cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of rough surfaces on guided waves in plates

The interaction of ultrasound with rough surfaces is being actively investigated, from both a theoretical and experimental standpoint. The problem is important to several areas, including ocean acoustics [1,2] and dielectric waveguides, such as optical fibers. In either of these problems the fields can be assumed to be represented by a single scalar potential. The problem we address here has previously received very little attention, and concerns the propagation of guided elastic waves in a planar solid waveguide having randomly rough surfaces with compressional and shear potentials that are coupled at each interface. The rough surface is intended to model incipient corrosion in aluminum aircraft structure.
Desktop inkjet printer as a tool to print conducting polymers

In order to exploit mechanical flexibility of organic-based electronic devices, conducting polymer anodes, such as polyaniline or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy)-thiophene-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS), have been extensively studied. Along with the use of solution based processing techniques, conducting polymers can simplify the device fabrication procedure and yield themselves easily to printing techniques. In this paper, we present the results of utilizing desktop inkjet printer as a tool for direct printing and patterning of conducting polymer. Design of printable patterns and adjustment of printing parameters can be performed using any software such as Power Point. PEDOT-PSS suspension can be loaded into an inkjet cartridge and deposited on a given substrate in any designed pattern. The gray-scale color scheme can be employed to control the layer thickness and sheet resistivity of the inkjet printed layers. These layers are then used as anodes in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs).
Real-time stress evolution during Si 1-x Ge x heteroepitaxy: dislocations, islanding, and segregation

We have used sensitive real-time measurements of film stress during Si1-xGex molecular beam epitaxy to examine strain relaxation due to coherent island formation, and to probe the kinetics of Ge surface segregation. We first describe our novel curvature-measurement technique for real-time stress determination. Measurements of the relaxation kinetics during high temperature Si79Ge21 growth on Si (001) are reported in which formation of highly regular arrays of [501]-faceted islands produce 20% stress relaxation. An island shape transition is also observed that reduces the effective stress by up to 50% without dislocations. Nonuniform composition profiles due to Ge surface segregation during growth of planar alloy films are determined with submonolayer thickness resolution from the real-time stress evolution. Up to two monolayers of Ge can segregate to the growth surface.
Formal Fascinations and Nagging Excerpts: The Challenge of the Arts to Curriculum and Inquiry

AbstractThis article examines challenges to discourses of curriculum research and practice by the growing fascination with alternative forms of representation. The author takes as a starting point a cluster of exchanges with students that were situated in a study of a classroom in which music and image joined word and number as essential sources for learning about a context irreducibly distant from students’ own: the past. In the study, what seemed to make painting, photography, film, and poetry potent sources of understanding was their capacity to bridge the gap between a remote, textbook past, and the sensory world of the students’ present; these forms expressed to students not only the outline of events, but also what the events signified and felt like. Yet, in juxtaposing students’ comments against discourses of historiography, philosophical aesthetics, and history teaching and learning, one soon recognizes that the very ability of the arts to communicate a sense of immediacy and human intention is wh...
Comparing State High School Assessments to Standards for Success in Entry-Level University Courses

States have moved rapidly over the past 20 years to institute systems of standards and assessments. State assessments in particular take on added importance at the high school level as they are required for graduation by an increasing number of states. Federal legislation mandating testing in high school also serves to increase the stakes and impact of state exams. Many states are also using high school exams for postsecondary purposes, although the content and criterion validity of these exams in relation to students' post-high school pursuits is not well documented. Though no state exam was developed with the express intent of aligning specifically with postsecondary education, it is nonetheless important to understand this linkage given the wide-ranging use of high school exams across the country. This study analyzed the content of state tests relative to a set of standards that identify knowledge and skills necessary for success in entry-level university courses. A total of 60 math and English assessm...
A Proposal to Incorporate Trial Data Into a Hybrid ACC/AHA Algorithm for the Allocation of Statin Therapy in Primary Prevention

Current algorithms for statin allocation in primary prevention use epidemiologic estimates of absolute risk. However, a global risk prediction score has not been used as an enrollment criterion in any randomized trial of statin therapy. Moreover, completed statin trials show greater relative risk reductions for those patients at lower levels of absolute risk. Thus, risk calculators that rely solely on epidemiologic modeling do not ensure that those who will benefit are selected for treatment. We propose a hybrid approach to statin prescription for apparently healthy men and women that strongly endorses pharmacologic treatment for those who have estimated 10-year risks ≥7.5% and for whom trial-based evidence supports statin efficacy in primary prevention. Although individuals could still be treated on the basis of absolute risk alone, the hybrid approach is evidence-based, is easily applied in clinical practice, and may increase the transparency of physician-patient interactions concerning prescription of statin therapy in primary prevention.
Direct reaction analysis of the 15N(p, α0)12C reaction

