cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium muscle cross-bridge behavior. Theoretical considerations. II. Model describing the behavior of strongly-binding cross-bridges when both heads of myosin bind to the actin filament

A model has been developed for characterizing the interaction between strongly-binding myosin cross-bridges and actin in muscle fibers under equilibrium conditions where both heads of the myosin cross-bridge bind to actin. The model, that of Anderson and Schoenberg (1987. Biophys. J. 52:1077–1082) is quite similar to that of Schoenberg (1985. Biophys. J. 48:467–475), except that explicit account is taken of the fact that each crossbridge has two heads which can bind to actin. The key assumption that allows this model to explain a large body of data unexplained by the Schoenberg (1985) model is that the two crossbridge heads are not totally independent of one another after attachment. After the first head attaches, the second head is then free to attach only to an actin site distal to the first head. This means that when the more distally attached head subsequently detaches and reattaches (as the heads continually do), it will not reattach in a position of lesser strain and reduce the force it supports, but instead will remain attached in its strained position until the proximally attached head also detaches. This model gives an explanation for two important and otherwise unexplained observations made previously: it explains why at ionic strengths in the range of 50–120 mM, (a) the rate constant of force decay after a small stretch is a sigmoidal function of nucleotide analogue concentration, and (b) why in the presence of analogues or in rigor the rate constant of force decay after a small stretch is significantly slower than the rate constant for myosin subfragment-1 detachment from actin in solution.
The influence of sex, body composition, and nonesterified fatty acids on serum adipokine concentrations

Serum adiponectin concentrations are higher in women than men. The sexual dimorphism for adiponectin has been attributed to the direct effects of testosterone on adipose tissue adiponectin secretion. However, serum testosterone and adiponectin concentrations are generally lower in obese men than lean men, suggesting that sex steroids may not be the only factor that contributes to sex differences in serum adiponectin. The primary objective of this study was to examine the influence of sex, body composition, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) on serum adiponectin concentrations. Women and men between the ages of 18 and 35 years were consecutively accrued into the study. Sixty-one participants were partitioned into normal-weight (15 female and 16 male) or obese (14 female and 16 male) groups. Blood samples were obtained after a 12-hour fast. Differences between groups were determined by analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer post hoc testing. Serum adiponectin was 26% higher in women compared with men. Body mass index was associated with total serum adiponectin in men (r = -0.63, P < .05) but not women. Adiponectin was correlated with the homeostasis model assessment index in women (r = -0.56, P < .05) and men (r = -0.58, P < .05) and with NEFAs (r = -0.68, P < .05) in men only. After partitioning men and women into normal-weight and obese groups, serum adiponectin was lower and NEFAs were higher in obese men only. Homeostasis model assessment was similar between obese women and men despite higher NEFAs in the obese men. Leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were higher in obese participants but were not associated with serum NEFAs. These results suggest that serum NEFAs may reduce adiponectin concentrations independent of their effects on insulin sensitivity in obese young men.
Incorporating Environmental Impacts in Strategic Redesign of an Engineered System

Large engineered systems do not often live out their life cycles as originally planned. Traditional design methods do not address redesign issues that arise during long term operation of these systems. The problem of how to consider the environmental impacts of stranded assets is especially problematic, particularly during system operational changes. This paper presents a method for analysis of a dynamically changing system that includes consideration of both economic and environmental impacts. A case study of an electrical power system illustrates the approach. Using a 100 yr time period and using several decision rules (e.g., keep all plants operating until planned retirement age or retire all plants 10% early), the aggregated results were derived. The best sequence of decision or decision rule can now be determined by the highest multiattribute utility score. The best decision sequence is one that immediately retires and decommissions all fossil fueled electrical power plants, although early retirement without immediate decommissioning produces inferior utility values. There is little gained in utility when extending operational life of the plants, and as the 100 yr period moves forward, all solutions collapse on the final system configuration. The results provide several insights that were gained through the ability to forecast the environmental impact caused by changes within the life cycle phases of a system, such as early retirement or operational life extension of facilities.
Histologic correlates and virulence implications of endometrial carcinoma associated with adenomatous hyperplasia

The association of endometrial carcinoma (EC) with endocrinopathies manifested by obesity, nulliparity, and/or increased estrogen levels of exogenous or endogenous estrogens is now well-known. EC is also seen in patients without these findings. Are these different cancers ? Seventy-four cases of EC were reviewed and classified into two groups: group I, with associated adenomatous hyperplasia (AH), 31 cases; and group II, without associated AH, 43 cases. Group I included more well-differentiated and less invasive carcinomas; histologically, the pattern was glandular in all cases. In Group II, the EC were less well-differentiated, more invasive, and included, besides adenocarcinomas, clear-cell, papillary, and anaplastic carcinomas with giant tumor cells. Squamoid features were found in both groups. The possible existence of two types of EC, a hormonal-dependent EC associated with AH (which is believed to result from hyperestrogenism, and to have a better clinical prognosis), and an "independent" EC, not associated with AH, is discussed.
The Psychological Construct of Word Fluency

