cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mediators of ischemic preconditioning identified by microarray analysis of rat spinal cord.

Spinal ischemia is a frequent cause of paralysis. Here we explore the biological basis of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), the phenomenon in which a brief period of ischemia can confer protection against subsequent longer and normally injurious ischemia, to identify mediators of endogenous neuroprotection. Using microarrays, we examined gene expression changes induced by brief spinal ischemia using a rat balloon occlusion model. Among the nearly 5000 genes assayed, relatively few showed two-fold changes, and three groups stood out prominently. The first group codes for heat shock protein 70, which is induced selectively and robustly at 30 min after brief ischemia, with increases up to 100-fold. A second group encodes metallothioneins 1 and 2. These mRNAs are increased at 6 and 12 h after ischemia, up to 12-fold. The third group codes for a group of immediate–early genes not previously associated with spinal ischemia: B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2), the transcription factors early growth response 1 (egr-1) and nerve growth factor inducible B (NGFI-B), and a mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase, ptpn16, an important cell signaling regulator. These mRNAs peak at 30 min and return to baseline or are decreased 6 h after ischemia. Several other potentially protective genes cluster with these induced mRNAs, including small heat shock proteins, and many have not been previously associated with IPC. These results provide both putative mediators of IPC and molecular targets for testing preconditioning therapies.
A simple, efficient synthesis of 3-substituted furans

Abstract 3-Substituted furan can be readily prepared in a single step via a tandem Diels-Alder/retro Diels-Alder reaction between 4-phenyloxazole and simple alkylacetylenes.
Steady-state analysis of cross-hole pneumatic injection tests in unsaturated fractured tuff

Abstract Numerous single-hole and cross-hole pneumatic injection tests have been conducted in unsaturated fractured tuff at the Apache Leap Research Site (ALRS) near Superior, Arizona. Steady-state analyses of single-hole tests conducted by Guzman et al. [Summary of Air Permeability Data From Single-Hole Injection Tests in Unsaturated Fractured Tuffs at the Apache Leap Research Site: Results of Steady-State Test Interpretation (1996)] have yielded values of air permeability at various locations throughout the tested rock volume on nominal scales from 0.5 to 3.0 m. Analyses of transient data from single-hole and larger-scale cross-hole tests were performed by Illman and Neuman [Ground Water 38 (2000) 899; Water Resour. Res. 37 (2001) 583] using type-curves and by Vesselinov and Neuman [Ground Water 39 (2001) 685] and Vesselinov et al. [Water Resour. Res. 37 (2001a) 3001; Water Resour. Res. 37 (2001b) 3041] using numerical inversion. These have yielded bulk fracture permeabilities and porosities on scales ranging from a few meters to several tens of meters. We complement the latter results by steady-state analysis of a relatively large set of cross-hole tests. Steady-state analysis (a) allows interpreting cross-hole tests that were not interpreted using type-curves due to weak or noisy signals, (b) is relatively easy to perform, and (c) yields results comparable with those obtained from transient analyses. We analyze the results statistically and discuss their implications vis-a-vis the pneumatic properties of unsaturated fractured tuff at the ALRS. Our results strengthen the evidence for a previously surmised permeability scale effect at the site.
A Punch Card Record System Designed for a Neuropsychiatric Tuberculosis Unit

culosis service at the Anoka State Hospital has been responsible for the treatment of over 1200 patients. These have been drawn from the ten hospitals in the Minnesota State Mental Hospital system, as well as from the state reformatory and prison system. This group of patients has been treated during a period when rapid changes in methods of therapy were taking place. There have also been marked changes in the type of disease seen over this 13-year period. The results of surgery in this therapy program has been reported by Lewis and associates,”2 Perry and colleagues3 and Mowlem and co-workers.4 There have been no studies, however, on the entire group of patients and no assessment of the surgical results since 1958. Periodic review of this group of tuberculosis patients in the past has allowed us to define more exactly the correct approach to various types of disease. However, the problem of dealing with data concerning 1200 patients and the desirabilityof developing a permanent record system led to the selection of the punch card method for tabulationof data. THE CARD
Distinct roles of glycinergic and GABAergic inhibition in coordinating locomotor-like rhythms in the neonatal mouse spinal cord.

