cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observed Changes in Risk during Naturopathic Treatment of Hypertension

Few outcome assessments are published from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. We aimed to describe patient and practice characteristics of ND care for hypertension (HTN), quantify changes in blood pressure (BP), and evaluate the proportion achieving control of HTN during care. A retrospective, observational study of ND practice in HTN was performed in an outpatient clinic in WA State. Eighty-five charts were abstracted for the final analysis. At initiation of care, the mean patient age was 61 years, with 51% having stage 2 HTN, despite common use of anti-hypertensive medications (47%). Patients with both stage 1 and stage 2 HTN appeared to improve during care, with stage 2 patients achieving mean reductions of −26 mmHg (𝑃<.0001) and −11 mmHg (𝑃<.0001) in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), respectively. The proportion of patients achieving control (<140/90 mmHg) in both SBP and DBP was increased significantly from 14 to 44% (𝑃<.033), although the statistical significance was not maintained upon correction for multiple comparisons. BP appears to improve during ND care for HTN, in a high-risk population. Randomized trials are warranted.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the breast: An immunohistochemical study of six cases

Six cases of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the breast (SCB) were studied with a panel of anti-bodies directed against epithelial and sarcomatoid components. The monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) AE-1/3, CAM 5.2, and CEA were used to detect epithelial differentiation; polyclonal antibodies against S-100 protein and MoAb against the intermediate filaments desmin and vimentin were used to detect mesenchymal differentiation in the sarcomatoid component. Six cases of invasive duct carcinoma (IDC) and two cases of cystosarcoma phyllodes (CP) were compared to SCB using the same panel of antibodies. In all three groups studied, the epithelial component in the majority of cases stained with anti-cytokeratin antibodies. S-100 protein antibodies stained the epithelial and sarcomatoid components in four cases of SCB; vimentin MoAb stained the epithelium in two cases and the sarcomatoid component in four cases of SCB, while MoAb CEA failed to stain any component of SCB. In contrast, the epithelium in five of six cases of IDC stained with CEA MoAb and only one of six stained for S-100 protein. Possible reasons for the discrepant immunohistochemical staining patterns among SCB, IDC and CP are discussed, in addition to the limitations and pitfalls of immunohistochemistry in diagnostic surgical pathology.
Learning from Distributed Theories of Intelligence

The analysis reported in this article is grounded in the practice of classroom-based developmental or transformational research and focuses on the distributed views of intelligence developed by Pea (1993) and by Hutchins (1995). The general areas of agreement with this theoretical perspective include both the nondualist orientation and the critical role attributed to tool use. Against this background, I focus on two aspects of the distributed view that I and my colleagues have found necessary to modify for our purposes. The first concerns the legitimacy of taking the individual as the unit of analysis, and here I argue that the distributed view implicitly accepts key tenets of mainstream American psychology’s characterization of the individual even as it explicitly rejects it. The second modification concerns distributed intelligence’s characterization of tool use. Drawing on a distinction made by Dewey, I argue that it is more useful for the purposes of instructional design to focus on activity that involves using the tool as an instrument, rather than focusing on the tool itself.
Computer Processing of Hydrologic and Geologic Dataa

The computer is a tool to extend our capabilities for using the ever-increasing mass of available scientific information. Hydrologic and geologic data are being assembled in great quantity and the quantity and complexity of data collected in the future undoubtedly will increase. This paper points out some of the applications that have been used for computer processing of data in solving hydrologic and geologic problems. As a specific example of the progress that has been made in this field, the ADP work of the U. S. Geological Survey is summarized. A Survey committee recently developed 16 punchcards, a well-schedule form for recording and coding data in the field, and a manual of instructions for machine-processing of hydrologic data. During 1964, three Water Resources offices of the Survey started experimental use of the well-inventory and water-quality cards and forms, and the Hydrologic Laboratory began use of punchcards and evaluation of microfilm aperture cards for storage of information. For those who are considering use of ADP in processing of hydrologic and geologic data, the paper concludes with a discussion of items to consider prior to initiation of a system. A list of references providing greater detail on application of ADP systems is included.
Effects of flash mode and intensity on P2 component latency and amplitude

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) groups manifest flash visual-evoked potential (VEP) P2 component delays compared to healthy control groups. However, using P2 latency to categorize individual patients and controls yields low accuracy. Additionally, several laboratories have failed to replicate the basic between group P2 latency findings. The sporadic failure to find the P2 delay and, when found, its failure to classify patients and controls accurately may reflect the use of non-optimal stimuli or recording sites. Objective This was a parametric investigation of stimulation and recording methods in healthy college students. Method Using an extended recording montage of 64 electrodes, 10 stimulus conditions (5 flash intensities through open and closed eyes) were evaluated for their P2 effects. Result The optimal recording site (O2) yielded the most reliable latencies and amplitudes across a range of stimulus intensities. Flash intensity did not affect P2 latency or amplitude. Flashes delivered through closed eyelids produced a flash VEP but delivery through open eyes produced a pattern VEP lacking a flash P2 component. Conclusion This accounts for the failure of some laboratories using open eyes to replicate the P2 delay in AD groups. Significance Optimal flash VEP conditions include closed eyes and recording from O2. Flash intensity is unimportant.
Correlation of Malrotation Deformity in Distal Radius Fractures With Radiographic Analysis: Cadaveric Study

