cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rothmund‐Thomson syndrome in siblings: evidence for acquired in vivo mosaicism

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skin abnormalities that appear in infancy, skeletal abnormalities, juvenile cataracts and other manifestations of premature aging, and a predisposition to malignancy. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds as no consistent laboratory test has been identified. Chromosome studies have been reported for only three patients with RTS and in two of these three, trisomy 8 mosaicism was found. We performed a variety of cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies on two siblings with RTS and on their phenotypically normal parents. Two chromosomally abnormal clones involving either trisomy 8 or i(8q) were found in both patients with RTS. These clones were present in vivo, as they were seen in interphase buccal smears and lymphocytes from unstimulated preparations using both conventional cytogenetic studies and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a centromere probe for chromosome 8. These results suggest that RTS is associated with in vivo clonal chromosomal rearrangements causing an acquired somatic mosaicism.
Depression vs. Craving In Alcoholic Relapse

Treating withdrawal and post-abstinence craving have had mixed success in eliminating drug use, improving outcomes and reducing relapse. To assess the role of craving and withdrawal in continued drug use we analyzed data at 6 and 12 month follow-up contacts from 1,626 patients voluntarily admitted to a primary rehabilitation center. 42% were diagnosed as alcohol dependent (AD) alone. The AD group had the best outcomes and the least slippage. In all groups craving was not a major self-reported cause of relapse. In the AD group, the most common reason was depression. In fact, 300% more patients cited depression, compared to craving, as the reason for their relapse. These data agree with other reports in the literature suggesting that relapse is not commonly related to craving. Subtle chemical changes in the abstinent brain associated with withdrawal may support the continuation of alcohol use but may not be consciously recognized. Markers for withdrawal-related dysphoria vs. depression may be needed to target improve treatment outcome.
Measurement of DNA adducts in cells exposed to cisplatin

Abstract The two main cisplatin-induced DNA lesions, G ∧ G and A ∧ G, have been measured in cells exposed to the drug. (G ∧ G and A ∧ G denote the intrastrand bifunctional adducts formed between adjacent purine bases.) It has proven feasible, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), observe the G ∧ G and A ∧ G lesions in mouse fibroblast cells exposed for 1 h to a 120 μM concentration of cisplatin. After extraction of the DNA from the cells, the lesions were enzymatically isolated from the DNA in the form of modified dinucleoside monophosphates with the phosphodiester bond intact. MS/MS detection of the modified dinucleoside monophosphates in the negative ion mode manifests two transitions; from the negative ion to the loss of one NH 3 group and from the ion less one NH 3 group to the loss of both NH 3 groups. The multiple reaction monitoring capability of LC-MS/MS was used to measure the three most abundant isotopes of the two main lesions for both transitions of each lesion (i.e., 12 MS/MS values in toto). Ion currents could be detected for all 12 pairs of MS/MS values in the DNA from exposed cells. Although this protocol results in some overlap of MS/MS values between the two lesions, a slight difference in elution times clearly distinguishes between them.
Superselective embolization for renal hemorrhage with a new coaxial catheter and steerable guidewire

We utilized a new commercially available 2.2 French coaxial catheter and steerable guidewire to superselectively catheterize and embolize a small renal artery branch to abolish hemorrhage which was a complication of percutaneous nephrostomy. Because of the superselective technique and small caliber of the vessel occluded, there was no demonstrable loss of global renal function or evidence of significant cortical infarction by laboratory and radionuclide scintigraphic studies.
PATTERNS OF ABDOMINAL RELAPSE AND ROLE OF SONOGRAPHY IN WILMS TUMOR

This study characterizes the patterns of abdominal recurrence of Wilms tumor and describes the role of sonography in its detection. Twelve patients who had initial tumor recurrence in the abdomen were evaluated. Five patients had recurrence in the kidney; all had nephrogenic rests detected by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging but not by sonography. The remaining 7 patients had recurrence in the peritoneum (4), the nephrectomy site (2), or the regional lymph nodes (1); tumor spillage had occurred in five of these patients. Four recurrences were detected during therapy, and eight within 3 years after completion of therapy. Seven of the 12 recurrences were first detected by sonography. All 11 sonograms obtained at the time of relapse showed tumor recurrence. Nine patients died a median of 10 months after relapse. The results suggest that regular sonographic surveillance for 3 years after therapy is likely to reveal most abdominal recurrences. Supplementation with CT or MR imaging is indicated for detection of nephrogenic rests.
Motivational systems of agonistic behavior in muroid rodents: A comparative review and neural model