Abstract Thirty-nine angular distributions of the 15 N ( p , α 0 ) 12 C reaction over a 9 MeV range were analysed using a plane wave direct reaction theory incorporating pick-up and exchange pick-up (or heavy-particle stripping) coherently mixed (PWBAE theory). The results of this analysis indicate that the reaction proceeds predominantly by a direct reaction mechanism.
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Effects of Dexamethasone on Albumin and Procollagen Messenger RNAs in Murine Schistosomiasis

We have previously shown that dexamethasone increases albumin mRNA and decreases procollagen steady-state mRNA levels in rat hepatocyte cultures. These studies were extended by evaluating an in vivo model of fibrogenesis (murine schistosomiasis) and by determining a more precise level of gene expression responsible for these changes. Control mice and litter mates infected with Schistosomiasis mansoni were evaluated at 8 weeks postinfection when the livers of the infected mice had become fibrotic and their serum albumin levels significantly decreased. The addition of 4 micrograms/mL dexamethasone to the drinking water of half of the infected mice led to a 75% decrease in the liver collagen content as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RNA was extracted from the livers of mice under three conditions: control and infected +/- dexamethasone. This RNA was then hybridized with cDNA probes to determine steady-state levels of specific mRNAs. In the infected mice, albumin mRNA levels were decreased compared to control; however, infected mice treated with dexamethasone increased their albumin mRNA content by 3-fold at 8 weeks. Types I and IV procollagen steady-state mRNA levels in infected mice were increased compared to control while dexamethasone suppressed the mRNA level of collagen in infected mice by 50%. The level of gene expression responsible for these steady-state changes was evaluated by nuclear run-on analysis. While the effect of schistosomiasis on these genes was primarily at a transcriptional level, dexamethasone exerted its effect on different genes in the injured liver by diverse mechanisms, i.e., decreasing collagen synthesis at a transcriptional level and increasing albumin by posttranscriptional mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cancer-related fatigue.

Abstract Franklin DJ, Packel L. Cancer-related fatigue. This self-directed learning module highlights the role of cancer-related fatigue in the rehabilitation of people with oncology diagnoses. It is part of the chapter on cardiac, pulmonary, and cancer rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article identifies the most common causes and features of cancer-related fatigue and presents a general approach and specific recommendations for appropriate intervention. Overall Article Objective To equip physiatrists to evaluate and treat the common problem of cancer-related fatigue in patients with oncologic diagnoses.
Malabsorption of apple juice and pear nectar in infants and children : Clinical implications

Ingestion of fruit juices in which there is an imbalance between glucose and fructose (apple, pear nectar) and the presence of sorbitol is one of the major causes of the syndrome of chronic, nonspecific diarrhea of infancy and childhood. Stools in the condition at time of symptoms are acidic with a pH < 5.5, Clinitest positive, but free of blood and white cells. Lactose and sucrose breath hydrogen tests are normal but breath hydrogen is elevated if measured between 60-120 minutes after the offending juice is taken in sufficient quantity to elicit symptoms. Elimination of the offending juices immediately stopped the diarrhea in all of the cases. Three cases are presented documenting the variability of symptoms including one adolescent who became symptomatic while on a fruit and juice diet.
Low cost solar thermal energy generation for developing economies

Developing economies currently show more potential benefit from renewable and off-grid technologies when compared to first world countries like the United States. Basic humanitarian needs like water pumping, water purification, refrigeration for inoculations, cooking and heating without depleting local resources can have a major impact on quality of living. Once basic hygienic needs are accounted for, villages and even small towns will have a more legitimate foothold to develop out of an impoverished state. Unfortunately, the majority of renewable solutions are complicated, and once installed can easily fall into disrepair, with little or no local knowledge base available to maintain complicated photovoltaic (PV) or wind turbine systems. Additionally, the majority of renewable energy systems require extensive manufacturing that are not environmentally friendly. Once these systems are manufactured, they are bulky and costly to ship. The system described in this paper will have the ability to produce low cost solar thermal energy, with a minimal of capital investment. The system allows for the option to have the solar thermal collector be built on site, requiring only a minimum of equipment to be manufactured remotely and shipped. The proposed system will allow for a much wider spread of renewable energy in developing economies.
Repair of Defects of the Nasal Ala