Purpose The radiographic parameters commonly used for evaluating distal radius fractures are radial length, palmar tilt, radial inclination, and articular congruity. Rotation of the distal fragment is not routinely evaluated after distal radius fractures. The purpose of this study was to define the appearance of distal fragment malrotation on conventional radiographs and to correlate varying degrees of malrotation with the corresponding radiographic findings. Methods Six distal radiuses from embalmed cadavers were cut and stabilized in 10°, 20°, and 30° of pronated malrotation. Posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique (45° pronated view) radiographs were taken and radiographic measurements were made of radial length, palmar tilt, radial inclination, and rotation. Results With malrotation, the visible cortical width of the distal fragment mismatched the visible cortical width of the proximal fragment. This was most evident on the oblique view (p Conclusions The radiographic parameter of rotation should be considered when evaluating distal radius fracture reduction. Malrotation is best seen on a 45° oblique pronated radiographic view as a mismatch of the cortical width of the distal fragment compared with the cortical width of the proximal fragment. In the absence of radial shortening, a 5.3-mm mismatch is associated with 30° of malrotation and is the upper limit of acceptability.
New sufficient conditions for strong simultaneous stabilization

Abstract We present sufficient conditions for the existence of a single stable controller to stabilize a set of n SISO plants: P 1 , P 2 , …, P n (strong simultaneous stabilization). As is well known, this is equivalent to the existence of a single controller, not necessarily stable, to stabilize n + 1 plants (simultaneous stabilization). The basic assumption required in this paper is that all the plants have the same unstable zeros. A practical example of where such an assumption holds is when each plant has the same pure delay, which is approximated by a non-minimum-phase rational function. The results here are applied to examples of this type.
ADAR Regulates RNA Editing, Transcript Stability, and Gene Expression

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) convert adenosine to inosine, which is then recognized as guanosine. To study the role of ADAR proteins in RNA editing and gene regulation, we sequenced and compared the DNA and RNA of human B cells. Then, we followed up the findings experimentally with siRNA knockdown and RNA and protein immunoprecipitations. The results uncovered over 60,000 A-to-G editing sites and several thousand genes whose expression levels are influenced by ADARs. Of these ADAR targets, 90% were identified. Our results also reveal that ADAR regulates transcript stability and gene expression through interaction with HuR (ELAVL1). These findings extend the role of ADAR and show that it cooperates with other RNA-processing proteins to regulate the sequence and expression of transcripts in human cells.
Pigmented cells in the leptomeninges of the cat

Cells laden with pigment granules are described in the leptomeningeal tissues of the cat and kitten. These cells can be identified consistently by gross observation following vascular perfusion. The fusiform or stellate pigmented cells are most often found in association with the outermost layers of the arteries of the subarachnoid space. They are typically separated from the cerebrospinal fluid by an attenuated layer of pial cells. Vessels that are described as having pigmented cells along their course are the anterior and posterior cerebellar; the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral; and the basilar. Electron microscopic studies confirm the presence of abundant pigment granules. The pigment granules are the predominant component of the cytoplasm. Few organelles are demonstrable except for a large central nucleus. The data provide suppport for the concept of neural crest contribution to leptomeningeal structures. Identification of this isolated, easily defined population of melanocytes may provide a model for further studies of neural crest distribution as well as experimental approaches to melanogenesis and melanoma production and control.
Interaction of Quaternary Ammonium Bactericides with Biological Materials I: Conductometric Studies with Cephalin

Quaternary ammonium surfactants are more active against Gram-positive organisms than against Gram-negative bacteria. This difference has been attributed to the presence of cephalin in the cell wall of the Gram-negative bacteria. This paper presents a review of previous in vivo work reported in the literature. Additionally, as a preliminary step in elucidating the mechanism behind this difference by studying the molecular interactions between these bactericides and bacterial wall constituents by use of an in vitro film balance approach, a conductometric study on cephalin and certain alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides was undertaken. An interaction in solution was observed, the data indicating that two molecules of cephalin react with one molecule of the quaternary ammonium surfactant.
Exploratory Analysis of Crossing Difficulties for Blind and Sighted Pedestrians at Channelized Turn Lanes