The primary objective of our study was to examine the role of the inhibitory neurotransmitters glycine and GABA in modulating spontaneous activity and coordinating neurochemically induced locomotor-like rhythms in the mouse spinal cord. Motor outputs were recorded in lumbar ventral roots of 1-4-day old neonatal mice, and the function of glycinergic and GABAergic synapses in regulating spontaneous and induced activities was examined by suppressing synaptic inhibition using selective glycine or GABAA receptor antagonists. Strychnine (0.5 μM), a glycine receptor antagonist, did not change the pattern of spontaneous activity that consisted of random single spikes and discharges of variable durations and intervals. In contrast, blocking GABAA receptors with either picrotoxin (10 μM) or bicuculline (5 μM) triggered bilaterally synchronous, non-rhythmic discharges. These findings suggested that GABAergic synapses suppressed excitatory synapses, and their disinhibition synchronized spontaneous discharges between the two sides of the spinal cord. Locomotor-like rhythms alternating between the two sides of the spinal cord were triggered by the neurotransmitter agonists 5-HT, N-methyl-d,l-aspartic acid and dopamine. Blocking glycine receptors increased tonic discharges, and in most preparations it reduced the phase correlation between the alternating rhythms. Inhibiting GABAA receptor-mediated synapses synchronized the onset and prolonged the duration of rhythmic discharges. Intraburst alternating peaks were evident and those were suppressed by strychnine, suggesting that they were mediated via glycinergic synapses. Our findings indicated that GABAergic and glycinergic synapses played different roles in modulating neurochemically induced locomotion rhythms. GABAergic inhibition regulated the onset and duration of neurochemically induced locomotor-like rhythms, and glycinergic inhibition stabilized the pattern of the alternating rhythms.
Samarium-induced reductive dimerization of methyl cinnamate: synthesis of 2,8-diamino chrysene

Samarium metal-induced reductive dimerization of methyl cinnamate was performed for the first time. A unique role for aluminum was indicated in the dimerization reaction. The intermediate adipate ester was converted to 2,8-diamino chrysene.
Finger Formation in Biofilm Layers

A simple single substrate limiting model of a growing biofilm layer is presented. One-dimensional moving front solutions are analyzed. Under certain conditions these solutions are shown to be linearly unstable to fingering instabilities. Scaling laws for the biofilm growth rate and length scale are derived. The nonlinear evolution of the fingering instabilities is tracked numerically using a level set method, leading to the observation of mushroom-like structures.
The Growth and Tumor Suppressors NORE1A and RASSF1A Are Targets for Calpain-Mediated Proteolysis

Background NORE1A and RASSF1A are growth and tumour suppressors inactivated in a variety of cancers. Methylation of NORE1A and RASSF1A promoters is the predominant mechanism for downregulation of these proteins; however, other mechanisms are likely to exist. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe a proteolysis of NORE1A and RASSF1A by calpains as alternative mechanism of their downregulation. Extracts of H358 cell line, a human bronchoalveolar carcinoma, and H460, a large cell carcinoma, were capable of proteolysis of NORE1A protein in the calpain-dependent manner. Likewise, RASSF1A tumor suppressor was proteolyzed by the H358 cell extract. Addition of calpain inhibitor to H358 and H460 cells growing in tissue culture resulted in re-expression of endogenous NORE1A. A survey of 10 human lung tumours revealed that three of them contain an activity capable of inducing NORE1A degradation. Conclusions/Significance Thus, degradation by calpains is a novel mechanism for downregulation of NORE1A and RASSF1A proteins and might be the mechanism allowing cancer cells to escape growth suppression.
Performance analysis of coded optical PPM system using direct and coherent detection

Monomode optical fibres currently used in optical communication systems usually have bandwidths much greater than the information rate transmitted. This excess bandwidth can be used to improve receiver sensitivity. Pulse-position modulation (PPM) schemes are usually used in optical communication systems to improve receiver sensitivity. The paper analyses the sensitivity of the receiver of an optical PPM system, considering both wrong-slot error and false-alarm error. Coded optical PPM systems with direct and heterodyne detection are analysed. The performances of Reed-Solomon codes with different code rates are considered. Relations between bit-error probability Pb and the optimum efficiency p for the uncoded and coded systems are obtained. It is found that system performance does not necessarily improve with coding. System performance improves only for codes that are capable of reducing the minimum required number of photons sufficiently to compensate for the decrease in system efficiency resulting from coding.
Re-evaluation of ionospheric electron densities and collision frequencies derived from rocket measurements of refractive index and attenuation

Re-evaluation of ionospheric electron densities and collision frequencies derived from rocket measurements of refractive index and attenuation
Marked elevations of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activity in chronic extrahepatic biliary disease

The histories of 3 patients with chronic extrahepatic biliary tract disease and marked elevations of SGOT and LDH are presented. Attention is focused on the sudden onset of symptoms with concomitantly raised enzymes as a clue that the clinical picture may be caused by a surgical rather than a medical disease.
Vulnerability to Violent Video Games: A Review and Integration of Personality Research:

In this report, past research is reviewed, which suggests that the personality traits of psychoticism and aggressiveness likely moderate the negative effects of violent video games (VVGs). The Five...
Labouring lives: the making of home eldercare assistants in Italy

This paper explores how im/migrant women coming to Italy from all corners of the world and from very different backgrounds in terms of class, education and work experience are transformed into home eldercare assistants. The paper explores how these workers are created through discourses and every day practices enforced at different levels: from the state to the employers, from the mediators to the workers themselves. The creation of these workers has a double function: one is to fill the needs of a welfare state that otherwise would have to radically transform itself in order to provide effective services to the elders and, the other, is to alleviate the pressures of those of the family caregivers, mostly women, who otherwise would collapse under the burden of extended care.
Managing fusion high-level waste—A strategy for burning the long-lived products in fusion devices

