cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Surface Cleaning Processes for Diamond C(001)

Two wet chemical cleaning processes (a conventional chromic acid clean and an electrochemical etch) and a H-plasma exposure have been employed to clean natural type lib semiconducting diamond C(001) wafers. The effects of these processes on the diamond surface have been assessed and compared. As evidenced by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), an oxygen free surface could be obtained following annealing to 900°C for the electrochemical process compared to 1050°C for the chromic acid etch. In addition, the technique of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) demonstrated the presence of oriented pits on the surface of samples electrochemically etched for long times at high currents. Furthermore, heteroepitaxial Cu films have been grown on the diamond substrates cleaned by a process as described above. By means of Ultraviolet Photoemission Spectroscopy (UPS) a Schottky barrier height of ΦB≊ 1.0 eV was measured. Furthermore, the presence a negative electron affinity (NEA) has been determined.
Neurogenesis and Neuronal Migration in the Neonatal Rat Forebrain Anterior Subventricular Zone Do Not Require GFAP-Positive Astrocytes

A prolific neuronal progenitor cell population in the anterior portion of the neonatal rat forebrain subventricular zone, the SVZa, is specialized for the production of olfactory bulb interneurons. At all ages, SVZa-derived cells traverse a tangential migratory pathway, the rostral migratory stream (RMS), while en route to the olfactory bulb. Unlike other neuronal progenitor cells of the forebrain, migrating progeny of SVZa progenitors express neuronal-specific proteins and continue to divide into adulthood. Recent studies indicate that in the adult, migrating SVZa-derived cells are ensheathed by astrocytes, although the function of these astrocytes has not been determined. To explore the possible role(s) of astrocytes in the rat SVZa and RMS, we examined the expression of astroglial-specific genes in the postnatal SVZa and RMS using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry during (Postnatal Days 1–10) and after the period of peak olfactory bulb interneuron generation. We also examined the expression of neuronal-specific genes throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the postnatal subventricular zone to determine if differential cell type-specific gene expression could distinguish the neurogenic SVZa as a region distinct from the remainder of the SVZ. We found little to no astrocyte-specific gene expression in the P0-P7 SVZa, although the neuron-specific isoforms of tubulin (Tα1 and β-III tubulin) were expressed abundantly in the SVZa and RMS. In contrast, astrocyte-specific genes were strongly expressed in the SVZ posterior to the SVZa. GFAP expressions begins to appear in some restricted areas of the rostral migratory stream after the first postnatal week. These data suggest that astroglia are not involved in the generation or migration of most olfactory bulb interneurons. Moreover, the scarcity of glial markers in the neonatal SVZa indicates that the forebrain subventricular zone includes a distinct neurogenic anterior region containing predominantly committed neuronal progenitor cells.
Riesz decompositions and subtractivity for excessive measures

The convex cone of excessive measures of a right Markov process is an example of a superharmonic semigroup in the abstract potential theory developed by Arsove and Leutwiler. We show that their theory of Riesz decompositions can be sharpened in the case of excessive measures. In particular there is always a Riesz decomposition relative to a given potential cone (resp. harmonic cone). An element of an ordered convex cone is subtractive if each majorant is a specific majorant. This notion of subtractivity features prominently in the theory of harmonic cones. We give a complete characterization of the subtractive elements in the cone of excessive measures.
Magnetism and Homogenization of Microresonators

Arrays of cylindrical metal microresonators embedded in a dielectric matrix were proposed by Pendry et al. [IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech., 47 (1999), pp. 2075–2084] as a means of creating a microscopic structure that exhibits strong bulk magnetic behavior at frequencies not realized in nature. This behavior arises for H-polarized fields in the quasi-static regime, in which the scale of the microstructure is much smaller than the free-space wavelength of the fields. We carry out both formal and rigorous two-scale homogenization analyses, paying special attention to the appropriate method of averaging, which does not involve the usual cell averages. We show that the effective magnetic and dielectric coefficients obtained by means of such averaging characterize a bulk medium that, to leading order, produces the same scattering data as the microstructured composite.
Continued concern about parent vessel steno-occlusive progression with Onyx HD-500 and the utility of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in serial assessment.