This paper presents the findings from a paired comparison study of blind and sighted pedestrians judging crossing opportunities in traffic from the roadside at three channelized turn lane (CTL) locations. It is motivated by the belief that the geometric nature of CTL facilities and the lack of signal control at the pedestrian crossing are factors that may negatively affect the delay and safety for blind pedestrians. Pedestrians waiting at the curb must judge the traffic moving in a circular motion, and they must deal with a significant amount of background traffic (i.e., noise) present at the main intersection. The findings show that crossings at all CTL crossing locations are significantly more difficult for blind pedestrians than for sighted pedestrians. Blind pedestrians tend to face a greater risk and a greater amount of delay. Furthermore, the research shows that conflicting traffic flow in the turn lane has a significant effect on crossing performance for both pedestrian groups; however, the effect of noise-generating background traffic on blind pedestrian crossings is not significant. The study also concludes that for this experiment the location of the crosswalk (in the center of the turn lane or at the downstream end) does not have a significant effect on crossing judgment performance.
Associations among maternal childhood socioeconomic status, cord blood IgE levels, and repeated wheeze in urban children.

Background Independent of current socioeconomic status (SES), past maternal SES might influence asthma outcomes in children. Objective We examined associations among the mother's SES in the first 10 years of her life (maternal childhood SES), increased cord blood IgE levels (upper 20% [1.37 IU/mL]), and repeated wheeze (≥2 episodes by age 2 years) in an urban pregnancy cohort (n = 510). Methods Data on sociodemographics, discrimination, financial strain, community violence, interpersonal trauma, and other negative events were obtained prenatally. Prenatal household dust was assayed for cockroach and murine allergens, and traffic-related air pollution was estimated by using spatiotemporal land-use regression. Maternal childhood SES was defined by parental home ownership (birth to 10 years). Maternally reported child wheeze was ascertained at 3-month intervals from birth. Using structural equation models, we examined whether outcomes were dependent on maternal childhood SES directly versus indirect relationships operating through (1) cumulative SES-related adversities, (2) the mother's socioeconomic trajectory (adult SES), and (3) current prenatal environmental exposures. Results Mothers were largely Hispanic (60%) or black (28%), 37% had not completed high school, and 56% reported parental home ownership. When associations between low maternal childhood SES and repeated wheeze were examined, there were significant indirect effects operating through adult SES and prenatal cumulative stress (β = 0.28, P = .003) and pollution (β = 0.24, P = .004; P value for total indirect effects ≤ .04 for both pathways). Low maternal childhood SES was directly related to increased cord blood IgE levels (β = 0.21, P = .003). Maternal cumulative adversity (interpersonal trauma) was also associated with increased cord blood IgE levels (β = 0.19, P = .01), although this did not explain maternal childhood SES effects. Conclusion Lower maternal childhood SES was associated with increased cord blood IgE levels and repeated wheeze through both direct and indirect effects, providing new insights into the role of social inequalities as determinants of childhood respiratory risk.
Producing GM-CSF: a unique T helper subset?

GM-CSF-producing helper T cells have previously been identified to serve a nonredundant function in the initiation of autoimmune inflammation. An article by Sheng et al. recently published by Cell Research now suggests that the differentiation program of GM-CSF-producing cells from naive CD4+ T cells is distinct from that of Th1 and Th17 cells, and is regulated by the IL-7-STAT5 axis.
Subnuclear organelles: new insights into form and function.

The cell nucleus is a complex and highly dynamic environment with many functionally specialized regions of substructure that form and maintain themselves in the absence of membranes. Relatively little is known about the basic physical properties of the nuclear interior or how domains within the nucleus are structurally and functionally organized and interrelated. Here, we summarize recent data that shed light on the structural and functional properties of three prominent subnuclear organelles – nucleoli, Cajal bodies (CBs) and speckles. We discuss how these findings impact our understanding of the guiding principles of nuclear organization and various types of human disease.
Cryoelectron microscopic visualization of functional subassemblies of the bacteriophage T4 DNA replication complex

