cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harderoporphyria: Case of lifelong photosensitivity associated with compound heterozygous coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX) mutations

A 78-year-old man with a history of neonatal anemia and jaundice and life-long photosensitivity was found to have harderoporphyria, as evidenced by increased porphyrins in urine, plasma, erythrocytes and feces including large amounts of harderoporphyrin in feces and erythrocytes. Two previously undescribed coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX) mutations were identified, including a deletion of four amino acids in a region of the enzyme mutated in 7 of the 8 previously reported cases. This case increases the molecular heterogeneity of this rare porphyria, and illustrates that it should be considered as a cause of chronic photosensitivity and porphyrin elevation at any age.
Self-Focusing Surface Wave Array

Nondestructive testing (NDT) with surface waves is very sensitive to surface defects because the ultrasonic energy is concentrated in a small region at the surface of a specimen. The penetration depth of a surface wave is of the order of a wavelength [1].
Is Collegiate Political Correctness Fake News? Relationships between Grades and Ideology

While considerable quantitative research demonstrates ideological liberalism among American professors, only qualitative work examines whether this affects undergraduate education. Using the HERI dataset surveying students in their first and fourth years in college (n=7,207), we use OLS regressions to test whether students’ political beliefs are associated with reported college grades and perceived collegiate experiences. We find that while standardized test scores are the best predictors of grade point average, ideology also has impacts. Even with controls for SES, demographics, and SAT scores, liberal students report higher college grades and closer relationships with faculty. Nevertheless, conservative students consistently show higher levels of satisfaction with college courses and experiences, and higher high school grades. We discuss implications.
Memory in Chronic CNS Infections

General paresis of the insane was the first mental illness that was clearly attributed to the chronic infection of the brain. Availability of treatment with penicillin halted the progress of dementia in most of the cases and confirmed the infectious nature of the disease and is mostly of historical interest. However, many other bacteria and viruses have been shown to be related to degenerative changes in the brain, causing progressive dementia.
The Digital Divide: Couple and Family Therapy Programs’ Integration of Teletherapy Training and Education

The mental health field is increasingly integrating and growing a teletherapy presence, and couple and family therapists are uniquely situated to offer these services based on our history of innovative approaches to therapeutic services. To do so successfully, careful consideration of training and education must occur. To evaluate current teletherapy training and education opportunities of COAMFTE accredited couple, marriage, and family therapy programs, an inductive qualitative content analysis was conducted on the responses of 95 faculty at COAMFTE accredited programs. Findings indicate that more than two thirds of the participants were in favor of teletherapy integration in training programs; however, most programs currently do not offer such opportunities. Barriers that prevent such integration were highlighted as well as existing concerns to training graduate students in teletherapy. Implications for training programs, policies, and regulations are discussed.
Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells for Treatment Failure Cases of Late Stage Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) present in bone marrow and breast tissues is an attractive alternative for ‘event-free survival’ in breast cancer as it is an extremely heterogeneous disease. The invasive and mesenchymal properties of BCSCs with CD44 + /CD24low/ALDH1+ phenotype has made them a promising target for eliminating the metastatic capacity of primary tumors. We hypothesize that the ability to therapeutically attack stem cells will be decisive for the development of specific target therapies. Ten chemo-failure late stage patients with biopsy-proven triple-negative metastatic breast cancer were selected randomly. Breast cancer cells were isolated from whole tumor and cultured for in vitro drug sensitivity towards platinum, anthracycline and docetaxel and correlation was drawn between cell differentiation and drug response. Accordingly chemotherapy was designed for a particular patient. BCSCs were also isolated from the whole tumor, cultured and chemotherapy was designed. We detected chemo-failure in 65% cases for whole cell chemo-predictive assays, while BCSCs isolated from those non-responders responded to chemotherapy. Among positive samples, 89% of patients showed platinum sensitivity and rest were found to be anthracycline sensitive. No sensitivity towards docetaxel was observed. In lieu of this, cisplatin was applied ex vivo and percentage of BCSCs came down to 6.58% from an initial 11.16% (for a representative case). Thus the primary aim to target BCSCs to control metastasis and relapse of disease was somewhat obtained. We further plan to correlate ratio of selected markers present in patients in pre- and post-chemotherapeutic condition with time to recurrence, mortality, morbidity and progression-free survival.
Six-minute walk distance in healthy young adults.