BACKGROUND: Onyx HD-500 is a liquid embolic used to treat intracranial aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of parent vessel stenosis and the management strategy for these patients. METHODS: Medical records of patients treated with Onyx HD-500 between 2008 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were assessed. Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and NOVA (VasSol, Chicago, Illinois) images were reviewed for patients in whom these examinations were acquired. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent treatment of unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms. Three patients (17.6%) developed visual symptoms after the procedure: 2 permanent and 1 transient. Four patients (23.5%) developed delayed internal carotid artery stenosis at the 6- to 8-month follow-up angiography, despite a standard antiplatelet regimen with confirmed sensitivities to aspirin and clopidogrel. Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography was obtained in all patients with stenosis to guide treatment. One patient progressed to complete but asymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion. The second and third patients had asymptomatic stenosis of 40% and 70%, respectively, both of which resolved on follow-up angiography. The fourth patient developed critical stenosis distal to the aneurysm neck. Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated adequate flow in the first 3 patients and decreased flow in the fourth patient, necessitating angioplasty and stenting. Prolonged dual antiplatelet regimens were continued in 2 of the 4 patients, 1 with progression of stenosis and 1 with improvement of stenosis. CONCLUSION: We observed a higher rate of parent vessel steno-occlusive progression after aneurysm embolization with Onyx HD-500 than reported in the literature, despite overall low morbidity. Quantitative vessel flow imaging was useful in subsequent medical management and decision making to perform therapeutic angioplasty/stenting to preserve flow.
East-Central Europe’s new security concern: foreign land ownership

Abstract While foreign land ownership has become a post-Cold War security concern for East-Central Europe, it has been neglected in security studies focused on more traditional topics. This article offers a comparative analysis of: (1) the post-1989 development of policy towards land sales to non-citizens, (2) why foreign land ownership has been the most controversial in Hungary and especially Poland, and (3) why foreign ownership can be a useful tool for nationalists. Mining the land issue ultimately strikes a deeper tension between foreign-driven pressures to liberalize land markets within a pan-European free market and the still-strong belief that states should control land sales for the good of the nation.
Abstract 2367: Neural progenitor cells deficient in BAX and BAK manifest progressive hyperplasia and tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins BAX and BAK serve as essential gatekeepers of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and, when activated, transform into pore-forming homo-oligomers that permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane. Deletion of Bax and Bak causes marked resistance to many death stimuli in a variety of cell types. Bax−/−Bak−/− mice are predominantly non-viable and survivors exhibit multiple developmental abnormalities characterized by cellular excess, including accumulation of neural progenitor cells in the periventricular, hippocampal, cerebellar, and olfactory bulb regions of the brain. To explore the long-term pathophysiologic consequences of BAX/BAK deficiency in the central nervous system, we generated Bak−/− mice with conditional deletion of Bax in Nestin-positive cells. Aged mice manifest progressive brain enlargement with a profound accumulation of NeuN- and Sox2-positive neural progenitor cells within the subventricular zone niche. One-third of the mice develop frank masses comprised of the progenitor neurons, and in 20% of these cases, more aggressive, hypercellular tumors emerged. Interestingly, 60% of NestinCreBaxfl/flBak−/− mice harbor high-grade tumors within the testis interstitium, a peripheral site of Nestin expression. This mouse model of apoptotic blockade highlights the constitutive role of BAX/BAK in long-term regulation of Nestin-positive progenitor cell pools, with loss of function predisposing to adult-onset tumorigenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2367. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2367
A social justice framework for health and science policy

The goal of this article is to explore how a social justice framework can help illuminate the role that consent should play in health and science policy. In the first section, we set the stage for our inquiry with the important case of Henrietta Lacks. Without her knowledge or consent, or that of her family, Mrs. Lacks’s cells gave rise to an enormous advance in biomedical science—the first immortal human cell line, or HeLa cells.
Performance analysis of limited-range wavelength conversion in an OBS switch

We compute analytically burst blocking probabilities in an OBS switch when limited-range wavelength conversion is employed. Two separate queueing models are proposed and analyzed approximately; one for the case where the degree of conversion d is 1 or 2, another for large values of d. The arrival process of bursts is assumed to be an IDLE-ON process. The accuracy of these queueing models was tested against simulation. We show numerically that in order to keep the burst blocking probability within an acceptable level, the utilization of each wavelength has to be low.
Ontogenetic differences in the effects of EEDQ on dopamine-mediated behaviors

Abstract Previous results suggest that 17-day-old rat pups may have substantial reserves of both D1 and D2 receptors. To assess this possibility, the behavioral effects of a nonselective dopamine (DA) agonist, R-propylnorapomorphine (NPA), were measured in 11- and 17-day-old rat pups previously treated with the irreversible DA receptor antagonist N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). Rat pups were treated with EEDQ (7.5 mg/kg) either alone or in combination with the D1 and D2 antagonists, SCH 23390 (1.0 mg/kg) and sulpiride (100 mg/kg), respectively. (The SCH 23390 and sulpiride were used to protect. dopamine receptors from EEDQ-induced inactivation.) NPA's effects on stereotype sniffing and locomotor activity were then assessed 1, 2, and 4 days after EEDQ pretreatment. Results showed that NPA (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in the stereotyped sniffing of both aged rats. Unexpectedly, however, EEDQ did not disrupt the NPA-induced stereotyped sniffing or either the 11- or 17-day-old rat pups. Thus a behavior (i.e., stereotyped sniffing) that requires the activation of a large complement of DA receptors was not sensitive to the receptor-depleting actions of EEDQ. Moreover, the behaviors of 11-day-old-rats, which have fewer DA receptors than older pups or adults, were also not susceptible to the effects of EEDQ. When taken together, these results suggest that EEDQ's inability to block the agonist-induced behaviors of preweanling rat pups cannot be explained by ontogenetic changes in DA receptor reserves.
Right ventricular function in adult cardiovascular disease

