cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of neonatal irradiation and single-genes upon growth and behavior in mice

Abstract Postnatal growth and behavior following neonatal irradiation were studied in congenic strains of mice. Mice were genetically similar except for single-gene substitutions at either the steel or dominant spotting loci. Adult behavior was measured by locomotion and elimination in the open field and by spontaneous activity in exercise wheels. In general, neonatal irradiation caused a decrease in body weight, activity in exercise wheels, and elimination in the open field, but an increase in locomotion in the open field. Significant differences due to genotype and sex were observed for locomotion and body weight. Differential responses of the genotypes to neonatal irradiation were observed in body weight and in activity in exercise wheels. The genotypes, in order of increasing sensitivity, were +/+, W a /+, and Sl gb /+.
Cosmogenic neon from procompaction irradiation OF Kapoeta and Murchison

Neon from hand-picked Murchison and Kapoeta grains, selected on the basis of the presence or absence of solar flare particle tracks, was analyzed in order to delineate the precompaction history of this material. The irradiated grains showed large enrichments of cosmogenic neon relative to the unirradiated grains. Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposure ages for the unirradiated grains yield the nominal values reported for the recent exposure history of these meteorites. Apparent minimum precompaction galactic exposure ages of 28 m.y. and 56 m.y. would have been obtained for Murchison and Kapoeta, respectively, if the cosmogenic effects in the irradiated grains were due to GCR irradiation. Since this seems unreasonably long, the cosmogenic neon in the irradiated grains may be due to spallation by solar cosmic rays. This, however, would require a more active early sun. The isotopic composition of the cosmogenic neon in these grains suggests a harder energy spectrum than is characteristic of present solar flares. Lack of apparent solar wind effects may require some kind of shielding, such as nebular gas.
Management of problematic infantile hemangioma using intralesional triamcinolone: Efficacy and safety in 100 infants

Summary Background Intralesional corticosteroid is one method used to limit the rapid growth of infantile hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone injection using a standardized protocol. Methods The study comprised infants managed with intralesional corticosteroid between 2007 and 2013. Tumors ≤3 cm in diameter were injected with triamcinolone, not to exceed 3 mg/kg, and followed every 4–6 weeks to determine whether additional injections were indicated. Predictive variables were patient age and tumor location, depth, and size. Treatment response was defined as regression, stabilization, or failure. Rebound growth and drug morbidity were recorded. Results Seventy-three females and 27 males had lesions located on the lip (29%), cheek (20%), nose (16%), periorbital area (13%), forehead (7%), scalp (4%), chin (2%), ear (2%), trunk (2%), extremity (2%), and neck (2%). Mean tumor size was 2.1 cm 2 (range 0.15–9.0). Treatment began at an average age of 11 weeks (range 3–30). The mean number of injections was 1.8 (range 1–5), and the average dose per injection was 1.6 mg/kg (range 0.76–2.66). All tumors responded: 63% regressed and 37% stabilized. Rebound growth affected 40% of tumors at a median of 3 weeks (IQR 3–4) following injection. Age, location, size, and depth did not affect treatment response ( p = 0.7). None of the patients exhibited systemic side-effects and 2% had atrophy at the site of injection. Conclusion Intralesional triamcinolone is an effective treatment for small, localized proliferating infantile hemangiomas. Therapy is safe and infants are at minimal risk for systemic side-effects when low doses of corticosteroid are used.
Precision laser-based decontamination of microcavities

Abstract The removal of oil-based contaminants from microcavities with narrow apertures and comparatively long axial dimensions presents a number of challenges in an industrial production line environment. Traditional solvent-based approaches are costly to implement, inefficient in cleaning such microcavity geometries, and increasingly unacceptable from an environmental standpoint. An attractive alternative is to employ high-energy laser pulses to selectively remove the contaminants without introducing damage to the component undergoing the cleaning procedure. This paper will present results of initial ablation trials on example industrial oil-based organic contaminants whose residues within microcavities in steel-based components are to be removed. At present, higher order lines from a frequency tripled/quadrupled Nd:YAG laser are used to study the optimum fluence for removal of the oil-based contaminant without inflicting damage to the steel. Absorption spectroscopy of the contaminant fluid indicates that photon wavelengths shorter than ∼370 nm will interact with the material. Initial results show that the required intensity at 355 nm (>25 J/cm2) also damages the type of steel under investigation, but that exposure to even single pulses at 266 nm (∼100 mJ/cm2) shows adequate removal of the contaminant without significant damage to the steel. Monitoring of the removal process is achieved through exploitation of the blue fluorescence of the oil-based contaminant that occurs as a result of ultraviolet pumping.
An Unknown "Washington Letter" by Walt Whitman

Reprints "Whitman's last war-time letter to the New York Times," parts of which he published in Memoranda During the War, but parts of which (including a description of freed black soldiers) he never republished.
Fluid Study of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Deployment Into Patients With Varying Coronary Ostia Position

