cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of pancreatic transplantation on counterregulatory hormonal responses to hypoglycaemia.

Introduction In December 1966, two patients with advanced complications of type 1 diabetes received combined pancreas and kidney allografts at the University of Minnesota, USA. These two operations heralded the possibility of a more effective treatment for type 1 diabetes. Since those first operations advances in surgical techniques, improved quality of immunosuppressive therapies, and better strategies of patient surveillance have increased patient survival rates and operative morbidity. The most recent data from the International Pancreas Transplant Registry reveal success rates (defined as insulin independence at ≥ 1 year) for pancreas transplantation performed simultaneously with kidney transplantation of 70% or more and mortality rates 10% or less at 1 year [1]. Perhaps the most significant limitation to improved patient survival rates today is the nature of the patients actually undergoing surgery who are usually of a self-selected group of type 1 diabetic subjects with long duration disease and multiple complications (including autonomic neuropathy and end-stage renal disease). These factors in themselves entail a drastically reduced long-term survival rate. Pancreas transplantation has also been proposed as a possible treatment for individuals with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia [2]. This is in the light of some recent studies that have suggested that the impaired counterregulatory responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, so common to type 1 diabetes of long duration [3], are reversed following pancreas transplantation [2, 4, 5]. This review will discuss the literature that has emerged over the last 10 years on the effect of pancreas transplantation on hormonal counterregulation to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. Initially, we will briefly comment on our current understanding of the nature of the counterregulatory hormonal response to hypoglycaemia, how that response may be abnormal in type 1 diabetes, and what information pancreas transplantation provides about the aetiology of these abnormalities.
Effect of Beauveria bassiana on the Fecundity of Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract The effect of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, on the reproductive potential of female survivors, egg viability, and total egg production within cohorts of adult western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, was investigated. Newly emerged female beetles were mated and then treated with a suspension of B. bassiana (5 × 10 7 conidia/ml) 5, 10, or 15 days later. Egg production and percentage hatch were monitored over a 6-week period. Females surviving treatment at 10 days postemergence produced on average 30% fewer eggs during the initial 2 weeks of the oviposition period compared with other treatment schedules or untreated beetles. Overall reproductive capacity (mean No. eggs/female) was significantly lower in cohorts treated with B. bassiana compared with untreated cohorts, primarily due to differential mortality. Early treatment of beetles (5 days postemergence) resulted in a greater reduction in total egg production within the cohort compared with later treatments (10 and 15 days postemergence). Egg viability declined significantly over time for all treatments with no difference in percentage hatchability of eggs between treated and untreated females. A properly timed application of B. bassiana causing 75% beetle mortality could potentially reduce oviposition within adult populations of D. virgifera virgifera by approximately 70%.
Psychopathy and Corporate Crime: A Preliminary Examination, Part 1

In Part 1 of this two part review essay that explores the relationship between psychopathy and corporate crime, we introduce and discuss the concepts of corporate crime and psychopathy and then examine the leading theories of corporate crime within the discipline of criminology. We show how these approaches tend to fall short as thorough explanations of corporate crime and then illustrate how the concept of psychopathy can help us better understand it. Recent examples of corporate wrongdoing committed in the oil, automobile, and financial industries presented in Part 2 illustrate recent behaviors of corporations that are consistent with psychopathy.
Assessment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome Mortality and Morbidity in the United States: Implications for Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance

To estimate age-specific incidences and assess the national morbidity and mortality burden for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in the United States, a national hospital discharge database compiled by the Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities (CPHA) and national death certificate data reported to the National Vital Statistics System were reviewed. During 1985-1991, 10,453 patients with GBS were discharged from CPHA-participating hospitals (estimated annual incidence, 3.0/100,000 population). The age-specific incidence of GBS increased with age from 1.5/100,000 in persons <15 years old to 8.6/100,000 in persons 70-79 years old. The total estimated number of GBS-related deaths from 1985 through 1990 was 3770 (95% confidence interval, 3506-4034), for an average of 628 GBS deaths per year. These rates suggest that the proposed national surveillance system for acute flaccid paralysis should capture at a minimum the 796 GBS cases in persons <15 years old. GBS remains a significant health burden among older adults in the United States, with a marked increase in risk after age 40.
The effect of gestational age and labor on placental growth hormone in amniotic fluid.