Measures of word fluency have been convincingly linked in the literature to damage in the left prefrontal lobe region. Yet, a reduction in word fluency has also been reported with diffuse, multifocal and nonfrontal lobe damage. Despite the undisputed neuropsychological application of multiple word fluency measures, the psychological construct underlying this measure is not well understood. In a sample of 360 normal adults stratified by age, gender, and level of education, we found that auditory attention and word knowledge were among the most important determinants. With respect to memory, short-term memory was not significantly correlated, but long-term memory was. Despite these three determinants, a large share of the variance of the multiple regression was still not accounted for, which underscores the partial independence of word fluency per se. Thus, we propose a distinction between (1) poor word fluency secondary to deficient verbal attention, word knowledge, and/or verbal long-term memory and (2) impaired word fluency without these three areas concurrently affected. Based on a review of the literature, it seems likely that in the latter condition, the profile is more associated with prefrontal lobe impairment, versus in the former condition, diffuse multifocal or nonfrontal lobe factors can play a role.
Solidification of YBa2Cu3O7−δ from the melt

Abstract Nucleation and growth of 123 from the melt via a peritectic reaction into domains of aligned platelets is studied. Analysis of the microstructure of well-formed domains indicates that there is no orientation difference between adjacent platelets within a domain, suggesting that a domain grows from a single nucleus. The platelet boundaries are found to be filled-in with secondary phases that correspond to the liquid phase at high temperature, suggesting that constitutional supercooling effects may be operative. Samples quenched from temperatures considerably below the peritectic temperature contain only a few crystals, indicating the presence of a large nucleation barrier. The above observations, coupled with extensive microstructural examination of quenched solid-liquid interfaces, suggest that the 211 size, distribution and volume fraction not only control the growth rate of 123 along the fast growth ab -plane (by supply of yttrium), but also the growth rate along the slow growth c -direction since the nucleation barrier is reduced at 211/123 intersections. At high cooling rates there is a distinct change in the nucleation and growth processes. Structures characteristic of sympathetic or autonucleation and spherulitic growth are observed. These structures are distinct from the single crystal nature of well-formed domains. The growth mechanism which results in the formation of 123 domains and the final microstructure within a single domain, also explains the observed non-weak-link characteristics for current flow along the a , b - and c -directions, as determined by direct transport and magnetization measurements.
An EHD Inlet Zone Analysis Incorporating the Second Newtonian

An apparently new approach to the solution of EHD film thickness is presented for line contact. This approach can readily accept non-Newtonian response as it is not based upon the Reynolds equation. Thermal effects and sliding may also be incorporated, although for large departure from Newtonian the pressure criterion should be reexamined
Sum-Frequency Vibrational Spectroscopy Study of Photoirradiated Polymer Surfaces

Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy can be used to study photoinduced structural change at polymer surfaces. Results on rubbed and unrubbed surfaces of poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCi), a well-known photopolymer, show that polarized UV irradiation dimerizes rather than isomerizes the protruding cinnamoyl side chains at the surfaces and creates significant surface structural anisotropy needed in many applications. Anchoring energy measurements of a nematic liquid crystal film on PVCi irradiated by low UV dosages yield results in good correlation with the observed spectral anisotropy.
QUENCHING AND ANNEALING OF ZONE REFINED ALUMINUM

Abstract : During the last several years an appreciable amount of information concerning point defects has been obtained both from equilibrium and nonequilibrium measurements. When metals are quenched from a high temperature to a low temperature most of the imperfections present in thermal equilibrium at the high temperature can be frozen in. In close-packed metals the dominant imperfections are vacancies, vacancy clusters, and dislocations arising from collapsed vacancy clusters. This research is aimed at determining the activation energy for motion of a divacancy and the binding energy of a divacancy as well as investigating the binding energy of larger clusters in aluminum. The activation energy for motion of a divacancy in aluminum was interpreted to be 0.50 = 0.04 eV. The binding energy of a divacancy in aluminum was interpreted to be 0.17 = 0.05 eV. (Author)
Physiologic Studies in Congenital Absence of the Left Main Pulmonary Artery

Physiologic studies in 2 cases of congenital absence of the left pulmonary artery are presented. The significance of carbon dioxide production and oxygen uptake in the affected lung and their relationship to ventilation and perfusion are discussed. All functional and anatomic evidence points to a highly significant bronchial artery circulation substituting in part for the absent pulmonary artery.
Notch sensitivity of fiber-reinforced ceramics