A specific complex of proteins involved in bacteriophage T4 replication has been visualized by cryoelectron microscopy as distinctive structures in association with DNA. Formation of these structures, which we term “hash-marks” for their characteristic appearance in association with DNA, requires the presence of the T4 polymerase accessory proteins (the products of T4 genes 44, 45 and 62), ATP and appropriate DNA cofactors. ATP hydrolysis by the DNA-stimulated ATPase activity of the accessory proteins is required for visualization of the hash-mark structures. If ATP hydrolysis is stopped by chelation of Mg2+, by dilution with a non-hydrolyzable ATP analogue, or by exhaustion of the ATP supply, the DNA-associated structures disappear within seconds to minutes, indicating that they have a finite and relatively short lifetime. The labile nature of the structures makes their study by more conventional methods of electron microscopy, as well as by most other structural approaches, difficult if not impossible. Addition of T4 gene 32 protein increases the number of hash-mark structures, as well as increasing the rate of ATP hydrolysis. Using plasmid DNA in either a native (supercoiled) or enzymatically modified state, we have shown that nicked or gapped DNA is required as a cofactor for hash-mark formation. Stimulation of the ATPase activity of the accessory proteins has a similar cofactor requirement. These conditions for the formation and visualization of the structures parallel those required for the action of these complexes in promoting the enzymatic activity of the T4 DNA polymerase, as well as the transcription of late T4 genes. Substructure in the hash-marks has been examined by image analysis, which reveals a variation in the projected density of the subunits comprising the structures. The three-dimensional size of the hash-marks, modeled as a solid ellipsoid, is consistent with that of the gene 4462 protein subcomplex. Density variations suggest an arrangement of subunits, either tetragonal or trigonal, viewed from a variety of angles about the DNA axis. The hash-mark structures often appear in clusters, even in DNA that has a single nick. We interpret this distribution as the result of one-dimensional translocation of the hash-marks along the DNA after their ATP-dependent initial association with, and injection into, the DNA at nicks or gaps.
Spectroscopic Insights into the Structural Dynamics and Mechanism of Ionophore Function of Valinomycin in Lipid Membranes

The ionophore valinomycin has been well studied as a model carrier depsipeptide, whose proposed mechanism involves the selective complexation of a monovalent cation in solution which is carried across the membrane and released. However, the proposed mechanisms of transport rely primarily on studies done in non-polar organic solvent. Here we present the first spectroscopic studies of valinomycin aimed at structural information done in the presence of a model lipid membrane without the need for sample or solvent modification. Deep-UV resonance Raman spectroscopy with a 197-206 nm excitation range is ideally suited to probe the secondary structure without interference from the lipid moiety. Two lipid environments were investigated, micelles and single unilamellar vesicles, which induce different conformations of valinomycin. Complexation of valinomycin with potassium was also investigated, both with and without competing sodium ions present. Implications for the mechanism of ion transport are discussed.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Smart (in-home) power scheduling for demand response on the smart grid

This paper proposes a power scheduling-based communication protocol for in-home appliances connected over home area network and receiving real-time electricity prices via a smart meter. Specifically, a joint media access and appliance scheduling approach is developed to allow appliances to coordinate power usage so that total demand for the home is kept below a target value. Two types of appliances are considered: 1) “real-time” which consume power as they desire; and 2) “schedulable” which can be turned on at a later time. Simulation results indicate that for an appropriate target total power consumption, our scheme leads to a reduced peak demand for the home and produces a demand that is more level over time.
Identification of bacteria pathogenic to or associated with onion (Allium cepa) based on sequence differences in a portion of the conserved gyrase B gene

We have developed a method for the identification of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae, based on sequence variation in a portion of the gyrB gene. Thus, we identified, in most cases to species level, over 1000 isolates from onion bulbs and leaves and soil in which onions were grown.
Covariance equivalent realizations of discrete systems

Covariance equivalent realization theory has been used recently in continuous systems for model reduction [1-4] and controller reduction [2, 5]. In model reduction, this technique produces a reduced-order model that matches q+1 output covariances and q Markov parameters of the full-order model. In controller reduction, it produces a reduced controller that is "close" to matching q+1 input covariances and q Markov parameters of the full-order controller. For discrete systems, a method was devised to produce a reduced-order model that matches the q+1 covariances [6], but not any Markov parameters; this method requires a factorization to obtain the input matrix, and thus may not maintain the original dimension of the input vector. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new projection method that matches q covariances and q Markov parameters of the original system. Since this technique is a projection method, it maintains the correct dimension of the input vector, and is therefore suitable for controller reduction as well. The earlier method [6] is not suitable for controller reduction since it does not maintain the correct dimension of the input vector.
Effect of attachment factors (pili plus Opa) on Neisseria gonorrhoeae invasion of human fallopian tube tissue in vitro: quantitation by computerized image analysis.