BACKGROUND Alar defects present a reconstructive challenge. OBJECTIVE To define closure options for alar defects of variable thickness and location. METHODS The repair options for closure of alar defects are reviewed and discussed with regard to depth of defect and complexity of reconstruction. CONCLUSION Surgeons repairing defects of the nose should develop a variety of reconstructive approaches for the ala including but not limited to those presented here. © 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Dermatol Surg 1997;23:335–349. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this article, participant should be able to: 1Understand the anatomy of the nasal ala. 2Develop a logical reconstructive approach to alar defects based on location and depth. 3Understand the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used reconstructive techniques.
Current sheet formation near a hyperbolic magnetic neutral line in a variable-density plasma: An exact solution

Current-sheet formation near a hyperbolic magnetic neutral line in the MHD model is investigated. In this model, the magnetic field lines are swept by the plasma flow toward the X-point. Effects of density-variation of the plasma are included. An exact analytic solution is given. This solution exhibits a finite-time singularity that is peculiar to the variable-density plasma case and this finite-time singularity occurs when there is a plasma density build-up near the magnetic neutral line.
Quantitative volumetric analysis of head and neck venous and lymphatic malformations to assess response to percutaneous sclerotherapy.

BackgroundVenous and lymphatic malformations of the head and neck can be successfully treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy.PurposeTo examine the utility of three-dimensional volumetric analysis to assess these lesions and their response to therapy.Material and MethodsProspectively maintained procedure records were retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients with vascular malformations who underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. Clinical data were used to classify lesions by apparent size and degree of visible physical asymmetry due to the lesions. Lesion volume was calculated using magnetic resonance images. Cohen’s weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to assess both intra- and inter-rater agreement. Pearson coefficients were calculated to identify correlation between clinical and volumetric measures, both at initial diagnosis and following treatment.ResultsThirty-seven patients with head and neck venous or lymphatic malformations underwent 55 treatment sessions. Cohen’s weighted kappa coeff...
The Physical and Biologic Properties of Cavit

The physical properties of Cavit and the response of dental pulp to this temporary filling material were tested. Cavit has a high linear expansion that apparently is caused by water sorption and that probably produces its sealing effect. Insertion of Cavit into dry cavity preparations caused aspiration of odontoblasts and an accompanying pain; no pain was reported in water-spatulated preparations or in moistened cavities. Deposition of reparative dentin under Cavit-filled teeth equaled that under teeth filled with zinc oxide-eugenol. The film thickness of Cavit makes it an unsatisfactory cementing material for temporary crowns. It may be useful as a base-insulating material.
Drug Resistance in Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis remains a public health problem worldwide. This illness was included by the World Health Organization in the list of neglected tropical diseases targeted for elimination by 2015. The widespread emergence of resistance to pentavalent antimonials in India where half cases occur globally and the unavailability of a vaccine in clinical use constitute major obstacles in achieving this goal. The last decade new antileishmanials became available, including the oral agent miltefosine. However, in poor endemic countries their wide use was curtailed because of the high costs, and also due to concerns of toxicity and emergence of resistance. Various mechanisms of antileishmanial resistance were identified recently in field isolates. Their elucidation will boost the design of new drugs and the molecular surveillance of resistance. Combination regimens should be evaluated in large trials. Overall, the development of antileishmanials has been generally slow; new drugs are needed. In order to control visceral leishmaniasis worldwide, treatment advances should become affordable in the poorest countries, where they are needed most.
Malingering following Minor head trauma

The possibility of malingering should be considered whenever an opportunity for financial gain exists or when the subjective complaints outweigh the objective findings. Minor-head-injury patients often meet one or both of these criteria. Four cases of probable malingering and one case of possible malingering after minor head injury are discussed. Observations of untruthfulness, test abnormalities more severe than predicted by knowledge of the injury, bizarre results on Face-Hand (Double Simultaneous Stimulation) testing, and especially forced-choice testing of memory complaints provided useful diagnostic data in these cases. Performance on a forced-choice technique that is significantly worse than chance is presumed to result from the deliberate production of wrong answers. An improved method of forced-choice testing based on work by Hiscock and Hiscock (in press) is presented.
An ab initio study of the electrostatics of protonated amines: application to the molecular mechanics (MM3) force field

Abstract The geometries and charge distributions of 20 small ammonium ions have been calculated at the MP2/6-311G** level of theory. ChelpG charges were used to determine the molecular polarities and fundamental bond moments of protonated aliphatic amines. The molecular mechanics (MM3) force field has been updated to reflect the correct polarity of the C–N + and N + –H bonds, and to more closely reproduce ab initio-derived skeletal bond lengths of ammonium ions. These improvements lead to a force field which accurately reproduces geometric and energetic features of a variety of ammonium ions.
Personality Differences among Black, White, and Hispanic-American Male Heroin Addicts on MMPI Content Scales.