Crack bridging from an elliptical hole in fiber-reinforced ceramic composites is studied. For some fiber-reinforced ceramic composites, matrix toughness is much less than the toughness gained in the bridging zone, i.e. the bridging zone runs across the entire width of a specimen at a small load. In such case, load-carrying capacity of the specimen only depends on one parameter which is the measure of notch sensitivity. Solving the crack bridging problem for various aspect ratios of the elliptical hole and various bridging law shapes, the role of crack bridging from the hole is determined. The results presented may be used to guide design in addition to providing an improved understanding of the mechanism of fiber-matrix failure.
Systematic position of Plesiadapis

THE systematic position of the Palaeocene mammal Plesiadapis has been a subject of discussion for almost a century. This is not surprising considering the meagre evidence on which it was first associated with lemuroid primates. A review of the evidence now available indicates that the affinities of Plesiadapis and its relatives are with early tarsier-like primates, and not with archaic lemurs.
A COMPUTATIONALLY SIMPLER ALGORITHM FOR THE UMVUE OF A NORMAL MEAN FOLLOWING A GROUP SEQUENTIAL TRIAL

When using data collected in a group sequential clinical trial, the sample mean is no longer the uniform minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) of the mean of a normal distribution. Emerson (1993, Computers and Biomedical Research, 26, 68-73) described an algorithm for computing the UMVUE in this setting. This algorithm, although computationally expensive, used only the basic software necessary for deriving group sequential boundaries. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm that results in greatly decreased computation times.
Marital Conflict in the Context of Parental Depressive Symptoms: Implications for the Development of Children's Adjustment Problems

Relations among parental depressive symptoms, overt and covert marital conflict, and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were examined in a community sample of 235 couples and their children. Families were assessed once yearly for three years, starting when children were in kindergarten. Parents completed measures of depressive symptoms and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Behavioral observations of marital conflict behaviors (insult, threat, pursuit, and defensiveness) and self report of covert negativity (feeling worry, sorry, worthless, and helpless) were assessed based on problem-solving interactions. Results indicated that fathers' greater covert negativity and mothers' overt destructive conflict behaviors served as intervening variables in the link between fathers' depressive symptoms and child internalizing symptoms, with modest support for the pathway through fathers' covert negativity found even after controlling for earlier levels of constructs. These findings support the role of marital conflict in the impact of fathers' depressive symptoms on child internalizing symptoms.
Transnational Activism in Ethnic Diasporas: Insights from Cuban Exiles, American Jews and Irish Americans

The actions of ethnic advocacy groups have an indisputable impact on political change in their ancestral homelands. Many observers attribute the United States’ continued efforts to isolate Castro's Cuba, its on/off involvement in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and its engagement and disengagement in the conflict in Northern Ireland to the influence of their efforts. Whether their actions take the form of lobbying, remittance-sending or acts of violence, diaspora groups’ efforts to create change may determine the success of homeland opposition movements and efforts to resolve internal conflicts. This article surveys the activities of 30 political organisations in American Cuban, Irish and Jewish communities, examining the multiple ways in which these groups attempt to make change in Cuba, Northern Ireland and Israel respectively. In what ways do non-partisan, partisan and radical ethnic organisations attempt to make political change in their homelands? Why do these groups choose particular means for exe...
T follicular helper cell diversity and plasticity

CD4+ T helper (Th) cells play an instrumental role in orchestrating adaptive immune responses to invading pathogens through their ability to differentiate into specialized effector subsets. Part of this customized response requires the development of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which provide help to B cells for the generation of germinal centers (GCs) and long-term protective humoral responses. Although initially viewed as terminally differentiated, we now recognize that Th cell subsets, including Tfh cells, display substantial flexibility and overlap in their characteristics. In this review, we highlight advances in our understanding of Tfh cell development, cytokine production, and the potential plasticity that allows Tfh cells to possess characteristics of other effector Th cell populations.
Identification of the reaction products of phenyl isocyanate and methyl α-D-glucopyranoside by P.M.R. spectroscopy

