cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle on ocular torsion.

Abstract Introduction: The effects of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique on elevation in adduction have been studied, but changes in objective ocular torsion have not been investigated. Methods: A prospective study on the effect of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique on objective torsion with use of fundus photography was undertaken in 24 eyes of 13 patients. The amount of ocular torsion was determined by measuring the angle formed by a horizontal line drawn across the geometric center of the disc and a second line connecting the geometric center to the foveola. Results: The decrease in excyclotorsion at 6 to 8 weeks after surgery was 6.9 ± 5.0 degrees (34%) ( p = 0.006) and 2.8 ± 4.4 degrees (13%) (not significant) after 10 weeks. An overall net change of 6.2 ± 4.8 degrees (33%) was obtained after anterior transposition of the inferior oblique adjacent or anterior to the inferior rectus insertion ( p = 0.006). Transpositions done 1 to 3 mm behind the inferior rectus insertion showed a negligible torsional change. Torsion where inferior oblique function normalized after anterior transposition of the inferior oblique (8.5 ± 2.9 degrees) was not different from control, whereas torsion where inferior oblique function recurred after surgery (15.9 ± 7.2) was significantly different from control ( p = 0.002). Regression analysis showed that only preoperative inferior oblique overaction and preoperative degree of torsion predicted the change in torsion after anterior transposition of the inferior oblique. Conclusion: Anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle initially decreased objective excyclotorsion, but the effect decayed beyond 10 weeks. At least in the short term only anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle done adjacent or anterior to the inferior rectus insertion affected torsion.
Fabrication and Characterization of Antibacterial Nanoparticles Supported on Hierarchical Hybrid Substrates

The effectiveness of many nanomaterial- based devices depends upon their available surface area. Isolated nanoparticles (NPs) can offer high- surface area, but are prone to environmental loss and pollution. Whereas those supported on solid substrates are limited by the specific surface area (SSA) of the support. The SSA limitation of traditional supports can be addressed by attaching NPs on specially designed hierarchical structures having unusually high SSA, thereby maximizing the nanomaterial advantage with- out the risks of using loose nano-powders. In this research, hierarchical structures were fabricated by grafting carbon nanotubes (CNT) on carbon and subsequently decorated with strongly attached silver nanoparticles (AgNP) via controlled reduction of silver salts in the presence of reducing and capping agents. Microstructure characterization revealed that along with other processing parameters, reduction temperature can be used to control NP morphology. For this substrate morphology, fine and uniformly dispersed AgNP were obtained at 60 C, whereas significant particle coalescence and increase in parti- cle size occurred at 80 C. Mechanical durability of AgNP-CNT attachments on the substrate was tested in harsh ultrasonic conditions and found to be impres- sive, with no detectable AgNP loss even when the larger substrate begins to fail. The antibacterial effectiveness of these structures was tested in multiple testing modes against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli, JM109). It was seen in each case that AgNP attached on CNT-grafted hierarchical substrates showed significantly higher reduction of E. coli com- pared to AgNP attached directly on the starting porous supports without CNT grafting. These results indicate that AgNP attached to hierarchal hybrid supports can lead to compact and powerful antibacterial devices for chemical-free disinfection devices of the future.
Expert Systems In Medical Studies - A New Twist

The use of experts to evaluate large amounts of trial data results in increasingly expensive and time consuming research. We are investigating the role expert systems can play in reducing the time and expense of research projects. Current methods in large clinical studies for evaluating data are often crude and superficial. We have developed, for a large clinical trial, an expert system for analysis of treadmill exercise ECG test results. In the cases we are studying, a patient is given a treadmill exercise ECG test once a year for five years. Pairs of these exercise tests are then evaluated by cardiologists to determine the condition of the patient's heart. The results of our system show great promise for the use of expert systems in reducing the time and expense of large clinical trials.
Chemoselective Metal Nanohole Arrays for Compact Multiplexed Chemical Sensors.

We have demonstrated submicron periodic metal nanohole array with voltage selective chemical functionalization using compound 4-nitrodiazonium-tetrafluoroborate. The resulting spectral shift of ~70nm indicates the potential for use in high sensitivity chemical detection.
Segregation Analysis of Drinking Problem in Elderly Men and Their First-Degree Relatives from the Western Collaborative Group Study