The data on agonistic behavior of muroid rodents that have been obtained from field observations and laboratory experiments are reviewed and compared in terms of a hypothetical model of the neural organization of these behaviors. The neural model has been presented elsewhere and is used here only as a way to organize the data. The data are organized in terms of four hypothetical motivational systems: Offense, defense, submission, and patrol/marking. The various behaviors are considered as motor patterns and are compared and analyzed in terms of the proposed motivating, releasing, and directing stimuli of the motivational systems. Interactions and overlaps between the motivational systems are also considered. It is concluded that the organization of agonistic behavior may be similar across all species of muroid rodents. Generalizations are complicated by the profound effects of ontogenetic factors. Four categories of behaviors differ from species to species: Scent-marking, submissive behaviors, threat behaviors, and alarm signals. The possible phylogenetic and ontogenetic factors in these differences are considered.
Reaching adolescents through portraiture photography

Informal photography portraits were the key to more open communication in residential treatment of disturbed adolescents. The pictures were not only an innovative shortcut to meaningful talk sessions, they became a unifying thread in the therapeutic intervention process. As staff learned how effective the pictures could be, they were used by every child to ease the treatment path and to mark emotional milestones, from entry into the center, through personal growth and change, to final separation.
RNA-mediated destabilization of the σ70 region 4/β flap interaction facilitates engagement of RNA polymerase by the Q antiterminator

Summary The bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme consists of a catalytic core enzyme (α 2 ββ′ω) complexed with a σ factor that is required for promoter-specific transcription initiation. During early elongation, the stability of interactions between σ 70 (the primary sigma factor in Escherichia coli ) and core decreases due to an ordered displacement of segments of σ 70 from core triggered by growth of the nascent RNA. Here we demonstrate that the nascent RNA-mediated destabilization of an interaction between σ 70 region 4 and the flap domain of the β subunit is required for the bacteriophage λ Q antiterminator protein to contact holoenzyme during early elongation. We demonstrate further that the requirement for nascent RNA in the process by which Q engages RNAP can be bypassed if σ 70 region 4 is removed. Our findings illustrate how a regulator can exploit the nascent RNA-mediated reconfiguration of the holoenzyme to gain access to the enzyme during early elongation.
Audio: The Movie [DVD]. York, PA: Tracer Technologies, 2006

If you teach audio production or a similar course, you might be interested in using Audio: The Movie, produced by Tracer Technologies, as supplementary material. Although the packaging states the D...
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in renal papilla in NaCl hypertension

Human essential hypertension is clearly dependent on sodium intake and excretion.1 This “sodium connection” stimulated us to investigate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the renal papillae of two strains of rats, the Dahl S strain, which is highly susceptible to salt-induced hypertension, and the Dahl R strain, which is highly resistant to salt hypertension.2 As seen in Fig. 1, when both strains are on a low-salt diet with 0.3% NaC1, neither strain has blood pressures (BPs) out of the normal range; however, when the two strains begin eating a high salt intake of 4% NaC1, the R strain has no rise of BP at all, while the S strain becomes mildly hypertensive at 4 weeks and solidly hypertensive by 11 weeks.
Systemic complications of MER immunotherapy of cancer: pulmonary granulomatosis and rash.

BCG immunotherapy often has severe complications in cancer patients despite lack of toxicity in the immunocompetent individual. MER, a cell wall fraction of BCG, has been reported to cause immunopotentiation similar to that of BCG without equivalent toxicity. Recently, animal models have been reported to develop MER complications, especially disseminated granuloma formation, like those of BCG. For the past several years, MER has been used as adjuvant immunotherapy for treatment of malignant tumors with minimal systemic toxicity reported. A patient with malignant melanoma was treated with intralesional MER at the site of local metastases. He developed military pulmonary granulomatosis and a severe cutaneous eruption in association with MER therapy. The toxicities of BCG and MER therapy were compared and the pathogenesis of granuloma formation reviewed. This patient's complications were consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction to MER. Pulmonary granulomatosis and rush must be added to the fist of known MER toxicities. Cancer 43:500–504, 1979.
Characterization of ZnS films deposited by ALD for CIGS solar cells

Alternative deposition methods and materials are of interest for the fabrication of thin film solar cells since they offer potential enhancements for either low cost, high speed or high efficiency but also because they can help in better understanding the underlying physical and chemical processes that could lead to the next generation of solar cells. In this study, we will present new results on the deposition of ZnS by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as an alternate to CdS deposited by chemical bath deposition.
Ins (endocytosis) and outs (exocytosis) of GLUT4 trafficking

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is the major insulin-regulated glucose transporter expressed mainly in muscle and adipose tissue. GLUT4 is stored in a poorly characterized intracellular vesicular compartment and translocates to the cell surface in response to insulin stimulation resulting in an increased glucose uptake. This process is essential for the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis and involves a complex interplay of trafficking events and intracellular signaling cascades. Recent studies have identified sortilin as an essential element for the formation of GLUT4 storage vesicles during adipogenesis and Golgi-localized gamma-ear-containing Arf-binding protein (GGA) as a key coat adaptor for the entry of newly synthesized GLUT4 into the specialized compartment. Insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation from this compartment to the plasma membrane appears to require the Akt/protein kinase B substrate termed AS160 (Akt substrate of 160kDa). In addition, the VPS9 domain-containing protein Gapex-5 in complex with CIP4 appears to function as a Rab31 guanylnucleotide exchange factor that is necessary for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Here, we attempt to summarize recent advances in GLUT4 vesicle biogenesis, intracellular trafficking and membrane fusion.
Uneven Development in North Carolina? Job Quality Differences Between Local and Nonlocal Firms1