NLY a decade or so ago there would have been very little to report about the right ventricular (RV) function in the adult cardiovascular disease. In contrast to its left ventricular (LV) counterpart, the right ventricle has been allocated to relative obscurity. This comparative neglect was apparently due to a number of factors. Of major importance had to be the fact that the left ventricle has a fairly simple geometric shape (an ellipsoid of revolution) and therefore can be analyzed with rather straightforward mathematical manipulations. In contrast, the right ventricle is an amorphous object that often defies simple geometric analysis. Furthermore, in most instances of dire adult cardiac problems, the left ventricle is perceived to be the structure that presents an immediate threat to human life if it fails, so that research endeavors naturally gravitate to it rather than to the right ventricle. Finally, a frequently evoked concept has been perpetuated over the years that the right ventricle is almost a redundant, albeit not totally unnecessary chamber, and that most attention should be focused on the left ventricle, the “business” part of the heart. The theory that right ventricular action is not
Theory of total-internal-reflection tomography

A method is presented to reconstruct three-dimensional tomographic images of weakly scattering objects with subwavelength resolution. The method may be applied to data available in phase-sensitive, total-internal-reflection microscopy. The results follow from an analysis of the near-field inverse scattering problem with evanescent waves.
Mutational Analysis of σ70 Region 4 Needed for Appropriation by the Bacteriophage T4 Transcription Factors AsiA and MotA

Transcriptional activation of bacteriophage T4 middle promoters requires sigma70-containing Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, the T4 activator MotA, and the T4 co-activator AsiA. T4 middle promoters contain the sigma70 -10 DNA element. However, these promoters lack the sigma70 -35 element, having instead a MotA box centered at -30, which is bound by MotA. Previous work has indicated that AsiA and MotA interact with region 4 of sigma70, the C-terminal portion that normally contacts -35 DNA and the beta-flap structure in core. AsiA binding prevents the sigma70/beta-flap and sigma70/-35 DNA interactions, inhibiting transcription from promoters that require a -35 element. To test the importance of residues within sigma70 region 4 for MotA and AsiA function, we investigated how sigma70 region 4 mutants interact with AsiA, MotA, and the beta-flap and function in transcription assays in vitro. We find that alanine substitutions at residues 584-588 (region 4.2) do not impair the interaction of region 4 with the beta-flap or MotA, but they eliminate the interaction with AsiA and prevent AsiA inhibition and MotA/AsiA activation. In contrast, alanine substitutions at 551-552, 554-555 (region 4.1) eliminate the region 4/beta-flap interaction, significantly impair the AsiA/sigma70 interaction, and eliminate AsiA inhibition. However, the 4.1 mutant sigma70 is still fully competent for activation if both MotA and AsiA are present. A previous NMR structure shows AsiA binding to sigma70 region 4, dramatically distorting regions 4.1 and 4.2 and indirectly changing the conformation of the MotA interaction site at the sigma70 C terminus. Our analyses provide biochemical relevance for the sigma70 residues identified in the structure, indicate that the interaction of AsiA with sigma70 region 4.2 is crucial for activation, and support the idea that AsiA binding facilitates an interaction between MotA and the far C terminus of sigma70.
DARK WELL‐DRAINED SOILS OF TUNDRA REGIONS IN WESTERN ALASKA

Summary Four dark well-drained soils in tundra areas near the Bering Sea coast of Alaska have similar morphology, but physical and chemical properties reflect those of the parent materials. Three of the soils are extremely acid and have low base-status. These, together with comparable soils in the arctic and in high mountains at lower latitudes, are classified as Cryumbrepts. One, from basic rock, with slight acidity and fairly high base-status is classified as a Cryoboroll. These soils have some characteristic in common with Cryandepts and Cryorthods of adjacent areas, but can readily be distinguished from them in the field.
Psychometric properties of a scale to measure menopause-related symptoms in two ethnicities.