Abstract Fusion devices appear to be a viable option for burning their own high-level waste (HLW). We propose a novel strategy to eliminate (or minimize) the HLW generated by fusion systems. The main source of the fusion HLW includes the structural and recycled materials, refractory metals, and liquid breeders. The basic idea involves recycling and reprocessing the waste, separating the long-lived radionuclides from the bulk low-level waste, and irradiating the limited amount of HLW in a specially designed module to transmute the long-lived products into short-lived radioisotopes or preferably, stable elements. The potential performance of the new concept seems promising. Our analysis indicated moderate to excellent transmutation rates could be achieved in advanced fusion designs. Successive irradiation should burn the majority of the HLW. The figures of merit for the concept relate to the HLW burn-up fraction, neutron economy, and impact on tritium breeding. Hopefully, the added design requirements could be accommodated easily in fusion power plants and the cost of the proposed system would be much less than disposal in a deep geological HLW repository. Overall, this innovative approach offers benefits to fusion systems and helps earn public acceptance for fusion as a HLW-free source of clean nuclear energy.
Policy-enforced linking of untrusted components

Large software systems are often built from loosely-coupled subsystems. When a programmer uses a third-party software component as a building block of her system, she doesn’t want the code she imports to break the whole system. She needs some methods guaranteeing that linking the foreign software component to her system is safe. The most widely used methods for ensuring safe linking are type checking and code signing. Checking the type of the interfaces between two software components ensures that two components agree on the types they are using. Although type checking is quite strong and easy to use, it doesn’t guarantee that the code will behave in an expected way. Different static checking mechanisms have been suggested to address specific security properties of programs: a security-sensitive type system [5], wrappers which encapsulate untrusted programs and implement security-concerned properties [7], and so on. They give the users better facilities to address security properties than typical type-checking does, but they still suffer from a lack of expressiveness since their security or linking policies are fixed and encoded in their type or logic systems.
A framework for incorporating critical thinking into accounting education

Abstract This paper presents a framework for integrating critical thinking into the accounting curriculum. This framework defines the basic elements of critical thinking. By breaking critical thinking into identifiable components one can then evaluate what aspects of the critical thinking process are being adequately addressed by the current curriculum, and which will need additional emphasis. Suggestions for implementation of this framework are made, with consideration given to the implications of the stages of college student intellectual development. This paper is intended to serve as a vehicle to organize discussions for accounting programs considering a comprehensive approach to incorporating critical thinking as an objective of their program.
Some effects of pH and formaldehyde on the cellular electrokinetic surface.

When the electrophoretic mobilities of many cells are measured in solutions having pH values in excess of 9, or after formaldehyde-fixation, there is an increase in their net surface negativity which is usually attributed to deprotonation of amino-groups at the cell surface. A detailed investigation of the effects of high environmental pH and formaldehyde treatment on cell electrophoretic mobility suggests that the mobility changes are largely due to the adsorption of released intracellular contents to the cell surface and that, contrary to current belief, information obtained by experiments of this type may not be interpreted to indicate the presence of positively-charged groups at the electrokinetic surfaces of intact living cells. Electrophorese Cellulaire: Effets du pH et du Formaldehyde Lorsque les mobilites electrophoretiques de nombreuses cellules sont mesurees dans des solutions dont la valeur pH depasse 9, ou apres fixation au formaldehyde, on observe une elevation de la charge negative nette de leur surface qui est generalement attribuee a une deprotonation des groupements amines a la surface des cellules. Une etude approfondie des effets d'un pH ambiant eleve et d'un traitement au formaldehyde sur la mobilite electrophoretique des cellules donne a penser que les variations de la mobilite sont dues en grande partie a l'adsorption de contenus intracellulaires liberes a la surface des cellules et que, contrairement a ce que l'on croit generalement, il est impossible, d'apres les renseignements obtenus au moyen d'experiences de ce genre, de conclure a la presence de groupements charges positivement a la surface electrocinetique des cellules vivantes intactes.
Infection of mouse lymphocytes by epstein-barr virus. II. Stimulation of cellular dna synthesis by ebv in the absence of ebna induction and cell transformation.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) of the transforming and nontransforming strains induced transient stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis during lytic infection of normal mouse lymphocytes. In contrast to human B lymphocytes, the action of both EBV strains in mouse cells was additive. The nontransforming P3HR-1 virus had no cytotoxic effect on mouse lymphocytes. The EBV-infected, stimulated mouse lymphocytes did not express EB virus-determined nuclear antigen and do not grow into immortalized cell lines. The cells expressed EBV-determined early and virus capsid antigens. These results suggest that the stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis by EBV is independent of EBNA synthesis and cell transformation.
The Methanococcus jannaschii dCTP deaminase is a bifunctional deaminase and diphosphatase.