Do outside firms come to North Carolina or, more generally, to the rural South to take advantage of the low-wage unorganized local relations of production? Do they disrupt local labor market arrangements? We use data from a survey of North Carolina employees to examine labor market and job quality differences between local and outside firms and also the organization of regional labor markets. Results, based on multiple regression models, suggest that outside firms provide higher quality jobs, mediated by organizational resources and internal firm relations of production. Urban Piedmont labor markets provide better jobs than rural labor markets, regardless of the establishment's ownership locale. Generally, uneven development predictions are supported by additive models, but challenged by additional analyses of interactions. These analyses suggest that outside firms may be undermining local relations of production in rural North Carolina. Results of this research present rural policymakers with a challenge for future economic development strategies.
The spatial variation of membrane potential near a small source of current in a spherical cell.

A theoretical analysis is presented of the change in membrane potential produced by current supplied by a microelectrode inserted just under the membrane of a spherical cell. The results of the analysis are presented in tabular and graphic form for three wave forms of current: steady, step function, and sinusoidal. As expected from physical reasoning, we find that the membrane potential is nonuniform, that there is a steep rise in membrane potential near the current microelectrode, and that this rise is of particular importance when the membrane resistance is low, or the membrane potential is changing rapidly. The effect of this steep rise in potential on the interpretation of voltage measurements from spherical cells is discussed and practical suggestions for minimizing these effects are made: in particular, it is pointed out that if the current and voltage electrodes are separated by 60°, the change in membrane potential produced by application of current is close to that which would occur if there were no spatial variation of potential. We thus suggest that investigations of the electrical properties of spherical cells using two microelectrodes can best be made when the electrodes are separated by 60°.
Localization and in situ phosphorylation state of nuclear tau.

Abstract The localization and phosphorylation state of tau in LA-N-5 neuroblastoma cells was examined. Our results demonstrate that there are two populations of tau in LA-N-5 cells: cytosolic tau and nuclear tau. Indirect immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that nuclear tau is specifically localized to the nucleolus while cytosolic tau is diffusely distributed. To localize and quantitate tau in LA-N-5 cells by subcellular fractionation, a method was developed to extract tau from the nucleus while preserving the endogenous state of the protein. These studies revealed that 16% of the total tau, protein in LA-N-5 cells is located in the nucleus and more specifically was found predominantly in the chromatin fraction containing DNA, chromatin, and associated proteins. The phosphorylation state of nuclear and cytosolic tau was examined by labeling LA-N-5 cells with 32Pi and immunoprecipitating tau from the different fractions. These data demonstrated that nuclear tau and cytosolic tau are phosphorylated approximately to the same extent. To determine if the phosphorylation of nuclear tau occurs in the nucleus, LA-N-5 nuclei were isolated, incubated with [γ-32P]ATP, extracted, and tau was immunoprecipitated. Although numerous nuclear proteins were 32 P-labeled, tau was not phosphorylated. These results suggest that nuclear tau is not phosphorylated in the nucleus but rather in the cytosol prior to transport into the nucleus. The specific localization of nuclear tau strongly suggests that it has a functional role in the nucleus. However, further studies are necessary to determine the function of nuclear tau and how it may be regulated by phosphorylation.
Apoptotic cell clearance by bronchial epithelial cells critically influences airway inflammation

Lung epithelial cells can influence immune responses to airway allergens. Airway epithelial cells also undergo apoptosis after encountering environmental allergens; yet, relatively little is known about how these are cleared, and their effect on airway inflammation. Here we show that airway epithelial cells efficiently engulf apoptotic epithelial cells and secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines, dependent upon intracellular signalling by the small GTPase Rac1. Inducible deletion of Rac1 expression specifically in airway epithelial cells in a mouse model resulted in defective engulfment by epithelial cells and aberrant anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Intranasal priming and challenge of these mice with house dust mite extract or ovalbumin as allergens led to exacerbated inflammation, augmented Th2 cytokines and airway hyper-responsiveness, with decreased interleukin (IL)-10 in bronchial lavages. Rac1-deficient epithelial cells produced much higher IL-33 upon allergen or apoptotic cell encounter, with increased numbers of nuocyte-like cells. Administration of exogenous IL-10 'rescued' the airway inflammation phenotype in Rac1-deficient mice, with decreased IL-33. Collectively, these genetic and functional studies suggest a new role for Rac1-dependent engulfment by airway epithelial cells and in establishing the anti-inflammatory environment, and that defects in cell clearance in the airways could contribute to inflammatory responses towards common allergens.
The Framing Paradox

