cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A muscle-specific variant of microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) is required in myogenesis

Microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) transcripts vary in different mouse tissues, with striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac) expressing 8- and 9-kb transcripts preferentially to the more widely distributed 5.5- and 6.5-kb transcripts (West, R. W., Tenbarge, K. M. and Olmsted, J. B. (1991). J. Biol. Chem. 266, 21886-21896). Cloning of the sequence unique to the muscle transcripts demonstrated that these mRNAs vary from the more ubiquitous ones by a single 3.2-kb coding region insertion within the projection domain of MAP4. During differentiation of the myogenic cell line, C2C12, muscle-specific MAP4 transcripts appear within 24 hours of growth in differentiation medium, and a larger MAP4 isotype (350 X 10(3) Mr) accumulates to high levels by 48 hours of differentiation. In situ hybridization analyses of transcript distribution in mouse embryos demonstrated that muscle-specific transcripts appear early in myogenesis. To block the expression of the muscle-specific MAP4, stable lines of C2C12 were generated bearing an antisense construct with the muscle-specific MAP4 sequence. Myoblast growth was unaffected whereas myotube formation was severely perturbed. Fusion occurred in the absence of the muscle MAP4 isotype, but the multinucleate syncytia were short and apolar, microtubules were disorganized and normal anisotropic myofibrils were absent. The patterns of expression of the muscle-specific transcripts and the antisense experiments indicated that this unique structural form of MAP4 plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of muscle.
News from Academy

Curing the Flaw of Averages by Re-thinking Uncertainty Such uncertainties drive decision making at all levels of business and government, where they are often replaced with single “average” best guesses. Unfortunately this leads to a set of systematic mathematical errors known collectively as the flaw of averages . This misconception helps explain why so many things are behind schedule, below projection, and beyond budget.
Reactions of primate respiratory mast cells.

Abstract Living respiratory mast cells were obtained from rhesus monkeys and maintained in short-term tissue culture preparations. The cells are detected with relative ease when lightly stained with toluidine blue by bright-field microscopy. Examination of the stained cells by dark-field microscopy provided a more striking definition of individual mast cell granules. These mast cells degranulated after in vitro exposure to Ascaris antigen, anti-IgE, or compound 48–80. The degranulation occurred as an intracellular phenomenon without other significant morphologic changes. With the use of anti-IgE, no definite correlation of respiratory mast cell reactivity with reverse passive respiratory or reverse passive cutaneous reactivity of animals was established. Intact mast cells excluded trypan blue, but degranulated mast cells were stained with trypan blue. The high percentage of mast cells reacting to 50 μg per milliliter of compound 48–80 provided a presumptive means of establishing whether or not a particular mast cell was alive subsequent to a failure to degranulate in response to another agent. Feroxidase was shown to be present in the primate respiratory mast cell granules. Cells from the monkey peritoneum were examined. Mast cells were not found by morphologic examination. There was no significant histamine content of the peritoneal cells.
On a property of polyhedral sets

The following result is proved using solvability and optimality criteria for linear programs. The duals to the cones of feasible directions at vertices of a polyhedral set constitute a partition of the dual to the recession cone of the set.
Function of sulfur dioxide in the kinetic mechanism of oxidation of carbon

Abstract Retardation of the gasification reaction of carbon with oxygen by SO2 was observed. Rates of oxidation were determined by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of a nuclear graphite in the temperature range of 550–700°C, and of a coconut charcoal in the temperature range of 400–505°C. The oxidant gases were dry air containing 0–6% SO2. Reduction of the rate by SO2 varied with burn-off. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was also applied to detect the retardation effect of SO2. The technique of infrared internal reflection spectroscopy (IRS) was used to examine the surface species of reacted charcoal samples. Absorption bands were assigned to surface carbonyls, lactones, and a chemisorbed SO2 in the form of sulfate. Chemisorption of SO2 was attributed to cause the retardation of the oxidation reaction.
A semisimultaneous inversion algorithm for SAGE III

