cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel double promoter approach for identification of transgenic animals: A tool for in vivo analysis of gene function and development of gene‐based therapies

Advances in vertebrate genetics have allowed studies of gene function in developing animals through gene knockout and transgenic analyses. These advances have encouraged the development of gene-based therapies through introduction of exogenous genes to enhance and/or replace dysfunctional or missing genes. However, in vertebrates, such analyses often involve tedious screening for transgenic animals, such as PCR-based genotype determinations. Here, we report the use of double-promoter plasmids carrying the transgene of interest and the crystallin-promotor-driven Green fluorescent protein (GFP) in transgenic Xenopus laevis tadpoles. This strategy allows a simple examination for the presence of GFP in the eyes to identify transgenic animals. PCR-based genotyping and functional characterization confirms that all animals expressing GFP in the eyes indeed carry the desired promoter/transgene units. Thus, the use of this and other similar vectors should dramatically improve current transgenesis protocols and reduce the time and cost for identifying transgenic animals.
High temperature thermodynamics of the Cr-Cr2N-N2 system

The high-temperature thermodynamic behavior of the Cr-Cr2N-N2 system has been investigated in the temperature range 1450 to 1850 K by measuring the equilibrium pressure of nitrogen gas over pure chromium metal and chromium nitride Cr2N. From the experimental data, the standard free energy and enthalpy of formation of Cr2N have been determined to be: ΔH° = −104. ± 10 (KJ. mol−1 Cr2N) ΔG° = −104. + 0.04987 ± 3.8 (KJ. mol−1 Cr2N)
Evaluation for Measuring, for Diagnosis.

Although the notion of two evaluation types, one ongoing, one after the fact, has attained wide acceptance among curriculum evaluators, there has not been equal use of a dual approach for apraising student learning. Yet no matter how much attention is given to evaluating and revamping a curriculum prior to its dis tribution to students for their use, student learning should be the ultimate concern of education. Individual diff?rences in teaching and learning styles indicate that once a curriculum is in use, dif ficulties in student learning will arise. Evaluation should concern itself with the identification of these.
Patients with low lying lymph nodes are at high risk for distant metastasis in oropharyngeal cancer

Summary Purpose We sought to identify risk factors for distant metastasis (DM) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and perform a recursive partition analysis (RPA) to identify patients both at low and high risk for DM. Methods Our center treated 647 consecutive OPC patients with IMRT between 9/98 and 1/12. The following clinical features were used as prognostic factors: T Stage, N Stage, smoking history, tumor grade, tumor sub-site, the presence of a low lying (level IV or VB) lymph node (LLLN). A Cox model of the risk of DM was used to identify independent prognostic factors. RPA was used to identify patients at low, intermediate, and high risk for DM. Results The median follow-up time in living patients was 42.2 months (range: 2–166). The primary OPC site was the tonsil in 296 patients, base of tongue in 315 patients, and soft palate or pharyngeal wall in 36 patients. For the entire cohort, the Kaplan–Meier estimate for 3 year freedom from distant metastasis was 88.4%. A Cox model identified T Stage ( p p = 0.02), and LLLN ( p = 0.002) as independent predictors of DM. RPA identified patients at low, intermediate, and high risk of DM, with a 3-year freedom-from DM of 98%, 91.1%, and 65.4% respectively. Conclusion The presence of a low lying lymph node is significantly associated with an increased risk of DM in OPC. RPA identified patients both at very low and very high risk for DM with information routinely obtained in clinic.
Proinflammatory and phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages in obesity.