Recently, minimally-invasive transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) replacement has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional open-chest heart valve replacement for high risk patients who otherwise have limited or no treatment options. Although significant experience with TAV procedures has been gained, various adverse effects have been observed after device implantation [1, 2]. One adverse event is the impairment of coronary artery flow. Because the TAV stent pushes the native leaflets towards the sinus of Valsalva during TAV deployment, the flow boundaries in the aortic root are consequently altered. A worst case scenario would be the occlusion of the coronary ostia. Reduced flow to the coronary arteries has also been observed for some patients following TAV intervention [3]. With IRB approval, we recently conducted a dimensional analysis of 3D aortic root geometries, reconstructed from 64-slice CT scans of 95 patients [4]. TAV-relevant dimensions were measured. The spatial distribution of the left coronary ostium was quantified (Fig. 1). In this study, we will construct a patient-specific aortic root model with varied coronary ostium locations as shown in Fig. 1, and perform a combined finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to investigate hemodynamic environment changes that occur following TAV intervention.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Thyroid hormone regulates the extracellular organization of laminin on astrocytes.

Astrocytes produce laminin, a key extracellular matrix guidance molecule in the developing brain. Laminin is bound to transmembrane receptors on the surface of astrocytes known as integrins, which are, in turn, bound to the microfilament meshwork inside the astrocyte. Previous studies have shown that T4 regulates the pattern of integrin distribution in astrocytes by modulating the organization of the microfilaments. In this study, the effect of thyroid hormone on the secretion and topology of laminin in astrocytes was examined. Linear arrays of secreted laminin were observed on the surface of the T4-treated astrocytes within 10 h after seeding the cells onto poly-d-lysine-coated coverslips and became an organized meshwork by 24 h. In contrast, little if any laminin was identified on the surface of either hormone-deficient or T3-treated cells until 36 h after seeding and then was restricted to punctate deposits. Secretion of laminin into the medium by hormone-deficient and T3-treated cells was significantl...
Vulnerability of allogeneic retinal pigment epithelium to immune T-cell-mediated damage in vivo and in vitro.

PURPOSE. Because retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) constitutively expresses class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and CD95 ligand and secretes immunosuppressive factors, the vulnerability of these cells to attack by immune T cells is open to question. This study was conducted to determine the vulnerability of allogeneic RPE to damage by specifically sensitized T cells, both in vivo within the subretinal space, and in vitro. METHOD. BALB/c lymphocytes presensitized to C57BL/6 antigens were injected into the subretinal space of eyes of C57BL/6 and gld/gld mice, and the eyes were examined clinically and histologically. RPE eyecups were produced from mouse eyes by removing the anterior segment and neuronal retina, leaving an intact monolayer of RPE. Sensitized BALB/c lymphocytes were placed in the RPE eyecup and incubated for 4 hours. The RPE layer of the eyecups was assessed by confocal microscopy for viability, after staining with propidium iodide and acridine orange. RESULT. Eyes that received T cells sensitized to C57BL/6 antigens displayed a circumscribed patch of persistent choroidal whitening clinically and a disrupted RPE cell layer histologically at the injection site at 5 days after injection. By 14 days, only RPE cells at the injection site were lost. RPE in eyecup preparations was relatively resistant in vitro to cytolysis by sensitized T cells, whether the eyecups were obtained from CD95-deficient or wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS. RPE monolayers, both in vivo and in vitro, are relatively resistant to immune-mediated attack by specifically sensitized T cells. This relative lack of vulnerability is independent of the expression of CD95 ligand by target RPE cells and implies that immune barriers to acceptance of allogeneic RPE transplants may be less than if transplanted cells are from nonocular tissues.
Altered proteoglycan synthesis via the false acceptor pathway can be dissociated from β-d-xyloside inhibition of proliferation

Abstract β- d -Xylosides have been used to perturb proteoglycan (PG) synthesis to elucidate the function of PGs in a number of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This study was designed to examine whether specific xylosides affect the proliferation of several different cell types and, if so, whether this effect is dependent on altered PG synthesis via the false acceptor pathway. Both methylumbelliferyl β- d -xylopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl β- d -xylopyranoside (PNP β-xyloside) inhibit cell proliferation and modulate PG synthesis; however, the α form of PNP xyloside which does not perturb PG synthesis inhibits the proliferation of cultured cells on a molar basis equally as well as the β form. Conversely, β-methyl xylopyranoside stimulates the synthesis of free glycosaminoglycan chains equally as well as PNP β-xyloside and yet has no measurable effect on cell proliferation at comparable doses, indicating that cells can grow normally while experiencing disruption of their proteoglycan metabolism. At doses ranging from 0.5 to 5 m m , PNP β-xyloside arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle at the same time point as serum starvation. It also delays the exit of cycling cells from the S phase. This treatment is not cytotoxic and is rapidly reversed by the replacement of PNP β-xyloside containing medium with control medium. Dimethyl sulfoxide, the most commonly used solvent for β-xyloside in proteoglycan studies, potentiates the inhibitory effect of PNP β-xyloside on cell proliferation. These results indicate that the perturbation of PG synthesis via the false acceptor pathway can be uncoupled from control of cell proliferation.
Microstructures of TiN and Ti2N deposits prepared by activated reactive evaporation

