cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
lines and bowl affect the specification of cyst stem cells and niche cells in the Drosophila testis

To function properly, tissue-specific stem cells must reside in a niche. The Drosophila testis niche is one of few niches studied in vivo. Here, a single niche, comprising ten hub cells, maintains both germline stem cells (GSC) and somatic stem cells (CySC). Here, we show that lines is an essential CySC factor. Surprisingly, lines-depleted CySCs adopted several characteristics of hub cells, including the recruitment of new CySCs. This led us to examine the developmental relationship between CySCs and hub cells. In contrast to a previous report, we did not observe significant conversion of steady-state CySC progeny to hub fate. However, we found that these two cell types derive from a common precursor pool during gonadogenesis. Furthermore, lines mutant embryos exhibited gonads containing excess hub cells, indicating that lines represses hub cell fate during gonadogenesis. In many tissues, lines acts antagonistically to bowl, and we found that this is true for hub specification, establishing bowl as a positively acting factor in the development of the testis niche.
Intracardiac echocardiography identifies pericardial fluid and can monitor the success of pericardiocentesis: experimental studies.

Abstract Pericardial tamponade is a complication of cardiac catheterization. Our purpose was to evaluate the ability of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to identify pericardial fluid and the success of pericardiocentesis in an experimental model. Seven dogs were studied with the use of a 10F, 10-MHz ICE catheter in the left ventricle. Normal saline was injected into the pericardial space while heart rate and arterial pressure were continuously monitored. The ability of ICE to identify the presence of pericardial fluid and the maximum pericardial separation and to monitor fluid accumulation and withdrawal was evaluated. Thirteen sequences of saline injection/withdrawal were studied. ICE correctly identified the presence or absence of pericardial fluid in all 13 injection/withdrawal sequences. The average sonolucent space separating epicardium from pericardium was 12 ± 7 mm, generated from 148 ± 65 mL of saline and producing a 35 ± 23 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure. ICE readily identified the accumulation and removal of pericardial fluid in this experimental model and should be an excellent tool to monitor pericardiocentesis in the catheterization laboratory. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:712-4.)
On robust transaction routing and load sharing

In this paper we examine the issue of robust transaction routing in a locally distributed database environment where transaction characteristics such as reference locality imply that certain processing systems can be identified as being more suitable than others for a given transaction class. A response time based routing strategy can strike a balance between indiscriminate sharing of the load and routing based only on transaction affinity. Since response time estimates depend on workload and system parameters that may not be readily available, it is important to examine the robustness of routing decisions to information accuracy. We find that a strategy which strictly tries to minimize the response time of incoming transactions is sensitive to the accuracy of certain parameter values. On the other hand, naive strategies, that simply ignore the parameters in making routing decisions, have even worse performance. Three alternative strategies are therefore examined: threshold, discriminatory, and adaptive. Instead of just optimizing an incoming transaction's response time, the first two strategies pursue a strategy that is somewhat more oriented towards global optimization. This is achieved by being more restrictive on either the condition or the candidate for balancing the load. The third strategy, while trying to minimize the response time of individual incoming transactions, employs a feedback process to adaptively adjust future response time estimates. It monitors the discrepancy between the actual and estimated response times and introduces a correction factor based on regression analysis. All three strategies are shown to be robust with respect to the accuracy of workload and system parameters used in the response time estimation.
The Mechanism of AMPA Receptor Regulation of Insulin Release in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Insulin, mainly stored in secretory granules of pancreatic beta cells, is the major hormone regulating glucose metabolism by complex but highly-ordered mechanisms. Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are expressed in islets and insulinoma cells and involved in insulin secretion. However, the exact roles that iGluRs play in beta cells remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the current controversy about the presence of iGluRs in beta cells and explore their functions in insulin secretion, taking advantage of multiple techniques, including whole-cell recording in the acute pancreatic tissue slice, single beta cell nested RT-PCR and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). Here, we demonstrated that GluR2-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) were expressed in mouse beta cells. Glutamate application increased both cytosolic calcium and the number of docked insulin-containing granules, which resulted in augmentation of depolarization-induced exocytosis and high-glucose-stimulated insulin release. While glutamate application directly depolarized beta cells, it also induced an enormous depolarization when KATP channels were available. Glutamate application reduced the conductance of KATP channels and increased voltage oscillations. Moreover, actions of AMPARs were absent in Kir6.2 knock-out mice. The effects of AMPARs on KATP channels were mediated by cytosolic cGMP. Taken together, our experiments uncovered a novel mechanism by which AMPARs participate in insulin release.
Paternal Uniparental Isodisomy of Chromosome 20q—and the Resulting Changes in GNAS1 Methylation—as a Plausible Cause of Pseudohypoparathyroidism