Most bacteria produce the dUMP precursor for thymine nucleotide biosynthesis using two enzymes: a dCTP deaminase catalyzes the formation of dUTP and a dUTP diphosphatase catalyzes pyrophosphate release. Although these two hydrolytic enzymes appear to catalyze very different reactions, they are encoded by homologous genes. The hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii has two members of this gene family. One gene, at locus MJ1102, encodes a dUTP diphosphatase, which can scavenge deoxyuridine nucleotides that inhibit archaeal DNA polymerases. The second gene, at locus MJ0430, encodes a novel dCTP deaminase that releases dUMP, ammonia, and pyrophosphate. Therefore this enzyme can singly catalyze both steps in dUMP biosynthesis, precluding the formation of free, mutagenic dUTP. Besides differing from the previously characterized Salmonella typhimurium dCTP deaminase in its reaction products, this archaeal enzyme has a higher affinity for dCTP and its steady-state turnover is faster than the bacterial enzyme. Kinetic studies suggest: 1) the archaeal enzyme specifically recognizes dCTP; 2) dCTP deamination and dUTP diphosphatase activities occur independently at the same active site, and 3) both activities depend on Mg2+. The bifunctional activity of this M. jannaschii enzyme illustrates the evolution of a suprafamily of related enzymes that catalyze mechanistically distinct reactions.
Increasing Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose

Abstract EARNING OUTCOME: To characterize the actions taken by non-insulin dependent diabetics upon increasing the frequency of blood glucose monitoring and any relationship between these actions and cognitive or affective factors. In an ex-post facto design, non-insulin dependent diabetics (NIDDM) who self-monitor blood glucose (SMBG) were followed in a three week interval for glycemic control (GC) and corrective actions (CA), both in number and type, following a high glucose reading. Subjects were assessed as three groups: those with SMBG ≥ 14 times/week (N=6), 6–13 times/week (N=5), and ≤ 5 times/week (N=5). All subjects were followed for an additional three weeks following random assignment of three subjects from the SMBG ≤ 5 times/week group to the ≥ 14 regimen. The monitoring activity consisted of a demographic and attitudinal survey and a self-report log of glucose levels, CA taken to promote euglycemia, and pertinent health, behavioral, or functional comments. Cognitive behavioral parameters postulated to impact the initiation of behavior change were assessed using Stage of Change, Locus of Control and Health Beliefs scales. Gender distribution, educational level and income were similar among the three baseline groups. Mean age difference among the groups was significant (F=4.17, df=15, p=0.04) with the group monitoring most frequently being the youngest (59.2 years). This group had the heaviest body mass index (40.8), although group differences were not significant. Increasing the frequency of SMBG from ≤ 5 to ≥ 14 times/week was not clearly associated with a pattern of increasing CA, type of CA, or GC for both mean and fasting glucose levels. Sample size and uncontrolled baseline diabetes education were confounders of any SMBG effect. The expected associations between Health Beliefs and Locus of Control with GC or CA were not apparent. However Stage of Change was found to be positively associated with both SMBG frequency and CA taken. Subjects in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation (PCP) stages monitored less frequently than those in the action and maintenance (AP) level (32.4 versus 36.4 times/week) and 71 percent of the AP subjects (5 of 7) made at least one CA after a high glucose reading compared to only 44 percent of those in the PCP levels (4 of 9). This pilot study tested and supported the methodology as appropriate for the study of SMBG in NIDDM, but verified the need for larger samples to study this highly individual disorder and its complex behavioral components.
Adolescence and the Trajectory of Alcohol Use: Basic to Clinical Studies

Emerging findings from developmentally focused research indicates subtle but important neurocognitive disadvantages among adolescents with alcohol-use disorders (AUD) as compared to teens without AUD. Even after 3 weeks of abstinence AUD youth display a 10% decrement in delayed memory functions. Neuropsychological testing of youth followed at 4 and 8 years demonstrates that heavy drinking during adolescence is associated with diminished retrieval of verbal and nonverbal material, and poorer performance on tests requiring attention skills. Alcohol withdrawal over the teen years appears to uniquely contribute to deterioration in functioning in visuospatial tasks. Brain imaging studies suggest reduced hippocampal volumes, white matter microstructure irregularities, brain response abnormalities while performing challenging cognitive tasks, and enhanced brain response when viewing alcohol cues (i.e., alcohol advertisements) among adolescents with AUD. Family characteristics such as history of alcoholism and socioeconomic status as well as personal features, including adolescent psychopathology, gender, and age of onset must be carefully considered when investigating the influence of teenage drinking on neurocognition. Further research is needed to understand how age at onset of drinking and duration of abstinence at the time of assessment affect cognitive findings. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify neuromaturational changes associated with early alcohol exposure and patterns of resiliency. Although the magnitude of alcohol-related effects observed in adolescents' neurocognition is relatively modest, the implications are major given the prevalence of alcohol involvement, and the important educational, occupational, and social transitions that occur during adolescence.
Strategic Spot Trading in Supply Chains