Abstract Titanium nitride has an important application as a coating on cutting tools to extend their lifetime. In this study various phases in the Ti-N system were deposited by the activated reactive evaporation process. The influence of process variables—evaporation rate, N 2 partial pressure and deposition temperature—on the phases present, their morphology and hardness, was studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. As the ratio of the evaporation rate of titanium to the partial pressure of N 2 decreases, the deposit changes from titanium to Ti 2 N to TiN including two-phase mixtures. As the deposition temperature is increased the grain size increases markedly, from about 0.5 μm at 550 °C to 20 μm at 1000 °C, and the grain morphology changes from a faceted to a smooth topography. The hardness of the deposit is influenced primarily by the presence of the Ti 2 N phase which produces the highest hardness levels.
On the mechanical behavior of slender, slightly curved, compressed microbridges

We consider a clamped–clamped, slender beam–column that is slightly curved in its unloaded static equilibrium state. Perhaps the best practical example of this type of structure is a microbeam used in sensing and actuating devices. If the clamped ends are forced toward each other, or if stiff supports inhibit axial expansion that is fostered by fabrication processes and/or operational heating, then the column bends beyond its initial curvature. If the axial force approaches the buckling load, then the static flexural deflection can be relatively large, greater than the column's depth. We show that the dependence of moderately large static deflection upon compressive force is mathematically linear, and that nonlinearity arises only in the relationship of column shortening to transverse deflection. This leads to a linear finite-element method for static structural analysis of non-uniform columns, with which we simulate the behavior of a 62.5 µm long microbridge of 0.5 µm thin-film gold. This microbridge was observed experimentally to bend 4–5 µm under compression. We also examine previous studies of bending vibration about moderately large static deflection. Calculations and experimental measurements of the dependence of the fundamental natural frequency on axial compression and initial curvature indicate practical significance relative to design of microbridge resonators.
Collecting Modern: Design at the Philadelphia Museum of Art since 1876 by Kathryn B. Hiesinger

(2012). Collecting Modern: Design at the Philadelphia Museum of Art since 1876 by Kathryn B. Hiesinger. Museum History Journal: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 315-317.
Horizontally Homogeneous Rotating Radiative–Convective Equilibria at GCM Resolution

Abstract Rotating radiative–convective equilibrium, using the column physics and resolution of GCMs, is proposed as a useful framework for studying the tropical storm–like vortices produced by global models. These equilibria are illustrated using the column physics and dynamics of a version of the GFDL Atmospheric Model 2 (AM2) at resolutions of 220, 110, and 55 km in a large 2 × 104 km square horizontally homogeneous domain with fixed sea surface temperature and uniform Coriolis parameter. The large domain allows a number of tropical storms to exist simultaneously. Once equilibrium is attained, storms often persist for hundreds of days. The number of storms decreases as sea surface temperatures increase, while the average intensity increases. As the background rotation is decreased, the number of storms also decreases. At these resolutions and with this parameterization of convection, a dense collection of tropical storms is always the end state of moist convection in the cases examined.
A receptor sensitive to oviposition site attractants on the antennae of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Abstract The blunt-tipped sensilla trichodea Type II on the antennae of female Aedes aegypti mosquitos has been found to be specific for the perception of chemical substances associated with the location of a suitable oviposition site by gravid female mosquitos. The chemosensory neurons associated with the sensilla respond to substances reported in the literature to be oviposition attractants; this response is characterized by an increase in spike frequency proportional to the intensity of the stimulus. Comparison of neurophysiological data with behavioral results reported in the literature suggests that the two sets of data are correlated.
Identifying Treatments That Halt Progression of Pulmonary Disease in Cystic Fibrosis