Abstract Background The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a commonly used clinical assessment of exercise capacity in patients with cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular disease, but normal values are lacking for young adults, who are frequent subjects of testing. Methods In a two-center study, 272 young adults, ages 18–50, underwent American Thoracic Society protocolized 6-min walk testing, and 56 underwent repeat testing. A linear regression model was developed based on anthropomorphic data. This model was compared to existing prediction equations. Results Median 6MWD for the cohort was 637 m (IQR 584–686 m) and was not significantly impacted by age. This is in contrast to existing equations extrapolated from older subjects that predict increasing 6MWD in younger subjects. We found weak correlation of 6MWD with height, weight, BMI, and resting heart rate. Heart rate at completion correlated most strongly with 6MWD (rho 0.53 p Conclusions Established reference equations should be reconfigured to include data from young adults, as age has minimal effect on 6MWD in this population. Heart rate response may be a valuable measure of effort in normal subjects. Six-minute walk distance, as with pulmonary function and exercise testing, should have predictive equations across the spectrum of age to allow for accurate assessment of exercise limitation.
What do we have to lose: toward disruption, agitation, and abolition in Black education

This issue is filled with moving articles that give us a road map as educators serve to disrupt, agitate, and abolish systems, policies, and instruction, taking up Love’s Abolitionist Teaching and ...
Community Banks vs. Non-Community Banks: Where is the Advantage in Local Small Business Funding?

Recent literature questions the relative advantage of community banks vs. non-community banks in small business funding. Using the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s definition of a community bank, the study re-examines the role of community banks in providing funding to small businesses using the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) small business lending data over the period 2003 to 2016. The empirical results indicate that community banks are still providing 30 percent more small business funding than non-community banks, especially after the Great Recession. This role is even more important in those counties in non-metropolitan areas. In addition, the results indicate that in counties where community banks do not have offices, they provide 48 percent fewer loans compared to non-community banks in counties where they do not have offices, which suggests community banks still use physical offices to maintain their relationship lending advantage. Clearly, from a public policy standpoint, the results support the view that community banks are important because they continue to provide valuable services to small business firms throughout the country.
CDK Family PROTAC Profiling Reveals Distinct Kinetic Responses and Cell Cycle–Dependent Degradation of CDK2:

Targeted protein degradation using heterobifunctional proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds, which recruit E3 ligase machinery to a target protein, is increasingly becoming an attractive...
Delta-like 4 is required for pulmonary vascular arborization and alveolarization in the developing lung

The molecular mechanisms by which endothelial cells (ECs) regulate pulmonary vascularization and contribute to alveolar epithelial cell development during lung morphogenesis remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that delta-like 4 (DLL4), an EC Notch ligand, is critical for alveolarization by combining lung mapping and functional studies in human tissue and DLL4-haploinsufficient mice (Dll4+/lacz). DLL4 expressed in a PECAM-restricted manner in capillaries, arteries, and the alveolar septum from the canalicular to alveolar stage in mice and humans. Dll4 haploinsufficiency resulted in exuberant, nondirectional vascular patterning at E17.5 and P6, followed by smaller capillaries and fewer intermediate blood vessels at P14. Vascular defects coincided with polarization of lung EC expression toward JAG1-NICD-HES1 signature and decreased tip cell-like (Car4) markers. Dll4+/lacZ mice had impaired terminal bronchiole development at the canalicular stage and impaired alveolarization upon lung maturity. We discovered that alveolar type I cell (Aqp5) markers progressively decreased in Dll4+/lacZ mice after birth. Moreover, in human lung EC, DLL4 deficiency programmed a hypersprouting angiogenic phenotype cell autonomously. In conclusion, DLL4 is expressed from the canalicular to alveolar stage in mice and humans, and Dll4 haploinsufficiency programs dysmorphic microvascularization, impairing alveolarization. Our study reveals an obligate role for DLL4-regulated angiogenesis in distal lung morphogenesis.
Critiquing the Black Commons as Reparations

This essay calls for reframing the narrative surrounding the economic harm that serves as the basis of reparations models to extend beyond the failure of Blacks to theoretically attain wealth to include the fact that individual Blacks have actually been dispossessed and should be made whole. In Part I the paper shows the pervasiveness of practices of Black land dispossession beginning prior to Emancipation. In Part II, the paper outlines modern reparations plans for land return in the form of community land trusts (CLT), a form of commons. Part II also attempts to theorize the Black Commons by mapping race onto the theory of the urban commons. Part III of the article reviews the literature on reparationist goals, including “community empowerment,” to determine whether the commons can be sufficiently utilized to achieve those aims. Part III suggests that Black people who have been dispossessed of their land through violence and systemic racism cannot be made whole merely ceremoniously and in group with the re-establishment of the Black Commons because doing so will leave them as no more than a “land holding peasantry.” This paper argues further that proposals advocating for reparations that fail to contemplate the return of equity-generating land to individuals further legitimize the legacy of economic violence against Black landowners. Instead, the paper suggests that advocates should pursue legislative strategies such as the Justice for Black Farmer’s Act, which was introduced in the Senate in 2020 and would establish the Equitable Land Access Service to acquire farmland and provide land grants to existing and aspiring Black farmers.
A scoping review of the effects of virtual reality and computer-based interventions for people with chronic pain: does it feel like we're there yet?