In a variety of industries ranging from agriculture to electronics and oil, procurement takes place through a combination of bilateral fixed-price contracts and open market trading among supply chain participants, which allows them to improve supply chain performance by utilizing new demand and cost information. The strategic behavior of the participants in these markets interacts with the way fixed-price contracts are formulated and significantly affects supply chain efficiency. In this paper, we develop a strategic model that allows endogenous price formation in an industrial spot market where supply chain participants have private information. Utilizing the model, we analyze the equilibrium of a dynamic game between a single supplier and multiple manufacturers who first contract with the supplier at a fixed price and then trade on a spot market. We study how such trading affects supply chain performance and show that it does not eliminate fixed-price contracting even though the fixed price is determined under inferior information. We find that it reduces prices, increases the quantities produced, and improves supply chain profits and consumer surplus. However, depending on the information structure of the supply chain, spot trading may make either the supplier or the manufacturers worse off. Our results show how the informational regime affects the profitability of supply chain participants and the allocation of quantities between the procurement venues. We show that beyond a threshold level, the effect of increasing supply uncertainty, or decreasing either the demand uncertainty or the information asymmetry among the manufacturers, is to increase the percentage procured on the spot market as well as the overall quantity procured and sold, and to decrease prices. As the number of manufacturers increases, procurement shifts from fixed-price contracting to spot trading and in the limit, the supply chain is both fully coordinated and informationally efficient. We also show that in many cases, the supplier may gain strategic advantage by sharing some of her cost information with the manufacturers.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects

Trisomy 21, the chromosomal condition responsible for Down syndrome (DS, OMIM #190685), is the most common identifiable genetic cause of intellectual disability. Approximately half of all children with DS are born with a significant congenital heart defect (CHD), the most common of which is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). As children with comorbid DS and CHD increasingly survive cardiac surgery, characterization of their early developmental trajectories is critical for designing early interventions to maximize individual potential. Herein, the developmental domains (cognitive, language, and motor) of children with DS and AVSD (DS + AVSD, n = 12) were compared to children with DS and a structurally normal heart (DS − CHD, n = 17) using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. The DS + AVSD cohort mean age was relatively the same as controls with DS − CHD, 14.5 ± 7.3 months compared with 14.1 ± 8.4 months, respectively. Although the motor domain was the only domain that showed a statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), both cognitive standard scores (P = 0.63) and language composite standard scores (P = 0.10) were lower in the DS + AVSD cases compared with the DS − CHD controls although it is not statistically significant. Since this is the first study to examine the early developmental outcomes of children with DS + AVSD, the findings may be useful for clinicians in providing anticipatory guidance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impacts of geometry and binding on CaMKII diffusion and retention in dendritic spines

We used a particle-based Monte Carlo simulation to dissect the regulatory mechanism of molecular translocation of CaMKII, a key regulator of neuronal synaptic function. Geometry was based upon measurements from EM reconstructions of dendrites in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Three types of simulations were performed to investigate the effects of geometry and other mechanisms that control CaMKII translocation in and out of dendritic spines. First, the diffusional escape rate of CaMKII from model spines of varied morphologies was examined. Second, a postsynaptic density (PSD) was added to study the impact of binding sites on this escape rate. Third, translocation of CaMKII from dendrites and trapping in spines was investigated using a simulated dendrite. Based on diffusion alone, a spine of average dimensions had the ability to retain CaMKII for duration of ~4 s. However, binding sites mimicking those in the PSD controlled the residence time of CaMKII in a highly nonlinear manner. In addition, we observed that F-actin at the spine head/neck junction had a significant impact on CaMKII trapping in dendritic spines. We discuss these results in the context of possible mechanisms that may explain the experimental results that have shown extended accumulation of CaMKII in dendritic spines during synaptic plasticity and LTP induction.
High-Speed Friction Measurements Using a Modified Surface Forces Apparatus

Methods of measuring friction forces in the surface forces apparatus (SFA) are presented for sliding velocities from 10 m/s. A feed-forward control (FFC) system for the piezoelectric bimorph slider attachment is introduced to allow experiments at velocities up to ~4 mm/s. For still higher speeds, a motor-driven rotating mini-disk setup using a pin-on-disk geometry is presented, with modifications to enable sliding velocities in the ranges 1 cm/s–5 m/s and 1–25 m/s. Example data sets demonstrate the applicability of the approach to modeling important tribological systems including hard-disk drives. We find that mechanical system parameters such as the resonant frequencies and mutual alignments of different moving parts become increasingly important in determining the tribological response at sliding velocities above ~1 cm/s (for SFA or bench top devices). Smooth or stick-slip sliding—common features of low-speed sliding—become replaced by large-amplitude oscillatory responses that depend on the load and especially the driving speed or rotational/reciprocating frequencies. Detailed recordings and modeling of these complex effects are necessary for fully understanding and controlling frictional behavior at high speeds.
Auger Transitions and Widths of X-Ray Energy Levels