Heterozygous inactivating mutations in the GNAS1 exons (20q13.3) that encode the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) are found in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP-Ia) and in patients with pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism (pPHP). However, because of paternal imprinting, resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH)—and, sometimes, to other hormones that require Gsα signaling—develops only if the defect is inherited from a female carrier of the disease gene. An identical mode of inheritance is observed in kindreds with pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP-Ib), which is most likely caused by mutations in regulatory regions of the maternal GNAS1 gene that are predicted to interfere with the parent-specific methylation of this gene. We report a patient with PTH-resistant hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia but without evidence for Albright hereditary osteodystrophy who has paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 20q and lacks the maternal-specific methylation pattern within GNAS1. Since studies in the patient’s fibroblasts did not reveal any evidence of impaired Gsα protein or activity, it appears that the loss of the maternal GNAS1 gene and the resulting epigenetic changes alone can lead to PTH resistance in the proximal renal tubules and thus lead to impaired regulation of mineral-ion homeostasis.
Infrared active lattice modes in graphite alkali metal compounds

Abstract The first observation of IR-active optic modes in donor graphite intercalation compounds is reported. For stage 1 and 2 compounds with K, Rb and Cs no graphitic optic mode in the 1600 cm -1 region is observed, while more dilute compounds exhibit strong IR-active modes with a stage-dependent mode frequency that is downshifted with increasing donor intercalate concentration. This mode frequency shift is opposite in sign and much larger in magnitude than for acceptor compounds. Analysis of the lattice mode effective charge indicates a significant amount of dynamic charge residing in the interior graphitic layers.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in United States counties, 2001-2009.

Hypertension is an important and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Over the last decade, national-levels of controlled hypertension have increased, but little information on hypertension prevalence and trends in hypertension treatment and control exists at the county-level. We estimate trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in US counties using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in five two-year waves from 1999–2008 including 26,349 adults aged 30 years and older and from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1997–2009 including 1,283,722 adults aged 30 years and older. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) of at least 140 mm Hg, self-reported use of antihypertensive treatment, or both. Hypertension control was defined as systolic BP less than 140 mm Hg. The median prevalence of total hypertension in 2009 was estimated at 37.6% (range: 26.5 to 54.4%) in men and 40.1% (range: 28.5 to 57.9%) in women. Within-state differences in the county prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension were as high as 7.8 percentage points in 2009. Awareness, treatment, and control was highest in the southeastern US, and increased between 2001 and 2009 on average. The median county-level control in men was 57.7% (range: 43.4 to 65.9%) and in women was 57.1% (range: 43.0 to 65.46%) in 2009, with highest rates in white men and black women. While control of hypertension is on the rise, prevalence of total hypertension continues to increase in the US. Concurrent increases in treatment and control of hypertension are promising, but efforts to decrease the prevalence of hypertension are needed.
Calibrated response to emerging infections

WHO has revised its definition of pandemic flu in response to current experience with A/H1N1. Peter Doshi argues that our plans for pandemics need to take into account more than the worst case scenarios
Red cell membrane: past, present, and future

As a result of natural selection driven by severe forms of malaria, 1 in 6 humans in the world, more than 1 billion people, are affected by red cell abnormalities, making them the most common of the inherited disorders. The non-nucleated red cell is unique among human cell type in that the plasma membrane, its only structural component, accounts for all of its diverse antigenic, transport, and mechanical characteristics. Our current concept of the red cell membrane envisions it as a composite structure in which a membrane envelope composed of cholesterol and phospholipids is secured to an elastic network of skeletal proteins via transmembrane proteins. Structural and functional characterization of the many constituents of the red cell membrane, in conjunction with biophysical and physiologic studies, has led to detailed description of the way in which the remarkable mechanical properties and other important characteristics of the red cells arise, and of the manner in which they fail in disease states. Current studies in this very active and exciting field are continuing to produce new and unexpected revelations on the function of the red cell membrane and thus of the cell in health and disease, and shed new light on membrane function in other diverse cell types.
Degenerative retinal diseases and exposure to light: Methods of epidemiological study

Abstract The potential degenerative effects on the human retina of long-term exposure to light can be studied by epidemiological methods. Two approaches are (1) the case-control study, in which the cases are known to have a particular retinal abnormality: and (2) the study of two population groups which are believed to have had differing exposures to light. Macular degeneration is used as an example in describing the methods of study.
Random decision tree body part recognition using FPGAs