Abstract PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the mode of inheritance of alcohol-related drinking problems. METHODS: Family history was collected by interview from 493 elderly mean age = 71.6 years male participants (probands) in a follow-up cardiovascular exam of healthy white men living in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Segregation analysis was used to test for the presence of a major gene effect underlying the liability to develop an alcohol-related drinking problem. RESULTS: The results showed that the liability to drinking problem is due, in part, to a single major gene with no residual effects from shared familial influences. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that at least one major gene is involved in the genetic predisposition to develop drinking problem in late adulthood.
Effect of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers on the in vitro release of water-insoluble nifedipine from aqueous gels.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethylenediamine core PAMAM dendrimers, on the release of nifedipine suspended in aqueous gels and to correlate release to the increase in solubility afforded by the dendrimers. Drug release from aqueous 5% HPMC gels containing nifedipine (2% wt/vol) through 0.2-μm membranes was measured using Enhancer cells and 50% ethanolic solution as the receptor medium. The release from gels containing PAMAM G-3 and G-5 (0.25%–1% wt/vol) was compared with gels containing the cosolvent isopropyl alcohol (10%–80% vol/vol). PAMAM dendrimers significantly increased the solubility of nifedipine. This caused a significant increase in the release rate of nifedipine from the gel suspensions. The increase in drug release depended on the concentration and generation size of the dendrimers added. For higher generations (G-5) lower concentrations were needed to obtain equivalent increases in release. Although the increase in solubility and release was not as high as from gels containing high concentrations of the cosolvent isopropyl alcohol, the dendrimers prevented the recrystallization of the drug that was observed when the gels containing isopropyl alcohol were left open.
58.1: Distinguished Paper: Development of Super Hi-Vision 8Kx4K Direct-View LCD for Next Generation TV

We have successfully developed a LCD for Super Hi-Vision. This LCD has a panel of 7680 by 4320 pixels, which is 16 times as many as that of conventional Full-HD, and it features a diagonal screen size of 85 inches. A single pixel measures 0.245 mm (103PPI). The brightness has been achieved 300 cd/m2 or higher by using low-load interconnection and UV2A technologies. Additionally, the LC charging time has been extended by quad area and double source line structures. Furthermore, we realized the real-time display of huge image data with a transmission rate of 72Gbps by high-definition mounting and high-speed video processing technologies.
Holding-time estimates for soils containing explosives residues: Comparison of fortification vs. field contamination

Maximum acceptable preextraction analytical holding times (MHTs) were estimated by spiking aqueous solutions of two nitramines, octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and three nitroaromatics, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), into three soils. Nitramines were stable over an 8-week test period at all storage temperatures, but nitroaromatics, which were reasonably stable when frozen, degraded rapidly at room temperature and more slowly under refrigeration. In contrast, both nitroaromatics and nitramines were quite stable under refrigeration for four field-contaminated soils. When three of these field-contaminated soils were subsequently fortified with TNT and TNB, rapid degradation under refrigeration was again observed for the added nitroaromatics. The rates of degradation were quite different in the three soils, further emphasizing the uncertainties in MHT estimates derived from fortified soils. We conclude that fortified soils can produce very different estimates of MHTs, recoveries, treatability, etc., compared to field-contaminated soils even when spiking is done in aqueous media.
A Small Molecule Screen Identifies Selective Inhibitors of Urea Transporter UT-A

Urea transporter (UT) proteins, including UT-A in kidney tubule epithelia and UT-B in vasa recta microvessels, facilitate urinary concentrating function. A screen for UT-A inhibitors was developed in MDCK cells expressing UT-A1, water channel aquaporin-1, and YFP-H148Q/V163S. An inwardly directed urea gradient produces cell shrinking followed by UT-A1-dependent swelling, which was monitored by YFP-H148Q/V163S fluorescence. Screening of ~90,000 synthetic small molecules yielded four classes of UT-A1 inhibitors with low micromolar half-maximal inhibitory concentration that fully and reversibly inhibited urea transport by a noncompetitive mechanism. Structure-activity analysis of >400 analogs revealed UT-A1-selective and UT-A1/UT-B nonselective inhibitors. Docking computations based on homology models of UT-A1 suggested inhibitor binding sites. UT-A inhibitors may be useful as diuretics ("urearetics") with a mechanism of action that may be effective in fluid-retaining conditions in which conventional salt transport-blocking diuretics have limited efficacy.
SU‐FF‐J‐89: Intratumoral Pattern of FDG Uptake in Human Xenograft Models

Purpose: To investigate the spatial association between intratumoral uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) and the following characteristics of the tumor microenvironment: hypoxia, cellularproliferation, and blood flow; and to evaluate the potential impact of this association on the use of 18F‐FDG images in radiation oncologytreatment planning for target volume delineation. Method and Materials: Six nude rats were inoculated with the following human tumor cells: HT‐29 (colon adenocarcinoma), DU‐145 (prostate carcinoma), and A549 (NSCLC). When the tumors reached 20–25mm in diameter, the animals were injected with 18F‐FDG, pimonidazole, and bromodeoxyuridine. 1hr post injection animals were imaged on animal PET scanner. Upon completion of imaging, animals were injected with Hoechst33342 and sacrificed with CO2 5–10min later. Tumors were immediately dissected, frozen and cut into 8μm thick sections. One section from each tumor was placed onto a phosphor plate for autoradiography. The images of the fluorescence produced by Hoechst33342 and by fluorescent antibodies raised against pimonidazole and bromodeoxyuridine were acquired from the adjacent sections and co‐registered. The statistical analysis of association between PET tracer uptake and microenvironmental markers was then performed on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. Results: In all the tumor models studied, we observed positive pixel‐by‐pixel correlation between FDG uptake and pimonidazole staining intensity (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.46 to 0.87, p<0.001). At the same time, correlation with bromodeoxyuridine was always negative (ranged from −0.50 to −0.78, p<0.001). Conclusions: This study further confirms association between foci of increased intratumoral FDG uptake and regions of hypoxia. In addition, it demonstrates reduced FDG uptake in actively growing parts of the tumor. Therefore, the use of FDG uptake iso‐contours to delineate lesions and, especially, to reduce target volume with respect to CT‐defined volume should be approached very carefully, since it might potentially result in exclusion of areas of active tumor growth from the target volume.
Thematically-induced Arousal in Naturally-occurring Emotional Memories