Abstract Reaction of methyl α- D -glucopyranoside with 1, 2, and 3.5 equivalents of phenyl isocyanate gave mixtures of 7, 9, and 4 carbanilated products, respectively. They were separated by column chromatography and identified by their p.m.r. spectra in Me 2 SO- d 6 and pyridine- d 5 . Hydroxyl-proton and low-field proton resonances were observed in Me 2 SO- d 6 . Substitution at a hydroxyl position causes a downfield shift of the corresponding ring-proton signal in both Me 2 SO- d 6 and pyridine- d 5 , and disappearance of the hydroxyl peak in Me 2 SO- d 6 . The 2-OH doublet has the largest splitting (7.0 Hz) and the 6-OH signal is the only triplet. The 3-OH and 4-OH doublets have nearly identical splitting (∼ 5–6 Hz) but the 4-OH proton has the greater chemical shift. However, H-3 is deshielded to a greater extent than H-4 by substitution at the adjacent hydroxyl group. Spin-spin decoupling in pyridine- d 5 confirmed the ring-proton assignments. The 6-position is favored for substitution, and the substituent distribution is similar to that equilibrium-controlled reactions of cellulose.
VEGFR-2 expression in human melanoma: revised assessment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor that also functions as an autocrine growth factor for VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2+ melanomas. In multiple studies, VEGFR-2 was detected by immunostaining in 78–89% of human melanoma cells, suggesting that most patients with melanoma would benefit from anti-VEGF therapy. Here, we evaluated 167 human melanoma specimens in a tissue microarray to verify the presence of VEGFR-2, but found disparities in staining with commercial antibodies A-3 and 55B11. Antibody A-3 stained melanoma cells in 79% of specimens, consistent with published results; however, we noted extensive nonspecific staining of other cells such as smooth muscle and histiocytes. In contrast, antibody 55B11 stained melanoma cells in only 7% (95% confidence interval: 3.3–11.5) of specimens. As an internal positive control for VEGFR-2 detection, vascular endothelial cells were stained with antibody 55B11 in all specimens. We compared VEGFR-2+ and VEGFR-2− melanoma cell lines by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry after small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown and transient overexpression of VEGFR-2 to validate antibody specificity. Immunoblotting revealed that A-3 primarily cross-reacted with several proteins in both cell lines and these were unaffected by siRNA knockdown of VEGFR-2. In contrast, 55B11 staining of VEGFR-2+ cells was mostly eliminated by siRNA knockdown of VEGFR-2 and increased in VEGFR-2− melanoma cell lines following transfection to express ectopic VEGFR-2. Our results show that relatively few melanoma cells (<10%) express detectable levels of VEGFR-2, and therefore, the majority of patients with melanoma are unlikely to benefit from antiproliferative effects of anti-VEGF therapy.
Multiscale Modeling of Nafion Mechanical Properties

Multiscale modeling is used to investigate the mechanical characteristics of ionic polymers with the intent of ultimately expanding understanding of the interplay between multiscale stiffness and electromechanical response. Strategies for manipulating electromechanical transduction of ionic polymers include, but are not limited to: variation of hydration and/or the equivalent weight. In general, variations resulting in increased electroactive response also result in decreased mechanical stiffness and can decrease to the point of limiting mechanical integrity. This effort begins with the supposition that a better understanding of the ionic polymer multiscale material stiffness will enable bypass of this perceived trade-off. Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) theory is used to predict the conformation of a typical polymer hydrophobic backbone for a fully hydrated, sodium exchanged, Nafion 1200 EW case. The RIS method generates a large number of crosslink-to-crosslink chain lengths. The distribution is assessed via Johnson distributions and in turn, employed in a Boltzmann statistical thermodynamics framework to assess mechanical stiffness. The approach explores the impact of morphology on stiffness via imposing as assumed morphology a priori.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Effects of sub-lethal imidacloprid levels on potato leafroll virus transmission by Myzus persicae

The effects of sub-lethal imidacloprid concentrations on acquisition and inoculation of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) by Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were investigated. In experiments using two aphid clones to acquire PLRV from infected potatoes, virus transmission declined significantly with increasing concentrations of imidacloprid. The same was true in experiments using imidacloprid-treated Physalis floridana Rydb. as acquisition sources. When viruliferous M. persicae were placed on uninfected, imidacloprid-treated P. floridana, there were significant declines in PLRV transmission. Sub-lethal concentrations of imidacloprid clearly inhibited both acquisition and inoculation of PLRV by M. persicae, either through poisoning, temporary intoxication, and/or antifeedant effects.
Visible light photocatalysis in transition metal incorporated titania-silica aerogels

Abstract Transition metal salts were added to aerogels of TiO2–SiO2 mixtures. The resulting M–TiO2–SiO2 (M = transition metal, in general present in the form of oxides) materials had very high surface areas (600–1000 m2/g) and pore volumes (1–4 cm3/g), and contained highly dispersed transition metal oxides. Several samples were active photocatalysts for acetaldehyde oxidation to carbon dioxide using visible light; in particular chromium, cobalt, and nickel. These intimate aerogel mixtures were only active when SiO2 was present (i.e. M–TiO2 aerogels were not). High oxidation states of the transition metal ions (e.g. Cr6+, Co3+) appear to be important in bringing about visible light photocatalyst activity.
Penalized Fast Subset Scanning

We present the penalized fast subset scan (PFSS), a new and general framework for scalable and accurate pattern detection. PFSS enables exact and efficient identification of the most anomalous subsets of the data, as measured by a likelihood ratio scan statistic. However, PFSS also allows incorporation of prior information about each data element’s probability of inclusion, which was not previously possible within the subset scan framework. PFSS builds on two main results: first, we prove that a large class of likelihood ratio statistics satisfy a property that allows additional, element-specific penalty terms to be included while maintaining efficient computation. Second, we prove that the penalized statistic can be maximized exactly by evaluating only O(N) subsets. As a concrete example of the PFSS framework, we incorporate “soft” constraints on spatial proximity into the spatial event detection task, enabling more accurate detection of irregularly shaped spatial clusters of varying sparsity. To do so, ...
Probing Conformational Changes of Prestin with Thiol-Reactive Optical Switches