Random decision tree classification is used in a variety of applications, from speech recognition to Web search engines. Decision trees are used in the Microsoft Kinect vision pipeline to recognize human body parts and gestures for a more natural computer-user interface. Tree-based classification can be taxing, both in terms of computational load and memory bandwidth. This makes highly-optimized hardware implementations attractive, particularly given the strict power and form factor limitations of embedded or mobile platforms. In this paper we present a complete architecture that interfaces the Kinect depth-image sensor to an FPGA-based implementation of the Forest Fire pixel classification algorithm. Key performance parameters, algorithmic improvements and design trade-off are discussed.
One-Class Multiple-Look Fusion: A Theoretical Comparison of Different Approaches with Examples from Infrared Video

Multiple-look fusion is quickly becoming more important in statistical pattern recognition. With increased computing power and memory one can make many measurements on an object of interest using, for example, video imagery or radar. By obtaining more views of an object, a system can make decisions with lower missed detection and false alarm errors. There are many approaches for combining information from multiple looks and we mathematically compare and contrast the sequential probability ratio test, Bayesian fusion, and Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. Using a consistent probabilistic framework we demonstrate the differences and similarities between the approaches and show results for an application in infrared video classification.
Quantitative Integration of Biological, Pharmacokinetic, and Medical Imaging Data for Organ-Wide Dose-Response Predictions

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most difficult target for drug delivery therapies. Despite datasets available describing physiological, biochemical, cellular, and metabolic properties of the CNS, the development of infusion therapies still faces major delivery challenges. There is a need for the integration of data obtained from different experimental modalities to design molecular therapies. In this paper, we propose a novel mathematical method for the integration of datasets to generate useful dosing criteria for infusion therapies. A case study is used to demonstrate the design of gene silencing therapies to down regulate NMDA receptors in the spinal cord for chronic pain management. Based on experimentally derived kinetics for short interfering RNA (siRNA) and magnetic resonance images, the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of siRNAs were predicted for different infusion modes. This adaptable, multiscale computational platform enables the prediction of dose-response on an organ-wide level. The quantitative integration of valuable datasets with engineering precision is expected to accelerate the clinical implementation of novel therapeutics.
Making full use of taguchi's orthogonal arrays

Taguchi1 has provided 18 orthogonal arrays which have been widely touted as useful frameworks for planning experiments. Thirteen of these are ‘saturated designs’, that is, they are appropriate for investigating (N - 1) factors in N runs, thus using the full capacity of the design. Here, the other five ‘non-saturated’ designs are discussed. By creating additional, orthogonal columns which provide estimates of interaction effects, we can essentially wring out some additional information over and above that suggested by Taguchi, without additional cost. In particular, if only the linear effect is of interest for any specific factor, one can accommodate more factors than the number suggested by Taguchi. An example is given for illustration.
Summary of electrical test results for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries ☆

Abstract Under the auspices of the US Department of Energy, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Program at Sandia National Laboratories, electrical tests were performed on two valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries to compare the effects of several design improvements, evaluate their applicability to stationary applications, and determine their service lives. One battery represented a baseline design, and the other an improved design resulting from a development project. The two nine-cell, 1050–1200 A h, C 8 /8 batteries were tested over a 7-year period using primarily a 100% depth of discharge and approximately a C 8 /8 discharge regime. A variety of charge profiles were investigated and characterized. Both batteries reached end-of-life after several hundred cycles. This paper will describe these results and overall life data, and comparison information will be summarized.
Triethyl [1-14C]phosphonoacetate from [14C]carbon dioxide

Lithiation of diethyl methylphosphonate (1) with n-butyllithium followed by carbonation with [14C]carbon dioxide and esterification with diazoethane afforded high specific activity triethyl [1-14C]phosphonoacetate (4) in 62% yield.
Age-dependent differences in the rate of recovery of striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors after inactivation with EEDQ

Recovery of striatal dopamine D1 and D2 binding sites in 10-, 16-, and 39-day-old rats was measured 1, 2, 4, and 8 days after irreversible antagonism with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). Ontogenetic and EEDQ-induced changes in D1 and D2 binding sites were determined by Scatchard analyses using six concentrations of either [3H]SCH 23390 or [3H]spiperone. Twenty-four hours after EEDQ (7.5 mg/kg) treatment, a significant depletion of both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors was found for all age groups; however, the magnitude of the depletion was greater in 39-day-old rats than in the two preweanling age groups. Both 16- and 39-day-old rats showed significant recovery of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors by the eighth day after EEDQ treatment, but the 16-day-old rats showed a faster recovery of dopamine D1 receptors than did the 39-day-olds. Unexpectedly, 10-day-old rats did not show any evidence of receptor recovery, as the percent control values for these animals did not change across the 8-day recovery period. Pretreatment with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride was sufficient to protect dopamine D1 and D2 receptors from EEDQ-induced inactivation. Protein values and receptor affinity (pKd values) were not affected by EEDQ treatment at any of the ages tested. Therefore, these results indicate that the rate of dopamine receptor repopulation varies across ontogeny, with 10-day-old rats exhibiting slower recovery than older rat pups or postweanling rats.
2013 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science presented to Rudolf Jaenisch