Abstract Objective Placental growth hormone (PGH) is produced by trophoblast. This hormone becomes detectable in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its concentration increases as term approaches and becomes undetectable within one hour of delivery. PGH has important biological properties, including somatogenic (growth promotion), lactogenic, and lipolytic activity. Recently, PGH has been detected in amniotic fluid (AF) of midtrimester pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PGH concentrations in AF change with advancing gestational age and in labor at term. Design AF was assayed for PGH concentrations in samples obtained from patients undergoing genetic amniocentesis between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation ( n = 67), normal patients at term not in labor ( n = 24), and pregnant women at term in labor ( n = 51). PGH concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results (1) PGH was detected in all AF samples; (2) patients in the midtrimester had a higher median concentration of PGH in AF than those at term (midtrimester: median: 3140.5 pg/ml; range: 1124.2–13886.5 vs. term: median: 2021.1 pg/ml; range: 181.6–8640.8; p p = 0.73). Conclusions (1) PGH is detectable in AF at both mid- and third trimesters; (2) the median AF concentration of PGH is significantly lower at term when compared to the second trimester; (3) labor at term is not associated with changes in the AF concentration of PGH. The role of this unique placental hormone now found in the fetal compartment requires further investigation.
The infrared absorption spectrum of a supersonic expansion of methyl chloride

Abstract The infrared absoption spectrum of a rotationally cooled supersonic jet of neat methyl chloride is reported. The rotational constant of v 3 , v 2 and v 1 are determined. Using a 0.05 mm nozzle and a 2 atm stagnation pressure, a Boltzmann population distribution is found with a charateristic rotational temperature of 120 K.
The relationship between education, experience, and police performance

This study used data from 299 police officers from 12 municipal police departments across the state of Virginia to determine the relationship between education and police performance. Performance was measured by supervisor evaluations of each officer's overall performance, communication skills, public relations skills, report writing skills, response to new training, decision making ability, and commitment to the police department. Significant correlations were found between education and most measures of performance. Most importantly, the results show a significant correlation between overall performance and education (r=24, p.<001). The only variables not proving to be significantly related to education were objective measures of the volume of arrests, number of times the officer required discipline, and number of accidents. Interestingly, the benefits of a college education do not become apparent until police officers gain experience. In addition, police, officers with only a high school diploma decreased in overall performance after five years of experience.
Random Spin Systems: Some Rigorous Results

Several general results are obtained for a system of spins on a lattice in which the various lattice sites are occupied at random, and the spins, if present, interact via a general Heisenberg or Ising interaction decreasing sufficiently rapidly with distance. It is shown that the free energy per site exists in the limit of an infinite system, is a continuous function of concentration, and has the usual convexity (stability) properties. For Ising systems with interactions of finite range, the free energy is an analytic function of concentration and magnetic field for a suitable range of these variables. The random Ising ferromagnet on a square lattice (or simple cubic lattice) with nearest‐neighbor interactions is shown to exhibit a spontaneous magnetization at sufficiently high concentrations and low temperatures.
Solid state second phase redistribution in an applied field

Abstract The apparent motion of second phase aggregates due to an applied field is investigated. The first mechanism chosen is particle dissolution to retain a saturated matrix followed by possible reprecipitation. Since the matrix phase is assumed saturated throughout the exposure to the field, end conditions are impractical. Thus, the sample is viewed as being infinite. Furthermore, to avoid the difficulties associated with coarsening during the process, the dependent variable is the volume fraction of second phase. Thus, simultaneous coarsening may occur but will be obscured by this choice of dependent variable. For the limiting case of small volume fraction of second phase precipitates in a binary alloy, the volume fraction and the distribution function are determined for the situation where an external field gives rise to motion of the particles. In the initial analysis, particles are assumed spherical and coarsening is neglected. Further analysis for the volume fraction of such particles is possible when the migration velocity of all particles is the same. The general equations for the distribution function using simultaneous diffusion controlled coarsening and migration of spherical particles are presented. A solution is given for the limiting situation where particle velocities are small and equal, implying volume diffusion control in the primary phase.
FE-based physical phase variable model of PM synchronous machines under stator winding short circuit faults

An FE-based physical phase variable model is proposed for PM machines under stator short-circuit faults. The parameters of the proposed model, inductances and back EMFs are determined using the FE-circuit coupled computation of the machine under the same type of fault. The parameters obtained include information on the fault location and the number of turns involved, in addition to the space harmonics and the effects of stator saturation. The FE-based phase variable model that has been developed is verified through comparison with the FE model. The significance of the work is that it introduces a feasible procedure to build a physically accurate and computationally fast phase variable model for PM machines under stator short-circuit fault conditions. Such a model is useful for the study of fault diagnosis and prognosis.
Synthesis and performance of bismuth trioxide nanoparticles for high energy gas generator use