SUMMARY A number of studies have examined participants’ recollection of previously-experienced emotional events. In these studies, emotion has generally been evoked by means of a specific attention-grabbing visual stimulus (the sight of a bloody face or a weapon, views of surgery, and the like). We argue, however, that emotion outside of the laboratory is typically induced not by a particular visual stimulus, but by involvement and empathy with an unfolding event. We refer to this as ‘thematicallyinduced arousal,’ as opposed to the ‘visually-induced’ reactions involved in previous studies. In the present paper, we discuss the potential importance of this distinction, and report two studies that analysed sets of memories for emotional events that occurred outside the laboratory. The data make it clear that naturally-occurring emotional events tend to be thematically-arousing, not visuallyarousing, and provide an initial characterization of how these two types of arousal might shape memory. We discuss the implications of this finding, but we also emphasize the need for further data in this largely-unexplored domain. Copyright # 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The consequential events in our lives are almost invariably emotional at the time that they occur, and this invites scrutiny of how emotion influences the encoding and subsequent recollection of those events. The available evidence suggests that, overall, emotion seems to enhance memory encoding, with the result that emotional memories are, in general, more accurate, more complete, and longer-lasting than memories for non-emotional
International reference laboratories.

Laboratories working across international boundaries can generate information that cannot be achieved by any one institution working in isolation. New world-class clinical laboratory networks are expanding in developing countries such as India, facilitated through transfers and exchanges of methods, data and information, people with expertise, and biological materials. Constraints to this process include limited funding, protection of intellectual property rights, communication barriers, and legal and regulatory controls. Formal Networks of Excellence, established and funded by the European Union, and global initiatives inspired by international organizations such as the Food Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization have established standardized public laboratories in different parts of the world. Enhancing public and private laboratory capabilities and capacity is essential for generating reliable and
Library perspectives on Web content management systems

Library Web sites are in constant flux. Not only does site design change to draw and retain user attention, but the system and underlying structure of the site changes as well. With an amazing amount of library-created resources posted online, Web administrators face challenges in maintaining the content efficiently. This paper will explore library perceptions attached to Web content management system use, based on data received from survey respondents.
Large-scale isolation of kinetosomes from the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Abstract A procedure is described for the isolation of kinetosomes in milligram quantities from the protozoan, Tetrahymena pyriformis. The procedure involves selective solubilization of cytoplasmic components by a digitoninsalt solution, and subsequent isolation of the particle by ammonium sulphate fractionation. The kinetosome contains (on a dry weight basis) 50 per cent protein, 6 per cent carbohydrate, 5 per cent lipid, 2 per cent ribonucleic acid, 3 per cent deoxyribonucleic acid, and exhibit rather high levels of succinic dehydrogenase, fumarase, apyrase, glycolytic and oxidated phosphorylative activities.
Anti-trypanosomatid activity of ceragenins.

Abstract Cationic steroid antibiotics (CSAs), or ceragenins, are amphiphilic compounds consisting of a cholic acid backbone that is attached to several cationic amines. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CSAs possess antiparasitic activities with minimal to no effects on mammalian cells, and thus could be used as potential therapeutic agents against pathogenic trypanosomatids. To investigate this notion, we synthesized CSAs and determined their trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities in vitro. The 3 ceragenins assayed, i.e., CSA-8, CSA-13, and CSA-54, showed several degrees of parasiticidal activity. CSA-13 was the most effective compound against Leishmania major promastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, at LD50 4.9 and 9 µM, respectively. The trypanocidal activities of these ceragenins were also assessed by infectivity experiments. We found CSA-8 was more effective on T. cruzi intracellular amastigotes when the infected host cells were treated for 24 hr (LD50, 6.7 µM). Macrophages...
Enzymic regulation of procyanidin biosynthesis; lack of a flav-3-en-3-ol intermediate