Summary Background Recent epidemiologic investigations have pointed to an increase susceptibility of obese individuals to lower respiratory tract infections. The cellular mechanism responsible for this phenomenon has not been identified. Objectives To assess whether obesity per se impairs the proinflammatory and antimicrobial functions of alveolar macrophages (AM). Methods Six obese (BMI≥30 2 ) and six morbidly obese (BMI≥40kg/m 2 ) subjects free of comorbid diseases participated in the study. A control group (BMI 2 ) matched for age and gender was included. Alveolar macrophages collected by bronchoalveolar lavage were tested for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated production of TNF-α. Phagocytosis was measured by assessing the degree of ingested opsonized and unopsonized particles. Microbicidal activity was determined by the ability of AM to kill Listeria monocytogenes. Results The percentage of AM in the bronchoalveolar lavage was comparable among the three groups. There was no significant difference of TNF-α levels at baseline and after LPS-stimulated production between obese, morbidly obese, and nonobese subjects. Opsonized and unopsonized phagocytosis and microbicidal activity remained intact and was not affected by increasing BMI. Conclusion Our data suggest that in the absence of underlying comorbidities, the increased frequency of respiratory infections in obesity cannot be explained by impairment of alveolar macrophages. Further work is required to delineate the relationship between obesity and the noncellular aspects of innate immunity.
Motor unit number estimation, isometric strength, and electromyographic measures in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Pathologic progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) results from motor neuron death, while the clinical expression also reflects the compensatory effects of collateral reinnervation consequent to lower motor neuron loss. In a cross-sectional study of ALS subjects, we made comparisons between motor unit number estimation (MUNE) values and several measures reflecting collateral reinnervation, including isometric strength, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, surface motor unit action potential (S-MUAP) amplitude, fiber density (FD), macro-EMG potential amplitude, turns-to-amplitude (T/A) ratio, and amplitude and recruitment pattern of low threshold voluntary motor units in elbow flexor muscles. Before comparisons were made, test-retest reproducibility of these measures was assessed in ALS subjects, and is highest for isometric strength, and lower but similar for EMG measures. When the effects of multiple comparisons are considered, borderline significant correlations are found between MUNE values and isometric strength. Neither MUNE values nor isometric strength are significantly correlated with macro-EMG amplitude, FD, T/A ratio, or amplitude and recruitment rate of low threshold voluntary motor units. There are significant correlations of CMAP and S-MUAP with MUNE values, but these are statistical artifacts with no independent interpretation. We conclude that collateral reinnervation prevents isometric strength and EMG measures from accurately reflecting lower motor neuron death in ALS. MUNE measurements are better suited to provide insight into the true natural history of the disease process and may be clinically useful to follow progression and response in drug trials.
Elevated plasma fibrinogen level predicts suboptimal response to therapy with both single- and double-bolus eptifibatide during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives This study sought to determine the factors associated with suboptimal platelet inhibition (PI) with single- and double-bolus eptifibatide during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Although PI ≥ 95% measured 10 min after glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor therapy is associated with improved outcomes following PCI, this level of PI often is not achieved. Methods We prospectively studied 150 patients undergoing PCI with single-bolus eptifibatide (180 μg/kg) (n = 100) and double-bolus eptifibatide (180 μg/kg administered 10 min apart) (n = 50) followed by standard infusion (2 μg/kg/min). Measuring platelet aggregation at baseline and at 10 min and 30 to 45 min after eptifibatide bolus, patients were classified as optimal responders (OPT) (≥95% PI) or suboptimal responders (sub-OPT) ( Results Suboptimal PI was achieved in 61% of patients with single-bolus eptifibatide and in 36% with double-bolus eptifibatide. In the single-bolus group, sub-OPT had higher fibrinogen levels (324 ± 85 mg/dl vs. 259 ± 49 mg/dl, p = 0.0002), platelet counts (221 ± 70 vs. 186 ± 47, p = 0.008), and white blood cell counts (7.7 ± 2.3 vs. 6.6 ± 1.9, p = 0.02). In the double-bolus group, sub-OPT also had higher fibrinogen levels (324 ± 68 mg/dl vs. 278 ± 53 mg/dl, p = 0.01) and were more likely to be smokers (38.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that fibrinogen level was the only independent predictor of suboptimal PI, with fibrinogen cutoffs at 375 and 325 mg/dl predicting suboptimal PI (single-bolus: 100% and 90.0%, respectively; double-bolus: 100% and 60%, respectively) with both doses. Conclusions During PCI, both single- and double-bolus eptifibatide provide suboptimal PI in a substantial proportion of patients. A fibrinogen level >375 mg/dl is a strong predictor of suboptimal PI.
Quality-adjusted price indexes for portable computers

Constructing an accurate price index requires controlling for changes in quality. The potential for bias is especially problemaic for rapidly changing goods such as computers. This study extends previous research on quality-adjusted, or hedonic, price indexes for computers by investigating price and quality changes in portable models. In particular, recent research by Nelson et al.(1994) and Berndt et al.(1995) on desktop and portable computers is extended. After adjusting for quality changes, price indexes in this tudy exhibit average declines of 26% to 33% per year. The magnitude of quality-adjusted price changes is consistent with these auhors and with the extensive line of research on quality-adjusted price indexes for computers of various types. The results emphasize the extent of potential bias in estimating price level changes if technological advancement is ignored. Significant potential for bias implies the need to account properly for changes in quality in consructing indexes for both individual...
A Finite Element Study of Stable Crack Growth Under Plane Stress Conditions: Part II—Influence of Hardening

A detailed finite element analysis is performed to model quasi-static crack growth under plane stress, small-scale yielding conditions in elastic-plastic materials characterized by isotropic power law hardening and the Huber-Von Mises yield surface. A nodal release procedure is used to simulate crack extension. Results pertaining to the influence of hardening on the extent of active yielding and the near-tip stress and deformation fields are presented. Clear evidence of an elastic unloading wake following the active plastic zone is found, but no secondary (plastic) reloading along the crack flank is numerically observed for any level of hardening. A ductile crack growth criterion based on the attainment of a critical crack opening displacement at a small microstructural distance behind the tip, is employed to investigate the nature of the J resistance curves under plane stress. In addition, the same criterion is employed to investigate the influence of hardening on the potential for stable crack growth under plane stress. It is found that predictions based on a perfectly plastic model may be unconservative in this respect, which is qualitatively similar to the conclusions reached in antiplane shear and Mode I plane strain.
Dopamine neurons: effect of lergotrile on unit activity and transmitter synthesis.