Objective Although virtual reality VR is shown to have short-term analgesic effects in acute pain settings, its long-term efficacy with chronic pain conditions has not been established. This scoping review aims to provide a summary of VR approaches explored in chronic primary and secondary pain conditions as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain. Methods A systematic literature search in Ovid PubMed and Ovid Embase was conducted between January 5-10th 2021 using the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. Articles were searched using search terms and keywords relating to ICD-defined primary and secondary chronic pain conditions, virtual reality, virtual illusion, distraction and effects on levels of pain. Results Of 2118 articles located, 44 were included covering a range of primary and secondary chronic pain conditions, using a variety of different computer screen and headset protocols including gaming, mindfulness, exercise, relaxation and proprioceptive skills. Conclusions Studies show virtual reality to be an effective analgesic intervention for people with chronic pain. Given user satisfaction and lack of side effects such as cybersickness and relief of comorbid symptoms, VR has the potential as a worthwhile adjunct to chronic pain management programmes, thus enabling patients to take control of their symptoms.
Fatty acid composition of serum lipids in pregnancy and gynecologic cancer.

M o s T o F the recent research in the field of lipids deals with the changes associated with obesity,2p 2:!l 37 variations in dietary intake 8, 12j 15, 17, 31’ atherosclerosis,18, 4o and experimental tumors.3s 34, 43 There have been relatively few reports on pregnancy,g, 21* ?*, 3y, 41 but even less information exists regarding serum lipid alterations in gynecologic cancer. Since gynecologic cancer tends to remain clinically localized until relatively late in the natural biologic course of the disease and since clinically systemic evidence of malignancy is not common in localized invasive gynecologic cancer, we have approached the subject through exploration of the lipid changes in serum in order to assess
An Efficient Symbolic Interface to Constraint Based Animation Systems

Symbolic methods have been used to provide a general user interface in optimization based animation systems. However, previous methods suffer from the exponential growth in the length of the symbolic expressions of the objectives, constraints and their derivatives. In this paper, we present a symbolic language which is general enough to represent common kinematic and dynamic quantities. The evaluation of these symbolic expressions and their gradients are as fast as numerical methods. In particular, the computational complexity is only a low degree polynomial compared to exponential growth of previous methods, and the optimum performance is achieved for computing the gradients of the generalized forces by extending Hollerbach’s technique of compuing inverse dynamics. Furthermore, in this new language the expressions are usually very small so that they can be easily typed in, therefore this method provides a general and efficient interface to optimization based linked figure animation systems.
An Ontology-based Approach for Model Representation, Sharing and Reuse

Although Decision Support Systems (DSS) play a dominant role in organizing data and models, its capability in supporting decision makers in collaborating distributed environments is still limited when it comes to the selection, sharing, and re-use of models. For mathematical models to be shared and reused, mechanisms are needed for understanding, implementing, modifying, discovering, selecting, engaging, and composing models. At a fundamental level, model representation will need to extend beyond model structure to include model semantics as well. This research leverages advances in Semantic Web technologies and ontologies to enable sharing and re-using of decision models by providing enriched semantics in collaborative decision making environments. The proposed approach builds on structured modeling (SM) as an underlying modeling formalism and is illustrated using the Web Ontology Language (OWL). A case study demonstrates the viability of the approach for capturing model semantics models using ontologies.
Governance and Boards of Directors in Closed-end Investment Companies

Boards of directors occupy a prominent position in the governance of corporations, and have been a focal point of SEC efforts to ensure that investment companies are serving the interests of individual investors. We analyze whether board structure and director independence in closed-end investment companies are related to shareholder interests in ways that are consistent with boards being effective monitors. We report that funds with relatively low expense ratios, one measure of board effectiveness, have smaller boards, a higher proportion of the board that is legally considered independent, relatively low director compensation, and charter provisions that specify remedial action if discounts become large. Evidence from our analysis of major fund decisions regarding restructuring, including share repurchases, open-ending proposals and rights offerings, is largely consistent with the expense ratio analysis. Overall, board characteristics that we identify with effective board independence are associated with lower expense ratios and value-enhancing restructurings.
Abstract 3640: IL-9 is involved in the establishment of a tolerogenic milieu that prevents anti-tumor immunity