Abstract The discovery of the genetic code established that the sequence of base-pairs within DNA contains the instructions for regenerating the organism from which the DNA came, and is transmitted from generation to generation. It therefore came as a surprise that there were also heritable controls for gene expression that were independent of the DNA sequence information. This is known as epigenetics, and is mainly controlled by methylation of DNA. Rudolf Jaenisch played a pivotal role in establishing the nature of such epigenetic control, and showing that it is also featured in cancers as well as normal development. Moreover, he has shown how these epigenetic mechanisms may be controlled to allow cells to be cloned, giving the hope of someday being able to regenerate damaged or diseased organs.
Lung cancer mortality after 16 years in MRFIT participants in intervention and usual-care groups

Abstract PURPOSE: The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT), a randomized clinical trial for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease, enrolled 12,866 men (including 8194 cigarette smokers) aged 35–57 years at 22 clinical centers across the United States. Participants were randomized either to special intervention (SI), which included an intensive smoking cessation program, or to usual care (UC). After 16 years of follow-up, lung cancer mortality rates were higher in the SI than in the UC group. Since rates of smoking cessation in SI were higher than those for UC for the 6 years of the trial, and since risk of lung cancer mortality is known to decline with smoking cessation, these results were unexpected. The purpose of the present study was to investigate hypotheses that could explain the higher observed lung cancer mortality rates in the SI as compared with the UC group. METHODS: Analytic methods were employed to determine whether SI and UC participants differed either in baseline characteristics or in characteristics that changed during the trial and to determine whether these differences could explain the higher rates of lung cancer mortality among SI as compared to UC participants. Rates of mortality from coronary heart (CHD) were examined to explore the possibility that prevention of CHD death may have contributed to greater mortality due to lung cancer in the SI group. RESULTS: From randomization through December 1990, 135 SI and 117 UC participants died from lung cancer. The relative difference between the SI and U groups adjusted for age and number of cigarettes smoked per day, was 1.17 (95% CI:0.92–1.51). The greatest difference between the SI and UC groups in lung cancer mortality rates occurred among the heaviest smokers at baseline who did not achieve sustained smoking cessation by year 2. In this group the rates of death from CHD were approximately the same among the SI and UC subjects. No differences in baseline characteristics were found between SI and UC smokers who did not achieve sustained cessation by year 2, and there were no differences in follow-up characteristics between the two study groups that could explain the difference in lung cancer mortality. CONCLUSIONS: None of the hypotheses proposed to explain the unexpected higher rates of lung cancer mortality among SI as compared with UC subjects were sustained by the data. Thus we conclude that the difference observed is due to chance, and that a longer period of sustained smoking cessation plus follow-up is necessary to detect a reduction in lung cancer mortality as a result of smoking cessation intervention in a randomized clinical trial.
The Potential for Public Empowerment through Government-Organized Participation

This article develops a better theoretical understanding of the linkage between the processes and outcomes associated with government-organized public participation, including its potential to empower citizens in guiding administrative decisions. Special focus is given to those factors that shape the development and maintenance of the citizen–administrator relationship. To this end, the research examines the work of federally mandated citizen review panels and their interactions with state child protection agency administrators. Based on 52 in-depth interviews conducted with citizens and administrators in three U.S. states, a grounded theory approach is employed to derive a series of testable theoretical propositions. The insights gained are of importance not only to public administration scholars but also to citizens and administrators who engage one another through formally organized channels of participation.
HPLC post column derivatization of aromatic amines using N -methyl-9-chloroacridinium triflate

An HPLC post column chemical derivatization procedure based on the interaction between an acridinium triflate and amines to form highly colored derivatives on-line is described for the determination of aromatic amines. Benzocaine and butesin, local anesthetic agents that contain the aromatic amine group, were used as model compounds. Reversed-phase HPLC conditions were developed for both the separation of analytes and the reaction between analytes and the acridinium triflate in the system. Three-dimensional knitted teflon shape coils and the internal diameter and length of the coils were important parameters in reducing band broadening and background noise.N-Methyl-9-chloroacridinium triflate was shown to be applicable to the determination of primary aromatic amines, selected secondary aromatic amines, hydrazides, and hydrazines. Application of the on-line chemical derivatization procedure to the analysis of pharmaceutical dosage forms containing procainamide (primary aromatic amine), isoniazid (hydrazide), and hydralazine (hydrazine) is also described.
Satellite observations of the seasonal sediment plume in central East China Sea