Abstract Pili (P) and opacity-associated proteins (Opa) facilitate Neisseria gonorrhoeae attachment to human fallopian tube epithelium. Subsequent effects on invasion are unproven. Computerized image analysis was used to study the effects of attachment factors on invasion by comparing a P+Opa+ variant to a P−Opa− variant of strain R10 in the fallopian tube organ culture model. Gonococci in sections of infected fallopian tube tissue were identified with FITC-labelled monoclonal anti-gonococcal antibodies. Nomarski DIC microscopy was used to establish anatomic boundaries that excluded extracellular gonococci from invasion measurements. The area of intracellular fluorescence served as an index of gonococcal invasion. With conservative criteria to exclude extracellular gonococci, the per cent of the intracellular area occupied by fluorescent P+Opa+ gonococci was 18% compared to 4.7% for the P−Opa− variant (P
Injury of the acetabular epiphysis

Abstract A patient with injury of the acetabular epiphysis is presented. Following trauma to the acetabulum a bone bridge forms across the epiphysis, leading to distortion of the acetabulum.
Uniqueness theorems in the linear dynamic theory of anisotropic viscoelastic solids

Abstract : Some uniquenes theorems appropriate to dynamic linear viscoelasticity theory (small deformations) are proved. The first theorem asserts that the mixed problem of dynamic viscoelasticity theory has at most one solution provided the relaxation tensor is initially symmetric and initially positive definite. The proof of this theorem uses techniques which were employed by Volterra to establish a similar theorem in quasistatic viscoelasticity. The second result, the proof of which utilizes the Laplace transform techniques of Breuer and Onat, removes the initial symmetry requirement on the relaxation tensor G. This is done, however, only at the expense of requiring that G be independent of x, and the both G and the solution in question possess a Laplace transform with respect to the time. The third theorem which is the most difficult to prove, says if G is independent of x, initially symmetric, and initially strongly elliptic, then the displacement problem of dynamic viscoelasticity has at most one solution. Notice that if G has the usual symmetries and is initially positive definite, the G is also initially strongly elliptic. In this sense, the third theorem is more general than the first. (Author)
Metabolic syndrome is a poor predictor of outcome after coronary interventions in high-risk patients.

Metabolic Syndrome Is a Poor Predictor of Outcome after Coronary Interventions in High-Risk Patients
Dual-target inhibition of HIV-1 in vitro by means of an adeno-associated virus antisense vector

An adeno-associated virus vector encoding an antisense RNA was used to transduce stable intracellular resistance to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in human hemopoietic and non-hemopoietic cell lines. The antisense targets are present in all HIV-1 transcripts and include the TAR sequence, which is critical for transcription and virus replication, and the polyadenylation signal. Cell lines expressing antisense RNA showed up to 95 percent inhibition of gene expression directed by the HIV-1 long terminal repeat and greater than 99 percent reduction in infectious HIV-1 production, with no detectable cellular toxicity. Because of their efficient transcription and inability to recombine with HIV-1, adeno-associated virus vectors represent a promising form of anti-retroviral gene therapy.
Relative normality and dense subspaces

Abstract In the first section of this paper, refining and using certain techniques of C p -theory, we show that there exists a nice linear topological space X of weight ω 1 such that no dense subspace of X is normal in X (and in itself). This improves a statement in A.V. Arhangel'skii [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 130 (2001) 283–291]. A first countable Tychonoff space without a dense normal subspace we identify in Section 2. Of course, this space is not homeomorphic to a topological group. In the third section we compare three definitions of relative normality, presenting several examples.
Tensor structure and the least squares

It is shown that for linear parametric adjustment models all the least-squares equations can be obtained from a commutative diagram, where the observation and parameter spaces are regarded as covariant. Their contravariant counterparts are defined through the metric property of the covariance matrix of the observations.
Requirements for remote sensing with DMSP Block 6

The next-generation Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites (Block 6) will include a minimum of five bands in the near- to long-wave infrared for passive remote sensing of clouds and the atmosphere, as well as the oceans and the land surface. Atmospheric temperature and humidity sounding are performed with microwave sounders, as with the current Block 5 system. Numerous hydrological variables are measured with a passive microwave imager, the data from which are synergistic with the infrared and visible bands. As a goal, the microwave imager provides contiguous swaths at the equator on successive orbits, to provide improved coverage of tropical storms. The present program and access to its data are also described, as is the close relationship of DMSP data to problems in global change.
Neuropeptides of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/growth hormone-releasing hormone/secretin family in testis

Mammalian testicular development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis are hormone-dependent processes that are controlled by the pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of many neuropeptides and their receptors in the testis, suggesting that these peptides operate as local regulators of testicular germ cell development and function. Among these testicular neuropeptides, the peptides that belong to the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) family, particularly growth hormone-releasing hormone and secretin, appear to show some unique common features in terms of intratesticular localization and the time of expression during the spermatogenic cycle. However, their precise physiologic roles and mechanisms of action remain unknown. This review analyzes the available information on the functional interactions among the testicular cells that appear to be mediated by locally produced neuropeptides, with a special emphasis on the peptides of the PACAP family.
Crystal structure of GCN4-pIQI, a trimeric coiled coil with buried polar residues.