Abstract Intravenous administration of increasing doses of the ergoline, lergotrile mesylate, caused a rapid, dose-dependent and haloperidol-reversible inhibition of unit activity of dopamine cells in the pars compacta of the rat substantia nigra. 6 μg/kg caused significant depression of dopamine cell firing rates; 50% inhibition was achieved with a cumulative dose of 100 μg/kg. 60% of the cells were completely inhibited by increasing doses of the drug, the remainder became resistant to further inhibition after reaching rates 25–50% of baseline. Pretreatment with reserpine and α-methylparatyrosine did not significantly attenuate the lergotrile-induced inhibition. Lergotrile had no consistent effect on firing rates of cells in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra. The ergoline reduced the apparent activation of striatal dopamine synthesis associated with complete cessation of impulse flow in nigral-striatal dopamine neurons induced by γ-butyrolactone treatment. These effects are compared with those of apomorphine and amphetamine. The results are consistent with the idea that lergotrile is a direct acting dopamine agonist.
Plasmapheresis in active systemic lupus erythematosus: effects on clinical, serum, and cellular abnormalities. Case report.

Abstract The effects of repeated plasmapheresis followed by low-dose prednisone and cyclophosphamide were assessed in one patient with active systemic lupus erythematosus who had life-threatening central nervous system disease and pancytopenia. Plasmapheresis resulted in disappearance of high fever, improved central nervous system symptoms, reversal of pancytopenia, reduction or disappearance of selected auto-antibodies (antiprecursor cell, antinative DNA, antisingle stranded DNA, antisuppressor cell), and improvement of suppressor cell function. Plasmapheresis may be useful in selected patients who have life-threatening disease associated with undesired circulating antibodies and who are not responsive to conventional doses of corticosteroid or cytotoxic drug therapy.
A novel pancreatic β-cell targeting bispecific-antibody (BsAb) can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice.

Abstract To prepare a novel Bispecific Antibody (BsAb) as a potential targeted therapy for T1D, we produced a “functionally inert” monoclonal antibody (mAb) against Glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) expressed on β-cells to serve as an anchoring antibody. The therapeutic arm is an agonistic mAb against Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a negative regulator of T-cell activation expressed on activated CD4 + T-cells. A BsAb was prepared by chemically coupling an anti-GLUT2 mAb to an agonistic anti-CTLA-4 mAb. This BsAb was able to bind to GLUT2 and CTLA-4 in vitro , and to pancreatic islets, both in vitro and in vivo. We tested the safety and efficacy of this BsAb by treating Non-Obese Diabetes (NOD) mice and found that it could delay the onset of diabetes with no apparent undesirable side effects. Thus, engagement of CTLA-4 on activated T cells from target tissue can be an effective way to treat type-1 diabetes.
Patterns of sexual receptivity in the female musk shrew (Suncus murinus).

Female musk shrews (Suncus murinus) were tested daily to examine patterns of sexual receptivity. When only mounting was used as a criterion (to avoid pregnancy), nonpregnant females remained sexually receptive to males every day for 14 consecutive days. When insemination was allowed, most females continued to copulate for the first 5 days of pregnancy. Receptivity declined markedly around Day 10 of gestation, but a few females were receptive even into late pregnancy. Lactating females copulated with males 5 and 10 days after parturition. In general, unlike most mammals studied in the laboratory, the nonpregnant female musk shrew has no behavioral estrous cycle. Musk shrews are ready to mate anytime except in mid to late pregnancy, and even then occasionally mating is found.
Expansive dynamics on zero-dimensional groups

If X is a compact, zero-dimensional group and T is an expansive, transitive automorphism then (X, T) is shown to be topologically conjugate to a full shift on finitely many symbols.The problem of classifying such automorphisms up to simultaneous algebraic isomorphism and topological conjugacy is discussed but not solved. It is proved that for any entropy there are only finitely many such equivalence classes. When the entropy is log p for a prime p, there is only one equivalence class. All are then equivalent to
Does adjuvant chemotherapy improve survival for women with early-stage uterine leiomyosarcoma?

Abstract Objectives To examine whether adjuvant therapy after primary surgery for treatment of early-stage uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) improves recurrence and survival rates. Methods A multisite, retrospective study of women diagnosed with stage I–II high grade LMS from 1990–2010 was performed. All patients (pts) underwent primary surgery followed by observation (OBS), radiotherapy (RT), or chemotherapy (CT) postoperatively. Results One hundred eight patients were identified with long-term follow-up; 94 pts (87.0%) had stage I and 14 (13.0%) had stage II disease. The mean patient age was 55.4years and mean BMI was 28.0. Thirty-four (31.5%) patients underwent OBS, 35 (32.4%) received RT, and 39 (36.1%) received chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 41.8months, a recurrence was diagnosed in 70.8%. Recurrence was evident in 25/34 (73.5%) OBS, 23/35 (65.7%) RT, and 28/39 (71.8%) of CT cohorts and was not different based on treatment (p=0.413). However, extra-pelvic recurrences were significantly higher in the RT (95.2%) than in the OBS (60%) or CT (64.3%) cohorts (p=0.012). Additionally, recurrences were more likely to be successfully treated or palliated in those who initially received CT (p=0.031). On multivariate analysis, stage (p Conclusions Women with early-stage, high grade uterine LMS experience high recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes, irrespective of adjuvant therapy. These rates are higher than previously reported in the literature. Although women treated with CT had similar recurrence rates as those treated with OBS or RT, treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy may decrease the risk of extra-pelvic recurrence and improve survival.
Transfer Prices: A Financial Perspective