The idea that nature is importantly frame-less is an entrenched dogma in much of environmental aesthetics. Although there are powerful arguments that support this position, there are also powerful arguments supporting the view that observers often—or even inevitably—frame, bound, or otherwise confine natural objects in the course of aesthetic regard. Facing these opposing arguments off against each other produces the ‘framing paradox’: On the one hand, frames seem to be an indispensable condition for the aesthetic experience of anything whatsoever, and on the other hand the aesthetic appreciation of natural environments seems to require the dissolving or penetrating of boundaries of all sorts. To resolve this paradox, we must abandon an overly narrow conception of ‘frame’ that has generally been assumed throughout the debate and pay closer attention to what various framing devices (in both natural and artifactual settings) do to focus, rather than confine, aesthetic attention. Doing this enables us to mak...
Characterization of biodegradable polymers by inverse gas chromatography: IV, blends of amylopectin and poly (l-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide)

Abstract The morphology changes, surface energy, crystallinity and the thermodynamics of blends of amylopectin (AP) and Poly ( l -lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PLCG) were investigated at a range of 80–120 °C using the IGC Method. The effect of various compositions of the blend on these quantities was explored. Twenty three solutes were selected having different chemical nature such as alkanes, acetates, ether and ketones, halogenated, and six-member ring families. They provided a variety of specific interactions with the blends’ surface. PLCG is amorphous while AP is crystalline at the experiment temperatures. Retention diagrams of AP–PLCG blends showed two regions, crystalline and amorphous. These two zones enabled the estimation of T g and T m of AP, PLCG and the blends. Interaction parameters showed strong interactions between solutes and PLCG as the values were close to zero. Polymer–polymer interaction parameters showed exothermic values for all solutes and all weight fractions of PLCG, indicating the compatibility of AP and PLCG. When AP was blended with 50%PLCG, the degree of crystallinity was significantly reduced that led to a depression in T m and T g . However, the surface energy of AP was not improved by the blending process.
How does provider supply and regulation influence health care markets? Evidence from nurse practitioners and physician assistants

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) now outnumber family practice doctors in the United States and are the principal providers of primary care to many communities. Recent growth of these professions has occurred amidst considerable cross-state variation in their regulation, with some states permitting autonomous practice and others mandating extensive physician oversight. I find that expanded NP and PA supply has had minimal impact on the office-based healthcare market overall, but utilization has been modestly more responsive to supply increases in states permitting greater autonomy. Results suggest the importance of laws impacting the division of labor, not just its quantity.
"Nice guys finish last": influence of mate choice on reproductive success in Long-Evans rats.

Abstract The present study was designed to determine if male physiology and male reproductive behavior predict reproductive success in Long–Evans rats. Mating behavior was observed in sexually naive, naturally cycling female rats during behavioral estrous that were given the opportunity to mate with two males simultaneously. DNA analysis of offspring born following these mating encounters was used to identify the paternity of each pup. In order to assess the effect of mate choice during these mating encounters on reproductive success, one male rat in each pair was categorized as the preferred mate if the female spent more time (> 50%) with him during the mating test of the present study. Furthermore, each male in the pairs was categorized as “attractive” or “non-attractive” by computing the number of females that preferred each male across many mating tests. Similar to results reported in Lovell et al. (2007), during 76% of these mating tests the same male rat in each pair was preferred by different female rats. Overall attractiveness of individual male rats predicted reproductive success in the present study. Interestingly, “attractive” males sired significantly FEWER pups than “non-attractive” males. Neither behavioral (e.g., latency to first sexual stimulation, number of sexual stimulations) nor physiological measures (e.g., body weight, urinary testosterone levels) of male rats predicted their reproductive success. In conclusion, the present results indicate that certain features of some males are more attractive to females, but attractive males are at a reproductive disadvantage (as measured by the number of pups sired). Although basal urinary testosterone levels did not differ between males that sired the majority of pups in a litter and males that sired few or none of the pups in a litter, aggression and/or other physiological measures of fertility (e.g., penile reflexes) may differ between males that are attractive to females and those that have a reproductive advantage.
Free focus radiography with miniaturized dental x-ray machines: A comparison of “midline” and “lateral” techniques