Rapid progress in cystic fibrosis research affords the possibility of halting the progress of the lung disease. We used data from 215 patients who had sputum cultures negative for Burkholderia cepacia, at least one outpatient pulmonary function test during 1990, and at least one test a year later to estimate the number of subjects and study duration required to demonstrate that a hypothetical treatment reduces the rate of decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to zero. Mean rate of decline of FEV1 (percent predicted) was about 2% predicted per year. Variability decreases with increasing time of observation. For a 1-y study, with alpha = 0.05 and beta = 0.20, over 550 patients must complete the study in each group to show that a treatment halts pulmonary decline. For a 2-y study, 86 subjects in each group are required, and for 4 y, 65. Increasing the number of data points used to determine the rate of decline of FEV1 had only small effect on sample size. Use of pulmonary function data collected at regular intervals for research purposes did not alter these conclusions. Higher initial FEV1 was associated with a greater rate of decline, and among patients with initial FEV1 > 60% predicted, younger subjects had a faster decline than did older subjects. Thus, fewer subjects will be required to detect a complete halt in progression of lung disease if the patients are young and have mild pulmonary disease.
Characterization of bronchoalveolar lavage cells and macrophage-derived chemoattractant activity in pancreatic elastase-induced emphysema in hamsters.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 30 days after endotracheal saline (C) or pancreatic elastase (E) administration to hamsters. E animals had twice as many cells as C animals (7.04 ± 0.07 vs. 6.69 ± 0.05 logw cells, p 99%) pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM). BAL cells from E animals had 80% PAM with characteristics similar to those of C animals; the remaining 20% of cells were smaller with lower forward and 90o light scatter and four- to fivefold lower autofluorescence. These were found to be predominantly PMN on cytological examination of a sorted fraction. Fc receptors were expressed by >95% of BAL cells from both C and E animals. To expla...
Intra-Cultivar Variation for Seed Weight and Other Agronomic Traits within Three Elite Soybean Cultivars

Despite its importance, exploitation of intra-cultivar variation has been very limited due to the belief that elite cultivars are highly homogeneous. The main objective of this study was to investigate the presence of exploitable intra-cultivar variation for seed weight, maturity, and other agronomic traits within elite soybean cultivars released for their superior productivity and resistance to various diseases. Single-plant progeny lines, selected at very low plant density from within these cultivars, were evaluated for seed weight, maturity, plant height, lodging, and seed yield in row-plot replicated randomized complete block designs across years. For seed weight, the magnitude of intra-cultivar variation across years between the largest- and the smallest-seeded lines averaged 36 mg seed -1 for Benning, 22 mg seed -1 for Cook, and 45 mg seed -1 for Haskell. For maturity, the magnitude of intra-cultivar variation was 5 d in Benning, 4 d in Cook, and 7 d in Haskell. Furthermore, we discovered intra-cultivar variation for plant height within Cook and Haskell, and for lodging within Haskell. This study is the first one to report evidence of significant intra-cultivar variation for seed weight, maturity, plant height, and lodging within soybean cultivars. The results suggest that cultivars may not be permanent records with nonexistent variation but genetic material that can be upgraded to maintain uniformity in the long term and further improve desirable agronomic or seed-trait characteristics.
Phase shifting the human circadian clock using melatonin

Melatonin is produced only during nighttime darkness. Its onset during the evening is a useful marker for circadian phase position, when melatonin levels are sampled frequently and under conditions of dim light or darkness. This marker is termed the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). Recently, we have described a phase response curve (PRC) to melatonin in humans that is about 12 h out of phase with the PRC to light. Exogenous melatonin administration and bright light exposure can be used to shift circadian rhythms according to their respective PRCs. These phase-resetting agents can be used alone or together to treat circadian phase disorders, which include advanced and delayed sleep phase syndrome, shift work maladaptation, jet lag and winter depression. Endogenous melatonin may function to augment entrainment of circadian rhythms by the light-dark cycle.
Neuromelanin inhibits CXCL10 expression in human astroglial cells

Increasing evidence indicates neuroinflammation is instrumental in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD, there is selective degeneration of neuromelanin (NM)-containing dopamine neurons. Neuromelanin is predominantly cytoprotective within dopaminergic neurons, whereas, NM released from damaged neurons activates microglia. However, the effects of NM on astroglial cells remain largely unknown. Astroglia are essential to neuronal homeostasis and responsive to injury, in part, through secretion of chemokines, including interferon γ inducible protein-10 (CXCL10). Thus, we used an in vitro approach to identify the effects of NM on TNFα-induced CXCL10 expression in human astroglial cells. TNFα-induced CXCL10 expression was inhibited in NM exposed cells. Additionally, TNFα-induced NF-кB activation was inhibited by NM. Given that CXCL10 expression is NF-кB-dependent in human astroglial cells, these findings suggest that NM may inhibit CXCL10 expression, in part, through an NF-кB-dependent mechanism. While the in vivo consequences of NM mediated effects on astroglial CXCL10 expression remain to be fully elucidated, insights obtained in this study further our understanding of the effects of NM on inflammatory signaling in human astroglial cells.
Automated identification of functional dynamic contact networks from X-ray crystallography