Our experiments showed that the combustion of an Al-Bi2O3 nanoparticle mixture generated the highest pressure pulse among common nanothermite reactions and can potentially be used as a nanoenergetic gas generator. The combustion front propagation velocity and rate of energy release increased by up to three orders of magnitude when the particle size was reduced to a nanosize range for both the aluminum and the oxidizer. We developed a novel one-step (metal nitrate-glycine) combustion synthesis of nanostructured amorphous-like and highly crystalline bismuth trioxide nanoparticles. The combustion synthesis was conducted using a solution of molten bismuth nitrate as an oxidizer and glycine as a fuel. The glycine was completely combusted during the thermal decomposition of the bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and generated a temperature front that propagated through the sample. Increasing the fuel concentration increased the maximum combustion temperature from 280 to 1200 degrees C and the Bi2O3 particle size from 20 to 100 nm. The oxidizer/fuel ratio had a strong impact on the bismuth trioxide particle crystallinity. At low temperature (280 degrees C), amorphous-like bismuth trioxide nanoparticles formed, while at T > or =370 degrees C the structures were crystalline. A peak pressure of approximately 12 MPa and a thermal front propagating velocity of approximately 2500 m s(-1) were achieved during the combustion of an Al-Bi2O3 mixture containing 80 wt% of the synthesized Bi2O3 crystalline nanoparticles (size: 40-50 nm).
Vibration–internal rotation–overall rotation interactions in CH3OH. II. Vibration introduced τ-dependence to the reduced kinetic energy coefficient for internal rotation

Abstract Vibration–internal rotation–rotation interaction theory has been used to calculate the τ -dependence of F , the reduced kinetic energy coefficient for internal rotation for CH 3 OH from molecular structure. The leading term is −3.2×10 −5 cos 3τ as a fraction of F 0 . Smaller terms are 1.5×10 −7 cos 6τ and then −0.82×10 −7 cos 2τ and 5.0×10 −10 cos 4τ for the symmetry breaking terms of the vibrationally distorted molecule. These terms have not been included previously in torsion–rotation anaylses for CH 3 OH but should be compared with the fractional uncertainty in F 0 of ±7×10 −7 . A rough estimate of the τ -independent vibrational contributions to F 0 is of the order 4% with the largest contributors being the COH bend and OH stretch.
Regulation of human cytochrome P450 4F2 expression by sterol regulatory element-binding protein and lovastatin.

This report provides the first evidence that human P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) is induced by statins, which are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Real time PCR and immunoblots indicate that lovastatin treatment increases expression of the endogenous CYP4F2 gene in human primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. The effects of lovastatin on gene expression are often mediated through sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). Immunoblots indicate that lovastatin-treated human hepatocytes display increased proteolytic processing of SREBP-2. In HepG2 cells, co-administration of a potent suppressor of SREBP-2 activation, 25-hydroxycholesterol, inhibits CYP4F2 mRNA induction by lovastatin. HepG2 cells transfected with an expression vector for the active nuclear form of SREBP-1a (nSREBP-1a) also display elevated endogenous CYP4F2 expression. Luciferase reporters containing the CYP4F2 proximal promoter are transactivated by nSREBPs (-1a, -1c, and -2) or a dominant positive form of the SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), which facilitates activation of endogenous SREBPs. Lovastatin-induced reporter expression is inhibited by overexpressed Insig-1, which prevents proteolytic activation of endogenous SREBPs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with in vitro translated nSREBP-1a identified two SREBP binding sites at –169/–152 and –109/–92, relative to the CYP4F2 transcription start site. Mutations in each site abolish SREBP binding. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that more SREBP-1 is associated with the CYP4F2 promoter after overexpression of nSREBP-1a. Transfection studies and mutagenesis indicate that the –109/–92 region is the primary site responsible for the effects of statins. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SREBPs transactivate CYP4F2 transcription and that CYP4F2 induction by statins is mediated by SREBP-2.
High Energy Neutrino Emissions from GRBs: Predictions and Issues

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are believed to be cosmic ray accelerators and high energy neutrino emitters. Within the framework of the standard GRB fireball model, neutrinos of a wide range of energy are produced from different emission sites. The published predictions of GRB neutrino emission are reviewed, especially in view of the latest GRB observations with Swift. Issues regarding the uncertainties in those predictions are discussed.
The Human CC Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) Gene MULTIPLE TRANSCRIPTS WITH 5′-END HETEROGENEITY, DUAL PROMOTER USAGE, AND EVIDENCE FOR POLYMORPHISMS WITHIN THE REGULATORY REGIONS AND NONCODING EXONS