Objectives To evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale we constructed to measure menopause-related symptoms in Hispanic and White non-Hispanic women.Methods Items were generated from the literature and clinical experiences. Hispanic (n = 123, 51.34 ± 5.14 years) and White (n = 210, 53.36 ± 4.80 years) women completed the scale and other instruments used to validate respective constructs. A subgroup of 69 women completed our scale a second time.Results Following exploratory factor analysis using the entire sample, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for Hispanic and White women, separately. The same four-factor model (vasomotor, psychological symptoms, relationship(s), and other symptoms) fit data for both ethnic groups. The coefficient α for internal consistency was 0.852 and 0.849 for the initial and second administration, respectively, and the test–retest reliability was significant (p < 0.001). There were differences in factor scores among groups with different menopausal status. Factor s...
Power efficiency in a partially reconfigurable multiprocessor system

This paper describes the benchmarking of an FPGA-based computing system that uses partially reconfigurable tiles for real-time allocation of hardware resources. This system was developed for use in the aerospace industry in order to provide redundancy for fault mitigation and real-time hardware reallocation to reduce mass associated with separate functional systems. In this paper, we present the results of performance studies on our Xilinx Virtex-6 platform using the Dhrystone, LINPACK and NAS-Kernel benchmarks. We further present the impact on power consumption as processors and hardware accelerators are brought online to increase performance.
What do parallel fibers do

Braitenberg et al.'s proposal, like most previous theories of cerebellar function (see Bower 1997, for review), is fundamentally based on the striking geometric relationship between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells. As in previous models, the current theory assumes that the activation of granule cells results in a “beam” of activated Purkinje cells, although it adds the new requirement that the granule cell layer itself have a particular spatial/temporal pattern of activation. I believe there is clear evidence that parallel fibers do not have the type of excitatory effects on Purkinje cells required by this theory.
Effects of Green Stink Bug Damage on Yield and Quality of Soybeans

Caged populations of Acrosternum hilare (Say) caused significant reductions in yield and percentage germination when densities of 2 or 4 adult stink bugs/0.3 m (1 ft) of row were maintained from early pod development to harvest maturity. Yield losses resulted from the combined effects of reduced seed size and decreased numbers of seeds produced. Densities of 1, 2, or 4 bugs/0.3 m of row caused significant increases in percentage damaged beans. Sleeve cages enclosing 12 pods were infested for 1 week with one individual/cage by using various developmental stages, including adults of both sexes. Fifth instars damaged a greater percentage of beans than any other stage during the 1-week period.
Evaluation of the real-time optical filter generation correlator

Optical correlators using spatial light modulators in the filter plane have been discussed and presented for many years. In most cases, these devices are electrically addressed modulators and the filters are generated off-line in software. These filters can be tailored to fit the desired application but cannot be adjusted to account for real-time changes in the target appearance. In addition, building filters to account for all of the possible viewing configurations can strain the reference database and the memory storage capability of the system. Recently, a correlator architecture that used an optically addressed, multiple quantum well (MQW) spatial light modulator as the filter plane device was presented. The architecture is a modified Vander Lugt correlator with and additional input modulator. The filter formed by the interference of the reference image beam and the reference beam is recorded on the MQW spatial light modulator. The recorded filter retains the full complex information as high-resolution film did years ago. Additionally, the filter can be updated simply by changing the pattern on the reference input modulator. The second input modulator is used to address this stored filter in a normal correlator read-out configuration. The correlator has been completed and results will be presented as part of this paper.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Informed Consent Form Challenges for Genetic Research in a Developing Arab Country with High Risk for Genetic Disease

The prevalence of genetic disease is high in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. Our study assesses the information provided in, and the readability ease of, informed consent forms (ICF) for genetic research studies. A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional review of 54 ICFs was conducted to assess compliance by comparing them with standard good clinical practice guidelines for developing consent forms. Readability of the forms was determined using the Flesch-Kincaid scale. Overall Good Clinical Practice compliance for the ICFs averaged at 63 %. Information regarding privacy, confidentiality, specimen collection and storage were absent from the majority of the ICFs. Readability ease score was low (36.7 ± 4.6) and required college-level (11.8 ± 1.4) reading skills to understand the information. Our study highlights the need to improve the readability and information contained in the ICFs for genetic research studies in our setting. Our findings may be generalized to similar cultures in the Middle East and Asia.
Longitudinal Hall Effect

The "Hall Field" is defined as the electric field which is an odd function of the magnetic field. Because of the Onsager relations it is perpendicular to the current. It is split into the conventional transverse Hall field (TH-field) in the direction of B\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}I and a longitudinal Hall field (LH-field) in the direction I\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}(B\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}I). Some properties of the LH-field contrast with those of the TH-field. In particular, it vanishes (a) at saturation, (b) for spherical energy surfaces, and (c) when the magnetic field is parallel to an axis of rotation of the crystal. Its dependence on carrier concentration is the same as that of the TH-field; its sign, however, is determined by band structure as well as carrier sign. For a system consisting of $n$-type germanium the properties of the LH-field are investigated theoretically and experimentally.
Hierarchical and wavelet-based multilinear models for multi-dimensional visual data approximation

With advances in imaging technologies-such as CCD, laser, magnetic resonance, and diffusion tensor-visual data of multiple dimensions have been produced at an unprecedented rate and scale. These new technologies bring new challenges to existing multidimensional image compression techniques.
Modulation of guanine nucleotide effects on the insulin receptor by MgCl2