Protein function often depends on the exchange between conformational substates. Allosteric ligand binding or distal mutations can stabilize specific active site conformations and consequently alter protein function. In addition to comparing independently determined X-ray crystal structures, alternative conformations observed at low levels of electron density have the potential to provide mechanistic insights into conformational dynamics. Here, we report a new multi-conformer contact network algorithm (CONTACT) that identifies networks of conformationally heterogeneous residues directly from high-resolution X-ray crystallography data. Contact networks in Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) predict the long-range pattern of NMR chemical shift perturbations of an allosteric mutation. A comparison of contact networks in wild type and mutant ecDHFR suggests how mutations that alter optimized networks of coordinated motions can impair catalytic function. Thus, CONTACT-guided mutagenesis will allow the structure-dynamics-function relationship to be exploited in protein engineering and design.
Impact on quality of life after mastoid obliteration.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To understand the long-term impact on quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing mastoid obliteration surgery for a chronically draining cavity, using the Glascow Benefit Inventory (GBI) QOL survey, and to correlate these findings to perceived changes in drainage and hearing. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Adult patients undergoing mastoid obliteration and restoration of the middle ear space with cartilage reconstruction of the tympanic membrane, with at least 3-year follow-up, were contacted by phone to solicit participation. Those who agreed to participate were mailed the GBI and consent documents with a prepaid self-addressed envelope. Results: Of 80 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 37 were successfully contacted and agreed to participate, yielding 23 returned questionnaires. The vast majority (19 of 23; 83%) reported improved QOL after surgery, with the most positive effects seen on confidence and social situations, and patients experiencing less inconvenience, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. Eighty-three percent reported a perceived improvement in hearing; 74% reported an improvement in drainage. Over 90% would recommend the procedure to a family member. The average score on the GBI was 28.9, and a two-tailed one-sample t test showed that mastoid obliteration significantly improved QOL in our patients (t = 4.65, P < .001). There was a fairly good correlation between the perceived improvement in QOL with improvement in hearing and/or drainage. Conclusions: The GBI is a valuable tool for evaluating patient satisfaction after revision surgery for a draining cavity. This information is helpful in understanding the impact of a draining cavity on an individual's life and may be beneficial in preoperative selection and counseling.
Severe dysplasia in children with familial adenomatous polyposis: rare or simply overlooked?

Abstract Background/Purpose Because severe dysplasia and carcinoma in children with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) younger than 18 years is rare, earlier surgical intervention is not common. The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of dysplasia and carcinoma among children with FAP in our institution. Methods From 1998 through 2004, children 18 years or younger with FAP that underwent total proctocolectomy at a large children's hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Results Eleven children underwent surgery for FAP. The mean age at surgery was 13 ± 3.2 years. Approximately half of the patients who underwent preoperative endoscopy had evidence of dysplasia. Nine (82%) patients had dysplasia on preoperative biopsy and/or operative specimen, and 3 (27%) of these patients had severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. Four of the 5 patients without symptoms had evidence of dysplasia. No patients had invasive carcinoma. Conclusion We observed a higher incidence of severe colonic dysplasia in young children with FAP compared with the current literature. A significant number of patients with dysplasia at surgery had no symptoms and no evidence of dysplasia on preoperative endoscopic biopsies. These data suggest that earlier intervention in children with FAP may be beneficial and should be investigated further.
Adaptive strength gains in dystrophic muscle exposed to repeated bouts of eccentric contraction

The objective of this study was to determine the functional recovery and adaptation of dystrophic muscle to multiple bouts of contraction-induced injury. Because lengthening (i.e., eccentric) contr...
T-cell subset alterations in HIV-infected homosexual men: NIAID Multicenter AIDS cohort study.

Abstract Immunologic changes in HIV-infected homosexual men without AIDS were studied using flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies. A decline in CD4 cells occurred after anti-HIV antibodies detectable by ELISA developed. CD4 T-cell levels dropped to an average of 60% of their original level within 12–18 months after seroconversion. Subsequently, CD4 levels remained constant in most HIV seropositive men for several years. However, in men who developed AIDS, there was a rapid fall in the CD4 level during the 2 years prior to development of AIDS. Throughout the course of HIV disease, the total T-cell levels (CD3) remained constant, apparently due to CD8 lymphocytosis. The selective depletion by HIV infection of discrete functional subsets of CD4 cells was examined using 4B4, 2H4, HB-11, and Leu-8 monoclonal antibodies and dual color immunofluorescence. No selective depletion of CD4 subsets was noted using any of these reagents. However, selective activation of subsets of CD8 lymphocytes characterized disease progression. In particular, increases in the number of HLA-DR+, CD38+ (OKT10), and Leu-8− CD8 lymphocytes were associated with a fall in CD4 levels and development of AIDS.
Members of two gene families encoding ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, AtUBC1-3 and AtUBC4-6, from Arabidopsis thaliana are differentially expressed.