Human CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), mediates the activation of cells by the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta, and RANTES, and serves as a fusion cofactor for macrophage-tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate human CCR5 gene expression, we initiated studies to determine its genomic and mRNA organization. Previous studies have identified a single CCR5 mRNA isoform whose open reading frame is intronless. We now report the following novel findings. 1) Complex alternative splicing and multiple transcription start sites give rise to several distinct CCR5 transcripts that differ in their 5'-untranslated regions (UTR). 2) The gene is organized into four exons and two introns. Exons 2 and 3 are not interrupted by an intron. Exon 4 and portions of exon 3 are shared by all isoforms. Exon 4 contains the open reading frame, 11 nucleotides of the 5'-UTR and the complete 3'-UTR. 3) The transcripts appear to be initiated from two distinct promoters: an upstream promoter (PU), upstream of exon 1, and a downstream promoter (PD), that includes the "intronic" region between exons 1 and 3. 4) PU and PD lacked the canonical TATA or CAAT motifs, and are AT-rich. 5) PD demonstrated strong constitutive promoter activity, whereas PU was a weak promoter in all three leukocyte cell environments tested (THP-1, Jurkat, and K562). 6) We provide evidence for polymorphisms in the noncoding sequences, including the regulatory regions and 5'-UTRs. The structure of CCR5 was strikingly reminiscent of the overall structure of other chemokine/chemoattractant receptors, underscoring an important evolutionarily conserved function for a prototypical gene structure. This is the first description of functional promoters for any CC chemokine receptor gene, and we speculate that the complex pattern of splicing events and dual promoter usage may function as a versatile mechanism to create diversity and flexibility in the regulation of CCR5 expression.
Bioengineered Silk Protein-Based Gene Delivery Systems

Silk proteins self-assemble into mechanically robust material structures that are also biodegradable and non-cytotoxic, suggesting utility for gene delivery. Since silk proteins can also be tailored in terms of chemistry, molecular weight and other design features via genetic engineering, further control of this system for gene delivery can be considered. In the present study, silk-based block copolymers were bioengineered with poly(L-lysine) domains for gene delivery. Ionic complexes of these silk-polylysine based block copolymers with plasmid DNA (pDNA) were prepared for gene delivery to human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. The material systems were characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The polymers self-assembled in solution and complexed plasmid DNA through ionic interactions. The pDNA complexes with 30 lysine residues prepared at a polymer/nucleotide ratio of 10 and with a solution diameter of 380 nm showed the highest efficiency for transfection. The pDNA complexes were also immobilized on silk films and demonstrated direct cell transfection from these surfaces. The results demonstrate the potential of bioengineered silk proteins as a new family of highly tailored gene delivery systems.
Methylmalonic aciduria articles

Methylmalonic aciduria can occur to a widely varying degree, in isolation or combined with homocystinuria in a range of conditions. These include absorption and transport disorders or defects of intracellular cellular metabolism of vitamin B12, nutritional deficiency of this vitamin, or genetic defects of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Recent advances have elucidated the genes and mutations responsible for most of these disorders. The biochemically and genetically defined methylmalonic acidurias constitute an important group of potentially treatable disorders with still major diagnostic and management challenges. Furthermore, less well defined milder methylmalonic aciduria has recently been shown in some cases to be associated with SUCL mutations or methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase deficiency. It is therefore timely and opportune that the editors of this Journal have chosen to publish two series of papers on this topic. The articles which appear in this issue include the review BNeurodegeneration and chronic renal failure in methylmalonic aciduria—A pathophysiological approach^ by Marina Morath and colleagues. This proposes and examines interesting and plausible hypotheses on pathogenetic mechanisms about which little is known. The original article BMethylmalonate inhibits succinate-supported oxygen consumption by interfering with mitochondrial succinate uptake^ by Sandra Mirandola and colleagues reports interesting evidence of a possible patho-physiological role of methylmalonic acid in inhibition of succinate uptake in rat brain or muscle mitochondria. The original article BMethylmalonic acidaemia: Examination of genotype and biochemical data in 32 patients belonging to mut, cblA or cblB complementation group^ by Begona Merinero and colleagues reports an interesting critical comparison of in vivo and in vitro biochemical parameters with the nature of mutations in different complementation groups. The follow-up series will include mainly review articles (planned for issue 3, 2008) and will cover the following:
Ultrastructure of the principal and accessory submandibular glands of the common vampire bat

The principal and accessory submandibular glands of the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, were examined by electron microscopy. The secretory endpieces of the principal gland consist of serous tubules capped at their blind ends by mucous acini. The substructure of the mucous droplets and of the serous granules varies according to the mode of specimen preparation. With ferrocyanide-reduced osmium postfixation, the mucous droplets are moderately dense and homogeneous; the serous granules often have a polygonal outline and their matrix shows clefts in which bundles of wavy filaments may be present. With conventional osmium postifixation, the mucous droplets have a finely fibrillogranular matrix; the serous granules are homogeneously dense. Mucous cells additionally contain many small, dense granules that may be small peroxisomes, as well as aggregates of 10-nm cytofilaments. Intercalated duct cells are relatively unspecialized. Striated ducts are characterized by highly folded basal membranes and vertically oriented mitochondria. Luminal surfaces of all of the secretory and duct cells have numerous microvilli, culminating in a brush borderlike affair in the striated ducts. The accessory gland has secretory endpieces consisting of mucous acini with small mucous demilunes. The acinar mucous droplets contain a large dense region; the lucent portion has punctate densities. Demilune mucous droplets lack a dense region and consist of a light matrix in which fine fibrillogranular material is suspended. A ring of junctional cells, identifiable by their complex secretory granules, separates the mucous acini from the intercalated ducts. The intercalated ducts lack specialized structure. Striated ducts resemble their counterparts in the principal gland. As in the principal gland, all luminal surfaces are covered by an array of microvilli. At least some of the features of the principal and accessory submandibular glands of the vampire bat may be structural adaptations to the exigencies posed by the exclusively sanguivorous diet of these animals and its attendant extremely high intake of sodium chloride.
51.4: Broadband Quarter Wave Plate Using a Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Film and Two Uniaxial Films