[1] The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) III instrument was successfully launched into orbit on 10 December 2001. The planned operational species separation inversion algorithm will utilize a stepwise retrieval strategy. This paper presents an alternative, semisimultaneous species separation inversion that simultaneously retrieves all species over user-specified vertical intervals or blocks. By overlapping these vertical blocks, retrieved species profiles over the entire vertical range of the measurements are obtained. The semisimultaneous retrieval approach provides a more straightforward method for evaluating the error coupling that occurs among the retrieved profiles due to various types of input uncertainty. Simulation results are presented to show how the semisimultaneous inversion can enhance understanding of the SAGE III retrieval process. In the future, the semisimultaneous inversion algorithm will be used to help evaluate the results and performance of the operational inversion. Compared to SAGE II, SAGE III will provide expanded and more precise spectral measurements. This alone is shown to significantly reduce the uncertainties in the retrieved ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosol extinction profiles for SAGE III. Additionally, the well-documented concern that SAGE II retrievals are biased by the level of volcanic aerosol is greatly alleviated for SAGE III.
Probing Interactions Within Anthrax Toxin by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Anthrax toxin, besides its role in the pathogenesis of Bacillus anthracis, is also an important model system in understanding how proteins cross cellular membranes. Anthrax toxin consists of three proteins: two enzymes, edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF), and a pore-forming protein called protective antigen (PA) that acts as a delivery vehicle for the two enzymes. The toxin enters the cell through endocytosis and is trafficked to the endosome where, upon a decrease in pH, PA inserts into the membrane forming a pore through which LF and/or EF are subsequently translocated. Although the details of PA-assisted translocation are still unclear, biochemical studies indicate that LF binds to the surface of PA with its unstructured N-terminal region (residues 1-26) poised above the entryway of the pore, suggesting that these residues may extend into and bind within the lumen of PA, thus initiating translocation. To probe such putative interactions, we attached a nitroxide spin label to the N-terminal, PA-binding domain of LF (LFn) at a number of positions within the N-terminal region. We then used electron paramagnetic resonance to measure the mobility of these spin labels with LFn alone and in complex with PA. We found that for LFn spin labeled at position 2 or 5 the mobility of the label significantly decreases when LFn is in complex with the PA pore, indicating a binding interaction between these N-terminal residues and the pore. Additionally, translocation-compromising mutations within the PA phenylalanine clamp eliminate the observed interaction between the LFn N-terminus and PA. These results suggest that the LFn N-terminus binds within the lumen of the PA pore, likely at or near the phenylalanine clamp, initiating translocation.
The importance of fallback foods in primate ecology and evolution.

The role of fallback foods in shaping pri- mate ranging, socioecology, and morphology has recently become a topic of particular interest to biological anthro- pologists. Although the use of fallback resources has been noted in the ecological and primatological literature for a number of decades, few attempts have been made to define fallback foods or to explore the utility of this con- cept for primate evolutionary biologists and ecologists. As a preface to this special issue of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology devoted to the topic of fallback foods in primate ecology and evolution, we discuss the de- velopment and use of the fallback concept and highlight its importance in primatology and paleoanthropology. Am J Phys Anthropol 140:599-602, 2009. V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ranitidine and acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Excerpt To the editor: We read with interest the recent editorial (1) comparing ranitidine and cimetidine. We agree that ranitidine will acquire its own profile of adverse effects but think the eff...
Using Time-delay to Improve Social Play Skills with Peers for Children with Autism

Interventions that teach social communication and play skills are crucial for the development of children with autism. The time delay procedure is effective in teaching language acquisition, social use of language, discrete behaviors, and chained activities to individuals with autism and developmental delays. In this study, three boys with autism, attending a non-public school, were taught play activities that combined a play sequence with requesting peer assistance, using a graduated time delay procedure. A multiple-baseline across subjects design demonstrated the success of this procedure to teach multiple-step social play sequences. Results indicated an additional gain of an increase in pretend play by one of the participants. Two also demonstrated a generalization of the skills learned through the time delay procedure.
The effect of sulfur dioxide on the response of rabbits to expiratory loads

The role of slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (PSR) in the reflex control of expiratory duration was investigated in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rabbits. Graded resistive and elastic loads were applied for single expirations to produce expiratory volume-time curves. The PSR were selectively blocked by administration of 200-400 ppm sulfur dioxide (SO2) to the inspired air of the rabbits. Volume-time curves were generated for pre-treatment, SO2 exposure, recovery and post-bilateral cervical vagotomy. SO2 exposure significantly reduced the volume-dependent modulation of expiratory duration from the pre-treatment levels. The response to the expiratory loads returned when the SO2 gas was removed. Vagotomy completely abolished any volume-dependent modulation of expiratory duration with expiratory loading. These results demonstrate that the response of rabbits to expiratory loads is vagally dependent. The hypothesis that PSR are the vagal afferents mediating this response is supported by these results.
The value of the Internet to anaesthetists.

Purpose To determine which anaesthetists are using the Internet, which resources they find most valuable, and whether the Internet provides useful information which changes the way in which they practice anaesthesia. Method: The survey was posted on the World Wide Web and publicised by e-mail messages to the major anaesthesia ciscussion lists on the Internet.
Extended Resections for Thymic Malignancies

Almost all series reporting on the results of resection in thymic tumors indicate that the performance of a complete resection is probably the most important prognostic factor. This issue is not a factor in Masaoka stage I and II tumors that are almost always easily completely resected and have an excellent prognosis. Masaoka stage III tumors that invade the pericardium, lungs, or great vessels have relatively higher incomplete resection rates, significantly higher recurrence rates, and thus a worse prognosis. There are several small reports on the efficacy of resection of the great veins when involved by a thymic malignancy with low morbidity and meaningful long-term survival. Superior vena cava reconstruction is commonly performed by a polytetrafluroethylene, venous, or pericardial graft. These cases can usually be identified preoperatively and, thus, considered for induction therapy. Because these types of cases are almost always of marginal respectability in terms of obtaining a true en bloc resection, there is an increasing enthusiasm for offering induction therapy in an effort to enhance resectability. Preliminary results suggest increased R0 resection rates and improved survival with induction therapy for locally advanced tumors. The optimal induction treatment is unknown. The ultimate extended surgery for advanced thymic tumors is an extrapleural pneumonectomy performed for extensive pleural disease (Masaoka stage IVA). These rarely performed operations are done for IVA disease found at initial presentation and for recurrent disease as a salvage procedure. Again these advanced patients are probably best managed by induction chemotherapy followed by resection.
Compressive strength and microplasticity in polycrystalline alumina