The arguments for and against transfer pricing schemes so far have focused on profit-seeking approaches based on tax differentials, or on evasion of government enforced goods and fund flow restrictions. This article shifts to a value-seeking framework where transfer prices act as strategic tools that may enhance value for the multinational with a foreign affiliate by exploiting financial and/or tax arbitrage that also lead to ownership arbitrage. The results show that there is an optimal level of transfer price depending on the specific exchange rate distribution when the cost structure allows for a penalty for overcharging. Moreover, this article introduces a new form of tax arbitrage benefit of transfer prices that is based on present value of tax shields.
On the origin of the first peak of acoustic emission in 7075 aluminium alloy

The origin of acoustic emission (AE) in 7075 aluminium alloy was investigated in tension and compression tests. It is suggested that the first peak associated with the root-mean-square (rms) AE plot against time (or strain) is due to the unpinning of dislocation segments from solute atom clusters and is not due to the fracture of particles. Alteration in the value of the AE first peak and also in electrical resistivity values due to heat treatment of this alloy support the proposed origin of the AE first peak near yield.
Reoperative innominate arterial, ascending aortic, and root replacement for extensive fungal endocarditis.

Fungal endocarditis is a rare but lethal disease with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. The diagnosis is frequently elusive because the results of blood cultures are negative in 50% of cases. It is characterized by bulky and exophytic vegetations that typically emobolize. Prominent risk factors include anatomic cardiac abnormalities, previous valve operations, indwelling venous catheters, and the use of broadspectrum antibiotics. We report an unusual case of extensive Candida non-albicans endocarditis involving a mechanical valved conduit, ascending aortic graft, and innominate arterial graft 8 months after a complicated type A aortic dissection repair.
Assessment of Scheduling and Plan Execution of Apollo 14 Lunar Surface Operations

Although over forty years have passed since first landing on the Moon, there is not yet a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of Apollo extravehicular activities (EVAs). Quantitatively evaluating lunar EVAs will provide a better understanding of the challenges involved with surface operations. This first evaluation of a surface EVA centers on comparing the planned and the as-ran timeline, specifically collecting data on discrepancies between durations that were estimated versus executed. Differences were summarized by task categories in order to gain insight as to the type of surface operation activities that were most challenging. One Apollo 14 EVA was assessed utilizing the described methodology. Selected metrics and task categorizations were effective, and limitations to this process were identified.
Exploding the Ivory Tower: Systemic Change for Higher Education

Higher education faces increasing pressures to change to better meet the needs of modern society. Systemic change applies systems thinking and systems theory to change a complex system to a new paradigm. This paper argues for the need for the systemic change of higher education and presents educational technologists as particularly well placed to lead this change.
Fast Multiplication of Interval Matrices (Interval Version of Strassen's Algorithm)

Strassen's algorithm multiplies two numerical matrices fast, but when applied to interval matrices, leads to excess width. We use Rump's interval arithmetic to propose an interval version of Strassen's algorithm whose only excess width is in second order terms.
TU-D-J-6C-03: Image Segmentation in 4D CT Based On a Deformable Image Registration Model

Purpose: While 4D CT provides a powerful tool to study the anatomy change caused by respiration, a hurdle in fully realizing its potentials is how to segment the involved organs efficiently for all breathing phases. Here we investigate a strategy of using deformable image registration for mapping the contours delineated at a known phase to all other phases of the 4D CTimages.Method and Materials: 4D CTimage sets for four patients (one esophageal and three lung patients) were acquired by using a GE LightSpeed‐QX/I scanner. Ten phase bins were used in the data acquisition. The involved organs were delineated by a physician on the 3D image sets corresponding to the inhale phase point. The images at different phases were registered using a BSpline deformable model implemented in the VTK/ITK platform. The contour points on the inhale phase were automatically mapped to the corresponding points on the images of other phases following the mapping relation established by the deformable model. The performance of the auto‐segmentation tool was evaluated by comparing directly with the contours outlined by the physician on selected phases. Results: The deformable model was capable of accommodating significant variability of structures over time and across different individuals. In all patients, the mean measured error was 1mm for clearly differentiated organs such as the lungs, and 2 mm for medium‐sized organs like heart. A maximum error of 4 mm was observed locally for noisy or binning‐artifact degraded voxels. Additionally, the method was used to deduce tumor path at any phase, permitting close tailoring of the margins of the tumor targets in the presence of respiration.Conclusion: Contour evolution in 4D images can be easily defined and tracked using a BSpline deformable model, with no user interaction required. The method provides millimeter‐accuracy while eliminating the labor‐intensive segmentation procedure.
Integration of Two Diploid Potato Linkage Maps with the Potato Genome Sequence