The use of free focus radiography (FFR) employing miniaturized dental x-ray machines with radiation probes has never been generally accepted in dentistry despite its recognized radiographic potential. The present investigation studied ways to improve imaging and lower radiation burdens in dental free focus radiography. Relatively high air exposures ranging from 42,050 mR per film for high-resolution images to 3,214 mR per film for lower-resolution images using a current midline radiographic technique for panoramic FFR were found. In a proposed lateral FFR panoramic technique, reduced exposures ranged from 420 mR per film for high-resolution images to 14 mR per film for lower-resolution images. In each technique the lower exposure was obtained with a rare earth imaging system. A proposed modification of the current midline FFR technique using a rare earth imaging system and heavy added copper filtration was found to produce exposures in the range normally used in dentistry (207 mr), and the resultant image was high in contrast with relatively low detail. A comparison of essential characteristics of midline and lateral FFR techniques failed to identify specific advantages for the midline technique in current use. Lateral exposure modes in dental FFR should receive increased attention in the interest of good imaging and radiation control. It was noted that existing miniaturized dental x-ray machines may have been designed specifically for use of the midline FFR exposure technique, and modification of this equipment to support reliable lateral exposure modes was recommended.
Social Support Network Differentials Among Married and Nonmarried Black Females

Being married has generally been associated with better mental health for adult females, in part because of the social support derived from a primary network relationship. Without the benefit of a spouse, it would be expected that nonmarried adult females would have fewer sources of social support and concomitantly lower levels of psychological well-being. Focusing on selected network characteristics, this study analyzes the differences in social support available to a sample of 91 married and 183 nonmarried Black females residing in a metropolitan area. Results indicate that having a spouse has little influence on the number of socially supportive relationships or the most important sources of assistance with financial problems. A marital partner is a source of emotional support for married Black females, but only for less than one-third. Family members and extended kin are major sources of social support for Black females, irrespective of marital status.
Introducing Ambulatory Care During the Medicine Clerkship: Impact on Evaluation and Attitudes

ABSTRACT: This article assesses student attitudes and the overall educational impact after a major curriculum change that implemented ambulatory care in an internal medicine clerkship. The study was cross-sectional with a historical comparison group and took place in a university teaching program with third-year students from three time periods. The 8-week clerkship was changed from 8 weeks of inpatient ward medicine to 4 weeks each of inpatient and ambulatory care in both primary care and subspecialty clinics. When students’ responses before and after the curriculum change were compared, there was a significant improvement in evaluation of the clerkship experience (P = 0.001). Attitudes improved toward a general internal medicine career (P = 10 −5 ) and there was improvement in evaluation of the inpatient experience (P = 0.01). Attitudes toward careers in subspecialty internal medicine and National Board examination scores were unchanged. The institution of ambulatory care into this internal medicine clerkship resulted in several significantly positive outcomes without a negative impact on the internal medicine knowledge base.
Choreography of bacteriophage T7 DNA replication

The replication system of phage T7 provides a model for DNA replication. Biochemical, structural, and single-molecule analyses together provide insight into replisome mechanics. A complex of polymerase, a processivity factor, and helicase mediates leading strand synthesis. Establishment of the complex requires an interaction of the C-terminal tail of the helicase with the polymerase. During synthesis the complex is stabilized by other interactions to provide for a processivity of 5 kilobase (kb). The C-terminal tail also interacts with a distinct region of the polymerase to captures dissociating polymerase to increase the processivity to >17kb. The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously within a loop that forms and resolves during each cycle of Okazaki fragment synthesis. The synthesis of a primer as well as the termination of a fragment signal loop resolution.
Late Holocene dune migration on the south Texas sand sheet

Abstract There are a wide variety of vegetated, eolian depositional landforms associated with the south Texas sand sheet, attesting to the past dominance of eolian processes. Mapping identified two sets of parabolic dunes elongating with winds from the southeast and the northwest. Parabolic dunes elongated by northwesterly winds are older than ca. 200 years and may be associated with eolian depositional events ca. 2700 and/or 2000 years ago. The latest dune migration event, associated with southeasterly winds occurred ca. 200 years ago and at one site is inset into northwesterly-extended parabolic dunes. This period of dune migration may be coincident with particularly severe drought identified in the tree-ring record centered at AD 1790, when the Palmer Drought Severity Index was − 4. A threshold of dune movement may have occurred ca. in the 11th, 15th and 20th centuries when there are two or more consecutive years with a Palmer Drought Severity Index of
Unilateral Skin Strand Connecting Eyelids

A newborn presents with a strand of skin connecting the upper and lower eyelids in the midline of the palpebral fissure. (Figure 1). Figure 1. Ankyloblepharon . Figure 2. Cleft lip . Figure 3. Ichthyosiform scaling . ### Prenatal History ### Birth History ### Family History ### Presentation ### Vital Signs ### Physical Examination
Sensitivity of Simulated Tropical Cyclone Structure and Intensity to Horizontal Resolution