Insulin binding to partially purified rat adipocyte insulin receptors is inhibited approximately 40–60 percent by 1 mM GTP-γ-S in the presence of 2 mM MgCl2. However, in the presence of 10 mM MgCl2, GTP-γ-S does not inhibit binding. Increasing MgCl2 from 0.5 to 10 mM enhances the phosphorylation of calmodulin catalyzed by the insulin receptor but also reduces the inhibition seen with 500 μM GTP-γ-S. The reversal of the GTP-γ-S-induced inhibition of calmodulin phosphorylation by high concentrations of MgCl2 appears to be due to an effect on the calmodulin molecule since MgCl2 has little effect on the inhibition of phosphorylation of histone Hf2b or poly (Glu4, Tyr1) induced by GTP-γ-S. Our data suggest that there are at least two GTP-binding proteins associated with the insulin receptor, one that regulates insulin binding and is modulated by MgCl2 and one that regulates substrate phosphorylation and/or receptor-substrate coupling and is not altered by MgCl2.
Toward Creation of a Universal NMR Database for the Stereochemical Assignment of Acyclic Compounds: Proof of Concept

[formula: see text] Using the C.5-C.10 portion of the oasomycin class of natural products, the reliability and usefulness of an NMR database for the stereochemical assignment of acyclic compounds has been demonstrated. The predicted relative stereochemistry based on the NMR database has unambiguously been established via synthesis.
A Conspectus of Cellular Mechanisms of Nitrosothiol Formation from Nitric Oxide.

Although chemical mechanisms for the formation of nitrosothiol from •NO have been studied extensively “in the test tube”, surprisingly little is known regarding the mechanism(s) of how nitrosothiols are formed in vivo. This lack of understanding has hampered more general acceptance of the concept of cysteine nitrosothiol formation as a generally applicable, regulated, and functionally significant protein posttranslational modification (as opposed to multiple other •NO-induced thiol modifications). Here we provide a brief overview/summary of the cellular formation of nitrosothiols from •NO via two possible mechanisms involving oxygen or transition metals.
The synthesis of 3-amino-2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-xyloses from a 3-fluoroazetidinone.

Abstract Optically active 4-(3′,3′-dimethyl-2′,4′-dioxol-1-yl)-3-fluoro-2-azetidinone, prepared by the ketene-imine cycloaddition method, is a convenient building block for asymmetric synthesis. This β-lactam has been transformed into 1- O -acetyl-5- O -( tert -butyldimethylsilyl)2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)amino- D - xylo -pentafuranose and the gentosamine analog, 1,4-di- O -acetyl-2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-3-)4-methoxyphenyl)amino d - xylo -pentapyranose.
Information, Power, and War

Ultimatum bargaining models of international interactions suggest that when conflict is costly and the actors are fully informed, the probability of conflict goes to zero. However, conflict occurs with some positive probability when the challenger is uncertain about the defender's reservation value. I employ a simple ultimatum game of bargaining to evaluate two traditional power-centric theories of world politics, balance of power, and power transition theory. The formal and empirical analyses demonstrate that as states approach power parity, information asymmetries are greatest, thus enhancing the probability of militarized conflict. Uncertainty is a central cause of conflict emergence and is correlated with the distribution of observable capabilities. Recognizing the relationship between the distribution of power and the uncertainty offers a more sophisticated interpretation of power-centric explanations of world politics.
Regioselective insertion of 2-vinylpyridine in niobium and tantalum aryloxide complexes: an alternate route to pyridylalkyl metallacycles

A series of niobium and tantalum aryloxide complexes containing pyridylethyl ligation have been synthesized via 2-vinylpyridine insertion to metal hydride complexes.
Effects of growth mechanism on solution kinetics

The solution kinetics of second phases were studied as a function of various initial conditions resulting from either diffusion-controlled growth or interface-reaction-controlled growth prior to solution treatment. Calculations of solution kinetics based upon a planar, finite-geometry model were carried out using numerical methods and computer techniques. It was shown that second-phase particles formed by diffusion-controlled growth and existing in a matrix containing concentration gradients exhibit dissolution kinetics that differ markedly from those of particles formed by interface-reaction-controlled growth. An experimental analysis designed to use solution kinetics measurements to obtain the mechanism of growth of second phases is discussed. The effects of linear-gradient assumptions that have been used in an existing, closed-form, infinite-geometry model are evaluated.
Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are X-linked hereditary myopathies secondary to a dystrophinopathy resulting in progressive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The most commonly associated cardiac involvements in these patients are dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities; however, recent studies have shown a high prevalence of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, there is increasing awareness of cardiomyopathy in female heterozygous dystrophinopathy carriers. We report a case series of two dystrophinopathy carriers with the dilated form of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, a newly identified association.
Color Doppler regurgitant characteristics of normal mechanical mitral valve prostheses in vitro.