Covalent attachment of ubiquitin to other intracellular proteins is essential for many physiological processes in eukaryotes, including selective protein degradation. Selection of proteins for ubiquitin conjugation is accomplished, in part, by a group of enzymes designated E2s or ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (UBCs). At least six types of E2s have been identified in the plantArabidopsis thaliana; each type is encoded by a small gene family. Previously, we described the isolation and characterization of two three-member gene families, designatedAtUBC1-3 andAtUBC4-6, encoding two of these E2 types. Here, we investigated the expression patterns, of theAtUBC1-3 andAtUBC4-6 genes by the histochemical analysis of transgenicArabidopsis containing the corresponding promoters fused to the β-glucuronidase-coding region. Staining patterns showed that these genes are active in many stages of development and some aspects of cell death, but are not induced by heat stress. Within the two gene families, individual members exhibited both overlapping and complementary expression patterns, indicating that at least one member of each gene family is expressed in most cell types and at most developmental stages. Different composite patterns of expression were observed between theAtUBC1-3 andAtUBC4-6 families, suggesting distinct biochemical and/or physiological functions for the encoded E2s inArabidopsis.
Sagittal synostosis in twin girls.

Abstract Introduction. Sagittal synostosis has been found to occur in families at a low frequency. All previous reports of sagittal synostosis in twins have been of males. Case report. We now report a case of female twins concordant for sagittal synostosis. Conclusion. Our hopes are that this information will further our understanding of the genetics of sagittal synostosis not only in single births but also in that of twins.
Experimental and analytical study of aerospace spiral bevel gear tooth fillet stresses

An aerospace-quality spiral bevel gearset was analytically and experimentally rolled through mesh to investigate tooth bending stress. A nonlinear finite element model utilized multiple teeth from the pinion and gear to simulate three-dimensional multitooth contact. The results were compared to those obtained experimentally with strain gages. A total of five strain gages, mounted in the root/fillet region of three teeth, were used. Effects of changing speed and load were measured. Tests were conducted from static (slow roll) to 14,400 rpm at power levels up to 537 kW (720 hp).
A complementary universal conjugate Banach space and its relation to the approximation problem

LetC 1=(ΣG n ) l 1, where (G n ) is a sequence which is dense (in the Banach-Mazur sense) in the class of all finite dimensional Banach spaces. IfX is a separable Banach space, thenX * is isometric to a subspace ofC 1 * =(ΣG * ) m which is the range of a contractive projection onC 1 * . Separable Banach spaces whose conjugates are isomorphic toC 1 * are classified as those spaces which contain complemented copies of C1. Applications are that every Banach space has the [metric] approximation property ([m.] a.p., in short) iff (ΣG * ) m does, and if there is a space failing the m.a.p., thenC 1 can be equivalently normed to fail the m.a.p.
Thoracic trauma in polo: two cases and a review of the literature.

Abstract Background The traditional sport of polo has been played for centuries and has been deemed one of the most dangerous sports due to its high speed and the uncertainty of what might happen as directions change and contact occurs between horses and riders as well as with balls and mallets. Despite its longevity, there is very little in the medical literature about the sport of polo. Objectives Two cases of thoracic trauma after falls from horses while playing polo are presented. Both falls resulted in similar injury patterns to the riders. A discussion follows that reviews the medical literature on equestrian injuries in general and polo injuries in particular. Discussion Both cases show a similar injury pattern of clavicle fracture, multiple rib fractures, and lung injury (pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax). Literature review reveals severe injury including head and spinal trauma to be disproportionately represented in the equestrian sports. Conclusion Emergency physicians should look for significant injuries when evaluating victims of polo accidents, as the forces generated can be quite high. Protective equipment, although potentially helpful, has not been studied and may not prevent these high-velocity injuries.
Prognostic implications of fetal echogenic bowel

Abstract Summary Background An increased frequency of hyperechogenic bowel on ultrasound has been reported in fetuses with cystic fibrosis (CF) and trisomy-21. However, the diagnostic application of this observation has been hampered by the absence of a means of measuring echogenicity. Methods We devised an ultrasonic grading system in which echogenicity was quantified by linear gain reduction and comparison with fetal iliac crest. From 7400 second-trimester ultrasound referrals, 145 patients were identified as having a fetus with abnormally echogenic bowel. They were offered genetic counselling, parental and (if appropriate) CF carrier testing, and amniocentesis for karyotype and CF status if parents were informative. Follow-up was to 4 months of age. Findings Of 40 fetuses with mild increase in bowel sonodensity (grade 1), none had CF or aneuploidy. Of 81 patients identified with a moderate increase (grade 2), 2 had trisomy 21 and 2 had CF. And of 24 pregnancies with a pronounced increase (grade 3), 5 had CF and 6 had trisomy-21. Interpretation Parental CF carrier testing and amniocentesis to identify aneuploidy or fetal CF status has a high positive ascertainment rate in fetuses with echogenic bowel grades 2 and 3.
Synthesis and Properties of Semiconducting Iron Pyrite (FeS2) Nanowires