Abstract Ocean color and sea surface temperature (SST) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on Aqua from 2002 to 2008, wind speed data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, satellite-measured sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) data, and World Ocean Atlas 1998 data are analyzed to study and understand the variability of a sediment plume in the central East China Sea, as well as its mechanism for producing this plume. The plume peaks in the winter, with an areal coverage of ∼ 4 × 104 km2 and the diffuse attenuation coefficient at the wavelength of 490 nm (Kd(490)) reaching over 1.5 m− 1, and almost disappears in the summer. The increase (decrease) of SST is coincident with the Kd(490) decrease (increase) during the late spring (fall) and early summer (winter). In the winter, the entire water column becomes uniform with SST ∼ 12 °C in the East China Sea, while in the summer the water column is strongly stratified with SST over ∼ 27 °C. This seasonal sediment plume is attributed to sediment resuspension due to the strong vertical mixing and convection driven by the cooling of the upper ocean and enhanced surface winds during the winter season. In addition, satellite SSHA observations also confirm that the cross-shelf circulation resulting in this plume proposed by Yuan et al. (2008) does not exist.
Group co-leadership by occupational therapy students in community centers: learning transitional roles

SUMMARYThe experience of contact with community populations and settings at the beginning of fieldwork is essential in expanding the dimensions of non-traditional skills and roles for occupational therapy students. This article describes an initial fieldwork experience which builds on an occupational therapy group process course to enable students to supplement a community-based program with activities designed to meet a need of their group at the appropriate level of group interaction. Pairs of students select a receptive community site prior to the beginning of fieldwork to open dialog with the center's coordinator regarding performance areas, components, or contexts needed by the group. Working to assess the current programmatic offerings and desires of the participants for new activities and planning activities in collaboration with local staff, the students propose to conduct a series of five sessions addressing a theme desired or needed by the group. Upon immersion in the site's program, students ar...
Helium-oxygen spirometry in experimental cotton dust exposure.

Acute lung function responses to cotton dust were examined in 50 healthy adult volunteers known to respond acutely to cotton dust inhalation. Pre- and post-exposure air and helium-oxygen spirometry and specific airways conductance were employed for this purpose. Exposures were carefully controlled in a room ventilated with air from a model cardroom, lasted 6 h each, and were separated by 48 h intervals. Cotton dust exposure produced significant decrements in specific airways conductance (P 0.05). This was true for the group as a whole as well as for the various smoking subgroups. The occurrence of central (SGAW, PFR, FEV1) and peripheral (max50,max25) airways narrowing among our subjects may explain the absence of a density dependence response to the levels of cotton dust used. Since only MEFV curves were employed, however, our ability to detect changes in density dependence may have been limited by the potential effect of the vital capacity maneuver on airways tone.
Deoxycoformycin and oxypurinol : protection against focal ischemic brain injury in the rat

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that oxypurinol (40 mg/kg i.p.), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, can reduce focal ischemic brain injury in the rat when applied pre-ischemically. By using a model of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in tandem with occlusion of the ipsilateral carotid artery, the present study further demonstrates that delayed (60 min) administration of oxypurinol also exhibits a protective action on ischemic damage in the stroked rat brain. Oxypurinol significantly reduced the ischemic cerebral infarct zone by preventing the development of brain damage primarily in areas distant to the central lesion core. A corresponding amelioration of brain swelling and attenuation of neurological deficits were evident. Similar protection against focal ischemic brain damage was evident when the adenosine deaminase inhibitor, deoxycoformycin (500 μg/kg), was administered prior to the onse of ischemia. However, with delayed (60 min) administration deoxycoformycin had no protective effect. These findings support the hypothesis that manipulation of adenosine catabolism can be an effective therapeutic approach to the prevention or treatment of brain injuries, such as those occuring during ischemic stroke or cardiac arrest.
58.3: 7‐inch Color VGA flexible TFT LCD on Colorless Polyimide Substrate with 200 °C a‐Si:H TFTs

A 7-inch VGA transmissive-type active matrix TFT-LCD display with a-Si TFT fabricated on colorless polyimide (PI) substrate is demonstrated. The proposed colorless PI substrate has the features of high Tg (∼350 °C) and high light transmittance (∼90%). The electrical and mechanical reliability for a-Si TFT fabricated at 200 °C have also been studied.
Thermally induced Zr incorporation into Si from zirconium silicate thin films

Monochromatic x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry are used to study the outdiffusion of Zr from the alternate gate dielectric candidate ZrSixOy thin films deposited on Si(100). We find that Zr incorporation into Si from ZrSixOy appears to occur at annealing temperatures higher than 1000 °C. Incorporation of Zr to depths of up to 23 nm into the silicon substrate is observed. A diffusion coefficient of D0∼2×10−15 cm2/s is estimated from the associated depth profiles.
Conditions for quantitative flow FT-1H NMR measurements under repetitive pulse conditios