Thiol-reactive optical switch probes were used to examine conformational changes of prestin-based membrane motor. Because this motor is based on mechanoelectric coupling similar to piezoelectricity, the motile activity can be monitored by charge movements across the plasma membrane, which appears as nonlinear capacitance. When the plasma membrane is conjugated with the probes, optically induced spiro-merocyanine transition positively shifted nonlinear capacitance of outer hair cells and prestin-transfected cells by approximately 10 mV. These shifts were reversible and were eliminated by pretreatment with iodoacetamide. However, they were little affected by pretreatment with biotin maleimide, which cannot reach the cytoplasmic surface. Our results showed that merocyanine states, with a larger dipole moment, interact with the motor's extended conformation stronger than with the compact conformation by 1.6 x 10(-21) J/molecule. The interaction sites are near the cytoplasmic side of the motor protein.
Accessing and using the internet's World Wide Web for emergency physicians

This report describes the use of the internet's World Wide Web (WWW) for emergency physicians. WWW is a graphic means of presenting information over the internet. Because this graphic presentation is derived from a point-and-click method of navigating through information, emergency physicians with little or no computer background should be able to benefit. There are currently many resources available to emergency physicians on the WWW that can be viewed at no charge. It is essentially a worldwide library of information that is growing at a rapid rate. An algorithm is presented to assist emergency physicians in deciding how to best access the WWW, depending on the physician's current resources, and some background information required to gain access to WWW is described.
Comparison of DL-Methionine and Its Sodium Salt in Water Solution in Broiler Starter Diets with Two Choline Levels

Graded levels of DL-methionine or a water solution of its sodium salt were added at equivalent levels to a broiler diet based on corn, soybean, and poultry by-product meals. Methionine addition to the basal diet produced only a small and statistically nonsignificant increase in gain. Gain/feed ratio was significantly increased by either methionine source; the two forms did not differ in value. Increasing the choline chloride added to the diet from 300 to 800 mg/kg did not improve performance nor reduce the value of the added methionine. The sulfur amino acid requirement of the broiler chicks was less than the .93% given by the National Research Council (1977).
Direct Contact Heat Exchange Interfacial Phenomena for Liquid Metal Reactors: Part II — Void Fraction

One concept being considered for steam generation in innovative nuclear reactor applications, involves water coming into direct contact with a circulating molten metal. The vigorous agitation of the two fluids, the direct liquid-liquid contact and the consequent large interfacial area can give rise to large heat transfer coefficients and rapid steam generation. For an optimum design of such direct contact heat exchange and vaporization systems, detailed knowledge is necessary of the various flow regimes, interfacial transport phenomena, heat transfer and operational stability. In order to investigate the interfacial transport phenomena, heat transfer and operational stability of direct liquid-liquid contact, a series of experiments are being performed in a 1-d test facility at Argonne National Laboratory and a 2-d experimental facility at UW-Madison. Each of the experimental facilities primarily consist of a liquid-metal melt chamber, heated test section (10cm diameter tube for 1-d facility and 10cm × 50cm rectangle for 2-d facility), water injection system and steam suppression tank. This paper is part II which, primarily addresses results and analysis of a set of preliminary experiments and void fraction measurements conducted in the 2-d facility at UW-Madison, part I deals with the heat transfer in the 1-d test facility at Argonne National Laboratory. A real-time high energy X-ray imaging system was developed and utilized to visualize the multiphase flow and measure line-average local void fractions, time-dependent void fraction distribution as well as estimates of the vapor bubble sizes and velocities. These measurements allowed us to determine the volumetric heat transfer coefficient and gain insight into the local heat transfer mechanisms. In this study, the images were captured at frame rates of 100 fps with spatial resolution of about 7mm with a full-field view of a 15cm square and five different positions along the test section height. The full-field average void fraction increases rapidly to about 15% in these preliminary tests, with the apparent boiling length of less than 20cm. The volumetric heat transfer coefficient between the liquid metal and water are compared to the CRIEPI data, the only prior data for direct contact heat exchange for these liquid metal/water systems.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Dual-spacecraft measurements of plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling

An extensive set of plasmaspheric measurements by the DE 1 satellite and ionospheric measurements by the DE 2 satellite are presented. The developments in the ionosphere and plasmasphere during the recovery phase of a magnetospheric storm are described. Isolated profile comparisons are used to indicate some of the structural relations and complexities involving the ionosphere and plasmasphere latitudinal profiles. A transition in the ionospheric electron temperature Te from a relatively smooth profile of low Te at the base of the inner plasmasphere to enhanced and highly structured Te at higher invariant latitudes occurs near or along a plasmaspheric density gradient. Plasmaspheric enhancements of the heavy ions O(+) and O(2+) are often closely aligned with distinct ionospheric Te enhancements.
A genetic algorithm approach to the solution of a differential equation