The compressive strength of polycrystalline alumina at 23° C is found to be strain-rate sensitive, but insensitive to environment. Scanning electron microscopy of specimens loaded to near failure indicates the origin of the strength-strain-rate dependence to be localized plasticity in the form of twinning and, possibly, slip. The interaction of these deformation bands with grain boundaries causes the initiation of microcracks. Higher stresses produce still more twin/slip-nucleated microcracks, which finally coalesce at failure. It is suggested that twinning also may be related to the tensile failure of alumina.
Simultaneous nanometer and femtosecond spatiotemporal control of optical fields

We demonstrate the simultaneous and independent spatiotemporal control of optical fields on nanometer length and femtosecond time scales, enabled by the intrinsic adiabatic and mode-matched surface plasmon polariton nanofocusing ability of 3D tapered Au tips, in combination with femtosecond pulse shaping using MIIPS.
In vivo Flow Cytometry

A two-beam, two-channel, two-photon flow cytometer is developed for both ex vivo measurement of cellular parameters and in vivo detection of fluorescence labeled cells in live animals. Real-time detection of fluorescent microbeads in the vasculature of mouse ear demonstrates the ability to do flow cytometry in vivo.
Vapor-liquid-solid growth and Sb doping of Ge nanowires from a liquid Au-Sb-Ge ternary alloy

Single-crystalline Sb-doped Ge nanowires (NWs) with excellent structural properties and uniform composition have been synthesized with high yield by vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth by low-temperature thermal evaporation from a mixture of Ge and Sb powders. During deposition, both the Ge and the Sb dopant became incorporated in the VLS seed nanoparticle. In situ annealing experiments during transmission electron microscopy establish that a liquid ternary Au-Sb-Ge alloy constitutes the active phase of the VLS seed drop at high temperatures, which governs the growth of the one-dimensional Ge NW and its doping by Sb.
A multivariate analysis of dropout status by length of stay in a rural community mental health center.

Homogeneity and other characteristics of rural community mental health center adult, outpatient dropouts were investigated with particular attention to length of stay. Analyses of 93 cases during a one year period revealed that qualities of the therapist discriminated short-term dropouts from long-term dropouts and longterm terminators. The client's chronicity discriminated short-term dropouts from shortterm terminators. Dropouts were not found to be a homogeneous group. While therapist characteristics may be important in predicting termination status in long-term stays, the termination status of short-term clients may be determined primarily by the severity of the client's problems and whether or not they have received previous treatment.
Design and Dynamics of Multiloop Optical Frequency Locked Loop

Next generation radar system desires frequency agile low phase noise local oscillator signal. A rapidly tunable multiloop optical frequency locked loop (OFLL) can provide such functionality. The OFLL employs a pair of electro-optic tunable microchip lasers that are heterodyned to produce a frequency agile microwave modulated optical subcarrier. A feedback through a multiloop fiber optic based microwave frequency discriminator assures low phase noise operation. This paper concerns design and optimization of stable, low phase noise OFLLs. This paper features a parametric study, followed by proof-of-concept experiments. Phase noise of -120 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset is achieved experimentally and conditions for obtaining a phase noise in excess of -130 dBc/Hz are discussed.
The Genomic Revolution and Endocrine Pathology

The genome has been sequenced. However, the functions of each gene remain to be elucidated through phenotypic analysis. This analysis has been called phenogenomics. That part of phenogenomics related to disease can be called pathogenomics or Genomic Pathology. The initial phases of disease analysis will use genetically modified mice. The proliferation of ambitious programs designed to use mice for phenogenomics has been met with alarm by comparative pathologists who note the lack of qualified genomic pathologists and of training programs in genomic pathology. While endocrine pathology offers a number of excellent examples of the contributions made by pathologists to the scientific literature, it also contains examples of the hazards of working with untrained, unwary personnel.
Beyond the dopamine receptor: the DARPP-32/protein phosphatase-1 cascade.

Research was supported by National Institutes of Health grants MH 40899 and DA 10044. We thank current and previous members of this laboratory for helpful comments on the manuscript and Elisabeth Griggs for help with preparation of the figures. We also thank Eric Kandel and Tom Jessell for helpful comments.
Measurement of mixed venous oxygen tension in premature infants by a rebreathing method.