BACKGROUND To evaluate normal regurgitant characteristics of St. Jude (SJ) and Medtronic-Hall (MH) mitral valves, four sizes (25-31 mm) of each were studied in a pulsatile flow model. METHODS AND RESULTS Regurgitant flow was measured by flowmeter at left ventricular pressures of 80, 130, and 180 mm Hg. Peak regurgitant flow rates ranged from 6.2 to 12.7 cm3/sec in SJ valves and from 7.9 to 17.5 cm3/sec in MH valves. Regurgitant orifice areas calculated from the Doppler continuity equation ranged from 1.6 to 2.0 mm2 in SJ valves and from 2.2 to 2.9 mm2 in MH valves. Regurgitant volumes across the closed valve at a left ventricular pressure of 130 mm Hg were normalized to an ejection time of 280 msec and ranged from 1.5 to 1.9 cm3 in SJ valves and from 2.1 to 2.8 cm3 in MH valves. Jets were imaged by color Doppler in six rotational planes, and jet size and morphology were compared with those of regurgitant jets from circular orifices with sizes comparable to the calculated prosthetic valve regurgitant orifices (1.1-3.1 mm2). SJ valves showed two converging jets from the pivot points, one central jet, and a variable number of peripheral jets. The mean color jet area derived from the six image planes ranged from 1.6 to 5.3 cm2. Aliasing occurred only close to the valve (maximal distance 0.5-2.0 cm). MH valves showed a large central jet with a maximal length of aliased flow between 2.0 and 5.5 cm. Depending on valve size, driving pressure, and image plane, one or two small peripheral jets were found. These jets did not show aliasing in any case. The mean color jet area ranged from 5.1 to 11.0 cm2. Jets originating from circular orifices of comparable size showed jet areas from 5.5 to 13.9 cm2 and aliasing distances from 3.3 to 7.3 cm. At similar regurgitant orifice areas, driving pressures, and regurgitant flows, the measured color areas and aliasing distances were smallest in SJ valves, larger in MH valves, and largest in simple circular orifices. CONCLUSIONS Large, complex regurgitant jets can be found in normal closed SJ and MH valves by color Doppler, although regurgitant flow volume is minimal. Jet size and velocity distribution differs markedly between SJ valves, MH valves, and circular orifices, even with comparable driving pressure, regurgitant orifice area, and regurgitant volume. The characteristic patterns of normal regurgitation must be recognized to avoid incorrect diagnoses of pathological regurgitation in SJ and MH prosthetic valves. MH valves should not be removed solely on the basis of a central regurgitant jet with a long aliasing distance. Peripheral jets in MH valves and all jets in SJ valves should be considered normal as long as no or only minimal aliasing is present. In contrast, peripheral jets with significant aliasing may represent strong evidence of pathological regurgitation.
Kidd blood-group antigens of leukocytes and platelets.

Neutrophil leukocytes have a strong absorptive capacity for anti-JkaJkb, made by Jk (a-b-) persons, but do not absorb anti-Jka or anti-Jka. The Jka Jkb antigen does not appear to be present on lymphocytes or platelets. The results indicate that JkaJkb activity is not a crossreaction between Jka and Jkb, but is a distinct and separable specificity.
Cortical perfusion in Alzheimer's disease: beyond diagnosis.

Previous work has documented sensitivity and specificity of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in late-stage degenerative dementias. We have replicated these findings in very early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), using standardized quantitative clinical assessments
Performance of Analog Photonic Links Employing Phase Modulation

We discuss the operating principles of phase modulation in analog photonic links and compare the performance to the more widely-used intensity-modulated links. Experimental results are presented for RF gain and spurious-free dynamic range.
The physiological response of Populus tremula x alba leaves to the down-regulation of PIP1 aquaporin gene expression under no water stress

In order to study the role of PIP1 aquaporins in leaf water and CO2 transport, several lines of PIP1-deficient transgenic Populus tremula x alba were generated using a reverse genetic approach. These transgenic lines displayed no visible developmental or morphological phenotypes when grown under conditions of no water stress. Major photosynthetic parameters were also not affected by PIP1 down regulation. However, low levels of PIP1 expression resulted in greater leaf hydraulic resistance (an increase of 27%), which effectively implicated PIP1 role in water transport. Additionally, the expression level of PIP1 genes in the various transgenic lines was correlated with reductions in mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm), suggesting that in poplar, these aquaporins influenced membrane permeability to CO2. Overall, although analysis showed that PIP1 genes contributed to the mass transfer of water and CO2 in poplar leaves, their down-regulation did not dramatically impair the physiological needs of this fast growing tree when cultivated under conditions of no stress.
Metastatic medulloblastoma simulating acute leukemia

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Class Structure and Racial Consciousness Among Black Americans