Used MMPI Content Scale scores (Wiggins, 1966) to assess personality differences among black, white, and Hispanic-American heroin addicts. Ss were 423 male veterans who volunteered for the first time for treatment between 1972 and 1979 to an inpatient Drug Dependence Treatment Program (DDTP) of a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Two hypotheses were tested: First, that minority group heroin addicts (blacks and Hispanics) will show better adjustment than majority group (white) heroin addicts; second, that Hispanic-American heroin addicts will evidence personality characteristics unlike those of either whites or blacks. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Results were interpreted as supporting cultural theories of substance abuse and providing implications for diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders among minority ethnic groups.
Strategic research interests, organizational behavior, and the emerging market for the products of plant biotechnology

Abstract As plant biotechnology products become commercialized, some researchers have questioned the goals of organizations using this new technology. Just and Hueth believe that chemical/pesticide companies will dominate plant biotechnology research and will not develop plants that can substitute for chemicals. Other economists, such as Teece, believe that firm-specific resources rather than existing markets determine firm growth. In this vein, it is hypothesized that differences among pesticide and other firms leads to a diverse range of plant biotechnology-derived plants. The main conclusion is that firm-specific resources rather than existing firm business categories determine research effort. It is also concluded that since firm resources and business interests vary within organizational groupings, firms within the same industry may seek growth in diverse ways. Plant biotechnology field-test permit data is used to support these conclusions.
PACAP-induced plasma extravasation in rat skin

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 38, PACAP 27 and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on plasma extravasation were investigated in vivo in rat skin. PACAP 38, PACAP 27 and VIP, caused concentration-dependent extravasation in rat skin. The order of potency was PACAP 38 > PACAP 27 = VIP, whereas the order of maximal induced extravasation was PACAP 38 = PACAP 27 > VIP, suggesting that PACAP 38 might be the most powerful inducer of plasma extravasation of the three tested members of the secretin-glucagon-VIP family. Substance P (SP) was about 5 times more potent than PACAP 38 and 15 times more potent than PACAP 27. These data indicate that PACAP 38 induced plasma extravasation in concentrations roughly equimolar to SP. Pyrilamine (H1 receptor antagonist) reduced the PACAP 38-induced plasma extravasation more than 50%; cimetidine (H2 receptor antagonist) was without effect. To investigate whether a cAMP-mediated process is involved in the induction of plasma extravasation, the synthetic adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), dibutyryl adenosine cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) and the cAMP-inducing drug, salbutamol, were each injected in the skin; neither of these drugs caused extravasation. We conclude that PACAP 38 and PACAP 27 cause potent plasma extravasation which, at least in part, involves histamine release.
Reliability of a Measure of Muscle Extensibility in Fullterm and Preterm Newborns

SUMMARYPurpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a measure of muscle extensibility developed by Tardieu, de la Tour, Bret, and Tardieu (1982) in fullterm and preterm newborns.Method: Twenty-one fullterm infants and twenty preterm infants were examined by two physical therapists. Each physical therapist measured AO (shortened position of the muscle belly and lengthened tendon) and AMax (maximum muscle belly and tendon length) of the gastrocnemius/soleus muscle twice in succession. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (2,2) and (3,2).Results: Inter-rater reliability between the two examiners ranged from .86 to .97 and test-retest reliability on the two measures ranged from .91 to .98.Conclusions: The results suggest that this measure of muscle extensibility is reliable in the gastrocnemius/soleus muscle with fullterm and preterm newborns. Further research is needed to investigate if differences in muscle extensibility are p...
TAGing APP constrains neurogenesis

The cell adhesion molecule TAG1 has been identified as the ligand that induces β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and signalling, resulting in the inhibition of neurogenesis. These findings demonstrate a critical role of TAG1–APP signalling in brain development and suggest the potential involvement of TAG1 in adult neuroplasticity and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Real-Time Downhole Coiled Tubing Communication System Allows Optimised Well Intervention and Reservoir Evaluation - A Two Well Case Study from New Zealand