Extract: The CO2 and oxygen tensions of mixed venous blood were determined by the re-breathing method of Cerretelli et al. in a group of 21 low birth weight infants. Venous ranged from 10 to 43 mm Hg, with a mean of 28 mm Hg, and showed no tendency to change with size or age. Cardiac output was calculated from these data according to the Fick principle. Values of 50–100 ml/min/kg were obtained in newborn low birth weight infants; these rise with age to 300–500 ml/min/kg, at which time they are comparable with term infants. Speculation: The method described herein is practical, simple, and accurate. It provides further quantitative data to characterize healthy and distressed newborns with regard to cardiac output and VA/Q, relations.
Emission Properties of Sn2+ and Sm3+ Co-doped Barium Phosphate Glass

Co-doping of a P2O5:BaO glass matrix with divalent tin and trivalent samarium ions has been realized by the melt-quenching technique with the purpose of investigating the material’s luminescent properties. Photoluminescence excitation spectra obtained by monitoring Sm3+ 4G5/2 emission showed a broad excitation band around 290 nm (absent in a Sm3+-doped reference), typical of donor/acceptor energy transfer. Under such excitation, the material exhibits a reddish-white emission. Time-resolved spectra recorded under the 290-nm excitation (non-resonant with Sm3+ excitation peaks) exposed a broad blue-white band characteristic of twofold-coordinated Sn centers and orange-red emission bands of Sm3+ ions, which appeared well separated in time in accord with their emission decay dynamics. Consequently, the data indicate that light absorption occurs at Sn centers (donors) followed by energy transfer to samarium ions (acceptors) which results in populating the 4G5/2 emitting state in Sm3+. Energy transfer pathways likely resulting in the sensitization of Sm3+ photoluminescence are discussed. Results are put into context in terms of the potential of SnO and rare-earth co-doped barium phosphate glasses for use in white light-emitting devices.
The spreading of organo-bentonites on water

Abstract Evidence for the spreading of the organo-clay complexes on water has been obtained with a conventional film balance. The spread layer is apparently composed of a single layer of the laminar organophilic crystals lying flat at the aqueous surface. The interparticle orientation is not specifically defined in this study, but the implications are that the laminar crystals are as tightly packed as their shapes permit.
Interaction of Antiprotons with Complex Nuclei

The large reaction cross sections observed for antiproton collisions with complex nuclei may be understood in terms of strong absorption in the diffuse surface of the nucleus. Large values for the real part of the potential are not required. The elastic scattering of antiprotons is also discussed.
Pyrolysis-induced changes in the ring number composition of polycyclic aromatic compounds from a high volatile bituminous coal

Combining a high pressure liquid chromatographic separation by ring number and a mass proportional means of detection, we have monitored the pyrolytic behavior of nonpolar coalderived polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) at temperatures of 1100–1500 K and average gas residence times of .25 to .75 sec. PAC composition with respect to ring number correlates well with total PAC yield (or conversion) and depends on temperature or time only as much as these variables determine conversion. 2- and 3-ring aromatics decay the most rapidly with increases in temperature or time; 4- and 5-ring PAC emerge as the most stable species. As a whole, PAC of 6 to 10 rings exhibit general insensitivity of pyrolysis conditions up to an intermediate level of conversion, after which they too decay with increasing temperature or time. Ring number analyses on substituted and unsubstituted PAC fractions of the coal pyrolysis samples reveal that for each ring number group, the substituted PAC decay more quickly than the unsubstituted PAC. The departure of product concentrations from equilibrium levels indicates kinetic control. Our experimental results show consistency with the free radical mechanism of Badger et al. , which can account for the general ring buildup we observe in the low to moderate PAC conversion regime and the ever increasing degree of condensation in the remaining PAC as conversion continues. Empirical findings of others on the pyrolysis of model compounds as well as theory-based ease-of-radical-formation parameters explain both the preferential loss of substituted PAC and the survival of the highly condensed unsubstituted PAC that we observe experimentally. In contrast to premixed flame systems where PAC and soot grow by the addition of acetylene, aromatic species appear, to be primarily responsible for the growth of the PAC and soot in our coal pyrolysis experiments.
An Optimum Method of Early-Time Well Test Analysis -- Genetic Algorithm

Conventional type curve fitting analysis of early-time transient pressure data influenced by wellbore storage effects can yield non-unique results clue to similarity in the shape of the curves. In order to alleviate this problem, this paper proposed an optimum method based on adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA). This is a robust approach to get early-time well test interpretation. It is superior to the non-linear regression algorithms and standard genetic algorithm. Initial estimates of the parameters and operator probability (crossover and mutation probability) need not be specified. The diversity of the population and the convergence capacity of the GA can be maintained by using the adaptively varying probabilities of crossover and mutation depending on the fitness values of the solutions. By this way the optimum reservoir parameters can be obtained. Applicability of the proposed methods is demonstrated by analyzing a field example.
Effect of administering recombinant erythropoietin to women with postpartum anemia: a meta-analysis

Effect of Administering Recombinant Erythropoietin to Women with Postpartum Anemia: A Meta-analysis
Potential of Mean Force Calculations: A Multiple-Walker Adaptive Biasing Force Approach