To facilitate genome-guided breeding in potato, we developed an 8303 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) marker array using potato genome and transcriptome resources. To validate the Infinium 8303 Potato Array, we developed linkage maps from two diploid populations (DRH and D84) and compared these maps with the assembled potato genome sequence. Both populations used the doubled monoploid reference genotype DM1-3 516 R44 as the female parent but had different heterozygous diploid male parents (RH89-039-16 and 84SD22). Over 4,400 markers were mapped (1,960 in DRH and 2,454 in D84, 787 in common) resulting in map sizes of 965 (DRH) and 792 (D84) cM, covering 87% (DRH) and 88% (D84) of genome sequence length. Of the mapped markers, 33.5% were in candidate genes selected for the array, 4.5% were markers from existing genetic maps, and 61% were selected based on distribution across the genome. Markers with distorted segregation ratios occurred in blocks in both linkage maps, accounting for 4% (DRH) and 9% (D84) of mapped markers. Markers with distorted segregation ratios were unique to each population with blocks on chromosomes 9 and 12 in DRH and 3, 4, 6 and 8 in D84. Chromosome assignment of markers based on linkage mapping differed from sequence alignment with the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC) pseudomolecules for 1% of the mapped markers with some disconcordant markers attributable to paralogs. In total, 126 (DRH) and 226 (D84) mapped markers were not anchored to the pseudomolecules and provide new scaffold anchoring data to improve the potato genome assembly. The high degree of concordance between the linkage maps and the pseudomolecules demonstrates both the quality of the potato genome sequence and the functionality of the Infinium 8303 Potato Array. The broad genome coverage of the Infinium 8303 Potato Array compared to other marker sets will enable numerous downstream applications.
Atomic layer deposition of ZnS via in situ production of H2S

article i nfo Article history: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnS films utilizing diethylzinc and in situ generated H2S was performed over a temperature range of 60 °C-400 °C. This method for generating H2S in situ was developed to eliminate the need to store high pressure H2S gas. The H2S precursor was generated by heating thioacetamide to 150 °C in an inert atmosphere, producing acetonitrile and H2S as confirmed with mass spectroscopy. ALD behavior was confirmed by investigation of growth behavior and saturation curves. The properties of the films were studied with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show a growth rate that monotonically decreases with temperature, and films that are stoichiometric in Zn and S. The root mean square roughness of the films increases with temperature above 100 °C. A change in crystal phase begins at ∼300 °C. The band gap is dependent on the crystal phase and is estimated to be 3.6-4 eV.
Clinical observation of self-injurious behavior correlated with changes in scalp morphology in a child with congenital hydrocephalus

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl born with cerebral dysgenesis and congenital hydrocephalus first shunted shortly after birth. She had severe tissue-damaging self-injurious behavior, profound mental retardation, quadriparesis, as well as multiple cranial anomalies including turricephaly. After stage 1 cranial remodeling, a bone window was left pending second stage remodeling. Episodic changes in fluctuation of the scalp overlying the bone window were easily observed. During the course of a behavioral assessment for her self-injury, it was observed that the overall frequency of occurrence of self-injury increased significantly (P Language: en
Feedback and infralogical strategies in invariant area conceptualization

Abstract An attempt was made with 236 first and second grade S s to improve performance in a quasiconservation task where a high rate of error was previously reported. Translocation, iteration, and feedback training methods were used. Only the feedback procedure proved effective. Feedback is interpreted as leading to the use of available infralogical (translocative and iterative) strategies on an all-or-none basis. Quasiconservation is identified as an example of static object invariance, and conservation as an example of dynamic object invariance.
Ciliary Body and Choroidal Melanomas Treated by Proton Beam Irradiation: Histopathologic Study of Eyes

Proton beam irradiation resulted in clinical and/or histopathological regression of large ciliary body and choroidal melanomas in three eyes. Enucleations were performed 6 1/2 weeks, five months, and 11 months after irradiation for angle-closure glaucoma from total retinal detachment, increase in retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma, respectively. A direct relationship was found between the length of the interval from irradiation to enucleation and the degree of histologic changes. Vascular changes in the tumors included endothelial cell swelling and decreased lumen size, basement membrane thickening, collapse of sinusoidal vessels, and thrombosis of vessels. Although apparently unaltered tumor cells remained, degenerative changes occurred in some melanoma cells, including lipid vacuoles in cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei, and balloon cell formation. Patchy areas of necrosis and proteinaceous exudate were present. Pigment-laden macrophages were found near tumor vessels and all had a substantial chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The effect of proton beam irradiation on tumor vessels probably plays an important role in uveal melanoma regression.
The N-DRC forms a conserved biochemical complex that maintains outer doublet alignment and limits microtubule sliding in motile axonemes