The width of an x-ray energy level depends to a large extent on the probabilities of Auger transitions from that level. Consequently, rapid variations in line width with atomic number are to be expected whenever sudden changes in Auger transition probabilities occur. Atomic number ranges wherein large variations might be expected have been studied. Part of the width variation of $L{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{3}$ for elements $73\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}92$ is attributed to the Auger transitions ${M}_{\mathrm{III}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{M}_{\mathrm{V}}{M}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$. The transitions ${N}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}_{\mathrm{III}}{O}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I},\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}}$, ${N}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$, and ${N}_{\mathrm{III}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$ are shown to explain an intensity anomaly of $M\ensuremath{\zeta}$ for elements $38\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}58$. Several other irregular line width variations are correlated with changes in the probabilities of Auger transitions. The evidence supports the theory that Auger transitions are primarily responsible for anomalous changes in line width.
Organic photosensors for ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulators

We have combined organic charge generation (CG) and charge transport (CT) thin films to construct a bi-layer photosensor for use in an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM).
Investigating the effectiveness of feeding deterrents against the southern corn rootworm, using behavioral bioassays and toxicity testing

Leaf-disk feeding tests were conducted to determine the effect of various chemicals on southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, larval feeding. Ethanolic extracts of plant seeds from the family Meliaceae were all highly active feeding deterrents, while hexane extracts were ineffective as deterrents. In leaf disk feeding tests, the fungicide thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide), as technical material or formulated as thiram 50% or 75% (AI) was also an effective feeding deterrent. In choice tests, all thiram-based deterrents were equally effective, while in no-choice tests, thiram-75 was most effective at preventing feeding. Thiram-75 was also effective in protecting corn seedlings in a soil bioassay mimicking the field environment. It was determined that the formulation of thiram-75 used in these tests had been contaminated with 0.87% dieldrin (by weight). The contaminated thiram-75 had a toxic action, as well as a deterrent effect on southern corn rootworm larvae and both factors contributed to overall feeding inhibition. Toxicity was not found in technical thiram or in thiram-50. The mode(s) of action of the various deterrents are discussed in relation to screening procedures. Resume Examen comportemental et toxicologique de l'efficacite de phagodissuadants contre Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Des experiences de consommation avec et sans choix ont ete utilisees pour determiner l'effet de differentes substances sur la prise de nourriture par D. undecimpunctata howardi Barber. Des disques de feuilles de Zea mays avec dissuadants ont ete presentes a des chenilles du troisieme stade; l'etat des disques a ete examine au bout de 3,6 et 24 h dans les experiences de choix et de 48 et 72 h en absence de choix. Les extraits ethanoliques (1% dans l'ethanol) de Meliacees sont tous tres efficaces, tandis que ceux a l'hexane (1% dans le pentane) sont inefficaces. Le thiram (disulfure de tetramethyl-ethiuram) utilise comme materiel technique, a 50% ou a 75%, est lui aussi efficace (a 0,5% ou 1% dans l'acetone). Lorsqu'il y a choix tous les thirams sont aussi dissuasifs, alors qu'en absence de choix le thiram 75% parait le plus efficace. Lorsque ce dernier est contamine par 0,87% en poids de dieldrine, il est efficace lors d'experiences simulant le sol du champ. La contamination par la dieldrine rend le thiram 75 toxique autant que dissuadant. Cette toxicite n'est pas observee sur le thiram technique ou le thiram 50. Les modes d'action des differents dissuadants sont discutes.
Microarray analysis of erythromycin resistance determinants.

Aims: To develop a DNA microarray for analysis of genes encoding resistance determinants to erythromycin and the related macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B (MLS) compounds. Methods and Results: We developed an oligonucleotide microarray containing seven oligonucleotide probes (oligoprobes) for each of the six genes (ermA, ermB, ermC, ereA, ereB and msrA/B) that account for more than 98% of MLS resistance in Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. The microarray was used to test reference and clinical S. aureus and Streptococcus pyrogenes strains. Target genes from clinical strains were amplified and fluorescently labelled using multiplex PCR target amplification. The microarray assay correctly identified the MLS resistance genes in the reference strains and clinical isolates of S. aureus, and the results were confirmed by direct DNA sequence analysis. Of 18 S. aureus clinical strains tested, 11 isolates carry MLS determinants. One gene (ermC) was found in all 11 clinical isolates tested, and two others, ermA and msrA/B, were found in five or more isolates. Indeed, eight (72%) of 11 clinical isolate strains contained two or three MLS resistance genes, in one of the three combinations (ermA with ermC, ermC with msrA/B, ermA with ermC and msrA/B). Conclusions: Oligonucleotide microarray can detect and identify the six MLS resistance determinants analysed in this study. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results suggest that microarray-based detection of microbial antibiotic resistance genes might be a useful tool for identifying antibiotic resistance determinants in a wide range of bacterial strains, given the high homology among microbial MLS resistance genes.
Differences in nociception during voluntary flexion and extension.