New Zealand is known for deep, highly deviated wellbores often causing difficult wellbore interventions. This paper will highlight several coiled tubing (CT) interventions successfully completed in New Zealand with the help of a CT conveyed real-time downhole communication system. Well A in the study is a highly deviated gas producer which was to be converted into a gas re-injection well. A CT acid wash was required to remove deposited scale from the wellbore followed by a production log. The particular challenge with entering this well, in addition to the total depth of 7,395m, was that previous attempts hung up in a damaged seal assembly at 6400m and 66 degrees hole angle. It was decided that real-time data transmission / logging could help to increase the chances of successful CT intervention. Well B was a newly completed monobore well that was programmed for hydraulic fracturing completion in three zones. Underbalanced perforation and pre-frac flow testing was accomplished using a CT system on each of the three zones to evaluate the well productivity. To provide an accurate depth correlation for the perforating operation and to optimize the reservoir evaluation process, a real-time CT conveyed down-hole communication system was selected and successfully run. In both case histories, real-time data from downhole tools was obtained by utilizing a small diameter conductor wire which is pre-installed inside the coiled tubing. With mechanical and electrical quick connectors attached on the bottomhole assembly (BHA), a data acquisition system on surface can obtain real-time information from the casing collar locator (CCL), the down-hole pressure and temperature gauges, proving very valuable information for both CT and reservoir engineers to optimize their operations. Additionally, the CT string, with pre-installed conductor wire, allowed logging tools to be attached, retrieving live data from down-hole and allowing an optimized logging program to be performed on the fly. This paper reviews the coiled tubing real-time down-hole communication system and discusses the benefits of running it over conventional coiled tubing by illustrating case studies of successfully running the system from above two wells.
The Mechanism of Staining Explained on A Chemical Basis. I. The Reaction Between Dyes, Proteins and Nucleic Acid

Basic dyes cause an increase in hydrogen-ion concentration when added to a solution containing nucleic acid, the both solutions were originally at the same pH. Acid dyes have no effect on nucleic acid solutions. Basic dyes show the same behavior when treated with solutions of typical proteins. Acid dyes when treated with proteins show an analogous effect but in the opposite direction. The only adequate explanation found is that there is a definite reaction between the dye ions and the oppositely charged ions of protein or nucleic acid. The bearing of these results on the theory of staining is discussed. The growing recognition of the dominance of chemical forces in colloidal adsorption behavior is indicated, and certain of the experimental bases for this recognition are pointed out and discussed.
Effect of Oxygen Limitations on Monoclonal Antibody Production by Immobilized Hybridoma Cells

The productivity of an immobilized cell biocatalyst is often limited by the amount of oxygen that reaches cells located at interior regions of the biocatalyst. These diffusive limitations depend on a multitude of factors including the oxygen supply, the cellular uptake kinetics, and the cell density of the material. Large cell densities, which are desired for high productivity, are also likely to reduce the percentage of cells that receive an adequate supply of oxygen. To develop a better understanding of how different conditions affect biocatalyst behavior, a computational model of immobilized hybridoma cells was developed. The model accounts for oxygen diffusion and consumption, cell proliferation and death, and monoclonal antibody production. This model assumes that cellular productivity is limited only by the supply of oxygen and that the growth media is continually replenished so that nutrient levels remain high and wastes are eliminated. Biocatalyst performance is evaluated by monitoring the amount of monoclonal antibody produced by the cells. Model predictions agree with experimental measurements reported in the literature and indicate that for long operation time the supply of oxygen, biocatalyst size, and cell kinetics have a significant effect on biocatalyst performance, whereas the initial cell loading has only a relatively small effect. Under typical culture conditions, we find that oxygen penetrates to a maximum depth of about 0.4 mm. Accordingly, cells immobilized farther than this threshold distance receive an insufficient supply of oxygen.
Dedifferentiation of iris epithelial cells.

Abstract Electron and phase-contrast microscopic observations demonstrated that depigmentation of iris epithelial cells in vivo after lentectomy is preceded by alterations of cell shape and increases in microfilaments and microtubules in the periphery of the cell. Extensive cell processes are formed, with tips branching into fine strands that contain melanosomes. The macrophages invading the iris epithelium incorporate pieces of such strands, which are composed of cell membrane, cytoplasmic matrix, and melanosomes. Individual melanosomes are also taken up by macrophages. Some of the strands of iris cell processes seem to degenerate within the intercellular space. Thus, depigmentation of iris epithelial cells is accompanied by loss of a substantial part of the cell surface and cytoplasmic matrix of iris epithelial cells. Measurements of the absolute volume of whole iris epithelial cells, their cytoplasm, and their nuclei were conducted at various stages of depigmentation. These measurements reveal an extensive increase in the volume of the cytoplasm preceding activation of the cell surface and a significant reduction in cytoplasmic volume during the phase of extensive depigmentation. In the case of the nuclear volume, the extensive increase which occurs in parallel with that of the cytoplasmic volume is not followed by a significant change during the depigmentation phase.
Markov Random Fields in Pattern Recognition for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Under the most general conditions of an anisotropic Markov random field, we model the two-dimensional spatial distribution of microchips on a silicon wafer. The proposed model improves on its predecessors as it stipulates the spatial correlation of different strengths in all eight directions. Its canonical parameters represent the intensity of failures, main effects, and interactions of neighboring chips. Explicit forms of conditional distributions are derived, and maximum pseudo-likelihood estimates of canonical parameters are obtained. This numerical characteristic summarizes general patterns of clusters of failing chips on a wafer, capturing their size, shape, direction, density, and thickness. It is used to classify incoming wafers to known root-cause categories by matching them to the closest pattern.
Identification of discrete-time stochastic bilinear systems