Abstract The problem of quantitation in continuous-flow FT-NMR is treated in detail. The application discussed is continuous-flow liquid chromatography-proton NMR (LC-1H NMR). Much of the discussion is also applicable to other flow FT-NMR measurements including kinetic studies. A simplified analysis of magnetization under steady-state repetitive pulse conditions including the influence of flow is presented. This analysis illustrates how quantitation errors can arise. A method for calculating molar quantities from integrated LC-1H NMR spectra is also presented. If signal to noise is adequate, relative quantitation is accurate to ±3% under the recommended conditions.
Pathways and Kinetics of Chlorinated Ethylene and Chlorinated Acetylene Reaction with Fe(0) Particles

Pathways and kinetics through which chlorinated ethylenes and their daughter products react with Fe(0) particles were investigated through batch experiments. Substantial intra- and interspecies inhibitory effects were observed, requiring the use of a modified Langmuir−Hinshelwood−Hougen−Watson (LHHW) kinetic model in which species compete for a limited number of reactive sites at the particle−water interface. Results indicate that reductive β-elimination accounts for 87% of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), 97% of trichloroethylene (TCE), 94% of cis-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE), and 99% of trans-dichloroethylene (trans-DCE) reaction. Reaction of 1,1-DCE gives rise to ethylene, consistent with a reductive α-elimination pathway. For the highly reactive chloro- and dichloroacetylene intermediates produced from the reductive elimination of TCE and PCE, 100% and 76% of the reaction, respectively, occur via hydrogenolysis to lesser chlorinated acetylenes. The branching ratios for reactions of PCE or TCE (and their daugh...
Arterial wave reflection and aortic valve calcification in an elderly community-based cohort.

Background Aortic valve calcification (AVC) without stenosis is common in the elderly, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and may progress to aortic valve stenosis. Arterial stiffness and pulse-wave reflection are important components of proximal aortic hemodynamics, but their relationship with AVC is not established. Methods To investigate the relationship of arterial wave reflection and stiffness with AVC, pulse wave analysis and AVC evaluation by echocardiography were performed in 867 participants from the Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. Participants were divided into four categories on the basis of the severity and extent of AVC: (1) none or mild focal AVC, (2) mild diffuse AVC, (3) moderate to severe focal AVC, and (4) moderate to severe diffuse AVC. Central blood pressures and pulse pressure, total arterial compliance, augmentation index, and time to wave reflection were assessed using applanation tonometry. Results Indicators of arterial stiffness and wave reflection were significantly associated with AVC severity, except for central systolic and diastolic pressures and time to reflection. After adjustment for pertinent covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and estimated glomerular filtration rate), only augmentation pressure ( P = .02) and augmentation index ( P = .002) were associated with the severity of AVC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that augmentation pressure (odds ratio per mm Hg, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.27; P = .02) and augmentation index (odds ratio per percentage point, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.13; P = .02) were associated with an increased risk for moderate to severe diffuse AVC, even when central blood pressure value was included in the same model. Conclusions Arterial wave reflection is associated with AVC severity, independent of blood pressure values. Increased contribution of wave reflection to central blood pressure could be involved in the process leading to AVC.
Adiabatic results for populations in optical bistability

Abstract The time-evolution of an optically bistable interferometer is obtained using adiabatic elimination of all except population variables. This allows switching to be described in the region of relaxation rates typically found in current experiments. This Fokker-Planck equation has the novel property of possessing exact potential solutions, even with detunings of both the laser and interferometer.
Organic Materials for Multiphoton Absorption: Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Calculations

In our interest to accurately predict the photophysical properties of organic molecules that exhibit multiphoton absorption optical processes, we applied density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) for the calculation of structures, and one- photon absorption (OPA), two-photon absorption (TPA) spectra, for series of relevant compounds. In our recent work TDDFT was validated regarding the exchange- correlation functional to be used for molecules that exhibit excited state charge-transfer characteristics, the application of quadratic response for TPA properties, and the inclusion of solvent effects, as applied, for example, to 4,4'-dimethyl-amino-nitrostilbene and a donor-acceptor (DA) fluorene-based system. In this work we discuss the prediction of TPA cross-section enhancements for large porphyrin dimers.
Focus on Obesity

In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , there are 4 articles of diverse scope on the topic of obesity. There has been an alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity in the US and the rest of the developed world. There also has been a parallel increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is expected to add to the burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality simply because macrovascular disease is the leading cause of death in T2DM. The current understanding of the mechanisms by which T2DM contributes to cardiovascular disease includes dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, which adversely affects multiple metabolic pathways in many cell types, and inflammation. See accompanying articles on pages 186, 193, 200, …
Escape from suppression: tumor-specific effector cells outcompete regulatory T cells following stem-cell transplantation.