We report the growth and structural, electrical, and optical characterization of vertically oriented single-crystalline iron pyrite (FeS2) nanowires synthesized via thermal sulfidation of steel foil for the first time. The pyrite nanowires have diameters of 4–10 nm and lengths greater than 2 μm. Their crystal phase was identified as cubic iron pyrite using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Electrical transport measurements showed the pyrite nanowires to be highly p-doped, with an average resistivity of 0.18 ± 0.09 Ω cm and carrier concentrations on the order of 1021 cm–3. These pyrite nanowires could provide a platform to further study and improve the physical properties of pyrite nanostructures toward solar energy conversion.
The cognitive psychology of systems thinking

This article describes how established research methods in cognitive psychology can be applied to answer questions about the ability of systems thinking interventions to improve the nature and quality of thought about complex systems. The need for and advantages of controlled experimental research on the effects of interventions on mental models and cognitive processes, as well as the limitations of current assessment practices, are discussed. An agenda for collaborative research between cognitive psychologists and researchers interested in dynamic systems, covering the areas of memory, analogical transfer, mental models, decision processes, human–computer interaction, and expertise, is outlined in detail. The article concludes with a discussion of the difficulties and long-term advantages of conducting the described research. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abrogation of TNF-mediated cytotoxicity by space flight involves protein kinase C

Experiments conducted on STS-50 indicated that space flight significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated killing of LM929 cells compared to ground controls. In ground-based studies, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also inhibited TNF-mediated killing of LM929 cells. Therefore, we used PKC inhibitors to determine if the inhibitory effects of spaceflight on TNF-mediated cytotoxicity involved the activation of PKC. In experiments conducted onboard space shuttle mission STS-54, we saw that in the presence of the protein kinase C inhibitors H7 and H8, TNF-mediated cytotoxicity was restored to levels of those observed in the ground controls. Subsequent experiments done during the STS-57 mission tested the dose response of two protein kinase inhibitors, H7 and HA1004. We again saw that killing was restored in a dose-dependent manner, with inhibitor concentrations known to inhibit PKC being most effective. These data suggest that space flight ameliorates the action of TNF by affecting PKC in target cells.
In situ growth rate measurements for plasma processing of opaque materials

Abstract The accurate measurement of growth and etch rates during plasma processing is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve for opaque, three-dimensional substrates. Sensing small weight changes that correspond to discontinuous film formation on a substrate is also difficult with traditional optical methods. Using a gravimetric recording microbalance, we have successfully measured small weight changes of aluminum samples during the pre-cleaning and nitriding stages in low temperature plasma. The data will show that the microbalance can provide useful information about the rates of various processes within a plasma. The data can be interpreted using reaction–diffusion equations to determine the relevant rate parameters for a plasma process. This approach can be extended to the study of many materials including oxides, metals, and nitrides subjected to various processes including etching and deposition.
Is the control environment related to financial reporting decisions

The accounting profession’s strong focus on internal control and fraudulent financial reporting has led to new standards relating to internal control and fraudulent financial reporting. The control environment and specifically, management integrity, is an important component. The purpose of this article is to determine if the control environment forces ‐ the tone at the top, codes of conduct, and short‐term targets ‐ are related to financial reporting decisions. The results are based on a survey mailed to 400 CPAs who prepare financial reports. The findings indicate there is some reason for concern about fraudulent financial reporting. In addition, a tone at the top in an organization that fosters ethical decisions is of overriding importance to reliable financial reporting. Codes of conduct and pressure for short‐term performance, alone, had no significant effect on financial reporting decisions. The findings emphasize the importance of learning about an organization’s tone at the top during an audit.
Chiral Complexes with n-Butyllithium and Methylzinc: X-ray Crystal Structures of Lithium and Zinc (1R,2R,4S)-2-endo-Oxido-2-exo-(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,3- trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

The ligand (1R,2R,4S)-2-endo-hydroxy-2-exo-(o-methoxybenzene)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (1) serves as a “chiral n-butyllithium trap” and precipitates n-butyllithium in complex 2. With dimethylzinc, ligand 1 forms a dimeric zinc chelate complex (3). The X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 3 are discussed.
Computing Existence and Stability of Capillary Surfaces Using Surface Evolver

In response to the growing need for design specific solutions predicting interface existence and stability in an ever-increasing number of low-gravity fluids systems applications, K. A. Brakke's surface evolver (SE) algorithm, developed to compute complex interfacial static equilibria, is demonstrated to successfully compute critical contact angles and the onset of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. SE is first benchmarked against limited available analytical solutions and then extended to solve the specific problem of stability in rectangular containers where the effect of discontinuous boundaries and wetting play a dramatic role. In this new light SE is shown to serve the purposes of an equilibrium interface solver, critical contact angle solver, and a capillary stability solver. Concerning the latter and in contrast to other numerical dynamic stability schemes, the significantly increased time efficiency and accuracy of the approach for capillary stability problems of significant geometric complexity argue for the use of SE as a valuable tool for spacecraft systems design
What Makes Ms. Johnson Teach? A Study of Teacher Motivation