We designed a broadband quarter wave plate in the visible range using a twisted nematic liquid crystal film sandwiched between two compensation films. The quarter wave plate exhibits much wider bandwidth than the commercial product, which is composed of a half wave plate and a quarter wave plate.
Dictyostelium discoideum Hsp32 is a resident nucleolar heat-shock protein

Hsp32 is a small shock protein in Dictyostelium discoideum that is expressed in growing cells in the absence of heat shock. Here we show that Hsp32 is an Ag-NOR-staining protein capable of binding DNA with high affinity. Hsp32 is also shown to be a resident nucleolar protein both under normal growth conditions and during heat stress. In unstressed cells, Hsp32 localizes to the nucleolar periphery in a pattern reminiscent of the rDNA in this organism. During the first several hours of heat shock, the peripheral localization of Hsp32 is not altered, although rDNA transcription is arrested. Prolonged heat shock causes a condensation of the rDNA. Under these conditions, Hsp32 is no longer predominantly associated with the rDNA, but is instead distributed over the entire nucleolus. Hsp32 therefore retains ist nucleolar localization under prolonged heat shock conditions by associating with nucleolar components other than the rDNA or rRNA.
Characterization of the Outer Domain of the gp120 Glycoprotein from Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

The core of the gp120 glycoprotein from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is comprised of three major structural domains: the outer domain, the inner domain, and the bridging sheet. The outer domain is exposed on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer and contains binding surfaces for neutralizing antibodies such as 2G12, immunoglobulin G1b12, and anti-V3 antibodies. We expressed the outer domain of HIV-1 YU2 gp120 as an independent protein, termed OD1. OD1 efficiently bound 2G12 and a large number of anti-V3 antibodies, indicating its structural integrity. Immunochemical studies with OD1 indicated that antibody responses against the outer domain of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein are rare in HIV-1-infected human sera that potently neutralize the virus. Surprisingly, such outer-domain-directed antibody responses are commonly elicited by immunization with recombinant monomeric gp120. Immunization with soluble, stabilized HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimers elicited antibody responses that more closely resembled those in the sera of HIV-1-infected individuals. These results underscore the qualitatively different humoral immune responses elicited during natural infection and after gp120 vaccination and help to explain the failure of gp120 as an effective vaccine.
Frequency response of boiling flow systems based on a two-fluid model

Abstract A distributed parameter model of boiling flow systems in the frequency domain is presented. It is constructed from a linearized time domain, two-fluid model by the state-space vector method. To demonstrate the validity of this approach, transfer functions calculated by the present model are compared with analytical solutions and experimental measurements.
Monitoring nutrition of a large grazer: muskoxen on the Arctic Refuge

Abstract The number of young muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) on Alaska's Arctic Refuge declined from 1986. We hypothesized that poor calf production was related to poor maternal nutrition. We analyzed samples from 40 adult females collected in 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992 and 2000. Sera and hair were depleted in N when compared with those of captive animals fed grass hay; that is, low dietary N in wild animals may result in less fractionation than in captivity. Poor nutrition in 1991 was indicated by elevation of 15N in serum, low serum Cu (0.48±0.05 μg mL−1) and low activities of the Cu-enzyme ceruloplasmin (16±1 IU.L−1). Fecal enrichment of both 15N and 13C indicated a consistent diet based on graminoids that was similar between 1991 and 2000. Poor nutrition was probably associated with deep snow and low food abundance in 1990 or 1991. Forage abundance rather than quality may have the greatest influence on the populations dynamics of large grazers in highly seasonal environments.
Fracture Healing After Stabilization With Intramedullary Xenograft Cortical Bone Pins: A Study in Pigeons