This paper proposes an approach to solving differential equations by using a genetic algorithm to adjust parameter values in candidate solutions so as to minimize the sum squared error of the differential equation. An example solution is developed for a differential equation representing an electron in the Coulomb potential of two protons. Two measurable parameter values are estimated via this process and compared with published values.
SIMULTANEOUS DOUBLE-CONTRAST CYSTOGRAPHY AND CYSTOMETRY IN DOGS

Double-contrast cystograms and cystometrograms were performed simultaneously in each of six male and six female dogs with normal urinalyses. The dogs were sedated with oxymorphone and acepromazine. Detrusor reflex occurred in 11 of 12 dogs. After bladder infusion of 0.88 ml/kg of positive-contrast medium, there was mucosal irregularity in eight of 12 dogs and bladder shape distortion in 12 of 12 dogs. Bladder distortion decreased with progressive infusion of CO2, and mucosal irregularity was eliminated after infusion of 50–100 ml CO2. The bladder neck in all dogs was initially located within the pelvic canal. In ten of 12 dogs, the bladder neck was cranially displaced when the bladder was fully distended. Bladder wall thickness was approximately 1 mm circumferentially at all degrees of distention. There was no discernible difference between bladder shape prior to and at initiation of contraction. It was concluded that radiographic determination of a normal urinary bladder can be made without complete bladder distention and that cystograms and cystometrograms can be routinely performed simultaneously in dogs in which both procedures are required.
Scapular inclination and inferior stability of the shoulder

Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders were studied to examine the influence of scapular inclination on inferior stability of the glenohumeral joint. All muscles except the rotator cuff were removed, and the capsule was vented. Inferior stability tests in the hanging position (sulcus test) and in 90° abduction (abduction inferior stability [ABIS] test) were simulated by the application of a 1.5 kg load with the scapula inclined at − 15°, 0°, 15°, and 30° in the sulcus test and at 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° in the ABIS test. An electromagnetic tracking device was used to record the position of the humerus in relation to the glenoid. In the sulcus test all of the shoulders dislocated when the scapula was inclined at − 15°. However, when the scapula was inclined at 30°, no shoulder dislocated before loading, and one shoulder dislocated after loading. As a result both the loaded and unloaded positions of the humeral head shifted significantly to the superior direction as the scapular inclination increased (p
Mathematical tools for molecular genetics data: An annotated bibliography

An annotated bibliography of mathematical and computer analyses of protein and nucleic acid sequences is presented. The major subject areas represented are the determination of sequences, restriction mapping, similarity searching, sequence alignment, codon utilization, statistical analysis, information theoretic analysis, the construction of secondary and tertiary structure and DNA topology.
Management of Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage: Results of a Survey of Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Programs

Abstract Purpose: To reach a consensus on the preoperative evaluation and management of intraoperative and postoperative tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Method: A survey on the preoperative evaluation and the management of intraoperative and postoperative tonsillectomy hemorrhage was given to one of the faculty members at each of the pediatric otolaryngology fellowship programs in the United States. Results and Conclusions: Seventeen surveys were distributed with 100% response. The majority obtained preoperative laboratory evaluation. Nearly an equal number of respondents preferred either cold or electrocautery dissection techniques, but the majority used electrocautery to control hemorrhage. After a postoperative bleeding episode, the results are as follows. (1) The majority favor admission for observation. (2) Little difference exists in the management of immediate and delayed hemorrhage. (3) When clot exists in the tonsillar fossae, removal is recommended. (4) Approximately two thirds of respondents attempt control of active bleeding in the emergency room, whereas the remaining proceed directly to the operating room. (5) After multiple episodes, a full hematologic evaluation is warranted. (6) Age and cooperativeness of the child is an important determinant in the decision-making process.
Long-term outcome in twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with serial aggressive amnioreduction.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine long-term outcomes among pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome and treated in a tertiary center with serial aggressive amnioreduction. Study Design: Thirty-three pregnancies with a diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome were treated with ≥1 amnioreduction. The perinatal outcome was assessed according to 15 parameters, whereas the main outcome at age ≥2 years was the absence of cerebral palsy. Results: Gestational age at diagnosis ranged from 14.5 to 33 weeks' gestation (median, 20.6 weeks' gestation), whereas gestational age at delivery was between 18.5 and 37 weeks' gestation (median, 30.5 weeks' gestation). The number of amnioreductions per pregnancy ranged from 1 to 15 (median, 2). At initial examination hydrops of the recipient and absence of the end-diastolic velocity of the umbilical artery in one of the twins were associated with poor prognosis. Fifty-one (77%) twins were born alive. At 24 months after birth both infants from 57% of the pregnancies (19/33) were alive, whereas at least one infant from 70% of the pregnancies (23/33) was alive. Thirty-three infants (78% of the survivors) were older than 36 months at last follow-up. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 2 of 42 infants (4.7%). One of the affected infants was born after the fetal death of the cotwin; the other infant was born with congenital cardiac malformations. Conclusions: In the group of fetuses in which both twins were delivered alive after 27 weeks' gestation without congenital malformations and survived the neonatal period, no major neurologic handicaps developed in any of the infants. At initial examination both hydrops of the recipient and absence of end-diastolic flow velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery in one of the twins were poor prognostic signs. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:211-7.)
The Role of Laboratory Analog Experiments in Assessing the Performance of Waste Package Materials