The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) is proposed to coordinate dynein arm activity and interconnect doublet microtubules. Here we identify a conserved region in DRC4 critical for assembly of the N-DRC into the axoneme. At least 10 subunits associate with DRC4 to form a discrete complex distinct from other axonemal substructures. Transformation of drc4 mutants with epitope-tagged DRC4 rescues the motility defects and restores assembly of missing DRC subunits and associated inner-arm dyneins. Four new DRC subunits contain calcium-signaling motifs and/or AAA domains and are nearly ubiquitous in species with motile cilia. However, drc mutants are motile and maintain the 9 + 2 organization of the axoneme. To evaluate the function of the N-DRC, we analyzed ATP-induced reactivation of isolated axonemes. Rather than the reactivated bending observed with wild-type axonemes, ATP addition to drc-mutant axonemes resulted in splaying of doublets in the distal region, followed by oscillatory bending between pairs of doublets. Thus the N-DRC provides some but not all of the resistance to microtubule sliding and helps to maintain optimal alignment of doublets for productive flagellar motility. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms that regulate motility and further highlight the importance of the proximal region of the axoneme in generating flagellar bending.
The Correlates of Female Criminality in Nigeria

ABSTRACT There is a great need to study female criminality in African Societies. Therefore, this paper investigates the general characteristics of Nigerian female offenders incarcerated in a major woman's prison in Nigeria. In a preliminary study of female offenders in Nigeria, Oloruntimehin (1982) suggests that female criminality in Nigeria may be correlated with socioeconomic and family background variables. Consequently, the major task of this study is to find out the relationship between socioeconomic and family bond measures and female criminality in Nigeria. The offenses the inmates committed form the dependent variables. The data show that most of the inmates had a loose attachment to their families prior to the time they committed the offense that led to their imprisonment, most of the offenders are lower-class persons. There is an inverse correlation between socioeconomic measures and involvement in property crimes (p =.01) and crimes without victims (p=.001). Also, there is no significant relati...
Angular correlation measurements in 99Tc

Abstract The delayed angular correlation of the 99Tc 741-181 keV gamma-gamma cascade has been measured in a liquid molybdenium source and no attenuation of the A2k(t) coefficients has been observed; A2=+0.125±0.005 and A4=−0.010±0.008. A determination of the half-life of the 181 keV level has been made and the value obtained is in good agreement with earlier results, T 1 2 = 3.59±0.05 nsec. . Using the integral angular correlation method with an external magnetic field, the g factor of the 181 keV level has been measured to be g=+1.44±0.12.
Physical and tribological properties of diamond films grown in argoncarbon plasmas

Nanocrystalline diamond films have been deposited using a microwave plasma consisting of argon, 2--10% hydrogen and a carbon precursor such as C{sub 60} or CH{sub 4}. It was found that it is possible to grow the diamond phase with both carbon precursors, although the hydrogen concentration in the plasma was 1--2 orders of magnitude lower than normally required in the absence of the argon. Auger electron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy indicate the films are predominantly composed of diamond. Surface roughness, as determined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicate the nanocrystalline films grown in low hydrogen content plasmas grow exceptionally smooth (30--50 nm) to thicknesses of 10 {mu}m. The smooth nanocrystalline films result in low friction coefficients ({mu}=0.04--0.06) and low average wear rates as determined by pin-on-disk measurements.
Gas gangrene limited to the right lobe of the liver after orthotopic liver transplant: sonographic, plain film and CT findings

We describe the sonographic, CT and plain film findings in a patient with segmental involvement of the liver with gas gangrene.
Toward a more general theory of corporate strategy: the integration of information and its technologies

Despite the technological advancements in user oriented computing and software, and the tremendous growth in decision and executive support systems, much of the corporate strategy literature assumes certainty or discusses the role of information in largely descriptive terms. This paper presents a framework for integrating information, and the resources that provide it, into a more general formulation of competitive strategy. In an environment of uncertain demand, wheren firms compete through product differentiation, production efficiencies, and management information, it is shown that a Nash equilibrium exists, and that the quality of information is astrategic option of the firm. The implications of these findings for profitability and the choice of technologies are discussed.
Development, Maturation, and Function of Some Sexually Dimorphic Structures of the Malaysian Prawn, Macrobrachium Rosenbergii (De Man) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