Abstract The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to test the sensitivity of simulations of Hurricane Ivan (2004) to changes in horizontal grid spacing for grid lengths from 8 to 1 km. As resolution is increased, minimum central pressure decreases significantly (by 30 hPa from 8- to 1-km grid spacing), although this increase in intensity is not uniform across similar reductions in grid spacing, even when pressure fields are interpolated to a common grid. This implies that the additional strengthening of the simulated tropical cyclone (TC) at higher resolution is not attributable to sampling, but is due to changes in the representation of physical processes important to TC intensity. The most apparent changes in simulated TC structure with resolution occur near a grid length of 4 km. At 4-km grid spacing and below, polygonal eyewall segments appear, suggestive of breaking vortex Rossby waves. With sub-4-km grid lengths, localized, intense updraft cores within the eyewall are numerous and bo...
Spermathecal cytology of Ambystoma opacum (Amphibia: Ambystomatidae) and the phylogeny of sperm storage organs in female salamanders

Sperm storage glands, spermathecae, were examined from mated female Ambystoma opacum during the breeding season. No differences occur in the spermathecal ultrastructure of individuals sacrificed prior to oviposition and those sacrificed within 3 days of removal from tended clutches of recently oviposited eggs. The simple tubuloalveolar glands produce two types of secre- tory vacuoles. Apical secretory vacuoles contain glycosaminoglycans for export into the lumen to bathe stored sperm, perhaps providing the chemical/osmotic environment necessary for sperm quiescence. The other type of secretory vacuole contains an unsaturated lipid that is produced for export into the connective tissue surrounding the spermathecae. The role of this secretion may involve the contraction of myoepithelial cells, resulting in sperm expulsion. Some sperm undergo degradation in the spermathecal epithelium, and an interepithelial leukocyte was observed in one specimen. Apical secretory vacu- oles and sperm are absent from the spermathecae of a specimen sacrificed 62 days after removal from a tended egg clutch. This is the first report on the spermathecal cytology of a salamander from the Ambystomatidae, and compar- isons with salamanders from other families provide a morphological basis for considering spermathecae polyphyletic within the Caudata. o 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biodegradable intraprostatic doxorubicin implants

Systemic chemotherapy is not effective in the treatment of prostate-confined cancer. We developed biodegradable, doxorubicin-loaded cylinders for intraprostatic implantation and evaluated the feasibility of using regional intraprostatic drug therapy to treat prostate-confined cancer. Cylinders were prepared using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) or PLG copolymers. The in vitro and in vivo drug release, intraprostatic pharmacokinetics, and histopathology in dogs implanted with the cylinders were studied. The doxorubicin-loaded cylinders made of PLG polymers of 7.9 to 54 kDa molecular weight (MW) had a diameter of ∼800 μm, drug loading of 10% to 30% (wt/wt), and even distribution of crystalline drug throughout the matrix. Burst release varied from 3% to 73%, and 7-day cumulative release from 4% to 90%. Decreasing polymer MW and increasing drug loading were associated with higher initial burst release and overall release rates. The in vivo drug release from cylinders (33-kDa PLG, 30% drug loading) in dog prostates was rapid (∼80% in 48 hours). Spatial drug distribution, visualized using confocal fluorescence microscopy, showed high concentrations confined to the lobule containing the implant (referred to as the implanted lobule), with steep concentration gradients over the septa separating the lobules. Concentrations in the implanted lobule were about 8 times higher than concentrations delivered by an intravenous injection. The implants caused necrotic cell death in the implanted lobule, without damage to prostatic nerve bundles or the urethra. These results indicate the feasibility of using biodegradable PLG cylinders as intraprostatic implants to selectively deliver high drug concentrations to prostate tissue.
Arrangements of planes in space

This paper presents a variety of formulas for the number of cells, faces, and edges, bounded and unbounded, that are formed by an arbitrary set of planes in R^3. Using an elegant geometric method described in 1966 by Brousseau, we first prove a version in R^3 of the general partition formulas established algebraically by Zaslavsky in 1975. From these formulas we deduce two families of inclusion-exclusion formulas for the counters, the first similar to formulas outlined by Roberts in 1889, the second related to formulas given by Steiner in 1826. We conclude with some non-trivial new bounds for the counters of an arbitrary arrangement in R^3 and two specific examples.
Linear quadratic optimal control of contact transition with fingertip

This paper proposes an optimal control methodology that addresses the problem of control of fingertip during a general class of task that requires the fingertip to make a transition from non-contact motion to contact motion. Specifically, the task that the fingertip makes and transitions from motion to static well-directed force production. Here we present a mathematical framework for controlling the contact transition, while switching between non-contact and contact controller is needed and handled by the optimal control strategy. The non-linear differential algebraic equation that describes the dynamics of the index finger is linearized, and then a modified linear quadratic optimal control problem is solved. The resulting optimal feedback control law guarantees good regulation of contact force, velocity and position. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach.
Natural selection and the regulation of defenses: a signal detection analysis of the smoke detector principle.