Objective— To investigate the effectiveness of intramedullary xenograft cortical bone pins compared with stainless steel Kirschner wire for the repair of a standardized avian humeral fracture. Study Design— Prospective randomized study. Sample Population— Thirty mature pigeons (Columba livia). Methods— Birds were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Transverse mid-diaphyseal humeral fractures were created in 1 humerus in each bird. Fractures were stabilized with intramedullary ostrich or canine xenograft cortical bone pins or Kirschner wire. Radiographic, histological, and biomechanical assessments were used to compare fracture healing 6 weeks after fracture stabilization. The contralateral humerus of each bird was used as a control. Results— All fractures healed regardless of intramedullary pin type. There were no statistically significant biomechanical differences among groups or within groups. Xenograft cortical bone pins induced a mononuclear inflammatory reaction that did not impair bone healing. Bones stabilized with intramedullary cortical bone pins had more periosteal callus and inflammation at the fracture site than bones stabilized with stainless steel Kirschner wires. Conclusions— Intramedullary xenograft cortical bone pins, derived from mammalian or avian sources, appear to represent an alternative for the repair of avian humeral fractures. Clinical Relevance— Intramedullary xenograft cortical bone pins are biodegradable and may reduce the need for additional surgery to remove implants after fracture healing.
On Modular Edge-Graceful Graphs

Let G be a connected graph of order $${n\ge 3}$$ and size m and $${f:E(G)\to \mathbb{Z}_n}$$ an edge labeling of G. Define a vertex labeling $${f': V(G)\to \mathbb{Z}_n}$$ by $${f'(v)= \sum_{u\in N(v)}f(uv)}$$ where the sum is computed in $${\mathbb{Z}_n}$$ . If f? is one-to-one, then f is called a modular edge-graceful labeling and G is a modular edge-graceful graph. A graph G is modular edge-graceful if G contains a modular edge-graceful spanning tree. Several classes of modular edge-graceful trees are determined. For a tree T of order n where $${n\not\equiv 2 \pmod 4}$$ , it is shown that if T contains at most two even vertices or the set of even vertices of T induces a path, then T is modular edge-graceful. It is also shown that every tree of order n where $${n\not\equiv 2\pmod 4}$$ having diameter at most 5 is modular edge-graceful.
SU-FF-T-05: 4D Dosimetry in Radiotherapy Using Optical Flow and Monte Carlo Techniques

Purpose: Thoracic tumors present difficulties in dosimetry due to the respiratory motion and inhomogeneity. This study demonstrates that the combination of Monte Carlo dose calculation and 4D dose handling using deformable image registration provides a way to accurately calculate 4D dosimetry for such cases. Method and Materials: Breath‐hold and 4D CTimages of lungcancer cases were used in this proof‐of‐concept study. A 4D CTimage set of a phantom is also included in this study to compare the calculated 4D dose with measurements. A 3‐D conformal treatment plan was designed on the maximum expiration image volume. The treatment plan isocenter was placed at the tumor centre of the maximum expiration image set. BEAMnrc, a Monte Carlo simulation user code based on EGSnrc, a package for the Monte Carlo simulation of coupled electron‐photon transport, was used in the dose calculations for multiple respiration phases. The 3D optical flow program, which uses image‐intensity‐gradient based deformable registration algorithm, was applied to the calculation of the displacement matrices between the CTimages of different respiration phases. The matrices were then used to map the dose distributions of all the respiration phases to the total dose.Results: The 4D phantom study showed that the calculated doses and the measurements agreed with in 2% in the center of the tumor insert. In a left lungtumor case, the tumor motion range was about 0.5 cm. Although the dose at the center of the tumor did not change much, the 4D integrated isodose lines moved in the direction of the tumor motion comparing to the static plans, which is consistent to the expectation. Conclusion: 4D dosimetry using Monte Carlo simulation and deformable image registration provides a promising way to handle thoracic cancer radiation dose calculation.
The role of orthotopic liver transplantation in the treatment of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