Analyses of class cleavages among Black Americans have taken on a new importance since the growth of a sizeable black middle class during the post-Civil Rights era. Less often analyzed are the cleavages within the black middle class itself; small employers, well-educated professionals and others in supervisory positions often have differing interests and beliefs. Wright's (1985) 12-celled class typology provides a means of obtaining a more nuanced view of the position and beliefs of the black middle class by defi ning class on the basis of access to exploitative assets. Using data from the National Survey of Black Americans, 1979—1980 , a good approximation of Wright's class structure developed for a largely white sample is applied to a sample of over 1100 Black Americans. This indicates that the black middle class is more concentrated in positions with less access to exploitative assets than their white counterparts. An analysis of beliefs about black separatism utilizing this class schema finds that sep...
Family decision maker perspectives on the return of genetic results in biobanking research.

There are many ethical considerations regarding the return of genetic results to biobanking participants, especially when biobanks collect samples from deceased organ and tissue donors that require the authorization of a family decision maker (FDM). This article explores FDM knowledge and opinions regarding return of genetic results in the context of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project, which does not return results to participants. Data collection included a survey completed by Organ Procurement Organization requesters (n = 22) and semistructured telephone interviews with FDM (n = 55). Nearly every FDM wanted some form of genetic results returned. Information regarding treatable diseases (94.3%) and diseases that could affect their children (84.9%) were more desirable than that regarding untreatable diseases (71.7%). Sixty percent of FDMs understood that GTEx would not return genetic results. FDMs were four times more likely to have correct knowledge of the GTEx policy when their GTEx requester reported discussing the topic with them. FDMs from the GTEx project were interested in receiving genetic test results. Marked changes in the infrastructure of the GTEx would be required to alter the policy. Regardless, care must be taken to ensure that the return policy is clearly communicated with FDMs to dispel misconceptions. Genet Med 18 1, 82–88.
Nurses' Attitudes toward Substance Misusers. I. Surveys

Studies of nurses' attitude toward substance misusers, spanning three decades, are reviewed. Survey findings reflect greater acceptance of alcohol and drug misusers in recent years. However, significant minorities of nurses continue to regard substance users as immoral, characterologically defective, and unlikely to recover. Implications of these attitudes for treatment of substance misusers are discussed.
Effectiveness of Hand Overcorrection for Topographically Similar and Dissimilar Self-Stimulatory Behavior.

Abstract Response contingent hand overcorrection was used to reduce the frequency of self-stimulatory behaviors in four retarded adult males. For two of the subjects, the treated behaviors (hand shaking and nose touching) involved hand movements which were topographically similar to the hand overcorrection procedure. For the other two subjects, behaviors topographically dissimilar to the treatment procedure were treated (inappropriate laughing and head weaving). All four behaviors were decreased in frequency during treatment. However, the hand overcorrection procedure was more effective with the topographically similar behaviors.
Pedigree Analysis of Constitutional Delay of Growth and Maturation: Determination of Familial Aggregation and Inheritance Patterns

To investigate the genetic basis of constitutional delay of growth and maturation (CD), 41 families of CD probands underwent interviews regarding pubertal timing, and 12 additional families had history data analyzed from medical records. The family histories of the 53 probands (40 boys and 13 girls) were assessed for pubertal delay using both strict criteria (pubertal delay >or=2 SD beyond the mean) and relaxed criteria (pubertal delay >or=1 SD beyond the mean). These pedigrees were compared with 25 control pedigrees. Mean age of menarche was 14.3 +/- 1.4 yr for mothers of CD probands vs. 12.7 +/- 1.4 yr for mothers of controls (P < 0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of CD mothers met the strict 2 SD criteria, and an additional 29% met the relaxed 1 SD criteria for pubertal delay. By contrast, among the control mothers, 12% met the strict and an additional 8% met the relaxed criteria (P < 0.0001 for comparison with CD mothers). CD fathers were also more likely than the control fathers to have a history of pubertal delay. For first-degree relatives, the estimated relative risk of meeting the 2 SD and 1 SD criteria for delay in CD vs. control pedigrees were 4.8 and 4.9, respectively; estimated relative risk for second-degree relatives were 3.2 and 4.4, respectively. Inheritance patterns varied, but many families showed an apparent autosomal dominant pattern, with or without incomplete penetrance. Although many genes may underlie CD, the inheritance patterns suggest that there are also single genes with major effects whose penetrance is likely affected by genetic or environmental modifiers. The future identification of these major and modifying genes is an exciting prospect that would improve our understanding of the factors that regulate human pubertal timing and modulate the human reproductive endocrine axis.
The BRCA1-RAP80 complex regulates DNA repair mechanism utilization by restricting end resection.