This paper considers the problem of identifying unknown parameters appearing in discrete time-varying bilinear models. The system is assumed to operate in a stochastic environment, where the input disturbance and the noise observation have unknown probability distribution. Identifiability conditions are investigated in the light of a state covariance analysis for stochastic bilinear systems. By assuming that the only accessible process is supplied by the noisy observation sequence, a recursive identification procedure is proposed which is suitable for on-line applications. Stochastic approximation algorithms are used for identifying time-invariant bilinear systems.
Anatomy of lateral ankle ligaments and their relationship to bony landmarks

This study was designed to determine and describe precise anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments and their relationship to adjacent osseous structures. This study was performed on 42 legs of 22 adult human embalmed cadavers. The lateral ankle ligaments were carefully dissected using a 2.5× surgical loupe. Mean values for the length, width and angle of the individual lateral ankle ligaments were measured. The precise location of insertion points and course of each ligament was observed and noted with ankle placed in neutral position. The anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments were coated with radio-opaque material. Radiographs were then taken in the anteroposterior, mortise and lateral projections. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was a flat, quadrilateral ligament and it made mean angle of 25° (range 5°–45°) with horizontal plane, and a mean angle of 47° (range 45°–56°) with sagittal plane. The posterior talofibular ligament was oriented in a nearly horizontal plane. Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) was a flat oval ligament. It made a mean angle of 40° (range 30°–58°) with horizontal plane, and mean angle of 51° (range 32°–60°) with sagittal plane. The angle between CFL and ATFL was approximately 132° (range 118°–145°). These data provides important information for diagnosing injury and reconstructing lateral ankle ligaments.
Identification and bioinformatic analysis of the membrane proteins of synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Background The membranes of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 play a central role in photosynthesis, respiration and other important metabolic pathways. Comprehensive identification of the membrane proteins is of importance for a better understanding of the diverse functions of its unique membrane structures. Up to date, approximately 900 known or predicted membrane proteins, consisting 24.5% of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 proteome, have been indentified by large-scale proteomic studies.
Bioactivity of chitinolytic actinomycetes of marine origin

Of 116 chitinolytic actinomycetes, previously isolated from marine sediments, 85 were found to possess antimicrobial activity. A high correlation was noted between chitinolysis and bioactivity. A majority of them suppressed the growth of Gram-positive bacteria but only a few inhibitedGram-negative strains and almost one-half of them exhibited antimyccotic activity. Several of the last group yielded polyenes of which heptaenes were the most commonly occurring ones. Other strains synthesized detectable amounts of \-lactam antibiotics. It is suggested that chitinolysis may serve as an indicator of potential bioactivity among marine actinomycetes.
Nanomaterials: Strength in numbers

Self-assembly of proteins commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases can be exploited to make well-ordered and strong functional macroscopic materials.
A More Profound Alleluia: Theology and Worship in Harmony – Leanne Van Dyk (ed.)

Book reviewed: A More Profound Alleluia: Theology and Worship in Harmony, Leanne Van Dyk (ed.), William B. Eerdmans Publishing 2005 (0-8028-2854-X), xx + 155 pp., pb $15.00
Manual performance in the cold with gloves and bare hands.

Previous research aimed at quantifying and reducing the decrements encountered in performing manual tasks in cold weather has not described the relationships between task characteristics and cold-induced impairments. The amount of decrement and, often times, the optimal means for reducing the decrement, appear to be task-specific. The research reported here is one in a series of studies formulated to explore those relationships. The strategy is to use tasks from the battery developed by Fleishman (1967) to measure the factorially 'pure' abilities needed to perform all manual tasks. 24 U.S. Marines performed this battery of nine tasks across a range of cold temperatures. To determine if the decrement due to wearing gloves might be less than the decrement due to cold hands as the air temperature decreased, performance on the battery of tasks was measured with and without gloves. Only three of the tasks (abilities) were affected by cold temperatures, and the amount of decrement increased as the air temperature decreased. Three tasks deteriorated due to wearing of gloves, two of those affected by cold and one other. Temperature affected performance independently of the glove effect. Half of the subjects did not complete bare-handed testing at -18 degrees C (approximately 20 min.), indicating this is the lower end of the temperature range in which bare-handed performance for more than a few minutes is practical.
Synthesis, Redox Properties, and Conformational Analysis of Vicinal Disulfide Ring Mimics.