Abstract A speculative scheme for procyanidin (condensed tannin) biosynthesis involving multienzyme complexes is presented in which the stereochemistry at C-3 and C-4 of (+)-dihydroquercetin is maintained in (+)-catechin and its oligomeric products. This is in contrast to Haslam's speculation involving a symmetrical flav-3-en-3-ol intermediate, which requires the re-introduction of the stereochemistry at the terminal reduction steps. In the proposed scheme, the origin of the 2,3- cis stereochemistry of (−)-epicatechin from (+)-dihydroquercetin would require an epimerase, in addition to two reductases and a condensing enzyme neeeded for (+)-catechin stereochemistry.
An Oscillating Integral in Ḃ0,11(Rn)

Abstract This paper considers a convolution operator Tƒ = P.V. Ω * ƒ with Ω(x) = K(x)eih(x), where K(x) is a Calderon-Zygmund kernel and h(x) is a real-valued differentiable function satisfying (1.3). We prove that the operator T extends to a bounded operator in the Besov space Ḃ0,11( R n) if and only if T is bounded in L2( R n).
Comet: Decentralized Complex Event Detection in Mobile Delay Tolerant Networks

Increased commodity use of mobile devices has the potential to enable mission-critical monitoring applications. However, these mobile-enabled monitoring applications have to often work in environments where a delay-tolerant network (DTN) is the only feasible communication paradigm. Detection of complex (composite) events is fundamental to monitoring applications. However, the existing plan-based CED techniques are mostly centralized, and hence are inherently unscalable for DTNs. In this paper, we create Comet &#x00E2;" a decentralized plan-based, efficient and scalable CED for DTNs. Comet shares the task of detecting complex events (CEs) among multiple nodes, with each node detecting a part of the CE by aggregating two or more primitive events or sub-CEs. Comet uses a unique h-function to construct cost and delay efficient CED trees. As finding an optimal CED plan requires exponential-time, Comet finds near-optimal detection plans for individual CEs through a novel multi-level push-pull conversion algorithm. Performance results show that Comet reduces cost by up to 89% compared to pushing all primitive events and over 60% compared to a two-level exhaustive search algorithm.
Scanning confocal microscope for accurate dimensional measurement

ABSTRACT We have improved and evaluated a scanning confocal microscope for the precise measurement of optical fiber claddingdiameter. In particular, we have studied the systematic error that results from a finite detector aperture and concluded that the diameter of that aperture must be less than one-half the radius of the Airy disk in the detector plane. We compared our measurements with a chrome-on-glass Standard Reference Material provided by NIST-Gaithersburg and with optical fibers that were measured with a contact micrometer. We estimate the overall uncertainty of our measurements to be around 50 nm.1. iNTRODUCTION This paper describes measurements made with an improved version of a scanning confocal microscope (SCM) we have built to measure the cladding diameter of optical fibers.' The earlier version suffered from vibration, and this led us to use adetector aperture that was not optimum and, in turn, to a probable systematic error. After we replaced the translation stages,
Semiconductor laser array fabricated by Nd:YAG laser-induced quantum well intermixing

Selective area CW Nd:YAG laser annealing of GaInAsP/InP quantum well (QW) structures has been investigated as a possible route towards the fabrication of monolithically integrated photonic circuits. Laser irradiation of a 5 QW laser structure, originally designed to yield lasers emitting at 1.5 micrometers , yielded material having a continuously changing band-gap ranging from 1.5 to 1.38 micrometers over the distance of about 3 mm. Bars with arrays of broad area lasers, having lengths from 300 to 600 micrometers , were fabricated form the processed materials. An individual bar comprised lasers operating typically between 1.4 and 1.5 micrometers . The lasers showed stable threshold current density and quantum efficiency as function of the operating wavelength. This demonstration indicates that the applied technology has the potential to realize the cost-effective fabrication of advanced photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ambiguous solutions of supersymmetric theories

Abstract An examination is made of supersymmetric theories which have a variety of physically inequivalent solutions in zeroth order. For any theory in which the supersymmetry itself is not spontaneously broken, the potential remains zero in the one-loop approximation at all supersymmetric values of the scalar fields, so the ambiguities present in zeroth order are not resolved by higher-order corrections. In one interesting class of models, these ambiguities include a re-scaling of all fields; there is a corresponding pseudo-Goldstone boson whose mass remains zero to all orders, even though the theory is not scale-invariant.
WITHDRAWN: Implicit Prejudice and Accountability Systems: What Must Organizations Do to Prevent Discrimination?

(This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .
Loss of the penile glans and/or corpora following primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the complete penile disassembly technique.