Many of the body’s adaptive responses, such as pain, fever, and fear, are defenses that remain latent until they are aroused by cues that indicate the presence of a threat. Natural selection should shape regulation mechanisms that express defenses only in situations where their benefits exceed their costs, but defenses are often expressed in situations where they seem unnecessary, with much resulting useless suffering. An explanation emerges from a signal detection analysis of the costs and benefits that shaped defense regulation mechanisms. Quantitative modeling of optimal regulation for all-ornone defenses and for continuously variable defenses leads to several conclusions. First, an optimal system for regulating inexpensive all-or-none defenses against the uncertain presence of large threats will express many false alarms. Second, the optimum level of expression for graded defenses is not at the point where the costs of the defense and the danger are equal, but is instead where the marginal cost of additional defense exceeds the marginal benefit. Third, in the face of uncertainty and skewed payoff functions, the optimal response threshold may not be the point with the lowest cost. Finally, repeated exposures to certain kinds of danger may adaptively lower response thresholds, making systems vulnerable to runaway positive feedback. While we await quantitative data that can refine such models, a general theoretical perspective on the evolution of defense regulation can help to guide research and assist clinical decision making.
Enhancement in Thermoelectric Figure of Merit in Nanostructured Bi2Te3 with Semimetal Nanoinclusions

The effect of Bi (semimetal) nanoinclusions in nanostructured Bi 2 Te 3 matrices is investigated. Bismuth nanoparticles synthesized by a low temperature solvothermal method are incorporated into Bi 2 Te 3 matrix phases, synthesized by planetary ball milling. High density pellets of the Bi nanoparticle/Bi 2 Te 3 nanocomposites are created by hot pressing the powders at 200 ° C and 100 MPa. The effect of different volume fractions (0–7%) of Bi semimetal nanoparticles on the Seebeck coeffi cient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and carrier concentration is reported. Our results show that the incorporation of semimetal nanoparticles results in a reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity in all the samples. A signifi cant enhancement in power factor is observed for Bi nanoparticle volume fraction of 5% and 7%. We show that it is possible to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity and increase the power factor resulting in an increase in fiof merit by a factor of 2 (from ZT = 0.2 to 0.4). Seebeck coeffi cient and electrical conductivity as a function of carrier concentration data are consistent with the electron fi ltering effect, where lowenergy electrons are preferentially scattered by the barrier potentials set up at the semimetal nanoparticle/semiconductor interfaces.
The Practice of Operations Research and the Role of Practice and Practitioners in INFORMS

Effective practice involves the interplay of technical knowledge, organizational knowledge, and interpersonal skills. This mix of skills plus the business imperatives and social structure of practice creates problems for the role of practice in INFORMS. Mapping the skills and knowledge required for practice and the competencies in INFORMS as a professional society provides a structure for understanding how practice fits into INFORMS and how to resolve some of the issues in providing a proper role for INFORMS in making a community for practitioners. The same structure also illustrates what is different about teaching operations research in business schools versus engineering schools or mathematics departments. Although we work in a technical area, we need to understand the sociology and market structure of practice, major elements in developing a theory of practice.
Ratio Measurement and Theoretical Inference in Social Research

This paper attempts to rectify false suspicions that have developed among some regarding ratio correlations. If researchers are theoretically concerned with relationships between ratio variables that contain common components (e.g., population density and suicide rate) or between a ratio variable and one of its components (e.g., percent urban and population size of nations) correlation analysis will not normally yield spurious results. Spuriousness becomes a problem primarily when the researcher is interested in relationships between component variables which are standardized by a common term for reasons extraneous to the hypothesis. Even here, though, it is not the empirical correlation that is spurious, but possible inferences one might draw about the relationship between the component variables from the observed correlations between the ratio-standardized variables. Assessment of suggested alternatives to ratio correlation indicates that ratio measurement sometimes provides conceptual, interpretive, and statistical advantages over alternatives critics have proposed. Because uncritical acceptance of faulty research poses a constant danger in the social sciences, we are routinely reminded to be diligent in evaluating possible methodological shortcomings in empirical studies. But an equally serious problem arises when criticisms of existing methodological procedures are automatically accepted without similar evaluation and reflection. Published methodological critiques not only often influence the type and direction of future methodologies used in studying a phenomenon, but they also can have a back-to-the-drawing board impact that leads many readers to discount the findings of previous studies and initiate new
Split gate MOSFET in BiCMOS power technology for logic level gate voltage application

Utilizing dual gate BiCMOS power technology (BPT), split gate oxide LDMOS and CMOS structures have been fabricated. These structures take advantage of low on-state channel resistance under the thin gate oxide at the source side and high breakdown voltage under the thick gate oxide at the drain side. Device simulation shows performance improvement in both R/sub ds-on/ at low V/sub gs/ and a reduction in field crowding in the reverse blocking state. Experimental characterization proves more efficient transistors can be integrated utilizing dual gate oxide at logic level gate drive while maintaining high breakdown voltage compared with single gate oxide devices.
Active Vibration Control for Uncertain Time-Varying Systems Via Output Feedback

