheme is reported. Compared with NAND-multiplexing, the Maj-MUX can tolerate a higher fault rate and restore signals at a lower overhead.
Endothelial cells promote migration and proliferation of enteric neural crest cells via β1 integrin signaling

Enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) migrate along the intestine to form a highly organized network of ganglia that comprises the enteric nervous system (ENS). The signals driving the migration and patterning of these cells are largely unknown. Examining the spatiotemporal development of the intestinal neurovasculature in avian embryos, we find endothelial cells (ECs) present in the gut prior to the arrival of migrating ENCCs. These ECs are patterned in concentric rings that are predictive of the positioning of later arriving crest-derived cells, leading us to hypothesize that blood vessels may serve as a substrate to guide ENCC migration. Immunohistochemistry at multiple stages during ENS development reveals that ENCCs are positioned adjacent to vessels as they colonize the gut. A similar close anatomic relationship between vessels and enteric neurons was observed in zebrafish larvae. When EC development is inhibited in cultured avian intestine, ENCC migration is arrested and distal aganglionosis results, suggesting that ENCCs require the presence of vessels to colonize the gut. Neural tube and avian midgut were explanted onto a variety of substrates, including components of the extracellular matrix and various cell types, such as fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. We find that crest-derived cells from both the neural tube and the midgut migrate avidly onto cultured endothelial cells. This EC-induced migration is inhibited by the presence of CSAT antibody, which blocks binding to β1 integrins expressed on the surface of crest-derived cells. These results demonstrate that ECs provide a substrate for the migration of ENCCs via an interaction between β1 integrins on the ENCC surface and extracellular matrix proteins expressed by the intestinal vasculature. These interactions may play an important role in guiding migration and patterning in the developing ENS.
Selective blockade of the dorsal scapular nerve for scapula surgery

The dorsal scapular nerve, a proximal branch of the brachial plexus, may be imaged using ultrasound. This nerve supplies the rhomboid and levator scapulae muscles while providing significant sensory innervation to the scapula. An ultrasound-guided nerve block of the dorsal scapular nerve provided analgesia after surgery of the scapula. Selective blockade of this nerve, without blocking the remainder of the brachial plexus, results in specific analgesia of the scapula, sparing sensory and motor function of the ipsilateral arm.
A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Evaluation of a Destructive Experimental Method for Determining Through-Thickness Residual Stresses in Girth Welded Pipes

The accuracy of a destructive, experimental method for the evaluation of through-thickness residual stress distributions is investigated. The application of the method is to a welded pipe that has been subjected to a residual stress improvement process. The residual stress improvement process introduces gradients in the stress distribution. The question of interest is how well the back-computation method used to interpret the experimental data represents the residual stress distribution for this type of stress profile. To address this question, a finite element model was used to provide a reference stress solution for comparison with the back-computation results of the experimental method. Three-dimensional finite element stress analyses were also conducted to simulate the cutting steps of the destructive laboratory procedure. The residual stress distributions obtained by the back-computation procedure were then compared with the reference stress solutions provided by the finite element model. The comparisons show agreement and indicate that good results can be expected from the experimental method when it is applied to a pipe that has been subjected to a residual stress improvement process, provided that the axial gradient of stress is not too large.
On the relative importance of pool morphology and woody debris to distributions of shrimp in a Puerto Rican headwater stream

In this paper, we report the sizes and distributional orientation of woody debris in a headwater rainforest stream in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF), Puerto Rico. We also provide results of a 4-month study of a wood addition experiment designed to increase cover for benthic macroinvertebrates (freshwater shrimp). We added branch-sized woody debris to 20 pools in three streams. We trapped four species of freshwater shrimp (two species of benthic detritivores and two predatory shrimp species) during each of the 4 months following wood additions. An analysis of pool morphology (maximum depth, surface area and volume) provided a useful predictor of shrimp abundances. In general, numbers of shrimps increased with sizes of stream pools. A repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated no effect of woody debris additions on total numbers of shrimp per pool area. Two detritivore species (Atya lanipes, a filter feeder and Xiphocaris elongata, a shredder) decreased in abundance with increased woody debris and there was no statistical relationship between woody debris additions and predators ( Macrobrachium carcinus and M. crenulatum). Small woody debris additions may have altered flow velocities that were important to filter-feeding Atya at the microhabitat scale, although the overall velocities within pools were not altered by wood additions. Lower numbers of Atya and Xiphocaris in two of the three streams may result from the occurrence of two predaceous fishes (American eel and mountain mullet) and more predatory Macrobrachium in these streams. One likely interpretation of the results of this study is that the stream pools in these study reaches had sufficient habitat structure provided by numerous rock crevices (among large rocks and boulders) to provide refuge from predators. Addition of woody debris did not add significantly to the existing structure. These results may not apply to stream channels with sand and gravel substrata where crevices and undercut banks are lacking and where woody debris often plays a major role by providing structure and refuge.
Design assurance in a university setting

It is argued that VLSI design assurance in a university setting requires developing an environment in which a multiplicity of reliable designs can be produced by inexperienced designers at minimal costs. Two issues in design verification and testing are examined: the first relates to design for testability; the second is the practical verification of designs once they are implemented in silicon. It is concluded that as problems associated with design assurance are solved, the results should be of value to a broader community and especially to ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) designers. >
A simplified PV model for low power MPPT controller design

The paper presents a simplified PV model to assist in developing low cost MPPT controller in applications employing mini solar panels. High power drain of the control electronics is prohibitive for such low power application. Theoretical insight assisted by practical test data has been used to develop an equivalent Thevenin's model where the Thevenin's resistance is nonlinear and voltage dependent. The approach has provided a new MPPT criterion in terms of equivalent resistance that is both novel and useful in developing a controller that tracks the maximum power point under dynamic conditions.
Birth Cohort Differences in the Monitoring the Future Dataset and Elsewhere: Further Evidence for Generation Me—Commentary on Trzesniewski & Donnellan (2010)

A substantial majority of published studies have reported increases of individualism and materialism and declines in mental health and interpersonal trust over generations. The data Trzesniewski and Donnellan (2010, this issue) present from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of high-school students is almost entirely consistent with these previous findings, showing decreases in civic interest and trust and increases in high expectations, materialism, and self-satisfaction. Problems with measurement and variable labeling explain the few seeming discrepancies. They analyze only 15% of the variables in MTF, ignoring many others that also demonstrate increases in individualistic traits. Ecological correlations are not an issue in previous studies as the individual-level standard deviation is used to compute effect sizes. Increases in narcissism are clear when important moderator variables (e.g., campus) are controlled. The real puzzle is why these authors’ conclusions fall so far from the data.
The Effect of Computerized Tests on the Performance and Attitudes of College Students

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a computerized test which incorporates traditional test taking interfaces has any effect on examinees' performance, anxiety level, or attitudes toward the computer. Examinees were randomly assigned to take a class exam either on computer or in the traditional paper-and-pencil manner. Following testing, examinees were administered a questionnaire designed to measure examinees' anxiety level and attitudes. Results indicated no differences in test performance but a significant difference in anxiety level with those tested by computer having a higher anxiety level. The results also indicated a negative attitude toward computer testing. Seventy-five percent of the computer tested group either strongly agreed or agreed that computer testing was more difficult than traditional methods. It is suggested that the increased anxiety and negative attitudes toward the computer may be explained by the novelty of the experience and the anxiety level and negative attitude...