IL-9 is a Th2 cytokine associated with T regulatory cell function, parasite expulsion and allergic airway inflammation. In many tumors IL-9 contributes to the establishment of a tolerogenic / immunosuppressive environment or acts directly to drive tumor growth, whereas in melanomas it inhibits tumor growth. Little is known about the effect of IL-9 in breast cancer biology. Here we show that IL-9 is a key factor in establishing a permissive growth environment for two murine breast cancer cells lines: TUBO cells that express Her2/neu and 4T1 cells that resemble aggressive, triple-negative breast cancers. We observed that TUBO cells were rejected by 78%, and 4T1 cells by 68% of IL-9 -/- (IL-9ko) mice, and that in the remaining mice the tumors developed later and grew slower than in WT mice. Tumor rejection is CD8+ T cell dependent and is capable of producing a memory response against tumor rechallenge. Delayed depletion of CD8+ T cells in mice that had rejected 4T1 cells showed no tumor growth in 63 % of the mice, suggesting that in these mice the tumor had been completely eradicated and was not held in stasis by immune surveillance. Furthermore we found a 3.7 fold increase (p=0.007) in the number of activated CD8+ T cells derived from IL-9ko mice rejecting tumors as compared to CD8+ T cells from tumor bearing WT mice. More importantly, the transfer of activated splenocytes from IL-9ko mice led to tumor rejection in WT mice (p Supported by the NCI : CA155295 Citation Format: Dominique B. Hoelzinger, Ana Lucia Dominguez, Peter A. Cohen, Sandra J. Gendker. IL-9 is involved in the establishment of a tolerogenic milieu that prevents anti-tumor immunity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3640. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3640
Buoyant currents arrested by convective dissolution

[1] When carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves into water, the density of water increases. This seemingly insubstantial phenomenon has profound implications for geologic carbon sequestration. Here we show, by means of laboratory experiments with analog fluids, that the up-slope migration of a buoyant current of CO2 is arrested by the convective dissolution that ensues from a fingering instability at the moving CO2-groundwater interface. We consider the effectiveness of convective dissolution as a large-scale trapping mechanism in sloping aquifers, and we show that a small amount of slope is beneficial compared to the horizontal case. We study the development and coarsening of the fingering instability along the migrating current and predict the maximum migration distance of the current with a simple sharp-interface model. We show that convective dissolution exerts a powerful control on CO2 plume dynamics and, as a result, on the potential of geologic carbon sequestration.
Structural Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of a Piezoelectric Forceps Actuator

A piezoelectric forceps actuator (PFA) is recently invented for potential use in minimum invasive and non-invasive surgery and diagnosis, and other biomedical applications. This paper is concerned with structural modeling, dynamic analysis, and feedback control of such an actuator. The PFA is modeled as a composite curved beam with laminated piezoelectric layers. The exact open-loop and closed-loop transfer functions of the PFA control system consisting of the curved beam, sensor, actuator and control logic are obtained in exact and closed form without discretization. With the transfer function formulation, the natural frequencies and frequency response of the actuator are then predicted and a simple feedback control law is implemented. The theoretical model of the actuator is validated in experiments.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A colorimetric micro method for the determination of cholinesterase

Abstract 1. 1. A colorimetric micro method for the determination of cholinesterase activity using acetylthiocholine as substrate has been developed. 2. 2. The method is rapid, requires simple laboratory equipment, and is sensitive to small amounts of enzyme; the reaction is followed by measuring the appearance of one of the reaction products (thiocholine). 3. 3. The method has been applied to the determination of the cholinesterase activity in rat brain, in whole blood and blood plasma of dogs, and in the brains of 12-, 15-, 18-, and 21-day-old chick embryos.
SU‐GG‐J‐76: Validation of a Proposed Optimal Slow Gantry Rotation Technique for On‐Board Four‐Dimensional Imaging Using Lung Patient Data

Purpose: Substantial efforts have been made in recent years to develop on‐board four‐dimensional (4D) imaging techniques using gantry mounted cone‐beam imaging devices. This study validates a slow gantry rotation 4D imaging protocol using lung patient data. Methods & Materials: The proposed 4D imaging protocol determines optimal gantry rotation speeds and frame rates based on patients' respiratory cycles and desired phase windows to optimize projection distributions in phase bins by reducing numbers of tightly spaced projections and avoiding large gaps between projections. The effect of frame rate on projection distributions was tested using data from three lung patients. Projections were acquired using an on‐board kV imager (OBI)® (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Gantry rotation speeds and frame rates were 0.59–0.73 °/s and 4.9–7.3 fps. Subsets of data were extracted to represent frame rates that were lower (50% and 75% of the predicted optimal) equal to and higher than (125%, 150%) predicted optimal frame rates. The protocol predicts that large gaps between projections will occur in the low (50 and 75%) frame rate data sets and excessive tightly spaced projections will occur in high (125 and 150%) frame rate data sets.Results: As predicted, large gaps occurred in the 50 and 75% frame rate sets. This effect was worse for the 50% data sets than for the 75%. Up to 23.8% of the intervals between projections in the 50% data sets exhibited large gaps, while up to 1.2% presented in the 75% frame rate sets. Percentages of tightly spaced projections averaged 6, 39 and 61% for 50, 100 and 150% frame rate data sets.Conclusion: A slow gantry rotation protocol for determining optimal acquisition parameters was validated using lung patient data and may serve as a foundation for further on‐board 4D imaging investigations. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian Corporation.
Implementing new strategic plans for NASA long duration scientific balloons