This work applies the developed Lyapunov method to the design of active vibration control laws for uncertain time varying systems, which are described via linear differential inclusions. The design objective is to suppress the steady state output response to a class of sinusoidal and periodic disturbances via output feedback. As shown in a work (T. Hu et al., 2005), the L 2 gain for a linear differential inclusion is no longer a valid upper bound for the steady state gain from sinusoidal disturbances to the output. Instead, a Lyapunov approach was developed in (T. Hu et al., 2005) for the evaluation of the steady-state gain. Based on this Lyapunov approach, we derive an LMI-based algorithm for the construction of output feedback laws for the suppression of the steady-state output response. A numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the design algorithm.
Evaluation of in vitro susceptibility trends to vancomycin and daptomycin by strain type of Staphylococcus aureus causing bloodstream infections

Abstract In total, 718 consecutive clinical meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from 2006 to 2010 and 417 clinical meticillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates from mid-2007 to 2010 were evaluated. Isolates were from blood cultures obtained from separate patients in Detroit, MI, and were tested for in vitro susceptibility trends to vancomycin and daptomycin by molecular strain type. The MRSA pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results showed that 290 (40.4%) were USA100, 296 (41.2%) were USA300 and the remaining isolates were non-USA100/300. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by Etest [mean ± standard deviation (S.D.) 1.55 ± 0.26 mg/L] in MRSA isolates showed no significant change over the 5-year period within all strain types, whilst daptomycin MICs by Etest (mean ± S.D. 0.51 ± 0.25 mg/L) showed a significant downward trend across time ( r = −0.243; P r = −0.160; P = 0.001) and conversely a significant increase in daptomycin MICs by Etest was found ( r = 0.146; P = 0.028). The results of this study showed that changes in MIC were not specific to strain molecular type. For vancomycin, there was no change in MRSA MICs and a decrease in MSSA MICs for blood isolates. For daptomycin, MICs decreased in MRSA and increased in MSSA blood isolates over the study period.
Design and Validation of Mirror Skills Instruction.

Students contorted to achieve direct vision indicate that training of mirror skills is absent or ineffective. Training referenced in the literature is not described or amounts to practice using a mirror to perform a psychomotor task often marginally related to dental procedures. No complete task analysis of mirror use is reported. In this study, the authors applied instructional engineering principles to 1) analyze the task and design instruction, 2) validate instruction, and 3) foster mirror use. First-year students (experimentals) completed the new mirror instruction as well as the regular course instruction. A randomly selected group of second-year students who had not completed the mirror instruction but had completed a similar course comprised the control group for the validation. Sets of randomly grouped experimental subjects evaluated a maxillary preparation using mirror vision at three times during the semester and one time a year later. The controls evaluated the same preparation the first time only. Accuracy in describing the critical features of the preparation was used as an indicator of mirror skill. All subjects were observed for mirror use during a practical examination involving maxillary preparations. All groups were equivalent on entering GPA, DAT-A, and DAT-P. Experimental groups made significant improvement in measures of mirror vision skill over time. Experimental groups 2, 3, and 4 significantly outperformed controls on the same measures and demonstrated significantly higher rate of mirror use during the practical exam. The mirror skills instruction appears valid.
Pulse-pair spectral estimates in the presence of radar oscillator phase jitter

An approach to the investigation of the effect of phase jitter on spectrum moment estimation errors is discussed. The analysis is based on earlier published results that, in many cases, have been derived through a series of simplifying assumptions. The pulse-pair-/estimator variance expressions are derived using perturbation analysis under the assumption that perturbations are not excessive. >
Supercooling Point of Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Minnesota and a Revised Predictive Model for Survival at Low Temperatures

Abstract Integrated pest management (IPM) programs for the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), could benefit from an ability to forecast the magnitude and timing of early-season infestations. The objectives of this study were to examine the supercooling point (SCP) of adult C. trifurcata as an index of its cold hardiness, monitor overwintering survival, and revise an existing model used to predict the overwintering survival of this pest in wooded areas as a function of low-temperature accumulation. Within a year, the mean SCP of C. trifurcata ranged from −8.9 to −6.0°C. Soil temperatures dropped below the lowest mean SCP (i.e., −8.9°C) in only 2 of 11 yr (1994–2004). In-field survivorship studies showed that adult C. trifurcata successfully overwintered in Minnesota (34–59% survival). This species survived well in years when the existing model predicted zero or low survival. In contrast, our revised model predicted more closely the overwintering survival of this species in southern Minnesota....
Prediction of fading envelopes with diffuse spectra

We show how to compute the minimum mean squared prediction error of a mobile-radio fading envelope modeled as a stationary process arising from a diffuse set of local scatterers. Our approach reduces the prediction problem to an eigenvalue decomposition, and is appropriate when the prediction is to be based on error-corrupted estimates of a narrowband fading process. Such prediction can improve the performance of adaptive modulation techniques that require up-to-date channel-state information for optimal performance.