The adaptive biasing force (ABF) scheme is a powerful molecular-dynamics based method for overcoming barriers of the free-energy landscape. Integration of the mean force measured along a chosen rea...
Toward the total synthesis of ritterazine N

Zr-mediated equilibrating cyclocarbonylation of a designed triene led with high diastereocontrol to the ABC 6-6-5 tricyclic core of ritterazine N. The 5-5 EF spiroketal side chain of ritterazine N was prepared by equilibrating cyclization of an acyclic keto diol. The two components were coupled, and the D ring was assembled by intramolecular aldol con- densation.
Vibrational Intensities. XXIV: Data Processing System for Infrared Gas-Phase Intensity Measurements.

A data recording and processing system is described which transfers gas-phase intensity data directly to punched paper tape, uses a digital computer for all phases of the data handling, and thus substantially reduces the time for the measurement of a single band. The recorder pen position is continually converted to a digital record by a shaft encoder operating at positions on the spectrometer lead screw that are determined by a Schmidt-Trigger encoder unit. Auxiliary information and data output are recorded by utilizing a series of programs that eventually generate sets of ∂p/(∂sj). The use of this system is illustrated by considering its application to a determination of the absorption band intensities of trans HFC=CFH.
Assisted hatching and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are not associated with improved outcomes in assisted reproduction cycles for diminished ovarian reserve: an analysis of cycles in the United States from 2004 to 2011

Objective To investigate the impact of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and assisted hatching (AH) on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in initial cycles with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) as the primary diagnosis. Design Retrospective cohort study of cycles from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinic Outcome Reporting System database. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) A total of 422,949 fresh, nondonor, initial ART cycles of which 8,597 were diagnosed with only elevated FSH and 38,926 were diagnosed with only DOR according to the SART DOR categorization. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Live birth and clinical pregnancy rates. Result(s) ICSI and AH were associated with diminished odds of live birth in SART DOR–only cycles (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.96 for ICSI; AOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.71–0.84 for AH). No association between odds of live birth and either ICSI or AH in elevated FSH–only cycles was observed. The combination of ICSI and AH was associated with significantly lower odds of live birth in SART DOR–only cycles but not in elevated FSH–only cycles. Conclusion(s) In initial ART cycles for which the only indication relates to a diagnosis of DOR, AH and ICSI are not associated with improved live birth rates.
Effective atomic numbers of biological materials in the energy region 1 to 50 MeV for photons, electrons, and He ions.

A study of effective atomic numbers for biological materials such as, bone, muscle, spleen, liver, mucin, and water has been carried out in the energy region 1 to 50 MeV for photons, electrons, and He ions. It is noticed that the effective atomic number for photons and electrons increases with energy, and remains, more or less the same, for He ions.
Analysis of Power Characteristics for Sap Flow, Soil Moisture, and Soil Water Potential Sensors in Wireless Sensor Networking Systems

While wireless sensor networks (WSNs) become more popular as a tool for scientists and engineers in environmental monitoring, the energy efficiency of WSN's primary unit, the mote, is increasingly critical. Motes perform communication and processing functions and also take measurements using limited onboard battery power. For environmental monitoring deployment, sampling rates need to be assigned to motes such that useful information can be extracted over both spatial and temporal scales. The data sampling rate, which is intimately related to data transmission rate, plays an important role in the mote's battery life. Moreover, while it has been noted that mote operation continues under less than optimal power supply levels, data collected during this time undergoes attenuation from the desired measurement. That is, low battery conditions of motes could significantly affect the accuracy of sensed data. This paper investigates the above two issues to achieve extended battery life for individual wireless motes while maintaining sampling adequacy and reliability in transmitting accurate data. We first study how different sensor characteristics, such as different types of sap flow sensors, can affect motes' sampling and transmission rate. Then, we examine the effect of sensing attenuation due to low battery power on sap flow, soil moisture, and soil water potential measurements. A simple regression model was found to correct data for both the sap flow and soil water potential sensors sampled on under-powered motes. By operating under less than optimal power levels, this effectively increases motes' battery life for reliable data collection from wireless sensor networks.
Neuro-Ophthalmology of Systemic Disease

Many neuro-ophthalmologic conditions may result from systemic disease or its treatments. This article provides an update on optic neuropathies, eye movement disorders, and intracranial visual pathway lesions that occur most commonly with systemic disease, are clinical emergencies, or have been identified or clarified in recent publications.
Layered manufacturing: current status and future trends

This paper reviews the emerging field of layered manufacturing. This field is little over 10 years old but a significant amount of research has been conducted and results to date are quite promising. We consider three broad topics namely, design systems for heterogeneous objects, layered manufacturing processes, and process planning techniques. Several applications/examples are included in the course of the survey and limitations of current technology identified. We conclude with some possibilities for the future. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1355029#
Eribulin—A review of preclinical and clinical studies