Abstract Over that past twelve years, global long duration balloon (LDB) missions have provided scientists an observation platform that offers tremendous opportunity for accomplishing monumental science. The precedence of several years of highly successful LDB missions and the capability to recover and re-fly such instruments within a relatively short period of time has created even greater demands for serving science missions in 2004 and beyond. To address NASA’s strategic plans for more missions and longer durations, new concepts are being explored and some are currently being developed, in order to enhance the current LDB mission concept.
Research in natural language

One of the most active areas of Artificial Intelligence research today is the understanding of natural language. From the earliest days of computing, people have been intrigued by the idea of communicating easily with computers. In the past few years, new techniques and larger systems have combined to open new possibilities for expressing ideas to computers in natural language. Question answering systems are approaching a level useful in real applications areas. Advanced computing applications like automatic programming will base their interaction with the user on natural language capabilities. In almost every area of computing, it is easy to imagine ways in which language understanding could make computers more accessible, not only for those who use them now, but for a much wider range of people without special training.
Characterisation of caufiflower mosaic virus DNA forms isolated from infected turnip leaves

Several different forms of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) DNA were detected in nucleic acid preparations from CaMV-infected turnip leaves. As well as supercoiled and open-circular molecules, various linear DNA structures were identified. The relative amounts of these DNA forms varied in plants infected with different CaMV isolates. Restriction enzyme mapping and one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of linear molecules apparently formed by breaks in the second strand at each of the three discontinuities. Two major linear DNA forms are double-stranded over part of their length and appear to have single-stranded extensions of the -strand of variable length. Since these DNA forms are not produced during extraction and probably exist as unencapsidated or partially encapsidated molecules, they may represent intermediates either in DNA replication or in virion assembly.
Some Implications of Leaf Tearing in Musaceae

Leaf temperatures associated with torn and untorn leaves of Musaceae were taken in both dry and wet seasons at Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone. Transpiration rates and leaf resistance to water—vapor diffusion were determined. Energy—budget analysis is used to describe the relationship of leaf dimension and leaf resistance to thermal survival and water usage. Gas—exchange theory is applied to predict the photosynthetic implications of leaf tearing. The analyses showed that leaves less than 10 cm wide are not subject to critical heat stress, have lower water loss, and higher ratios of photosynthesis to water expended than do leaves of widths greater than 10 cm. In wet season, leaves have lower resistance to the diffusion of water vapor and accordingly are less subject to excessive heating.
Modulation of prolactin binding sites in vitro by membrane fluidizers. II. Age-dependent effects on rat ventral prostatic membranes.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine (i) if the age-related changes in 125 I-labeled ovine prolactin specific binding of rat ventral prostate was correlated with changes in membrane lipid microviscosity and (ii) if membrane fluidizers produced age-dependent effects on prolactin binding of prostatic membranes. The degree of fluidization was monitored by a fluorescence polarization method using 1,6-diphenylhexatriene. Membrane preparations of ventral prostate glands obtained from immature (24–25 days old), young-adult (80–90 days old) and aged (550–610 days old) male rats were used for prolactin binding and membrane lipid microviscosity measurements. Relative to immature rats, prostatic prolactin binding decreased approximately 50% in young-adult rats and 75% in aged rats. Membrane lipid microviscosity, relative to immature rats, was increased 72% in young-adult rats and 140% in aged rats. Prostatic membranes obtained from immature animals exhibited no significant effects of in vitro alcohol treatment on prolactin binding, whereas, those obtained from aged animals exhibited maximal increase in prolactin binding. The value of the microviscosity parameter, after in vitro alcohol exposure, exhibited no significant changes in immature animals, whereas, this parameter was decreased approximately 15% in young-adults and approximately 30% in aged animals. These data suggest that in vitro fluidization of prostatic membrane exhibits an age-dependent modification of prolactin binding.
7.4: A Stacking Color Electrowetting Display for the Smart Window Application

The electrowetting display with the property of transflective is applicable as windows. However, low transmittance is a key issue of a stacking color electrowetting display as a window application. To improve the transmittance, an advanced oil splitting suppression waveform was proposed. Finally, a stacking color electrowetting display for the smart window application has been demonstrated. And the transmittance up to 30% has been attended.
Superspace, Negative Dimensions, and Quantum Field Theories

The equivalence between a six-dimensional stochastic classical scalar field theory and the corresponding four-dimensional quantum field theory has been shown to stem from a hidden supersymmetry of the former. This has led to a formulation of the quantum theory in an eight-dimensional superspace with six commuting and two anticommuting coordinates. This formalism is generalized to include gauge and fermionic field theories.
Absence of Inhibin Alpha and Retinoblastoma Protein Leads to Early Sertoli Cell Dysfunction