Purpose: The technique of penile disassembly is increasingly being used for the surgical repair of classical bladder exstrophy. We describe the complications and discuss the possible etiologies of genital injuries we have seen following this operation. Materials and Methods: A review of the records of patients evaluated for management of genital complications following complete repair of bladder exstrophy from 1996 to 2003 was performed. Results: Nine patients were evaluated for genital injuries following complete repair of bladder exstrophy using the penile disassembly technique. Injuries included the loss of 1 hemiglans and penile urethra in 2 cases; loss of 1 hemiglans and distal corpora in 2; loss of bilateral glans, distal corpora and penile urethra in 2; loss of 1 hemiglans, 1 corporal body, urethral plate and penile shaft skin in 1; loss of 1 hemiglans, distal corporal body and a portion of the urethra in 1; and loss of 1 hemiglans in 1. The exact etiology of these complications is unknown, and possibilities include, a technical mishap, induction of venous congestion/arterial spasm or disruption of a congenitally abnormal blood supply. Conclusions: The finding that primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the penile disassembly technique is associated with the risk of partial or complete penile loss dampens our enthusiasm for this procedure. The association of genital injuries with penile disassembly has resulted in a modification of this surgical technique that would hopefully lessen its risk.
Distribution, abundance, and growth of larval tautog, Tautoga onitis, in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA

Tautog, Tautoga onitis, is an abundant species of fish in estuaries of the northeastern United States. Planktonic tautog larvae are abundant in summer in these estuaries, but there is little information on rates of growth of tautog larvae feeding on natural assemblages of food in the plankton. We examined abundance and growth of larval tautog and environmental factors during weekly sampling at three sites along a nearshore-to-offshore transect in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA during summer 1994. This is the first study of a robust sample size (336 larvae) to estimate growth rates of field-caught planktonic tautog larvae feeding on natural diets, using the otolith daily-growth-increment method. The study was over the entire summer period when tautog larvae were in the plankton. The sampling sites contrasted in several environmental variables including temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and chlorophyll a concentration. There was a temporal progression in the abundance of tautog larvae over the summer, in relation to location and temperature. Tautog larvae were first present nearshore, with a pronounced peak in abundance occurring at the nearshore sites during the last 2 weeks in June. Larvae were absent at this time further offshore. From late June through August, larval abundance progressively decreased nearshore, but increased offshore although never approaching the abundance levels observed at the nearshore sites. The distribution and abundance of tautog larvae appeared to be related to a nearshore-to-offshore seasonal warming trend and a nearshore decrease in DO. Otoliths from 336 larvae ranging from 2.3 to 7.7 mm standard length had otolith increment counts ranging from 0 to 19 increments. Growth of larval tautog was estimated at 0.23 mm·day−1, and length of larvae prior to first increment formation was estimated at 2.8 mm indicating that first increment formation occurs 3–4 days after hatching at 2.2 mm. Despite spatial and temporal differences in environmental factors, there were no significant differences in growth rates at any of three given sites over time, or between sites. Because larval presence only occurred at a narrow range of temperature (17–23.5 °C) and DO (6.5–9.3 mg·l−1), in situ differences in growth did not appear to be because of differences in larval distribution and abundance patterns relative to these parameters.
Function of N2 methylguanine in phenylalanine transfer RNA.

ONE approach to determine the specific nucleotides primarily involved in the recognition of a tRNA by an aminoacyl tRNA synthetase is to compare the sequences of several tRNAs aminoacylated by a single synthetase and look for common nucleotides at specific sites. Using this approach we have compared the sequences of eight tRNAs of Table 1, all aminoacylated by yeast phenylalanyl tRNA synthetase1–5 (PRS) and have proposed that the recognition site for this synthetase consists primarily of the nucleotides of the double stranded region adjacent to the dihydrouridine loop (diHU stem region) and adenosine at the fourth position from the 3′ end (Fig. 1)5. This conclusion was supported by the observation that tRNAs which have all of the boldface nucleotides of Fig. 1, but which lack either adenosine at position four, or the specific nucleotides of the diHU stem region, are not aminoacylated by PRS5. These observations demonstrated the absolute requirement for both the specific nucleotides of the diHU stem region and adenosine at position four from the 3′ end. Finally, this proposal is supported by chemical modifications of tRNAs amino-acylated by PRS6–12 and by recent sequence determinations of tRNAs aminoacylated by PRS13, including Escherichia coil tRNA1Ala (R. Williams, W. Nagel, B. R., and B. D., in preparation).
Permeability of the blood-brain barrier to protein and [3H]GABA in intraparenchymal fetal CNS tissue grafts.