Eribulin mesylate is a non-taxane, structurally simplified, completely synthetic, halichondrin B derivative with an end poisoning, microtubule inhibitory action. Preclinical studies have demonstrated activity in various cancer cell lines and synergistic action with gemcitabine, epirubicin, trastuzumab, cisplatin, docetaxel and vinorelbine. Eribulin has recently been approved by United States Food and Drug Administration as a third line therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients, who have previously been treated with an anthracycline and a taxane. It has also advanced to phase II trials in non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, prostate, bladder, head and neck cancers, sarcomas and ovarian and other gynecological tumors. Combination trials with carboplatin, gemcitabine, pemetrexed, cisplatin, and erlotinib are currently ongoing. Eribulin potentially has a low incidence of peripheral neuropathy. The predominant side effects are neutropenia and fatigue, which are manageable. This article reviews the available information on eribulin with respect to its clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Photometric titrations—VI: The determination of submicrogram quantities of calcium and magnesium

Abstract Three different types of end-point detection in photometric titrations are denned, and their relation to the selectivity problem is discussed. Some of the principles are applied to the determination of calcium and magnesium in quantities down to a few tenths or hundredths of a microgram. Excess dye (Calmagite) is added to the solution containing calcium and magnesium buffered to pH 10, so that both metals are complexed. Then the titration is performed with EDTA. A titration curve is obtained with two end-points, thus allowing the evaluation of each metal present. Changes effected in a photometric titrator previously described are discussed, as well as their relation to increased sensitivity and precision.
A rapid method for the determination of polyols by dichromate oxidation, spectrophotometric measurement of Cr (III)

Abstract A rapid and accurate method is described for the determination of small quantities of polyhydroxy compounds by the spectrophotometric measurement of Cr(III) produced by the reduction of dichromate in 50% sulfuric acid. The method is probably applicable also to many other organic reducing agents. Duplicate determinations require only 30 minutes. The maximum standard deviation for any of the six compounds investigated was 0.90% of the polyol content.
Effect of glucose on potassium contracture tension in rat heart

Abstract The effect of substrates on potassium contracture tension of the isolated rat ventricle strip was investigated. The contracture tension magnitude of ventricle strips exposed to potassium rich medium was markedly greater with medium containing pyruvate or acetate than with glucose as the substrate. The effect of substrates on contracture tension was not related to their ability to maintain the ATP stores of the heart, for there was not a significant difference in the ATP levels in ventricle strips incubated in medium containing pyruvate, pyruvate + glucose, or glucose. Glucose reduced the K-contracture tension magnitude of heart strips suspended in medium containing pyruvate or acetate as substrate; 3-0-methylglucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose did not have this action on K-contracture tension. The reduction of K-contracture tension by glucose was inhibited by iodoacetate and fluoride. Under anaerobic conditions, 50 mM glucose significantly reduced the K-contracture tension of ventricle strips suspended in pyruvate medium. The findings of this study suggest that glucose metabolism has an action on K-contracture tension in cardiac muscle that is not shared by acetate or pyruvate.
Risks of War and Deterrence Logic

Santayana once said that those who do not remember the past are condemned to relive it. Looking at the world at the edge of war in 1939, a skeptic might reply: what if the wrong lessons are remembered? What happens when men remember lessons for avoiding past calamities that cannot prevent future ones? Can the future become the past again not because we forget but because we remember too well the causes of the past and use them mistakenly as remedies for problems of today? In the years between World War I and World War ii, English and French politicians felt strongly that a major cause of the Great War was the arms race between Germany and the Allied powers and the tensions and suspicions sustained by that rivalry. To prevent war in Europe again, arms races had to be avoided at almost all costs. If nations accepted disarmament, the international community could impose its decisions peacefully. The carnage of World War I had scarred men too deeply for them to put aside this belief. The consequences of this belief, however, were disastrous, for having renounced war as evil the British and French faced men in Germany who had not. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933 and immediately set out to rearm Germany to extend German strength throughout Europe. In a private meeting with leading German generals and admirals in early February 1933, Hitler promised a vast program of rearmament and conscription and military indoctrination of the country, What would Germany's military forces be used for? As one of those present at the meeting recalled, for the "conquest of Lebensraum in the East and its ruthless Germanization."' By the beginning of April, the German cabinet had secretly established a National Defence Council (Reichsverteidigungsrat) to co-ordinate military planning in the government. For Hitler, the absence of significant armed forces in France and Britain was not an inducement to negotiation but an opportunity to force the European democracies to choose between concessions and the absence of war and arming and the probability of war. Not until it was nearly too late did France and Britain begin rearming on a large scale to stop aggression. After World War II, the lessons of the past seemed obvious. What had caused the war was appeasement and disarmament. Negotiation from strength would prevent World War 111. Slowly but in ways that radically altered the defence policies of Western democracies, deterrence emerged as the central way of pre-
Multi-point boundary value problems of second-order differential equations (I)