The need configurations underlying the motivations of public school teachers are examined here with regard to teacher perceptions of pay equity relative to other factors such as work autonomy, intrinsic work elements, and satisfaction of so-called higher-order needs. A Q sort forced distributions research instrument containing 37 attitudinal statements was administered to a group of 167 teachers of a medium-sized city in Oklahoma. The survey netted 135 usable questionnaires (76%). The data were R factor analyzed producing six clear factors, which dealt with: social variables and collegial support; positive supervisor relations; gratification from intrinsic work elements and dissatisfaction with extrinsic elements such as pay and benefits; interesting work and appropriate responsibility levels; opportunities for learning and development combined with negative attitudes about day-to-day duties; and job security, clear expectations, and excessive workloads. The study concluded that teacher motivation is base...
Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter placement: single center experience and review of the literature

Experiences with minimally invasive techniques for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement are being increasingly described. Percutaneous placement of catheters using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance has reduced the risk of complications and has led to successful long-term catheter function. An interventional radiology catheter placement capability was established at our facility and it serves as the basis for this report. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients in a tertiary care center in Northern California who required PD between July 2005 and October 2008. Patients underwent PD catheter placement in an interventional radiology suite by the radiologist using a percutaneous Seldinger technique that was guided by fluoroscopy. Sixty-four patients between the ages of 25 and 90 were referred for fluoroscopic PD catheter placement by an interventional radiologist. If clinically indicated, PD was initiated within days of catheter placement. Minor complications were noted: four with minor bleeding, three with catheter migration, and one with temporary exit-site leakage. No bowel or bladder perforations were encountered. Fluoroscopically guided PD catheter placement by interventional radiologists can be a safe and cost-effective strategy to initiate acute or chronic PD. This approach could reduce the need for temporary vascular access and expedite the initiation of PD therapy by eliminating the delays in catheter placement often associated with surgical consultation and operating room scheduling.
Social versus reproductive success: The central theoretical problem of human sociobiology

The fundamental postulate of sociobiology is that individuals exploit favorable environments to increase their genetic representation in the next generation. The data on fertility differentials among contemporary humans are not cotvietent with this postulate. Given the importance of Homo sapiens as an animal species in the natural world today, these data constitute particularly challenging and interesting problem for both human sociobiology and sociobiology as a whole.The first part of this paper reviews the evidence showing an inverse relationship between reproductive fitness and “endowment” (i.e. wealth, success, and measured aptitudes) in contemporary, urbanized societies. It is shown that a positive relationship is observed only for those cohorts who bore their children during a unique period of rising fertility, 1935–1960, and that these cohorts are most often cited by sociobiologists as supporting the central postulate of sociobiology. Cohorts preceding and following these show the characteristic inverse relationship between endowment and fertility. The second section reviews the existing so-ciobiological models of this inverse relationship, namely, those of Barkow, Burley, and Irons, as well as more informal responses among sociobiologists to the persistent violation of sociobiology's central postulate, such as those of Alexander and Dawkins. The third section asks whether the goals of sociobiology, given the violation of its fundamental postulate by contemporary human societies, might not be better thought of as applied rather than descriptive, with respect to these societies. A proper answer to this question begins with the measurement of the pace and direction of natural selection within modern human populations, as compared to other sources of change. The vast preponderance of the shifts in human trait distributions, including the IQ distribution, appears to be due to environmental rather than genetic change. However, there remains the question of just how elastic these distributions are in the absence of reinforcing genetic change.
Optimization of time-dependent particle tracing using tetrahedral decomposition

An efficient algorithm is presented for computing particle paths, streak lines and time lines in time-dependent flows with moving curvilinear grids. The integration, velocity interpolation, and step size control are all performed in physical space which avoids the need to transform the velocity field into computational space. This leads to higher accuracy because there are no Jacobian matrix approximations, and expensive matrix inversions are eliminated. Integration accuracy is maintained using an adaptive step size control scheme which is regulated by the path line curvature. The problem of point location and interpolation in physical space is simplified by decomposing hexahedral cells into tetrahedral cells. This enables the point location to be done analytically and substantially faster than with a Newton-Raphson iterative method. Results presented show this algorithm is up to six times faster than particle tracers which operate on hexahedral cells, and produces almost identical traces.
Electrical property of conductive adhesives during temperature/humidity aging

Effects of carbon black, carbon fiber and silver coated glass fiber on the bulk resistivity of the isotropically conductive adhesives (ICAs) and their contact resistance on Cu and Sn surfaces during the 85 /spl deg/C/85% RH were investigated. The ICA formulations incorporated with the small amount of the carbon fiber and the silvered fiber showed slightly lower bulk resistivity values than the control formulation, while the ICA formulation with the carbon black showed a significant increase (an order of magnitude) in resistivity. The ICA formulations incorporated with the silvered fiber by 3% and 5% showed relatively stable contact resistance on Sri during aging, although these formulations showed a gradual increase over 20% in contact resistance.