Abstract In the present study solid grafts of rat fetal neocortex or substantia nigra were transplanted into young adult rat cortex or striatum. To study the permeability to protein and potential changes in the blood–brain barrier (BBB), HRP was administered intravascularly or, to examine endogenous protein exudation, noninjected animals were evaluated after immunocytochemical stain for rat serum albumin. In addition, [3H]GABA, a neurotransmitter that does not cross the BBB, was systemically administered to cortical graft-bearing hosts in order to determine if a barrier to small potentially bioactive compounds was present. Postoperative periods ranged between 1 week and 15 months for the cortical grafts and between 1 week and 8 months for nigral grafts; the experiments were repeated several times at the same time point in order to determine the potential for variability in the model systems. The results show that a high percentage (80%) of both neocortical and nigral grafts lack a complete BBB to protein up to 2–3 weeks postoperative. After this time the majority of neocortical grafts were impermeable to protein yet 20–30% of longer-term specimens showed variable degrees of permeability to protein; permeability to [3H]GABA, which manifested in the transmitter being sequestered by graft neurons, was observed only up to 4 weeks postoperative. Nigral grafts after 4 weeks postoperative showed negligible permeability to serum protein. Although in all early CNS grafts protein permeation is extensive in both graft and adjacent host, the mature host brain resolved the exudation far more efficiently so that the reaction appeared exclusively in the graft or interface and not in the host by 2–3 weeks, suggesting that the graft tissue may lack appropriate mechanisms for clearance of extracellular materials. It is unclear why this phenomenon occurred consistently but in a minority percentage of cortical specimens. It is suggested that either frank pathology or immunopathology provides a subtle and incomplete rejection process that allows the interface vessel to be permeable over the life of the graft. Since nigral grafts appeared to have significantly less BBB dysfunction variation it is possible that the maturation levels or the ontogeny between different graft sources may play a role in differing responses to injury or vascular problems after transplant surgery.
Anger episodes in high- and low-trait-anger community adults.

Anger is a basic emotion, experienced by almost all human beings in response to the unwanted and unexpected behavior of others. Yet, there is little consensus as to which characteristics may differentiate people who experience normal versus exaggerated or pathological anger reactions. We examined the self-reported characteristics of specific anger episodes in 93 community adults who were high (HTA) or low (LTA) on trait anger. Using a componential model, they were asked to identify a recent anger episode and report on the triggers and associated cognitions, characteristics of the experience, desired and actual patterns of expression, and outcomes. HTA adults, in comparison to their LTA counterparts, exhibited anger reactions that were more frequent, intense, and enduring. They also reported more negative cognitions. Of particular importance, the HTA adults reported more physical aggression, negative verbal responses, drug use, and negative anger-related consequences. Thus, clinically important anger reactions may emerge as a function of the anger trait. Results are discussed in terms of implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Utility of Hyaluronan Oligomers and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 Factors for Elastic Matrix Regeneration by Aneurysmal Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

The progression of aortic aneurysms (AAs) is typically associated with an activated smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype, diminished density of mature medial elastic fibers, and an elevated presence ...
Use of herbal supplements for chronic liver disease.

Background & Aims: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming popular among patients with liver disease. Although there is a growing body of evidence regarding potential mechanisms of action of these and other herbs, caution must be used to interpret the results of the few clinical trials available. Our goal was to discuss the biologic rationale for the use of specific herbs (silymarin, glycyrrhizin, sho-saiko-to, Phyllanthus amarus, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Compound 861, CH-100, and LIV.52) in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, as well as the evidence for their efficacy and adverse effects according to clinical trials. Methods: Because of the relative paucity of clinical studies using herbs, every trial published in English was reviewed. Results: Although many trials suggest that these herbs can decrease serum transaminase levels, the effects on hepatic histopathology and long-term survival are either poorly studied or conflicting. LIV.52 has been withdrawn from the market because of deleterious effects in patients with liver disease. Conclusions: Based on current evidence, we cannot recommend the use of herbal supplements for the routine treatment of any chronic liver disease and further well-designed clinical trials are necessary.
Catalytic gasification of a Powder River Basin coal

Abstract Catalytic gasification of a Wyodak low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming was investigated using an inexpensive catalyst, Na 2 CO 3 , widely available in Wyoming. Experiments were performed in an atmospheric pressure fixed-bed laboratory gasifier. The effects of different factors including feed gas composition, catalyst loading and reaction temperature on the associated coal pyrolysis and char gasification were evaluated. Na 2 CO 3 was found to be active during both pyrolysis and gasification steps and it can considerably decrease the activation energy of gasification step. The optimal Na 2 CO 3 addition level is approximately 3 wt.%. Shrinking core model and random pore model can be used to fit the kinetic data obtained under both non-catalytic and catalytic conditions.
Discrete approximations to continuous density functions that are L1 optimal

An algorithm is developed for finding the L"1 optimal discrete approximation to a continuous density function, @?(x), on a closed interval for any given number, n, of points at which density is to be placed. The method requires only one dimensional optimization for any n and, hence, is computationally feasible. It is applied to two examples, one in which @?(x) is known analytically and one in which it is known only at a 'large' number of discrete points. Alternative implementations and applications are discussed.
Gel electrode imaging of deformation in aluminum alloys