Sertoli cells, the support cells of mammalian spermatogenesis, are regulated by a number of nuclear factors and express retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor protein. We hypothesized that RB is an important mediator of Sertoli cell tumorigenesis in inhibin α knockout (Inha KO) mice. In our previous mouse studies, we found that conditional knockout (cKO) of Rb in Sertoli cells caused progressive Sertoli cell dysfunction. Initially, loss of RB had no gross effect on Sertoli cell function as the mice were fertile with normal testis weights at 6 weeks of age, but by 10–14 weeks of age, mutant mice demonstrated severe Sertoli cell dysfunction and infertility. Although double knockout (dKO) of Rb and Inha did not result in exacerbation of the tumorigenic phenotype of Inha-null mice, we found that the dKO mice demonstrate an acceleration of Sertoli cell dysfunction compared to Rb cKO mice. Specifically, in contrast to Rb cKO mice, Inha/Rb dKO mice showed signs of Sertoli cell dysfunction as early as 4 weeks of age. These results demonstrate that RB is not essential for Sertoli cell tumorigenesis in Inha KO mice but that loss of Inha accelerates the infertility phenotype of Rb cKO mice.
Experiments on Reworking by Successive Unconfined Subaqueous and Subaerial Muddy Debris Flows

Debris flows occur under water, e.g., in lakes and the ocean, as well as under air. These two types of debris flow have many similarities, but also differ in striking ways. The focus of the research reported here is on the ability of an unconfined debris flow to remobilize or rework an antecedent deposit over which it runs. Experiments were performed in a tank in order to quantify reworking. The debris slurry was premixed and consisted of a mixture of water, sand, and kaolinite clay. Three experiments were performed, each consisting of four individual runs. In each run the slurry was released impulsively from a head tank. The first run of each experiment formed a deposit over the initial inerodible bed. The second, third, and fourth runs progressed over and reworked to a greater or lesser extent the antecedent deposit(s). Two experiments of four runs each were performed in the subaqueous configuration, and one experiment of four runs was performed in the subaerial configuration. In the subaerial case, reworking was immediate and extensive. In the subaqueous case, reworking of the deposit of the first run by the second run was suppressed. Part of the reason for this appears to be hydroplaning of the head of the debris flow. As the deposit built up, however, considerable reworking was eventually observed in the subaqueous case as well.
Direct-coupled negative-impedance balanced convertors

Two new balanced negative-impedance convenors are described. One is of the current-inversion type, and the other is of the voltage-inversion type. From the network models, analytical equations are given which yield the necessary constraints imposed on the choice of circuit elements. Realisations of the network models utilising two complementary junction transistors are also given.
Corneoconjunctival transposition for the treatment of feline corneal sequestra: a retrospective study of 17 cases (1990-1998).

Objective To describe and evaluate the use of corneoconjunctival transposition as a surgical treatment for corneal sequestra in cats. Animals studied Fifteen cats (17 eyes) of various breeds and ages with corneal sequestra treated surgically with corneoconjunctival transposition. Procedure Retrospective medical records study. Results Median age was 39 months. Eight patients were castrated males, five were spayed females, and two were intact females. The left eye was affected in eight cats, the right eye was affected in five cats, and both eyes were affected in two cats. Mean (± SD) sequestrum diameter was 4.4 ± 2.4 mm (range 1–10 mm) and the sequestrum was located centrally in all cases. Sequestra occurred in the superficial stroma in 8/17 corneas, in the anterior one third of the stroma in 3/17 corneas, and in the middle one third of the stroma in 6/17 corneas. Median duration of clinical signs prior to presentation was 39 days (range 14–1095 days). Median time to healing, defined as the number of days from surgery to cessation of medical treatment, was 34 days (range 25–86 days). There were no recurrences and minimal scar formation. Conclusions Corneoconjunctival transposition is a valid procedure for surgical treatment of corneal sequestra in cats. The procedure results in excellent cosmesis and functional vision with no recurrences.
Responsibilities and Decision Routes in the Production of the Home Economics Research Journal

At a meeting in Atlantic City, June 24, 1973, the AHEA Board of Directors approved the creation of a policy board for the Home Economics Research Journal. Appointments to the policy board were made in fall, 1973, and included persons from the content and publication-circulation arms of the Research Journal operation to provide clear communica tion channels at the decision-making level between the two. This article introduces readers to the policy board, its functions and composition. It also details responsibility and authority of other persons and units directly involved with the Research Journal and portrays the decision routes and interaction channels in its production.
The effect of bulk motion on coagulation rates of colloidal dispersions

Abstract Following the work in 1917 of Smoluchowski, the theory of coagulation of micronsized particles progressed very little until quantitative estimates were possible for induced-dipole attraction and electrostatic double-layer repulsion. A second increase in our understanding of coagulation of colloids has been achieved through application of recent results in fluid mechanics concerning the viscous forces operative between two particles in relative motion. In this survey the essential features of recent theories and experiments of the behavior of spherical of hydrophobic colloids in aqueous suspensions are outlined. Departures from earlier theories are reviewed, and attempts to incorporate simultaneously the effects of bulk flow and of Brownian motion are described.
Computer search of a free-text data base as a tool for investigating structure-effect relationships