Coiled coils consist of two or more alpha-helices wrapped around each other with a superhelical twist. The interfaces between helices of a coiled coil are formed by hydrophobic amino acid residues packed in a "knobs-into-holes" arrangement. Most naturally occurring coiled coils, however, also contain buried polar residues, as do the cores of the majority of naturally occurring globular proteins. Two common buried polar residues in both dimeric and trimeric coiled coils are asparagine and glutamine. In dimeric coiled coils, buried asparagine, but not glutamine, residues have been shown to confer specificity of oligomerization. We have placed a glutamine residue in the otherwise hydrophobic interior of a stable trimeric coiled coil, GCN4-pII, to study the effect of this buried polar residue in a trimeric coiled-coil environment. The resulting peptide, GCN4-pIQI, is a discrete, trimeric coiled coil with a lower stability than GCN4-pII. The crystal structure determined to 1.8 A shows that GCN4-pIQI is a trimeric coiled coil with a chloride ion coordinated by one buried glutamine residue from each monomer.
Cloning of a family of cyclins from Arabidopsis thaliana

Degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to two conserved regions in animal cyclins were used to amplify cyclin sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Screening of a floral meristem cDNA library with two distinct PCR-generated cyclin sequences resulted in the isolation of four different cyclin cDNAs. Southern analysis of genomic DNA and sequence information from the isolated clones suggest that there is a family of cyclins in Arabidopsis.
Solution of electromagnetic scattering problems using time domain techniques

New method are developed to calculate the electromagnetic diffraction or scattering characteristics of objects of arbitrary material and shape. The methods extend the efforts of previous researchers in the use of finite-difference and pulse response techniques. Examples are given of the scattering from infinite conducting and nonconducting cylinders, open channel, sphere, cone, cone sphere, coated disk, open boxes, and open and closed finite cylinders with axially incident waves. >
Duplicating natural palatal contours in acrylic resin complete dentures

The form and thickness of maxillary complete dentures is easily controlled with the use of palatal veneers. A technique is described for making individual palatal patterns that are custom-made for each patient.
PATHOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NATURAL WEST NILE VIRAL INFECTION OF RAPTORS IN GEORGIA

Carcasses from 346 raptors found between August 2001 and December 2004 were tested for West Nile virus (WNV) using virus isolation and immunohistochemistry; 40 were positive for WNV by one or both methods. Of these 40 birds, 35 had histologic lesions compatible with WNV infection, one had lesions possibly attributable to WNV, and four had no histologic evidence of WNV. The most common histologic lesions associated with WNV infection were myocardial inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis; skeletal muscle degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis; and lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis. Other lesions included hepatitis, lymphoid depletion in spleen and bursa, splenic and hepatic hemosiderosis, pancreatitis, and ganglioneuritis. Gross lesions included calvarial and leptomeningeal hemorrhage, myocardial pallor, and splenomegaly. Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (10/56), sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) (8/40), and Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) (10/103) were most commonly affected. Also affected were red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) (2/43), an osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (1/5), barred owls (Strix varia) (4/27), a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) (1/18), and eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) (4/42). Although birds were examined throughout the year, positive cases occurred only during the summer and late fall (June-December). Yearly WNV mortality rates ranged from 7-15% over the four years of the study. This study indicates trends in infection rates of WNV in raptorial species over a significant time period and supports the available information regarding pathology of WNV infection in Strigiformes and Falconiformes. Although many species tested were positive for WNV infection, severity of lesions varied among species.
Rediscovering the medical school.

ABSTRACT Medical schools, once devoted primarily to educating medical students, have evolved into complex academic medical centers (AMCs), some of which place a greater emphasis on research and the clinical business than on educating future physicians. This occurred primarily as the result of outside forces, specifically the available revenue streams that have fostered growth. Discipline-based departments have been at the center of the governance structure of medical schools, but many AMCs now have research institutes and centers to enhance research productivity, and faculty group practices to maximize clinical revenue. Although AMCs have been successful in making scientific discoveries, developing new technologies, and providing state-of-the-art clinical care, their successes have not always been favorable to the education mission. Furthermore, the roles of departments and their chairs have not always been carefully considered; a mismatch between organizational and governance structures is occurring. In this article several suggestions are offered to help medical schools rediscover their unique reason for existence and better distinguish core missions from core businesses. Mission-based management and mission-based budgeting provide the framework for maximum success of all the missions. Specific suggestions include (1) organizing a national task force to consider optimal organizational and governance structures of modern AMCs, (2) establishing a core teaching faculty, (3) creating a matrix letter of assignment that aligns salary rates with assigned activities, (4) linking education to the provision of health care to the underinsured, and (5) forming education centers to effectively centralize governance of the education mission.
Efficient surface normal multi-stage grating couplers in silicon based waveguides

A multi-stage fiber-grating coupler design is evolved from random conditions, fabricated, and tested on a silicon platform. Simultaneous input/output coupling from a standard fiber array at perfectly normal incidence yields a 59.8% efficiency per grating.
The sorption of silver by poorly crystallized manganese oxides