Abstract We study the nonlinear boundary value problem with nonhomogeneous multi-point boundary condition u″+f(t,u,u′)=0, t∈(0,1), u′(0)− ∑ i=1 m a i u′(t i )=λ 1 , u(1)− ∑ i=1 m b i u(t i )=λ 2 . Sufficient conditions are found for the existence of solutions of the problem based on the existence of lower and upper solutions with certain relations. Using one of the results, under some assumptions, we obtain explicit ranges of values of λ1 and λ2 with which the problem has a solution, has a positive solution, and has no solution, respectively. Furthermore, we prove that the whole plane for λ1 and λ2 can be divided into two disjoint connected regions ΛE and ΛN such that the problem has a solution for (λ1,λ2)∈ΛE and has no solution for (λ1,λ2)∈ΛN.
Effects of pulsed mid-IR lasers on bovine knee joint tissues

E:ffects Of Pulsed Mid-Infrared LasersOn Bovine Knee Joint TissuesS.G. Van, W.Q. Shi, V.R. Pergadia, J.T. Duffy, J.M. Miller,M.J. van der Veen, A.13. Weiss, M.C. Fishbein and W. S. Grundfest.Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Laser Research and TechnologyDevelopment DepartmentLos Angeles, CA 90048, USA.Telephone: (310) 855—5854 FAX: (310) 657—2918ABSTRACTWe investigated the effect of varying Tm:YAG (2.O14jm) and Ho:YAG(2.l3Ojnn) lase:r parameters on ablation rate and consequentthermal damage. Mid-infrared wavelengths are strongly absorbed bymost biological tissues due to the tissue's high water content.Ablation rate (jnn/pulse) was defined as the ratio of the samplethickness to t:he number of laser pulses required to perforate it.The ablation rate of fresh bovine knee joint tissues (fibrouscartilage, hyaline cartilage, and bone) in saline was assessed asa function of radiant exposure (160-950 J/cm2) ,
Long-term follow-up of infants discharged from neonatal intensive care units.

A recent review of 20 years' experience with neonatal intensive care for very-low-birth-weight infants provides reassurance that such care saves lives and that an increasing proportion survive free of moderate to severe handicap. However, data on the health status of these survivors largely reflect status in infancy. An increasing literature suggests that such early findings may be insufficient to characterize later outcomes, particularly those problems encountered as the child enters school. Since the specific health and developmental problems that might be encountered are still being defined, a broad conceptual framework is applied to organize a review of the existing literature. Some areas of concern about longer-term outcomes emerge, as well as important areas for which data are lacking. Further definition of longer-term outcomes is critical at the policy level to assess the utility of neonatal intensive care unit interventions and at the individual level for counseling families as to the health and educational needs of these children. (JAMA. 1989;261:1767-1772)
ISOLATION, GENETIC MAPPING AND SOME CHARACTERIZATION OF A MUTATION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI THAT AFFECTS THE PROCESSING OF RIBONUCLEIC ACID

ABSTRACT Temperature-sensitive mutants were isolated from an rnc (RNase III-) strain of Escherichia coli , and their rRNA metabolism was analyzed on 3% polyacrylamide gels. One of these mutants was unable to produce 23S and 5S rRNAs at the nonpermissive temperature. When an rnc + allele was introduced to this strain, it remained temperature sensitive. At the nonpermissive temperature, this strain could then produce 23S rRNA but was unable to make normal levels of 5S rRNA. In matings and transduction experiments, the defect in rRNA metabolism and temperature sensitivity behaved as a syndrome caused by a single point mutation, which was mapped at min 23.5 on the E. coli chromosome. This mutation probably affects an enzyme, ribonuclease E (RNase E), which introduces a cut in the nascent rRNA transcript between the 23S and the 5S rRNA cistrons. The mutation rne is recessive with respect to temperature sensitivity and the pattern of rRNA. Revertants able to grow at 43° and with normal metabolism of rRNA were isolated; genetic analysis showed that they do not contain the original rne mutation, suggesting that they were true revertants. By combining the rne mutation with an rnc mutation, double rnc rne strains were synthesized, which behaved very similarly to the original rnc strain from which the rne mutation was isolated. Such strains have RNA metabolism that is similar to that of rnc strains at permissive temperatures, but at the nonpermissive temperature they fail to synthesize p23, m23 and 5S rRNAs. Thus, the experiments reported here, together with previous studies, suggest the existence of a new processing ribonuclease activity in Escherichia coli , which is called ribonuclease E.
Auxiliary Variables in Multiple Imputation When Data Are Missing Not at Random

Most current implementations of multiple imputation (MI) assume that data are missing at random (MAR), but this assumption is generally untestable. We performed analyses to test the effects of auxiliary variables on MI when the data are missing not at random (MNAR) using simulated data and real data. In the analyses we varied (a) the correlation, (b) the level of missing data, (c) the pattern of missing data, and (d) sample size. Results showed that MI performed adequately without auxiliary variables but they also had a modest impact on bias in the real data and improved efficiency in both data sets. The results of this study suggest that, counter to the concern about the violation of the MAR assumption, MI appears to be quite robust to missing data that are MNAR in analytic situations such as the ones presented here. Further, results can be made even better via the use of auxiliary variables, particularly when efficiency is a primary concern.
ROLE OF CONGESTION AND INFORMATION IN TRIP-MAKERS' DYNAMIC DECISION PROCESSES: EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