A vicinal disulfide ring (VDR) results from disulfide-bond formation between two adjacent cysteine residues. This eight-membered ring is a rare motif in protein structures and is functionally important to those few proteins that posses it. This article focuses on the construction of strained and unstrained VDR mimics, discernment of the preferred conformation of these mimics, and the determination of their respective disulfide redox potentials.
General relations between IP2, IP3, and offsets in differential circuits and the effects of feedback

In the presence of offsets, all balanced circuits show an apparent second-order distortion. Differential feedback lowers third-order nonlinearity and also these second-order effects. The results are important for the baseband circuits of zero-IF wireless receivers, which often need a very large second-order intercept point. It is shown that a published analysis of distortion in a bipolar double-balanced mixer is a special case of these general relationships.
Yellow vein-affected blackberries and the presence of a novel Crinivirus

During the last 5 years, blackberry plants in Arkansas and North and South Carolina exhibited virus-like symptoms of vein yellowing and mosaic, followed in some cases by death. Diagnostic tests for known blackberry viruses failed to identify a causal agent. Double-stranded RNA was extracted from affected plants and cloned. A new member of the Closteroviridae was identified and designated Blackberry yellow vein associated virus (BYVaV). Molecular and immunological assays have been developed for BYVaV, and examination of plants with symptoms revealed a close association of disease symptoms with the presence of BYVaV, although the virus was also found in symptomless plants. Molecular characterization of isolates from plants exhibiting different degrees of disease severity indicated that sequence diversity is probably not the cause of the observed phenotypic differences.
Small island biogeography in the Gulf of California: lizards, the subsidized island biogeography hypothesis, and the small island effect

Aim We used insular lizard communities to test the predictions of two hypotheses that attempt to explain patterns of species richness on small islands. We first address the subsidized island biogeography (SIB) hypothesis, which predicts that spatial subsidies may cause insular species richness to deviate from species‐area predictions, especially on small islands. Next, we examine the small island effect (SIE), which suggests small islands may not fit the traditional log-linear species‐area curve. Location Islands with arthropodivorous lizard communities throughout the Gulf of California. Methods To evaluate the SIB hypothesis, we first identified subsidized and unsubsidized islands based on surrogate measures of allochthonous productivity (i.e. island size and bird presence). Subsequently, we created species‐area curves from previously published lizard species richness and island area data. We used the residuals and slopes from these analyses to compare species richness on subsidized and unsubsidized islands. To test for an SIE, we used breakpoint regression to model the relationship between lizard species richness and island area. We compared results from this model to results from the loglinear regression model. Results Subsidized islands had a lower slope than unsubsidized islands, and the difference between these groups was significant when small islands were defined as < 1k m 2 . In addition to comparing slopes, we tested for differences in the magnitude of the residuals (from the species‐area regression of all islands) for subsidized vs. unsubsidized islands. We found no significant patterns in the residual values for small vs. large islands, or between islands with and without seabirds. The SIE was found to be a slightly better predictor of lizard species richness than the traditional log-linear model. Main conclusions Predictions of the SIB hypothesis were partially supported by the data. The absence of a significant SIE may be a result of spatial subsidies as explained by the SIB hypothesis and data presented here. We conclude by suggesting potential scenarios to test for interactions between these two small island hypotheses. Future studies considering factors affecting species richness should examine the possible role of spatial subsidies, an SIE, or a synergistic effect of the two in data sets with small islands.
Inhibition of Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Promotes Dendritic Cell Activation and Enhances Therapeutic Autologous Vaccination in Mice

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent inducers of T cell immunity, and autologous DC vaccination holds promise for the treatment of cancers and chronic infectious diseases. In practice, however, therapeutic vaccines of this type have had mixed success. In this article, we show that brief exposure to inhibitors of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in DCs during the period that they are responding to TLR agonists makes them particularly potent activators of naive CD8+ T cells and able to enhance control of B16 melanoma in a therapeutic autologous vaccination model in the mouse. The improved performance of DCs in which mTOR has been inhibited is correlated with an extended life span after activation and prolonged, increased expression of costimulatory molecules. Therapeutic autologous vaccination with DCs treated with TLR agonists plus the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin results in improved generation of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo and improved antitumor immunity compared with that observed with DCs treated with TLR agonists alone. These findings define mTOR as a molecular target for augmenting DC survival and activation, and document a novel pharmacologic approach for enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic autologous DC vaccination.
Experiential Exercises in MFT Training: Gender, Power, and Diversity