There is an immediate need to begin to validate models that can be used for assessing the performance of waste package materials in an unsaturated repository environment. This paper examines available testing information and testing approaches that could support validation of models for engineering barrier system (EBS) radionuclide release. The content is presented in the context of the general methodology that has been proposed for validating performance assessment models [1], Available experimental observations are used to test some of the EBS release rate modeling premises. These observations include evidence of fluid film formation on waste glass surfaces in isothermal humid environments, accelerated waste glass reaction rates under repository service conditions of large glass surface area to water volume ratio, and mobilization of radionuclides as solutes and colloids. It is concluded that some important modeling premises may not be consistent with available experimental Information. However, it is also concluded that future laboratory testing, which simulates the Integrated waste package system (i.e., laboratory analog testing), is needed to evaluate the significance of these Inconsistencies and to test the system level models. A small-scale apparatus which was developed and tested to examine the feasibility of laboratory analog testing for the unsaturated Yucca Mountain repository environment is described.
The influence of chenodeoxycholic acid on cholesterol and bile acid turnover in humans with cholelithiasis.

The in vivo dynamics of cholesterol were determined in 8 individuals who were part of a national double-blind study testing the efficacy of chenodeoxycholic acid ingestion on the dissolution of gallstones. Despite the ingestion of this bile acid in amounts in excess of its normal endogenous flux, the conversion of neutral sterol to chenodeoxycholic acid continued. The flux of neutral sterol to endogenous chenode-oxycholate was lower for the patients ingesting bile acid than for one of the patients on placebo, but was similar to that of the other control and similar to previously published chenodeoxycholate flux in patients with cholesterol cholelithiasis. The remaining flux was on the basis of the very efficiently absorbed dietary chenodeoxycholate. The total cholesterol fractional catabolic rate and flux were not appreciably diminished by the administration of either high or low dose chenodeoxycholate to these individuals with cholesterol cholelithiasis.
Chlorine in mid-ocean ridge magmas: Evidence for assimilation of seawater-influenced components

Suites of depleted MORB glasses from the fast-spreading Pacific-Nazca Ridge at 28°S and 32°S and the slow-spreading eastern boundary of the Juan Fernandez microplate were analyzed for chlorine by electron microprobe. Cl contents of primitive MORB are about 20–50 ppm, similar to values reported previously for primitive MORB from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cl increases steadily with decreasing MgO to 1100 ppm in evolved MORB (FeTi basalts). FeTi basalts can be related to primitive magmas by a maximum of 67% fractional crystallization based on major element modelling. The Cl concentrations in FeTi basalts exceed by a factor of 5 to 10 the amounts that can be generated by fractional crystallization of the primitive magmas. An additional process besides crystallization must be contributing the excess Cl. FeTi basalts also contain more H2O than can be produced by fractional crystallization of a primitive parent. The H2OCl ratio of the hypothetical additional component that is necessary to account for the excess Cl and H2O in FeTi basalts is 1–6 and rules out direct addition of seawater to the magma chamber. Assimilation of hydrothermally altered wall rocks of the magma chamber most likely provides the extra Cl and H2O. Selective melting or breakdown of amphibole and incorporation of Cl-rich brine contained in the wall rocks may be important processes. Bulk assimilation is less likely because the Cl content of altered crust is too low to generate the excess Cl unless unrealistically large amounts of assimilation are invoked. A magmatic source for the additional Cl and H2O cannot be ruled out on geochemical grounds but is physically unrealistic because it requires that large volumes of magma have crystallized and exsolved a Cl-rich vapor phase that has somehow migrated to a small magma chamber. Excess Cl in evolved magmas (i.e., Cl overenrichment) is best developed in evolved MORB from propagating or overlapping spreading centers such as the Galapagos Spreading Center at 85°W and 95°W and the west ridge of the Juan Fernandez microplate. Cl overenrichment has not been observed on slow-spreading ridges including the eastern ridge of the Juan Fernandez microplate, the Southwest Indian Ridge, and the mid-Atlantic Ridge. The existence of high-Cl magmas implies that some of the Cl-rich mineralization observed in deep crustal sections and ophiolites could be due to exsolved magmatic volatiles. The assimilation of hydrothermally altered material could influence the concentration and isotopic ratios of other elements which have low abundances in MORB relative to seawater.
Evaluation of Blackberry Cultivars and Breeding Selections for Fruit Quality Traits and Flowering and Fruiting Dates