Abstract Heuristic clustering methods for text data are applied to a data base describing chemical compounds. Clusters discussed are sets of chemical compounds, defined by similarity of both chemical structure and activity. It is found that activity and structure information can be stored together in the same data file in essentially the same format and can be processed identically by the same computer software. In the course of validating searches in a free-text data base taken from the Merck Index , an inverted Index was produced which can be entered by medical use rather than by compound name.
The "Latina epidemiologic paradox" revisited: the role of birthplace and acculturation in predicting infant low birth weight for Latinas in Los Angeles, CA.

The “Latina epidemiologic paradox” refers to the observation that despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Latina mothers in the United States (US) have a similar or lower risk for delivering an infant with low birth weight (LBW) compared to non-Latina White mothers. An analogous paradox may exist between foreign-born (FB) and US-born (USB) Latinas. Our goal was to assess differences in LBW in USB Latinas, FB Latinas, and non-Latina Whites in Los Angeles County in 2003 using birth records and survey data. Using logistic regression, we estimated associations between LBW and birthplace/ethnicity in a birth cohort and nested survey responder group and between LBW and acculturation in responders to a follow-up survey. USB Latinas and FB Latinas had a higher prevalence of LBW infants compared to Whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (1.17, 1.53) and OR = 1.32, 95% CI = (1.18, 1.49), respectively); when we adjusted for additional maternal risk factors these point estimates were attenuated, and interval estimates were consistent with a modest positive or inverse association. Among Latinas only, LBW was more common for high-acculturated FB and USB Latinas compared to low-acculturated FB Latinas, and there was limited evidence that environmental or behavior risk factors had less impact in low-acculturated Latinas. In summary, adjusting only for demographics, Latinas in our study were more likely to have LBW infants compared to Whites, in contrast to the Latina paradox hypothesis. Furthermore, adjusting for environmental or behavioral factors attenuated the positive association, but there was little evidence that Latinas had a lower prevalence of LBW regardless of the variables included in the models. Finally, among Latinas, there was limited evidence that associations between known risk factors and LBW were modified by acculturation.
Advanced high-resolution mask processes using optical proximity correction

The benefits of incorporating some 'distortion' to the design data in order to produce the desired results on the wafers has been recognized for many years. This 'distortion' has come to be commonly referred to as optical proximity correction (OPC) by the lithography community. In today's era of high throughput laser reticle writing tools, line shortening and corner rounding has forced OPC up the lithography tree from wafer imaging to reticle imaging. With the increasing popularity of 4X systems, the comparatively large spot laser reticle writing systems in the field today need to be extended before being rendered useless for critical reticle requirements due to reticle corner rounding, line shortening and scatter bar resolution. These problems must be resolved in order to extend the use of laser tool for technology node below 0.25 micrometer. Some previous work has been done in adding corner serifs to eliminate corner rounding in contact holes. It was clear from the results that the optimal serifs sizes could be different when patterns were written on different tools. However, there is no clear understanding how the process may affect the outcome. A recent paper by W. Ziegler, et al shows the effect of adding small serifs to line ends on line end shortening based on aerial image and wafer measurement. This paper will discuss the effect of Laser Proximity correction (LPC) and the reticle manufacturing processes on pattern fidelity. CAPROX LPCTM is used to correct for distoritons during the mask exposure. Not only will the impact of lithographic tools on OPC be discussed, but an examination of the effect of wet and dry etched processes on corner rounding, image fidelity, and line end shortening will also be presented.
Activity of Paricutin volcano from April 1 to July 31, 1947

A record of the activity of Paricutin Volcano, Michoacan, Mexico, covering the period April 1 to July 31, 1947, is shown in the diagram of eruptive characteristics, Figure 1, and the area covered by lava is shown in the map, Figure 2. An explanatory discussion of the diagram of eruptive characteristics is given in the first report of the present series [see “References” at end of paper, Wilcox, 1947a]. Discontinuity of data of Figure 1 for June and July is caused by weather conditions that made observations less continuous than usual. Preliminary study of the data does not seem to show a consistent correlation of the activity of Paricutin Volcano with barometric pressure, tide-producing force, or local earthquakes during the period April 1 to July 31, 1947. During a few intervals the most intense pyroclastlc activity corresponded to high barometric pressures, and a suggestion of correlation with tide-producing force occurred April 16 to 27 when the intensity of the eruption rose and fell, often with the rise and fall of tide-producing force. Definite conclusions must await a thorough analysis of all the data.
Literature “Lions” and Language “Lambs”