The volar surface of the second toe on the right leg of 14 human subjects was stimulated with 10 msec electrical shocks at 1 Hz. Stimulus intensity was sufficient to evoke first and second pain and was kept constant throughout each trial. The right leg was held in a relaxed, flexed, or extended position for 10 shocks and was then moved to and held at another of the positions for another 10 shocks. Subjects were asked to report if the intensity of the stimulus remained constant, increased or decreased after moving to the second position in each trial. Several statistical analyses showed a significant (P = 0.04 to < 0.001) trend for the perceived pain to be more intense when the leg was held in the flexed position than when in the extended position. The results support a hypothesis that populations of neurons may contribute simultaneously to sensory perception and segmental reflex responses evoked by noxious stimuli as well as to voluntary motor behavior.
Salvage Chemotherapy for Patients With Advanced Pure Seminoma

PURPOSE: We describe the response to conventional or high-dose salvage chemotherapy in patients with advanced seminoma who experience disease progression after receiving first-line platinum-based treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with progressive, advanced, pure seminoma were treated with salvage chemotherapy. Fifteen patients were treated with conventional-dose cisplatin-and-ifosfamide combination chemotherapy. Twelve patients were treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell rescue. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (56%) achieved a complete response (CR), nine achieved CR with a conventional-dose cisplatin and ifosfamide program, and six experienced CR after high-dose chemotherapy. Fourteen patients (52%) are alive and disease-free, with 13 (48%) continuously disease-free at a median follow-up of 72 months. Twelve (57%) of 21 patients whose pretreatment tumors were studied morphologically were found to have seminoma with atypia. Eight patients underwent resection af...
Maximizing MLC NAND lifetime and reliability in the presence of write noise

The aggressive scaling of the NAND flash technology has led to write noise becoming the dominant source of disturbance in the currently shipping sub-30 nm MLC NAND memories. Write noise can be mitigated by reducing the magnitude of the voltage levels programmed into the cells, which additionally translates to longer flash memory lifetime. However, if all the target levels are small and close together, the probability of error could become excessively high. It is therefore necessary to optimize the target level placement in order to achieve a trade-off between flash lifetime and error probability. This paper proposes a method to maximize flash lifetime subject to reliability constraints, and vice versa. Simulation results show that the proposed method doubles flash lifetime in comparison to a naive scheme, for a 2% reliability constraint. It also comes very close to the optimal solution obtained by brute force search, while maintaining negligible computational complexity in comparison.
Light Scattering and Contrast in Thermally Addressed Liquid Crystal Displays

Abstract The effects of structural order on the light scattering characteristics of liquid crystal display cells containing smetic p-n-octyl-p′-cyanobiphenyl have been investigated. The scattering characteristics of different structures in the cell due to surface treatments are qualitatively analyzed for their effects on the contrast ratio when used in the thermally addressed liquid crystal display (TALC). Of the four structures investigated, i.e., homeotropic, fan-like, uniaxial rods and spherulites, the spherulitic structure has been found to exhibit the scattering profile best suited for high contrast because of the near-zero scattering near the incident beam. Based on the light scattering theory for spherulites, optimization of structural parameters such as size and order of spherulites, and device design such as collecting angle of projection lens for maximum display contrast has been predicted. Methods to improve contrast have also been discussed.
How Soldiers, Too, Can Be Saved: Allegiance and Idolatry in the US Military

Idolatry, considered a moral danger for early Christians serving in the Roman military, is often neglected as a potential problem for American soldiers today. These soldiers express their allegiance formally, swearing loyalty to an entity that is not God, and participate in an institution that some say has a religion all its own. Given this situation, American Christians need to consider the nature and extent of allegiance soldiers should have to the military. Military sociologists argue that all soldiers face a similar dilemma in that they consider whether what they are doing is "just a job" or something more profoundly connected to their deepest values and commitments. After surveying classical and contemporary Christian thought, as well as the work of the sociologists, I argue that though swearing formal allegiance to the military does not necessarily constitute idolatry, some common conceptions of military allegiance are problematic.
Charge heterogeneity in polypeptides of negative strand RNA viruses.