The tumor suppressor protein BRCA1 is a constituent of several different protein complexes and is required for homology-directed repair (HDR) of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). The most recently discovered BRCA1-RAP80 complex is recruited to ubiquitin structures on chromatin surrounding the break. Deficiency of any member of this complex confers hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents by undefined mechanisms. In striking contrast to other BRCA1-containing complexes that are known to promote HDR, we demonstrate that the BRCA1-RAP80 complex restricts end resection in S/G2 phase of the cell cycle, thereby limiting HDR. RAP80 or BRCC36 deficiency resulted in elevated Mre11-CtIP-dependent 5′ end resection with a concomitant increase in HDR mechanisms that rely on 3′ single-stranded overhangs. We propose a model in which the BRCA1-RAP80 complex limits nuclease accessibility to DSBs, thus preventing excessive end resection and potentially deleterious homology-directed DSB repair mechanisms that can impair genome integrity.
Classical Pathology of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Presented in a Unique Case

The ocular pathology of sympathetic ophthalmia is demonstrated in a 10 year-old boy who sustained a penetrating left globe injury and subsequently developed sympathetic ophthalmia in the right eye two months later. Two and a half weeks following extensive surgical repair of the left ruptured globe, he developed endophthalmitis and was treated with oral and topical fortified antibiotics. One month after the initial injury, a progressive corneal ulcer of the left eye led to perforation and the need for emergent corneal transplantation. The surgical specimen revealed fungus, Scedosporium dehoogii. The boy received systemic and topical anti-fungal therapy. Two months following the penetrating globe injury of the left eye, a granulomatous uveitis developed in the right eye. Sympathetic ophthalmia was suspected and the patient began treatment with topical and oral corticosteroids. Given the concern of vision loss secondary to sympathetic ophthalmia in the right eye, as well as poor vision and hypotony in the injured eye, the left eye was enucleated. Microscopically, granulomatous inflammation with giant cells was noted within a cyclitic membrane which filled the anterior and posterior chamber of the left globe. Other classic features including Dalen-Fuchs nodules were identified. Small, choroidal, ill-defined granulomas and relative sparing of the choriocapillaris were present. Molecular analysis did not identify evidence of remaining fungal infection. The pathology findings were consistent with previously described features of sympathetic ophthalmia. The present case is unique in that co-existing fungal infection may have potentiated the risk for developing sympathetic ophthalmia in the fellow eye.
Identification of SSR markers associated with saccharification yield using pool-based genome-wide association mapping in sorghum.

Saccharification describes the conversion of plant biomass by cellulase into glucose. Because plants have never been selected for high saccharification yield, cellulosic ethanol production faces a ...
Comparison of exact pupil astigmatism conditions with Seidel approximations

The aberrations of axisymmetric imaging systems can be calculated to third order by use of the Seidel formulas. The Coddington equations give aberrations that have quadratic dependence on the pupil, for all field points. The pupil astigmatism conditions were recently developed to predict and control aberrations that have quadratic field dependence and arbitrary pupil dependence. We investigate the relationship between the exact pupil astigmatism conditions and the classical Seidel treatment of pupil aberrations.
Being there and getting there: balancing the costs of migration against the benefits of changing habitat for North Sea plaice

To improve survival and reproductive success, many fish species have evolved migratory life-histories, showing ontogenetic and/or seasonal changes in habitat use. Individuals move between different areas, each of which is ‘best’ for a particular activity, such as feeding, growing or spawning. The benefits of moving to a different habitat, however, have to be balanced against the costs of migration, so any behaviour that reduces the cost of movement would be expected to expand the migratory range and thereby increase the range of habitats that can be exploited. Previous tracking experiments in the southern North Sea have shown that plaice selectively exploit the tidal streams to aid their spawning migration. Here we examine whether this behaviour is primarily (1) an energy-saving strategy, or (2) a transport mechanism by which fish that are unable to navigate over long distances can be carried reliably between feeding and spawning grounds. Because selective tidal stream transport requires that fish remain stationary on the sea-bed during the ‘non-transporting’ tide, energetic calculations predict that this behaviour is beneficial only when the current speed exceeds a critical, size-dependent, value. We have used detailed information about migratory behaviour from individual fish to calculate the metabolic costs and the likely reproductive benefits of different migratory strategies. Our results show that plaice use selective tidal stream transport only in areas where the tidal streams are suitably fast, indicating that this behaviour is primarily an energy saving strategy.
Scheduling multiple divisible and indivisible tasks on bus networks

The problem of scheduling multiple divisible and indivisible tasks on a distributed bus network with start-up costs is considered. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to schedule both divisible and indivisible tasks. We utilize one-round installment load distribution strategy for scheduling divisible tasks. We analyze the properties of our proposed algorithm. We demonstrate how our proposed algorithm works by means of multiple illustrative examples. We measure the performance of our proposed algorithm. We conclude our proposed algorithm is more feasible than others. The analysis provides deeper understanding of scheduling multiple divisible and indivisible tasks in the more realistic model, which will allow us to design more efficient algorithms.