The development, maturation, and function of some sexually dimorphic characteristics of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) were studied. The first evidence of sexual dimorphism is the appearance of gonopores. The smallest male had a carapace length (CL) of 5.9 mm; the smallest female had a CL of 7.6 mm. The endopods of the first pair of pleopods are sexually dimorphic, with those of the male being broad and flat, while those of the female are narrow, roundish, and possess long, fine setae. Sexual dimorphism of the endopods, as evidenced by a difference in the relative lengths of the exopod and endopod, occurs at about 12 mm CL. In the males, the appendices masculinae begin to develop at about 10 mm CL. By 13 mm CL, they attain a length of 1.7 times the length of neighboring appendices internae. This size relationship is generally maintained in future growth. Male chelipeds begin to mature at 28 mm CL, although males as large as 38 mm CL may still possess immature chelipeds. Maturation is associated with an increase in growth of mainly the merus through dactylus articles. The larger male chelipeds function primarily in reproduction by allowing a male: 1) to fend off other males intruding into its territory, and 2) to protect females, with which it has mated, from aggressive conspecifics and predators. A difference in age of maturation of the male chelipeds was noted between the present study and one done by Cowles (1914) in the Philippines. The possibility that the latter population may be a subspecies is discussed. The brood chamber and reproductive setae of females begin to develop at 20 mm CL. This may occur several molts before their first spawning. Reproductive setae are divided into ovigerous and ovipositing setae, depending upon their function. Ovigerous setae are temporary structures formed only during preparturial molts. While some ovipositing setae are also temporary, others are permanent since they are retained on nonparturial molts. A decrease in their length, however, may occur.
Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Health Education Buck : Message Framing and Reducing Health Disparities

Health information is everywhere, but can it be presented to better promote behavior? Past research finds that framing messages can effectively motivate health behaviors. This article briefly summarizes the role of message framing in health promotion in the general population, investigates findings for medically underserved populations, and discusses the influence of targeting to group characteristics on increasing the persuasiveness of framed messages. The conclusion is that theory-driven approaches lead to more persuasive messages across socioeconomic status.
Distance dependent centroid to centroid force fields using high resolution decoys

Simplified force fields play an important role in protein structure prediction and de novo protein design by requiring less computational effort than detailed atomistic potentials. A side chain centroid based, distance dependent pairwise interaction potential has been developed. A linear programming based formulation was used in which non-native "decoy" conformers are forced to take a higher energy compared with the corresponding native structure. This model was trained on an enhanced and diverse protein set. High quality decoy structures were generated for approximately 1400 nonhomologous proteins using torsion angle dynamics along with restricted variations of the hydrophobic cores of the native structure. The resulting decoy set was used to train the model yielding two different side chain centroid based force fields that differ in the way distance dependence has been used to calculate energy parameters. These force fields were tested on an independent set of 148 test proteins with 500 decoy structures for each protein. The side chain centroid force fields were successful in correctly identifying approximately 86% native structures. The Z-scores produced by the proposed centroid-centroid distance dependent force fields improved compared with other distance dependent C(alpha)-C(alpha) or side chain based force fields.
Modeling of an ion-implanted silicon-gate depletion-mode IGFET

A dc model is-presented for the ion-implemented silicon-gate depletion-mode IGFET from which the device terminal behavior can be determined. The device equations are derived based on the concept of a finite semiconductor capacitance in the channel region whereby the depth of the implanted channel is taken into account. The model parameter is shown to be easily measurable experimentally. The validity of the resulting model is demonstrated by showing good agreement between calculated and measured results obtained from fabricated devices, It is believed that this model lends itself well to the circuit design problem using depletion mode IGFET's.
Management of Anterior Segment Complications of Intraocular Lenses

Corneal edema was found in 24 of 43 eyes with anterior segment complications of intraocular lenses. Keratoplasty was performed in 20 eyes. Three eyes required other surgical therapy for edema while medical treatment of edema was done in one case. Thirty-two lenses were removed because of pain, inflammation, bleeding or glaucoma. Nineteen of these were removed at the time of keratoplasty. Three eyes were enucleated because of absolute glaucoma, retinal detachment and endophthalmitis.
The role of the p33:p33/p92 interaction domain in RNA replication and intracellular localization of p33 and p92 proteins of Cucumber necrosis tombusvirus.

Abstract Replication of plus-stranded RNA viruses is performed by the viral replicase complex, which, together with the viral RNA, must be targeted to intracellular membranes, where replication takes place in membraneous vesicles/spherules. Tombusviruses code for two overlapping replication proteins, the p33 auxiliary protein and the p92 polymerase. Using replication-competent fluorescent protein-tagged p33 of Cucumber necrosis virus (CNV), we determined that two domains affected p33 targeting to peroxisomal membranes in yeast: an N-proximal hydrophobic trans -membrane sequence and the C-proximal p33:p33/p92 interaction domain. On the contrary, only the deletion of the p33:p33/p92 interaction domain, but not the trans -membrane sequence, altered the intracellular targeting of p92 protein in the presence of wt p33 and DI-72(+) RNA. Moreover, unlike p33, p92 lacking the trans -membrane sequence was still functional in supporting the replication of a replicon RNA in yeast, whereas the p33:p33/p92 interaction domain in both p33 and p92 was essential for replication. In addition, p33 was also shown to facilitate the recruitment of the viral RNA to peroxisomal membranes and that p33 is colocalized with (+) and (−)-stranded viral RNAs. Also, FRET and pull-down analyses confirmed that p33 interacts with other p33 molecules in yeast cells. Based on these data, we propose that p33 facilitates the formation of multimolecular complexes, including p33, p92, viral RNA, and unidentified host factors, which are then targeted to the peroxisomal membranes, the sites of CNV replication.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Uniformly-Dispersed High Loading Pt Nanoparticles on Sonochemically-Treated Carbon Nanotubes