N HIS recent article, "A la recherche d'une profession unie,"I James Grew reports his experience as a member of the Visiting Committee of the Department of Romance Languages in what he calls "an important Eastern university." At the committee's annual dinner with the department, he says, six foreign-born members of the department voiced their opposition to recently adopted methods of language teaching-in an English so hard to understand that they gave him what he takes to be six good reasons for thinking that the modern methods have much to be said for them.
Switchgrass seedling development as affected by seed size

Seed size has been associated with early seedling vigor (i.e., germination rate, emergence rate, and growth) in grasses. This study was conducted to compare seedling development over a 60-d period in the field as affected by heavy seed (HS) (0.19 to 0.21 g 100 seed -1 ) and light seed (LS) (0.13 to 0.16 g 100 seed -1 ) of Blackwell' and 'Trailblazer' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The experiment was conducted in 1995 and 1996 at Lincoln, NE, on a Kennebec silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Cumulic Hapludolls). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates. Seed was separated into two sizes using a South Dakota seed blower. Seed was planted into rows at a rate of 100 pure live seed per meter of row. Plants were excavated and evaluated for shoot weight, leaf area, and root weight. Shoot and root systems were morphologically staged four times during the summer. Seed size differences in switchgrass appeared to produce only slight differences in morphological development of shoot and root systems, leaf area, shoot weight, and adventitious root weight from seedling emergence to 6 wk of growth. Adventitious roots formed more quickly on seedlings from heavier than lighter seed, but the advantage to seedling establishment was minimal even when soil moisture appeared to be lacking. By 8 to 10 wk after emergence, growth and development of LS seedlings were similar to HS seedlings. Once seedlings formed two or more adventitious roots, seed size no longer affected establishment and growth. Seed size in switchgrass appears to have a minimal long-term effect on growth and development of seedlings.
Surface energy of copper as a function of oxygen activity

Surface energies of copper at 1027°C were determined as a function of oxygen fugacity. The value of the surface energy was 1.49 J/m2 below 10-18 N/m2 oxygen and decreased linearly from 10-18 to 10-11 N/m2. The region of linear decrease fitted the Gibbs adsorption isotherm and gave a surface coverage of 0.24 monolayers of oxygen. The surface energy apparently increased with oxygen fugacity in the range from 10-11 to 10-7 N/m2, but this was associated with effects introduced by a precursor oxide on creep rate rather than a true effect on surface energy.
The Use of Dairy Protocols for Sperm Cryopreservation of Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus

The commercial-scale production of fish by use of artificial (induced) spawning would require reliable, large-volume sources of sperm. Cryopreservation can be used to preserve and store sperm within commercial and research germplasm repositories, but is limited in its application to aquaculture. Straw volume and cooling chamber size restrict the quantity of sperm that can be frozen, and straws must be filled by hand. In contrast, the dairy industry has refined methods for freezing of bull sperm, including automation of straw filling and the use of large cooling chambers. These methods could be used for commercial-scale cryopreservation of fish sperm, although application would require testing. To supply sperm in large volumes, bags originally developed for swine semen could be cooled using dairy protocols and used as a container for fish sperm. The current study documented the use of commercial-scale dairy cryopreservation techniques for the production of hybrids of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (female) by blue catfish Ictalurus furcarus. Four cryoprotectants (methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl acetamide, and glycerol) were initially evaluated for use with blue catfish sperm. During May 2000 and March to April 2001, suspensions of blue catfish sperm were cryopreserved with 10% methanol in 0.5-mL French straws and in commercial swine semen bags (Cochette* bags, IMV International. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA). Cryopreservation took place at a dairy breeding cooperative, using technology employed for bull semen. Sperm motility before freezing was 26 ± 18% during Year 1 (2000) and 62 ± 30% during 2001. Sperm were thawed at 40 C and used to fertilize the eggs of channel catfish (yielding hybrids). Motility after thawing for sperm frozen in 0.5-mL straws was 11 ± 10% during 2000 and 50 ± 24% during 2001. Motility after thawing was 41 ± 17% for sperm frozen in swine semen bags in 5-mL aliquots and 43 ± 10% for sperm frozen in 10-mL aliquots. Neurulation of eggs fertilized with thawed sperm from straws was 83 ± 13% during 2000 and 54 ± 27% during 2001. Neurulation was 57 ± 24% using sperm frozen in swine semen bags in 5-mL aliquots and 55 ± 10% using sperm frozen in 10-mL aliquots. There was no correlation between sperm motility before freezing (in 0.5-mL straws) and after thawing during 2000 (r= 0.52) or during 2001 (r= 0.49). In addition, there was no correlation between initial motility and neurulation of channel catfish eggs fertilized using thawed sperm during 2000 (r= 0.14) or during 2001 (r= 0.29). Sperm of blue catfish can thus be cryopreserved at a commercial scale using dairy protocols and can be made available for the production of hybrid catfish when viable eggs are available.