The role of congestion and information on trip-makers' dynamic decision processes, particularly commuters' route- and departure-time-switching behavior, is investigated. Using data from interactive simulation experiments, indifference bands for route- and departure-time-switching decisions are calibrated based on a boundedly rational behavioral framework. Trip-maker behavior is influenced not only by the magnitude of congestion but also by its day-to-day evolution. Both information quality and the interaction between information, behavioral inertia, and traffic supply conditions are significant determinants of behavior. Trip-makers' short-term and longer-term experiences in traffic strongly influence route- and departure-time-switching decisions. These findings have important implications for dynamic traffic modeling, network state prediction, design of Advanced Traveler Information Systems products and services, and assessment of Intelligent Transportation Systems impacts.
The effects of statins and renin-angiotensin system blockers on atrial fibrillation recurrence following antral pulmonary vein isolation.

Introduction: Ablation has emerged as a major treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this procedure is limited by a significant rate of AF recurrence. We aimed to examine the effects of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) on the recurrence rate of AF following ablation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 177 consecutive patients (mean age = 56 ± 11 yrs, 69% males) who underwent ablation for paroxysmal (n = 132) or persistent AF (n = 45). Patients were treated with ACE-I (n = 31) or ARB (n = 18) or statins (n = 50) prior to ablation and for the duration of follow-up. Results: After a mean follow-up of 13.8 ± 8.6 months, 72% of patients were free of AF. For patients taking statins, 33 of 50 (60%) were free of AF. In patients treated with ACE-I, 17 of 31 (55%) were free from AF, while in the group of patients treated with ARB, 17 of 18 (94%) were free from AF. Using Cox regression analysis to correct for baseline variables, treatment with statins did not decrease the recurrence rate (HR = 1.10 [95% CI: 0.55–2.27] p = 0.79); nor did treatment with renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (HR 0.94 [95% CI: 0.46–1.93] p = 0.87). However, subgroup analysis showed that treatment with ARB was associated with a trend towards lower AF recurrence [HR 0.17, (95% CI: 0.02–1.34) p = 0.09]. Conclusions: Even though statins and RAS blockers possess anti-inflammatory properties, they did not decrease the recurrence of AF following ablation. However, the subset of patients taking ARB exhibited a trend towards lower AF recurrence. Larger, randomized studies are needed to address this observation.
Bone marrow biopsies for the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis: is one biopsy sufficient?

The medical records of 21 patients evaluated for mastocytosis and 2 patients seen for follow-up of known mastocytosis who underwent bilateral iliac crest aspirations and biopsies were reviewed retrospectively to determine whether mastocytosis could be confirmed in each of a patient’s biopsy specimens. In 19 cases (83%), each biopsy specimen showed evidence of mastocytosis; however, in 4 cases (17%), only 1 of 2 biopsy sites revealed mastocytosis. Compared with the 4 patients with only a unilateral positive biopsy result, the bilateral group had significantly higher urinary excretion of 11β-prostaglandin F 2α , higher serum tryptase levels, and higher serum calcitonin values, and a higher percentage had splenomegaly (37% [7/19] vs 0% [0/4]). The 2 groups could not be distinguished by the main initial symptom(s), presence of urticaria pigmentosa, or other laboratory findings (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, or hemoglobin concentrations or total WBC, total eosinophil, or platelet counts). Bilateral biopsies might be useful for diagnosing early systemic mastocytosis or detecting minimal bone marrow involvement. The diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis depends partly on finding mast cell infiltration of extracutaneous tissue. The bone marrow commonly is chosen as the site for biopsy. In addition to systemic mastocytosis, an increase in bone marrow mast cells may accompany such hematologic disorders as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 1 dysmyelopoiesis, and myeloproliferative disorders. 2 Hence, in the evaluation of a patient for systemic mastocytosis, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy serve 2 purposes: to confirm the diagnosis of mastocytosis and to evaluate the bone marrow for associated hematologic disorders. The number of mast cells detected in bone marrow samples has been shown to correlate positively with the urinary excretion of tele-methylimidazoleacetic acid, the primary histamine metabolite. 3 Although skeletal scintigraphic findings in mastocytosis might show multifocal or diffuse abnormalities, the radionuclide bone patterns might be normal or show only unifocal involvement. 4 Also, only patchy or focal infiltration patterns involving peritrabecular or perivascular regions or areas around lymphoid aggregates might be evident, rather than diffuse infiltration. 5 To determine whether the presence of mastocytosis could be missed because of sampling error, we retrospectively reviewed the findings in each of the bilateral biopsy sites of 21 patients who had been evaluated for systemic mastocytosis during the previous 5 years and 2 patients with known disease with bilateral biopsies at the time of follow-up.