Abstract The sorption of silver by poorly crystallized manganese oxides was studied using synthesized samples of three members of the manganous manganite (birnessite) group, of different chemical composition and crystallinity, and a poorly organized γ-MnO2. All four oxides sorbed significant quantities of silver. The manganous manganites showed the greatest sorption (up to 0.5 moles silver/mole MnOx at pH 7) while the γ-MnO2 showed the least (0.3 moles silver/ mole MnOx at pH 7). Sorption of silver was adequately described by the Langmuir equation over a considerable concentration range. The relationship failed at low pH values and high equilibrium silver concentrations. The sorption capacity showed a direct relationship with pH. However, the rate of increase of sorption capacity decreased at the higher pH values. Silver sorption maxima. were not directly related to surface area but appeared to vary with the amount of occluded sodium and potassium present in the manganese oxide. The important processes involved in the uptake of silver by the four poorly crystallized manganese oxides ara considered to be surface exchange for manganese, potassium and sodium as well as exchange for structural manganese, potassium and sodium.
Toxicity and cryoprotection by dimethyl sulfoxide and by glycerol in isolated frog sciatic nerves.

Summary Isolated frog sciatic nerves with or without intact perineural sheaths were exposed to 5, 10, or 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or glycerol in Ringer's solution for 15 min. Then either the nerves were allowed to recover in normal Ringer's solution, or they were frozen at −10°C in the presence or absence of these protective agents and then allowed to recover in normal Ringer's solution. By this procedure the toxicity of the protective agents was distinguished from freeze-thaw damage. The following electrical parameters were measured before treatment and after 30 and 60 min of recovery in Ringer's solution: 1) conduction velocity, 2) action potential, and 3) absolute refractory period. The results may be summarized as follows. 1) Neither DMSO nor glycerol severely damaged the nerves, but the effect of each was different in some of the parameters measured. In general, a) the effects of DMSO were less dramatic and more reversible than the effects of glycerol; b) except for the conduction velocity, the effects of DMSO appeared to be independent of the presence of absence of the nerve sheath, whereas the changes wrought by glycerol were greater in desheathed nerves. 2) All nerves frozen without protective agents no longer responded to external stimuli. 3) Glycerol did not protect nerves with or without intact perineural sheaths from freeze-thaw damage. 4) DMSO did not protect nerves with intact sheaths but did protect desheathed nerves from freeze-thaw damage. 5) The cryoprotection by DMSO was not complete; i.e., freeze-thawed nerves did not recover to the same extent as nerves only exposed to DMSO.
The ultraviolet fluorescent of proteins I. The influence of pH and temperature

Abstract The intensity of the ultraviolet fluorescence of a group of extensively studied, highly purified proteins has been investigated as a function of pH and temperature. In those proteins whose structures are believed to be invariant to pH, the effects of pH were generally small at pH values acid to the ionization of their tyrosyl groups. In the latter pH zone all proteins showed significant quenching of fluorescence which presumably resulted from the radiationless transfer of energy from tryptophanyl to ionized tyrosyl residues. In the pH zones where configurational transitions (reversible or irreversible) have been demonstrated by other procedures, these structural changes resulted in modifications in fluorescent intensity in all of the proteins studied. The influence of temperature on protein fluorescence in pH zones of thermal stability has been delineated in the case of several proteins. Deviations from a characteristic temperature dependence of fluorescence was observed in those pH zones in which the protein was known to undergo thermal denaturation. It would appear therefore that the observation of fluorescence intensity of protein solutions should provide a rapid and sensitive means of detecting and monitoring changes in protein structure.
The Design of Polymeric Ionic Liquids for the Preparation of Functional Materials

The tunability of the chemical composition of ionic liquids (ILs), achieved by pairing various organic cations with numerous anions, allows for fine control of their physicochemical properties and has been widely used for the adjustment of the IL solvent characteristics. Exploitation of IL structural modularity coupled with chemical modification of the cation or anion to incorporate polymerizable groups is now an active area of research, resulting in the development of polymeric ionic liquids (poly(IL)s). The emergence of poly(IL)s as functional materials in the areas of polymer electrolytes, sorbents, dispersing agents, and nanomaterials is reviewed.
Reasonable Doubts: Crime and Punishment