Abstract The above series of comparisons of gel electrode and photoemission electron images demonstrate that the gel electrode technique can detect and image deformation-induced microcracks in surface anodic oxide films on aluminum. Although the spatial resolution of the gel electrode image is not as good as that of the PEM, it is considerably improved by increasing the magnitude of the voltage pulse and decreasing its duration. In these experiments gel electrode images were obtained with a spatial resolution of 10 μm. This was sufficient to clearly define the mode of fracture of the oxide film. For example, after tensile deformation of 1100-0 aluminum the gel electrode clearly imaged the microcracks in a 100 nm oxide which are produced perpendicular to the stress axis, while in the case of deformed 7029 aluminum, the gel electrode image revealed the rupture of a 28 nm oxide along the grain boundaries. On the other hand, during the early stages of fatigue of 6061-T6 and 1100-0 aluminum coated with a 14 nm oxide film, the gel electrode imaged microcracks produced by slip band deformation. The sensitivity of the gel electrode to the presence of microcracks in anodic surface oxide films approximates that the of the PEM, despite the fundamentally different imaging process. The PEM requires the creation (in vacuo) of fresh metal surfaces at the base of the microcracks, whereas the gel electrode can image the microcracks even after those metal surfaces have been reoxidized by exposure to the atmosphere.
Alternative Interpretation of Reported Paracentric Inversion

To the Editor:In the recent article in the Journal, entitled “Molecular Analysis of Deletion (17)(p11.2p11.2) in a Family Segregating a 17p Paracentric Inversion: Implications for Carriers of Paracentric Inversions,”Yang et al. (1997)xMolecular analysis of deletion (17)(p11.2p11.2) in a family segregating a 17p paracentric inversion: implications for carriers of paracentric inversions. Yang, SP, Bidichandani, SI, Figuera, LE, Juyal, RC, Saxon, PJ, Baldini, A, and Patel, PI. Am J Hum Genet. 1997; 60: 1184–1193PubMedSee all References)Yang et al. (1997) describe a patient with an interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17, del(17)(p11.2p11.2). The father of the patient carried a chromosome rearrangement of 17p, which was interpreted as a paracentric inversion, inv(17)(p11.2p13.3). The deletion was considered to arise from an unequal crossing-over event associated with the formation of an inversion loop at meiosis.An alternative cytogenetic explanation for the father's karyotype is a direct or inverted intrachromosomal insertion of a region from 17p11.2 to 17p13.1, into band p13.3 of the short arm of chromosome 17—that is, ins(17)(p13.3p11.2p13.1) or ins(17)(p13.3p13.1p11.2). Pairing at meiosis, with recombination within the insertion, can result in either deletion of the inserted segment or duplication of the inverted segment (see Gardner and Sutherland 1996xChromosome abnormalities and genetic counselling. Vol 29. Gardner, RJM and Sutherland, GR. See all ReferencesGardner and Sutherland 1996). Therefore, an intrachromosomal insertion is a logical explanation for the del(17) observed in the patient reported by Yang et al. This is compatible with the observed banding pattern of the father's rearranged chromosome 17 and does not require any unusual mechanism of “unequal crossing-over” to generate the observed chromosome abnormality. Therefore, this case does not provide evidence for a risk of viable chromosome abnormalities being generated from a parental paracentric inversion.
Immunomodulation and antitumor activities of Aged Garlic Extract.

We found that Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) could be a significant immuno-potentiator, and could exhibit anti-tumor activities through immune modulation. Consequently, AGE stimulated the proliferation of mouse spleen cells and the release of cytokines, such as IL-2, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, increased NK activities, and enhanced phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. AGE treatment also stimulated the reactivity of lymphocytes in response to cytokines or mitogens. AGE was far superior to PSK in IL-2 induction, but slightly inferior to PSK in nitric oxide induction. AGE, as effectively as PSK (Krestin), significantly inhibited the growth of Sarcoma-180 (allogenic) and LL/2 lung carcinoma (syngenic) cells transplanted into mice. Concomitantly, increases in NK and killer activities of spleen cells were observed in Sarcoma-180 bearing mice treated with AGE. These results strongly suggest that AGE is as effective as PSK, and could serve as a potent biological response modifier on NK cells and T lymphocytes, and subsequently inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors.
Grand opportunities in plant science to address the grand challenges facing the planet.