Immune reconstitution of autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients with the progeny of mature T cells in the graft leads to profound changes in the emerging functional T-cell repertoire. In the steady state, the host is frequently tolerant to tumor antigens, reflecting dominant suppression of naive and effector T cells by regulatory T cells (Tregs). We examined the relative frequency and function of these 3 components within the tumor-specific T-cell compartment during immune reconstitution. Grafts from tumor-bearing donors exerted a significant antitumor effect in irradiated, syngeneic tumor-bearing recipients. This was associated with dramatic clonal expansion and interferon-γ (IFNγ) production by previously tolerant tumor-specific T cells. While donor-derived Tregs expanded in recipients, they did not inhibit the antigen-driven expansion of effector T cells in the early posttransplantation period. Indeed, the repopulation of tumor-specific effector T cells significantly exceeded that of Tregs, the expansion of which was limited by IL-2 availability. Although the intrinsic suppressive capacity of Tregs remained intact, their diminished frequency was insufficient to suppress effector cell function. These findings provide an explanation for the reversal of tolerance leading to tumor rejection in transplant recipients and likely contribute to the efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies in lymphopenic hosts.
Evidence for sequential two-body decay in the C12(d; p, n)C12 reaction

Abstract The C12(d; p, n) reaction has been studied using the Rice University high resolution 180° magnetic spectrometer for deuteron energies of 4.66, 4.90 and 5.46 MeV. No evidence was found for the existence of a density of states cusp near the neutron threshold similar to that seen in the Be9(p; p′, n)Be8 reaction studied by Spencer et al.1). However, broad proton groups were observed at energies which correspond to the two-body sequential decay C 12 + d → N 14∗ → N 13∗ + n → C 12 + n + p . Two excited states in N13 involved in this were the known 3.51 and 3.56 MeV states. The proton groups show broadening and energy shifting due to the motion of the intermediate N13 nucleus. Theoretical line shapes have been calculated to compare with these data. The groups occur at proton energies of approximately 1.01, 1.04 and 1.08 MeV, with each broad group possesing a doublet structure with approximate widths at half height of 60, 50 and 90 keV corresponding to the deuteron bombarding energies of 4.66, 4.90 and 5.46 MeV respectively. No evidence for states at 5.51 and 6.10 MeV in C13 was observed.
A remark on finite groups having a split BN-pair of rank one with characteristic two☆

* This paper contains an essential part of the author’s talk delivered on the occasion of “Higmanfest” held at the Mathematical Institute in Oxford on July 13, 1984. A part of this work was carried out while the author held an SERC Visiting Fellowship at the Mathematical Institute. During his stay at Oxford, the author was a Visiting Fellow of University College. At various early stages, this research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation. The author extends his thanks for this support and for the hospitality of the Institute and of the organizers of the Higmanfest.
Non-enhancing de novo glioblastoma: report of two cases

Malignant gliomas arise from two distinct pathways, as de novo lesions or from secondary transformation from low-grade lesions. Herein, we describe the cases of two patients to illustrate the proposition that de novo malignant gliomas can originate as non-enhancing tumors and rapidly progress to a pattern of ring enhancement characteristic of a glioblastoma. Both patients presented with new-onset seizures (simple partial and generalized). Their neurological examinations were unremarkable. Initial MRI evaluations revealed a right precentral gyrus and right medial temporal lobe lesions in each case, respectively. These lesions demonstrated increased T2 signal changes without contrast enhancement. The biopsy of the right frontal lesion in the first patient was consistent with an anaplastic astrocytoma; the second patient was followed expectantly. Repeat MRI for both patients within 17 weeks disclosed ring-enhancing lesions, consistent with an unusually rapid evolution to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Subsequent resection of the right medial temporal lesion in the second patient revealed a GBM. Neither tumor displayed abnormal overexpression of P53 by immunohistochemistry. Early MRI of de novo glioblastomas may demonstrate a non-enhancing tumor suggestive of a low-grade lesion. These tumors can rapidly evolve into ring-enhancing lesions more consistent with the traditional imaging findings.
The psychology of practice and the practice of the three psychologies