Abstract We surveyed charge heterogeneity in the polypeptides of three enveloped RNA viruses, Sendai virus, influenza virus (WSN strain), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel was followed by electrophoresis in a second dimension after denaturation of the polypeptides with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Nucleocapsid polypeptides P and NP of Sendai virus exhibited charge heterogeneity which may correspond to various extents of post-translational phosphorylation ( R. A. Lamb and P. W. Choppin, 1977 ). The synthesis of Sendai virus polypeptides in infected cells. 111. Phosphorylation of polypeptides. Virology 81 , 382–397. Nucleocapsid polypeptide N of VSV was more homogeneous, whereas the NP polypeptide of influenza virus appeared to be too basic (isoelectric point greater than 8.0) to be resolved in the isoelectric focusing system employed. Glycosylated envelope polypeptides of all three viruses separated into multiple (3 to 8) acidic species with isoelectric points in the range of 4 to 5 for VSV glycopolypeptide G and 5 to 6 for the glycopolypeptides of Sendai virus and influenza virus. Although some of the heterogeneity in VSV glycopolypeptide G may stem from variations in content of N -acetyl neuraminic acid (NANA), a different basis for the heterogeneity is suggested by failure of extensive neuraminidase treatment to abolish it. Moreover, NANA is removed from the glycopolypeptides of Sendai virus and influenza virus by virus-specified neuraminidases. A possible relationship between content of amino sugars (other than NANA) and charge heterogeneity was suggested by the finding that the amount of radioactive glucosamine incorporated biosynthetically into G of VSV and HN of Sendai virus was greater in the more electropositive species. The functional consequences of this variety of post-translational modifications remain to be determined.
Case Report Metastatic Nonfunctioning Parathyroid Carcinoma: Ultrastructural Evidence of Secretory Granules and Response to Chemotherapy

Abstract A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of recurrent cervical nodules, a large anterior mediastinal mass, and malignant left pleural effusion. Light and electron microscopy of the resected cervical nodules and cytology of the pleural fluid showed findings consistent with parathyroid carcinoma. There was no evidence of hyperparathyroidism on clinical evaluation, multiple serum calcium and phosphorus determinations, skeletal survey, intravenous pyelogram, or radioimmunoassay of intact and carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormones in the serum. Electron microscopy revealed secretory granules in the cytoplasm of malignant cells. A dramatic and complete resolution of the mediastinal mass and pleural effusion occurred after 18 months of chemotherapy with "MACC" (methotrexate, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and CCNU).
Metabolic consequences of antiepileptic drugs.

Purpose of reviewChemical properties of the widely used older generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) suggest that they might be responsible for a number of medical comorbidities.Recent findingsAEDs which induce the cytochrome P450 system adversely affect bone, lipid, and gonadal steroid metabolism. S
Atom interferometric navigation sensors

Gyroscopes and accelerometers based on atom interferometry have demonstrated superb noise, bias and scale factor figures of merit in laboratory instruments. This paper will review basic physical principles motivating these characteristics, and summarize efforts to realize fieldable prototype instruments.
Role allocation and differentiation through time in medium-sized groups.

(1968). Role Allocation and Differentiation through Time in Medium-Sized Groups. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 74, No. 2, pp. 225-231.
Detection of the mutated K-Ras biomarker in colorectal carcinoma.

This study describes an advantageous, effective protocol for detecting K-Ras mutations in human stool as a prototype screen for colorectal carcinoma (CRC), the third most common malignancy in the United States. A reliable screening test that detects early lesions would contribute to a decrease in mortality. Currently, the only noninvasive screen for CRC is the hemeoccult, test which has a high false-positive rate. Previously, several investigators have identified genetic biomarkers for CRC in stool DNA. The K-Ras oncogene, mutated in 46-50% of CRC tumors, serves as one molecular marker by which stool samples may be evaluated for early detection of adenocarcinomas. DNA was isolated from stool samples by a new method we specifically designed for extracting high-quality DNA using tetradecyltrimethylammonium oxalate [Catrimox-14, Iowa Biotechnology Corp., (currently Qiagen)]. This protocol produces an optimal yield of high-purity DNA, suitable for genotyping. Detection of the human gene in stool samples was enhanced by hybrid selection of the K-Ras sequences, polymerase chain reaction, and single-strand conformation polymorphism. Tumor tissue and preoperative stool samples for eight patients were K-Ras genotyped and compared; stool samples from two asymptomatic, healthy patients were also evaluated in a double-blind format. In seven of eight samples (87%), the genotypes of the stool and colon tissue DNA were the same. Both healthy patients showed wild-type K-Ras. This protocol shows promise for the development of an efficient and accurate screen for CRC.
Remembering Laredo Spatial Reflections

This article explores the public spaces of Laredo, a city situated on the border of the United States and Mexico along the Rio Grande. The construction of urban history is shaped by changes in public space—its physical settings, access to residents, and utilization by people. The author analyzes the transformation of public spaces and public events of Laredo to trace how amnesia and remembering are reflected in the cityscape. Public events reproduce assorted versions of urban history and help scholars to locate what part of history is preserved and what part is erased in the collective psyche of the community. The visual history of public spaces and events thus conserves a narration of the past, one that shapes collective memory and self-image.