A sonochemical process was developed to treat carbon nanotubes in nitric and sulfuric acids to create surface functional groups for metal nanoparticle deposition. Carbon nanotubes treated in the sonochemical process are shown to lead to the deposition of uniformly dispersed high loading Pt nanoparticles, which have not been achieved with carbon nanotubes treated in reflux processes. Pt nanoparticles of a size less than 5 nm and loading up to 30 wt % with little aggregation were synthesized on the sonochemically treated carbon nanotubes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in 1.0 M H2SO4 showed that the Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes are more than 100% active in the electrochemical adsorption and desorption of hydrogen than the Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon black. This enhancement of electrochemical activity is attributed to the unique structures of carbon nanotubes and the interactions between the Pt nanoparticles and the carbon nanotube support. The ability to synthesize high loading Pt on carbo...
Initial Evidence of Endothelial Cell Apoptosis as a Mechanism of Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome

Background Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by acute recurrent attacks of hypovolemic shock commonly following an inflammatory stimulus such as a viral illness. Prophylactic therapy is generally ineffective, and the outcome is frequently fatal. Methods In order to investigate the cellular mechanisms leading to SCLS, we examined the effects of sera from two patients with active SCLS on microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro. Apoptosis was determined by morphologic criteria, DNA fragmentation, annexin V stain, and by a quantitative photometric assay. The apoptotic pathway was investigated by Western blot of endothelial cells lysate after exposure to SCLS sera. Results The sera from patients with active SCLS mediated profound apoptosis of microvascular endothelial cells shortly after exposure. The exposed microvascular endothelial cells underwent immediate apoptosis as evidenced by morphologic changes, plasma membrane phosphatidylserine exposure, and by DNA fragmentation. Increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in endothelial cells exposed to SCLS sera was observed and suggested an oxidation injury as the possible mechanism for endothelial apoptosis. This potential mechanism was further explored by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) following SCLS serum exposure. Sera from both patients caused marked increases in ROS, initially detectable at 1 h and persisted for at least 12 h, with control serum from healthy subjects showing no effect on basal endothelial cell ROS concentrations. Conclusion Components from the sera of patients with active systemic capillary leak syndrome in contrast to healthy subject sera mediate early and extensive endothelial apoptosis in vitro that is associated with oxidation injury. These data represent compelling initial evidence for oxidation-induced apoptosis as a likely mechanism for endothelial injury leading to SCLS.
Thysanoptera (Thrips) Within Citrus Orchards in Florida: Species Distribution, Relative and Seasonal Abundance Within Trees, and Species on Vines and Ground Cover Plants

Seven citrus orchards on reduced to no pesticide spray programs were sampled for Thysanoptera in central and south central Florida. Inner and outer canopy leaves, fruits, twigs, trunk scrapings, vines and ground cover plants were sampled monthly between January 1995 and January 1996. Thirty-six species of thrips were identified from 2,979 specimens collected from within citrus tree canopies and 18,266 specimens from vines and ground cover plants within the seven citrus orchards. The thrips species included seven predators [Aleurodothrips fasciapennis (Franklin), Karnyothrips flavipes (Jones), K. melaleucus (Bagnall), Leptothrips cassiae (Watson), L. macroocellatus (Watson), L. pini (Watson), and Scolothrips sexmaculatus (Pergande)] 21 plant feeding species [Anaphothrips n. sp., Arorathrips mexicanus (Crawford), Aurantothrips orchidaceous (Bagnall), Baileyothrips limbatus (Hood), Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton), Danothrips trifasciatus (Sakimura), Echinothrips americanus (Morgan), Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan), F. cephalica (Crawford), F. fusca (Hinds), F. gossypiana (Hood), Frankliniella sp. (runneri group), Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin), Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouche), Leucothrips piercei (Morgan), Microcephalothrips abdominalis (Crawford), Neohydatothrips floridanus (Watson), N. portoricensis (Morgan), Pseudothrips inequalis (Beach), Scirtothrips sp., and Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan)]; and eight fungivorous feeding species [Adraneothrips decorus (Hood), Hoplandrothrips pergandei (Hinds), Idolothripinae sp., Merothrips floridensis (Watson), M. morgani (Hood), Neurothrips magnafemoralis (Hinds), Stephanothrips occidentalis Hood and Williams, and Symphyothrips sp.]. Only F. bispinosa, C. orchidii, D. trifasciatus, and H. haemorrhoidalis have been considered economic pests on Florida citrus. Scirtothrips sp. and T. hawaiiensis were recovered in low numbers within Florida citrus orchards. Both are potential pest species to citrus and possibly other crops in Florida. The five most abundant thrips species collected within citrus tree canopies were: A. fasciapennis, F. bispinosa, C. orchidii, K. flavipes, and D. trifasciatus. In comparison, the following five thrips species were most abundant on vines or ground cover plants: F. bispinosa, H. gowdeyi, F. cephalica, M. abdominalis, and F. gossypiana. Fifty-eight species of vines or ground cover plants in 26 families were infested with one or more of 27 species of thrips.