Consumer interest in blackberry (Rubus spp.) has increased, in part, due to reputed health- conferring qualities. Reports of blackberry anti- oxidant capacity have used limited numbers of genotypes, so the objective of this research was to characterize a relatively large number of diverse blackberry cultivars and breeding selections from multiple breeding programs for important fruit quality traits, key fl avor compo- nents, and season traits to better defi ne ranges for and correlations between these traits. A col- lection of 113 blackberry genotypes was evalu- ated for fruit antioxidant capacity as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, percentage of soluble solids, titratable acids, fl owering dates, and fruiting dates. A wide range was observed for all traits: threefold variation in antioxidants, twofold range in percentage soluble solids and titratable acids, over 50-d difference for start of fl owering and fruiting, and a 30-d difference in fruit development periods. Interestingly, the date of fi rst fl ower was correlated with most other traits: late-fl owering genotypes tended to be higher in antioxidant capacity and higher in percentage of soluble solids.
Velnacrine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The present study examines the safety and efficacy of the centrally acting cholinesterase inhibitor, velnacrine, in treating the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Seven hundred thirty-five patients with mild-to-severe Alzheimer's disease were treated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Following the screen visit, patients were treated with velnacrine (10, 25, 50 and 75 mg t.i.d.) or placebo in a double-blind dose-ranging study to identify velnacrine-responsive patients and their best dose. Following placebo washout velnacrine responsive patients were randomly assigned to their best dose of velnacrine (N=153) or placebo (N=156) in a six week double-blind dosereplication study. Primary efficacy measures were the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) and the Physician's Clinical Global Impression of Change. Statistically significant improvement was observed in both primary efficacy measures in velnacrine-treated patients during the dose-replication study. Velnacrine patients scored better on the cognitive subscale of the ADAS than placebo patients (P < 0.001), with patients receiving the highest velnacrine dose averaging a 4.1-point improvement with respect to screen values. Clinical Global Impression of Change scores of velnacrine-treated patients were significantly improved at the end of the 6 weeks of treatment when compared to those of placebo patients (P < 0.05). The most common side effect was asymptomatic elevation in liver transaminase levels, which occurred among 29% of patients. These data suggest that velnacrine produces modest clinical improvement in a subset of patients with mild-to-severe Alzheimer's disease.
Superconducting detectors for submillimeter-wave astronomy

Sensitive heterodyne receivers are being built at ever higher frequencies with superconducting (SIS) junctions as the first mixer. These devices have extremely sharp non-linearities in their current-voltage characteristics as a result of quantum-mechanical tunneling of electrons across thin insulating barriers. The low energy scale set by the magnitude of the superconducting energy gap implies very low local oscillator power requirements for heterodyne operation. Some general system design considerations for astrophysical receivers are reviewed. These principles are illustrated by discussing two specific applications: a 230 GHz SIS receiver recently installed as a facility instrument at the Swedish-ESO submillimeter telescope in Chile, and the broader receiver requirements of the 6-antenna submillimeter array (SMA), an interferometer now being designed at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The SMA will require receivers at frequencies as high as 820 GHz, and will place some unique demands on detector performance.
Probabilistic Approach to Modeling and Parameter Learning of Indirect Drive Robots From Incomplete Data

This paper deals with the problem of modeling and identification for industrial robots with indirect drive mechanisms (e.g., gear transmissions), where the motor-side behavior may deviate from the load-side (i.e., end effector) behavior due to the robot joint dynamics. In this case, the motor-side sensors alone are not sufficient for directly obtaining the load-side behavior. We call such problems incomplete data problems since some key information (i.e., the load-side behaviors) is missing during the identification process. This paper, thus, presents a procedure for identifying robot models even with limited load-side information. It begins by describing the relationship between the missing information and the available measurements using a Gaussian dynamic model. Then, the expectation-maximization algorithm is applied to handle the parameter estimation problem in the presence of missing information. Various relaxation techniques are utilized to alleviate the computational complexity of the algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on three real-world problems in industrial automation, namely the gain tuning of the Kalman filter, the friction identification, and the self-calibration of load-side inertial sensors.
Molecular cloning of Aspergillus fumigatus CgrA, the ortholog of a conserved fungal nucleolar protein.

In this report we describe the cloning of cgrA, the Aspergillus fumigatus ortholog of the yeast nucleolar protein Cgr1p. The cgrA complementary DNA (cDNA) contains a single open reading frame that would encode a protein of 114 amino acids that has 42% sequence identity to yeast Cgr1p. Heterologous expression of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged A. fumigatuscgrA gene demonstrated that the CgrA protein could localize to the yeast nucleolus. Moreover, the cgrA cDNA complemented the growth deficiency caused by inducible depletion of intracellular Cgr1p levels in yeast. These results support an orthologous relationship between the CgrA and Cgr1 proteins, and open the way for future studies into the potential value of nucleolar proteins as antifungal targets.