The purpose of this study was to combine our clinical experience with a review of the literature to determine the value of orthotopic liver transplantation in the treatment of both boys and girls with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Three boys younger than 1 year of age with symptomatic ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (median age, 116 days; range, 40 to 223 days) underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. The patients' growth, developmental progress, ammonia levels, and amino acid levels were analyzed pre- and post-liver transplantation. The clinical courses of the respective patients and the treatment modalities used were compared with published reports from 1978 through 1997. The median follow-up period in these 3 patients was 3.2 years (range, 9 months to 5.2 years). Orthotopic liver transplantation restored normal urea production and stabilized ammonia levels within 24 hours of surgery (median serum ammonia level 24 hours post-liver replacement, 43 micromol/L; range, 30 to 66 micromol/L). After liver replacement, arginine synthesis was normalized; however, plasma citrulline levels remained less than normal in all patients. Linear growth was evaluated in all 3 patients at the time of the most recent follow-up; median z scores for patient height and weight were -2.16 and -1.16, respectively. Standardized intelligence tests showed that 2 of the 3 patients continue to perform at age-appropriate levels. The third child was developmentally delayed pretransplantation at 4 months of age on presentation and continues to perform in a below-average fashion. Orthotopic liver transplantation results in the restoration of normal urea production and serum ammonia levels in the boy suffering from symptomatic ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Serum arginine, but not citrulline, levels are normalized, probably because of the persistent intestinal mucosa defect. Patient growth is similar to that in infants undergoing liver transplantation for other causes. When liver transplantation is performed before cognitive impairment occurs, intellectual development is normal, because the risk of additional episodes of hyperammonemia is elevated.
The effects of kinetin on callus characters in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Three callus initiation media, B2-k, B2, and 7951, were used to study the effects of kinetin on callus initiation, morphology, histology, and regenerability in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The presence of kinetin in callus initiation media retarded callus initiation, but enhanced division and differentiation of callus cells. Calluses induced on kinetin-containing media (B2 and 7951) had many compact cell aggregations, which were considered meristematic regions that might differentiate to plantlets on a regeneration medium. Visually, these calluses were compact and had many nodular structures. In contrast, most calluses induced on a kinetin-free medium were composed of large, individual cells and had friable structures without nodules. After transfer to a hormone-free medium, calluses induced on kinetin-containing media regenerated more frequently than those induced on a kinetin-free medium, but cytokinin (kinetin) autotrophism also occurred. Autotrophism was sexually transmissable and especially affected by the female parent.
Multifractal analysis of information processing in hippocampal neural ensembles during working memory under Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration

Background Multifractal analysis quantifies the time-scale-invariant properties in data by describing the structure of variability over time. By applying this analysis to hippocampal interspike interval sequences recorded during performance of a working memory task, a measure of long-range temporal correlations and multifractal dynamics can reveal single neuron correlates of information processing.
Copper Transport and Metabolism Are Normal in Aceruloplasminemic Mice

Ceruloplasmin is an abundant serum glycoprotein containing greater than 95% of the copper found in the plasma of vertebrate species. Although this protein is known to function as an essential ferroxidase, the role of ceruloplasmin in copper transport and metabolism remains unclear. To elucidate the role of ceruloplasmin in copper metabolism, the kinetics of copper absorption, transport, distribution, and excretion were examined utilizing64Cu in wild-type and aceruloplasminemic mice. No differences in gastrointestinal absorption, hepatic uptake, or biliary excretion were observed in these animals. Furthermore, steady state measurements of tissue copper content utilizing 64Cu and atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed no differences in the copper content of the brain, heart, spleen, and kidney. Consistent with these findings, the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in these tissues was equivalent in wild-type and ceruloplasmin-deficient mice. Hepatic iron was elevated 3.5-fold in aceruloplasminemic mice because of the loss of ferroxidase function. Hepatic copper content was markedly increased in aceruloplasminemic mice. As no differences were observed in copper absorption or biliary copper excretion, these data suggest that in these animals, hepatocyte copper intended for ceruloplasmin incorporation is trafficked into a compartment that is less available for biliary copper excretion. Taken together, these data reveal no essential role for ceruloplasmin in copper metabolism and suggest a previously unappreciated complexity to the subcellular distribution of this metal within the hepatocyte secretory pathway.
Discriminant wordspotting techniques for rejecting non-vocabulary utterances in unconstrained speech

Discriminant techniques for training speaker-independent hidden Markov model (HMM) parameters in a wordspotter are proposed for improving the discrimination between keyword utterances and background speech utterances. These techniques are applied in the context of completely unconstrained conversational speech utterances that contain a large number of nonvocabulary words. Hidden Markov keyword model parameters are modified in the procedure so that keyword models are made more probable with respect to a network of background speech models. While there have been many discriminant training techniques proposed for relatively constrained closed vocabulary tasks, the implementation described deals with the more general problem of discriminating keyword utterances from a broad class of acoustic events. Results are presented showing improved wordspotter operating characteristics on a conversational speech utterance. >
Axisymmetrically Stalled Flow Performance for Multistage Axial Compressors

Identification de la forme de la caracteristique axisymetrique dans le regime d'ecoulement instable, et variations possibles de la courbe pour differentes configurations de compresseurs. Proposition d'une technique approchee, incluant un modele simple d'ecoulement inverse, pour l'estimation de la caracteristique axisymetrique dans tout le domaine d'ecoulement du compresseur. Calculs effectues en utilisant l'analyse de Moore pour montrer les effets de la forme de la caracteristique axisymetrique sur le fonctionnement en decrochement tournant
Thermal Green functions in coordinate space for massless particles of any spin