The keynote speakers at the 2nd Asian Association for Social Psychology Meetings were asked to clarify the relationship among the three scholarly fields known as cultural psychology, indigenous psychology and cross-cultural psychology. Are they three names for the same thing? If not are they complementary or antagonistic enterprises? Does one approach subsume the other(s) or make the other(s) possible? What follows is my own general view of the ‘‘three psychologies’’ issue. I suggest that cultural psychology and indigenous psychology are kindred approaches, which differ in significant ways from cross-cultural psychology. A distinction is drawn between the study of ‘‘mentalities’’ (the proper unit of analysis for cultural and indigenous psychology) and the study of ‘‘mind’’ (a non-cultural phenomenon). Cultural psychology is a type of interpretive analysis of social practice which asks, ‘‘what are the ‘goals, values and pictures of the world’ with reference to which this behavior might be seen as rational?’’ The essay describes the assumption of rationality and the place of cultural critique in interpretive analysis. Is there any significant difference at all between cultural psychology and indigenous psychology? One aim of cultural psychology (‘‘globalizing the local’’) is premised on the view that ‘‘indigenous psychologies’’ may have relevance outside their points of origin. How open is the indigenous psychology movement to the idea that (e.g.) a psychology with a ‘‘Chinese soul’’ might illuminate the psychological functioning of members of non-Chinese populations?
The many faces of akathisia.

Abstract Akathisia, a common side effect of neuroleptic therapy, is an emotional state and “refers not to any type or pattern of movement, but rather to a subjective need or desire to move.”1,2 Akathisia, in contrast to the other drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions, is subjective, and for this reason it may be difficult to diagnose. Historically, the predominant mental manifestations of akathisia have caused confusion. Haskoves,3 who originally described the syndrome in 1901, concluded that the disorder was of hysterical origin. Bing4 viewed akathisia as a “psychosis” characterized by a “morbid fear of sitting down,” but in another chapter he explained it as a way of overcoming the muscular rigidity of Parkinson's disease. Oppenheim5 considered akathisia as a form of neurosis, “usually a form of phobia.” Wilson6 designated it “hysterical” in one chapter of his classic textbook, but he also described the syndrome in association with Parkinson's disease in a later chapter. Akathisia can be mistaken for an exacerbation of the original mental illness.7–9 Hodge10 stated that akathisia “may appear like an anxiety state… in which real anxiety can be neither recognized nor verbalized.” Raskin11 found that patients often are unable to distinguish between anxiety and restlessness, and he warns that “indications of anxiety-like symptoms” such as “uneasiness,” “hyperactivity,” “pacing,” “vague complaints about medication,” and “insomnia” may be subtle reflections of akathisia. It is the purpose of this paper to stress the clinical importance of this side effect and to aid the clinician in its detection.
Let's hear both sides: On combining type-error reporting tools.

Producing precise and helpful type error messages has been a challenge for the implementations of functional programming languages for over 3 decades now. Many different approaches and methods have been tried to solve this thorny problem, but current type-error reporting tools still suffer from a lack of precision in many cases. Based on the rather obvious observation that different approaches work well in different situations, we have studied the question of whether a combination of tools that exploits their diversity can lead to improved accuracy. Specifically, we have studied Helium, a Haskell implementation particularly aimed at producing good type error messages, and Lazy Typing, an approach developed previously by us to address the premature-error-commitment problem in type checkers. By analyzing the respective strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches we were able to identify a strategy to combine both tools that could markedly improve the accuracy of reported errors. Specifically, we report an evaluation of 1069 unique illtyped programs out of a total of 11256 Haskell programs that reveals that this combination strategy enjoys a correctness rate of 79%, which is an improvement of 22%/17% compared to using Lazy Typing/Helium alone. In addition to describing this particular case study, we will also report insights we gained into the combination of error-reporting tools in general.
Currents induced on a pair of skew crossed wires

Hallen-type integral equations are formulated for skew crossed wires and, by numerical solution techniques, current distributions are obtained. The coupled integral equations are founded entirely upon the familiar electric scalar potential and magnetic vector potential whereas, in the past, similar analyses have been based upon an auxiliary scalar function. Numerical results are presented for several cases, including different skew angles, and are compared with available data for the special case of perpendicular wires.
Competition over the Tax Base in the State Sales Tax

The sales tax shows wide variation across states. Rates differ, some states allow local options, and the base can vary dramatically. Consumer items like food are often afforded preferential treatment, and business purchases like manufacturing machinery are exempt in some states. There is no research that explores these and other sales tax base choices. This article provides an empirical examination of sales tax base choice on the part of states using a political economy framework and tools of spatial econometrics. The analysis accommodates tax competition among states, using a variety of alternative definitions of “competitors.” The authors find little evidence that consumer exemptions are linked to needy segments of the population, while equipment exemptions are more common in states with large industrial sectors. The results also show that the nature of the interstate tax competition process differs for different elements of the base and that nongeographic competition can be especially important.