For people, plants can seem like aliens. Movements are typically slow, and many consider plants “slow and low life [sLow life]” (Hangarter, 2009). Their appearance and behavior are so different from ourselves that we are in awe when we learn that many of the central functions of plants and humans are encoded by highly conserved genes. For example at the core of metabolism, hexokinase, the enzyme that phosphorylates incoming glucose, and many of the proteins that transport glucose look strikingly similar. This similarity goes yet deeper, as hexokinase has two distinct functions both as an enzyme and as a sensor (“sensyme”), a duality that appears to be conserved from plants to fungi to animals (Frommer et al., 2003). In a second example, the identification of the first higher plant ammonium transporter allowed a function to be assigned for the first time to an important human locus – the Rhesus factor (Ninnemann et al., 1994; Marini et al., 1997). One of the most recent and striking examples of functional similarities was the finding that both plants and animals use carbonic anhydrase to sense carbon dioxide – in humans permitting champagne bubbles to be tasted, and in plants crucial for control over the gas exchange with the atmosphere (Frommer, 2010). McGary et al. (2010) found that plants and people share at least 48 functional modules; sets of genes that act in common to produce a phenotype. Many of these are disease-related. “There was a lot of screaming in the halls for that one [sic what was conceived as unexpected similarity]” as Edward Marcotte, a cancer researcher at the University of Texas, stated in the New York Times (Zimmer, 2010). This “deep homology” in functional networks, identified through the use of large datasets from the TAIR Arabidopsis database (www.arabidopsis.org/) argues strongly that research in plants can not only unravel the secrets of plants, but can guide research in metazoan organisms. It is apparently a consequence of evolution, where much remains to be learned about the first ancestors of multicellular green organisms and the mechanisms that had to evolve to allow for efficient photosynthesis, gas exchange, efficient mining of mineral nutrients and multicellularity.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Optimize the Selection of Cost Drivers in Activity-based Costing

In this paper, we address a cost-drivers optimization (CDO) problem in which two separate but interrelated decisions (i.e. the number of cost drivers needed and which cost drivers to use) are considered. It is desirable to have (1) an optimal selection of cost drivers in order to provide better indication of product costs and (2) an optimal number of cost drivers in order to avoid excessive control costs and to minimize information costs associated with data collection, storage and processing. The objective of the CDO problem is to balance savings in information costs with loss of accuracy. We propose an heuristic procedure based on genetic algorithms as an alternative with the potential to address more generalized objective functions. Genetic algorithms represent an innovative and promising heuristic approach which does produce results superior to published alternatives. The development and implementation of the algorithm is supported with the literature review and comparative analysis. We also comment on the complexity and experimental design issues for addressing large and practical problems. © 1996 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient enumeration and hierarchical classification of planar simple-jointed kinematic chains: Application to 12- and 14-bar single degree-of-freedom chains

An algorithm to exhaustively enumerate and structurally classify planar simple-jointed kinematic chains using the hierarchical representation of Fang and Freudenstein is proposed in which all isomorphic chains are automatically eliminated in the enumeration procedure such that isomorphism testing on the final set of chains is eliminated. An efficient rule-based technique for eliminating degenerate kinematic chains is also proposed. This efficient scheme allows for the exhaustive enumeration of complicated cases that have received little or no attention in the past due to the difficult and time-consuming aspect of testing the kinematic chains for isomorphisms. For verification, the algorithm is first applied to enumerate the single degree-of-freedom 6-, 8-, and 10-bar cases, then to the 12-bar case (for which the results verify or contradict those reported in three previous papers), and finally to the previously intractable 14-bar case.
Resource Mobilization and the Creation of US Producer's Cooperatives, 1835-1935

Historical research identified only 595 producers' cooperatives in the United States between 1835 and 1935. Given the attention the cooperative movement received during that period, we are led to ask why so few were actually created. Our answer to this question focuses on the development of monopoly capitalism and the mobilization of political and economic resources. Political ideals expressed in populist and trade union movements provided some resources for cooperation, but these resources were not sufficient to promote cooperation over the emerging individualistic incentives of monopoly capitalism.
Bone Formation in Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implants

Purpose We examined the histopathologic features of two hydroxyapatite orbital implants that were removed from two patients. Methods Two surgically removed hydroxyapatite orbital implants were decalcified and processed for routine light microscopic examination. Results Both implants demonstrated fibrovascular ingrowth and foci of bone formation. Conclusion Bone may form in hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
Separation of human factor VIII activity from the von willebrand's antigen and ristocetin platelet aggregating activity

Abstract Factor VIII coagulant activity was separated by ion-exchange chromatography from the von Willebrand's antigen (Factor VIII-like antigen). The von Willebrand's antigen was also separated from additional contaminating proteins and no longer aggregated washed human platelets in the presence of the antibiotic, ristocetin. Recombination of the von Willebrand's antigen with these proteins restored restocetin-induced platelet aggregation. Highly purified human fibrinogen also restored ristocetin-dependent platelet aggregating activity to the purified von Willebrand's antigen. The separated Factor VIII coagulant activity was unstable and lost >98% of the coagulant activity within three days at 0–4 °C. These findings show that Factor VIII preparations which demonstrate ristocetin-induced aggregation of washed human platelets contain at least three separable components.
Studies directed toward the synthesis of FS-2: observations on the fragmentation of cyclobutylcarbinyl radicals†

Abstract Studies directed toward a synthesis of the sesquiterpene FS-2 have permitted an investigation of the fragmentation of a cyclobutylcarbinyl radical that preferentially cleaves to give the more stable of two possible radicals. This observation is contrasted with the results obtained in an analogous cyclobutyloxy radical fragmentation.