An experiential exercise that is used to empower Marriage and Family Therapy students and systematically introduce students to feminist themes is described. Faculty in the university's theatre department recruit their students to serve as client families. Role-play exercises with theatre students based on vignettes developed by clinical faculty increases realism and includes other training benefits. This approach is consistent with a feminist model of training and supervision.
Regulation of gene expression by Pax6 in ocular cells: a case of tissue-preferred expression of crystallins in lens

Lens development is an excellent model for genetic and biochemical studies of embryonic induction, cell cycle regulation, cellular differentiation and signal transduction. Differentiation of lens is characterized by lens-preferred expression and accumulation of water-soluble proteins, crystallins. Crystallins are required for light transparency, refraction and maintenance of lens integrity. Here, we review mechanisms of lens-preferred expression of crystallin genes by employing synergism between developmentally regulated DNA-binding transcription factors: Pax6, c-Maf, MafA/L-Maf, MafB, NRL, Sox2, Sox1, RARbeta/RXRbeta, RORalpha, Prox1, Six3, gammaFBP-B and HSF2. These factors are differentially expressed in lens precursor cells, lens epithelium and primary and secondary lens fibers. They exert their function in combination with ubiquitously expressed factors (e.g. AP-1, CREB, pRb, TFIID and USF) and co-activators/chromatin remodeling proteins (e.g. ASC-2 and CBP/p300). A special function belongs to Pax6, a paired domain and homeodomain-containing protein, which is essential for lens formation. Pax6 is expressed in lens progenitor cells before the onset of crystallin expression and it serves as an important regulatory factor required for expression of c-Maf, MafA/L-Maf, Six3, Prox1 and retinoic acid signaling both in lens precursor cells and the developing lens. The roles of these factors are illustrated by promoter studies of mouse alphaA-, alphaB-, gammaF- and guinea pig zeta-crystallins. Pax6 forms functional complexes with a number of transcription factors including the retinoblastoma protein, pRb, MafA, Mitf and Sox2. We present novel data showing that pRb antagonizes Pax6-mediated activation of the alphaA-crystallin promoter likely by inhibiting binding of Pax6 to DNA.
Methemoglobinemia secondary to over-the-counter Anbesol.

Background Methemoglobinemia is a potentially lethal condition which may result from exposure to benzocaine. It must be treated promptly, because it may cause a significant decrease in oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Case description A 39-year-old caucasian man presented to the emergency department (ED) with dental pain. After a review of systems and a dental exam, an oxygen saturation of 90% was noted. The patient reported no previous cardiac or pulmonary pathology, but did report using a large amount of over-the-counter Anbesol. A second oxygen saturation measurement had fallen to 87%. An arterial blood gas sample was taken, and the patient was found to have high levels of methemoglobin. He was transfered to the critical care ED and treated with 2 mg/kg intravenous methylene blue. Clinical implications Dentists must be aware of the possible lethal effects of benzocaine toxicity, including methemoglobinemia. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and act in a judicious manner.
Phylogenetically informed logic relationships improve detection of biological network organization

A "phylogenetic profile" refers to the presence or absence of a gene across a set of organisms, and it has been proven valuable for understanding gene functional relationships and network organization. Despite this success, few studies have attempted to search beyond just pairwise relationships among genes. Here we search for logic relationships involving three genes, and explore its potential application in gene network analyses. Taking advantage of a phylogenetic matrix constructed from the large orthologs database Roundup, we invented a method to create balanced profiles for individual triplets of genes that guarantee equal weight on the different phylogenetic scenarios of coevolution between genes. When we applied this idea to LAPP, the method to search for logic triplets of genes, the balanced profiles resulted in significant performance improvement and the discovery of hundreds of thousands more putative triplets than unadjusted profiles. We found that logic triplets detected biological network organization and identified key proteins and their functions, ranging from neighbouring proteins in local pathways, to well separated proteins in the whole pathway, and to the interactions among different pathways at the system level. Finally, our case study suggested that the directionality in a logic relationship and the profile of a triplet could disclose the connectivity between the triplet and surrounding networks. Balanced profiles are superior to the raw profiles employed by traditional methods of phylogenetic profiling in searching for high order gene sets. Gene triplets can provide valuable information in detection of biological network organization and identification of key genes at different levels of cellular interaction.
A Model for Resolution Enhancement (Hyperacuity) in Sensory Representation

Heiligenberg (1987) recently proposed a model to explain how sensory maps could enhance resolution through orderly arrangement of broadly tuned receptors. We have extended this model to the general case of polynomial weighting schemes and proved that the response function is also a polynomial of the same order. We further demonstrated that the Hermitian polynomials are eigenfunctions of the system. Finally we suggested a biologically plausible mechanism for sensory representation of external stimuli with resolution far exceeding the inter-receptor separation.