The ubiquity of crime stories in news reports, television shows, films, and popular novels would seem to indicate, among other things, that crime makes for compelling reading and viewing. Certain tales of crime and punishment have had a visceral and lasting grip on my imagination. I vividly remember reading about Richard Speck in the summer of 1966-how he brutally murdered eight young women studying to be nurses and almost slipped through the fingers of the Chicago police, how Cora Amurao escaped by hiding under a bed, and how the prosecution obtained a conviction despite the exclusion of certain key bits of physical evidence. Years later, I lingered in the crime section of my law school's library, absorbing tales of the Kray brothers and Murder Inc. when I should have been preparing for the bar examination. Recently, I was reminded of a kindred distraction while reading Speaking of Crime: The Language of Criminal Justice (2005) by Lawrence M. Solan and Peter M. Tiersma. Instead of focusing on the key doctrinal issues and logical force of the authors' argument, I kept getting caught up in the narrative details of the criminal cases, reading for story, not content. This diversion, however, is not entirely my fault. In their persuasive argument for a contextualist approach to interpreting language in criminal cases, Solan and Tiersma's fine study invites us to read for story, or, I should say, stories. Displaying a sensitivity to narrative and language that one expects from literary critics, Solan and Tiersma show how different bits of contextual information
The absolute turbidities of some pure liquids

Turbidities and Rayleigh ratios have been measured at 25°C. and at wave lengths of 4358 and 5461 A. for benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone. The results obtained are in agreement with the theoretical Einstein equation for the scattering of light by pure liquids, the data yielding for Avogadro's number a value of 5.98 × 1023 ± 4.7%, as against the accepted value of 6.02 × 1023. Further, the Rayleigh ratios are in accord with the published measurements of Doty, Zimm, Brice, and their co-workers, but not with the older literature or the values of Stamm and Button.
Rapid devolatilization of pulverized coal

The rapid devolatilization of a lignite and a bituminous coal was studied by electrically heating in helium approximately monolayer samples of small particles supported on wire mesh heating elements. The samples were rapidly brought to a desired temperature, held there for a desired time, and then rapidly cooled. Devolatilization rates, measured by weighing samples before and after experiments of known duration, were determined as a function of residence time (0.05–20 sec), temperature (400–1100°C), heating rate (102–104°C/sec), pressure (0.001–100 atm), and particle size (50–1000 μm). Devolatilization kinetics were determined by non-isothermal techniques since substantial reaction occurred during heating even under the most rapid heating rates. Weight loss from both coals was essentially complete within a fraction to a few seconds depending upon temperature, and increased with increasing final temperature up to 900 to 950°C. Weight loss (corrected to its value at a fixed temperature) was found to be independent of pressure, heating rate and particle size for the lignite, i.e., it depended only on temperature and time; but for the bituminous coal it increased with decreasing pressure, decreasing particle size and, to a small extent, increasing heating rate. The general reaction scheme appears to involve thermal decomposition forming volatiles and initiating a sequence of secondary polymerization and char-forming reactions. The kinetics and yields of the primary decomposition are successfully described by a set of independent first-order parallel reactions represented by a Gaussian distribution of activation energies around a mean of 56 kcal/mole for the lignite, with a standard deviation of 11, and 51 kcal/mole for the bituminous coal at 69 atm and 70 μm particle diameter, with a standard deviation of 7. For the bituminous coal it was necessary in addition to allow for pressure- and particle-size-dependent secondary reactions representing competition between char-forming reactions and diffusional escape of volatiles. Attempts to correlate the data in terms of a single first-order reaction lead to an overall activation energy (∼10 kcal/mole) that is considerably lower than the mean activation energy of the multiple-reaction system, and to a different set of kinetic parameters for each set of experimental conditions. Conditions such as lower pressure, smaller particle size, and better particle dispersion which help to diminish the effect of secondary reactions appear to be more important than rapid heating in the production of volatile yields in excess of the volatile content obtained by proximate analysis.
A quantitative evaluation of magnetic resonance image signal changes of the brain in chronic hepatic encephalopathy

Hyperintensity in the basal ganglia of patients with serious liver disease is a common finding on T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance images. In this study, we used optical densitometry to quantitatively evaluate the hyperintense magnetic resonance image signal changes in the various regions of the brain of patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy. The incidence and morphological distribution of the magnetic resonance signal changes were evaluated from T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance images of the brain from seven non-alcoholic patients and six healthy controls. Significant differences ( p 1 -weighted magnetic resonance image suggests that characteristic alterations occur in functional regions of the brain in chronic hepatic encephalopathy.
The Treatment of Economic Issues in High School Government, Sociology, U.S. History and World History Texts

Most people who receive any formal instruction in economics at all will receive it at the precollege level. Since the majority of high schools do not have separate courses in economics, students will be exposed to the subject in such courses as history and government. The treatment of economic facts and concepts in the textbooks used in these courses thus becomes a matter of concern to economic educators. In 1973 the Joint Council published a four-volume report entitled Economics in Social Studies Textbooks. This report, based upon studies by several committees made up of economists and educators, concluded that most texts were deficient in their treatment of economics. Robert Main's article describes a more recent examination of textbooks and also concludes that there are errors of fact and of interpretation in high school textbooks.