The thermal Wightman functions for free, massless particles of spin 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, and 2 are computed directly in coordinate space by solving the appropriate differential equation and imposing the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger condition. The solutions are valid for real, imaginary, or complex time. The Wightman functions for spin 1 gauge bosons and for spin 2 gravitons are directly related to the fundamental functions for spin 0. The Wightman functions for spin 3/2 gravitinos is directly related to that for spin 1/2 fermions. Calculations for spin 1, 3/2, and 2 are done in covariant gauges. In the deep space-like region the Wightman functions for bosons fall like $T/r$ whereas those for the fermions fall exponentially. In the deep time-like region all the Wightman functions fall exponentially.
Inhibition and covalent modification of tyrosine hydroxylase by 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, a toxic dopamine metabolite

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to a decrease of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). DA is metabolized by monoamine oxidase to 3,4-dihydroxyphenyacetaldehyde (DOPAL). While the mechanism of pathogenesis of PD is unknown, DOPAL has demonstrated the ability to covalently modify proteins and cause cell death at concentrations elevated from physiologic levels. Currently, the identities of protein targets of the aldehyde are unknown, but previous studies have demonstrated the ability of catechols and other DA-catabolism products to interact with and inhibit tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Given that DOPAL is structurally related to DA and is a highly reactive electrophile, it was hypothesized to modify and inhibit TH. The data presented in this study positively identified TH as a protein target of DOPAL modification and inhibition. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in antibody recognition of TH. DOPAL in cell lysate significantly inhibited TH activity as measured by decreased l-DOPA production. Inhibition of TH was semi-reversible, with the recovery of activity being time and concentration-dependent upon removal of DOPAL. These data indicate DOPAL to be a reactive DA-metabolite with the capability of modifying and inhibiting an enzyme important to DA synthesis.
Technology growth curves: a new approach to reducing global CO2 emissions

An alternative approach to relying on fixed national caps and deadlines for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and alleviating global warming is offered. The new proposal relies instead on a universal logistic growth curve to establish, for each year, the minimum fraction of each country's emissions that can arise from non-fossil fuels. Since developing countries presently rely more (i.e. greater percentage) on non-fossil sources, the proposed will tend to require the developed countries to take actions earlier to increase their efficiency and the use of non-fossil energy.
A knowledge-based system for process-sequence design in axisymmetric sheet-metal forming

Abstract A hybrid Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) system for automatic process-sequence design for the manufacture of axisymmetric sheet-metal components has been developed. The input to the CAE system is the final sheet-metal object geometry that needs to be manufactured, and the output from the system is the process sequence with intermediate object geometries. Two main components of the hybrid CAE system are a knowledge-based expert-system module (symbolic module) and a process-modeling analysis module (numeric module). The knowledge-based system module will first generate an initial-guess process sequence based on experience-based die-design guidelines, and this process sequence will then be tested for defects and failures by mathematically modeling the sheet-metal forming process using the analysis module. The analysis module will formulate mechanics of metal forming and predict stresses and strains in the deformed geometry and punch load versus displacement. This paper describes the knowledge-based system and compares process sequences outputted by the system with corresponding process sequences from industrial practice. It was found through several test cases that the blank diameter and the number of stations suggested by the knowledge-based system compare well with those used in industrial practice.
Parental problems, case plan requirements, and service targeting in child welfare reunification

Abstract Only about half of parents attempting to reunify with their children in foster care succeed in their efforts. Parents are ordered by the court to use treatment services in order to resolve their problems. These treatment services thus play a critical role in reunification, and in fact the use of services appropriately matched to parents' problems has been found to be associated with a greater likelihood of reunification. However, there is little in the literature regarding the specific requirements of reunification case plans, and whether they are accurately targeted at reunifying parents' problems. This mostly descriptive study uses case file data to examine the relationship between parental problems and case plan requirements for a sample of parents reunifying with their children in one large urban California county. Findings show that most reunifying parents had multiple problems, and were required to attend approximately 8 service events per week. There was a positive correlation between the total number of concerns (treatment problems and life challenges) and required weekly service events. While 85% of parents were ordered treatment services for all their identified problems, over 30% were ordered services targeting problems they were not known to have. Overall, 58% of parents were ordered both all appropriate and only appropriate services. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for models of service delivery that limit the burden of accessing multiple service locations for reunifying parents.
Relative Retention in Immediate Memory determined by the Missing Scan Method

STORAGE in immediate memory is often evaluated through retrieval, by requiring subjects to recall or recognize previously presented material. The serial error curve generated by retrieval, which shows the distribution of errors of omission in retrieval according to the serial position of presented material, appears to reflect characteristics of retrieval as well as of storage.
Time-resolved infrared emission studies of CO2 formed by CO oxidation on Pt and Pd

Abstract The time resolution capabilities of a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer are used in conjunction with a pulsed nozzle to study the effects of CO and O coverage on the product CO2 energy distributions from the oxidation of CO on Pt and Pd surfaces. No coverage effect is found on Pd but on Pt a large reduction in the internal energy is observed as the oxygen on the surface is depleted.