cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does decreased mowing frequency enhance alkaloid production in endophytic tall fescue and perennial ryegrass

Tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea, and perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne. are widely infected with fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium spp.). The symbiosis between plant and fungus leads to synthesis of alkaloids that have been shown to be either toxic or act as feeding deterrents against insect pests. As cultural practices have the potential to regulate production of plant secondary metabolites, we evaluated the influence of mowing frequency on the levels of major alkaloids in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass in the greenhouse. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass maintained in 15-cm-diam. pots were cut to 5-cm height weekly or biweekly. Samples were taken monthly and the alkaloids extracted and analyzed by reverse-phase LC-MS. In tall fescue, ergovaline, ergonovine, and ergocristine were identified, whereas only ergocristine was identified in perennial ryegrass samples. In tall fescue, we observed a trend showing higher levels in samples cut biweekly than in those cut weekly. A similar pattern was seen in some putative alkaloids that were not identified. In perennial ryegrass, ergocristine and two putative alkaloids followed a pattern similar to that of alkaloids in tall fescue. A survey of a few samples of perennial ryegrass using extractions specific to peramine and lolitrem B yielded evidence suggesting their presence as well as several other identified alkaloids. These data support the hypothesis that decreased mowing frequency enhances alkaloid production/accumulation in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass.
A Parallel Algorithm for the Multi-input Sylvester-Observer Equation

We present a new algorithm for solving the Multi-input Sylvester-Observer Equation. The algorithm embodies two main computational phases: the solution of a series of independent equation systems, and a series of matrix-matrix multiplications. As such, the algorithm is well suited for a parallel machine. By reducing the coefficient matrix to lower Hessenberg form, one can implement the algorithm efficiently, with few floating-point operations and little workspace. We present experimental results on the CRAY Y-MP and the Siemens S600/10 that confirm the efficiency of our algorithm.
Predictors of prolonged operative time during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE To determine risk factors for prolonged operative time (OT) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Being able to predict prolonged OT is of pivotal importance both to the physician for patient counseling and to the hospital management. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective review of patient records undergoing RALP between 2003 and 2009 at a tertiary academic center with a structured teaching program. The following variables were recorded: age, race, body-mass index (BMI), previous abdominal surgery (yes/no), nerve-sparing technique (yes/no), lymph nodes dissection (yes/no), pathological stage (organ-confined versus non), cumulative surgical experience with RALP (expressed as number of years since introduction of RALP at our center), prostate weight and OT calculated skin-to-skin by the anesthesiologists. Prolonged OT was defined as the upper quintile (20%) according to the distribution. Multivariate regression model was generated to assess potential predictors of prolonged OT. RESULTS A total of 523 records were retrieved. Caucasians accounted for 77.8% of the cohort. Median age was 60.3 years (interquartile range, IQR, 55.0-64.6 years), median BMI 28.1 (25.8-30.7 kg/m²), prostate weight 46.0 g (37.0-57.8 g). Eighty-six (16.4%) patients had previous abdominal surgery, lymph nodes dissection was performed in 341 (65.2%) and nerve-sparing technique was done in 310 (59.3%) cases. Median OT was 175 min (IQR 146-220 min). Prolonged OT was set at > 230 min, thereby 105 (20.1%) records were classified as such. On multivariate analysis, cumulative surgical experience with RALP (P < 0.001), nerve sparing (P = 0.023) and prostate weight (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of prolonged OT. CONCLUSIONS Larger prostates are associated with longer OT and this effect is maintained independently of cumulative robotic experience that represents another independent factor in determining OT.
Heat exchanger temperature response for duty-cycle transients in the NGNP/HTE

Control system studies were performed for the next generation nuclear plant (NGNP) interfaced to the high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) plant. Temperature change and associated thermal stresses are important factors in determining plant lifetime. In the NGNP the design objective of a 40-year lifetime for the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) in particular is seen as a challenge. A control system was designed to minimise temperature changes in the IHX and more generally at all high-temperature locations in the plant for duty-cycle transients. In the NGNP this includes structures at the reactor outlet and at the inlet to the turbine.
Physical States of Staphylococcal α-Toxin

At least three different forms of staphylococcal alpha-toxin have been shown to exist: soluble active alpha-toxin (alpha 3S), soluble inactive alpha-toxin (alpha(12s)), and insoluble inactive aggregate. Aggregation to the insoluble, biologically inactive form could be induced by brief heating to 60 C. The aggregate was dissociated by treatment with 8 m urea with reappearance of biological activity. Subsequent removal of urea by dialysis resulted in some spontaneous reaggregation to the insoluble state. The supernatant fluid obtained after dialysis contained soluble active alpha-toxin of high specific activity, possessing physical, toxic, and immunological properties closely resembling those of native toxin. The soluble biologically inert component (alpha(12s)) was identified as a third physical state. Negatively stained preparations of this material, when examined in the electron microscope, showed rings of approximately 100 A outside diameter containing 6 +/- 1 subunits.
Four million years of African herbivory

The vast African continent is an ecological stage with ever-changing scenery and casts of characters that included human ancestors. The mammals that came and went upon this stage have been enlisted to help answer a compelling question relevant to our own evolutionary story: How do land animals respond to long-term environmental change? The paper by Cerling et al. (1) is a milestone in this quest. It synthesizes a huge amount of information on stable carbon isotopes to reconstruct the dietary history of three major herbivore groups over the last 4.3 million y. The study focuses on Kenya’s Turkana Basin, a prime source of vertebrate fossils and geological information relating to human evolution. Results from the fossil record are interpreted using an even larger sample of isotopic data from modern eastern and central Africa ecosystems, making this study a unique comparison of past and present herbivore adaptations on a changing continent.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis 65-kilodalton antigen is a heat shock protein which corresponds to common antigen and to the Escherichia coli GroEL protein.

Abstract Monoclonal hybridoma antibodies directed against a 65-kilodalton (kDa) mycobacterial protein could detect similarly sized antigens in many other bacterial species. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the cross-reacting protein corresponded to a 62-kDa antigen that has been called Common Antigen. The mycobacterial 65-kDa antigen and Common Antigen are similar in that both (i) are highly immunoreactive molecules, (ii) contain species-specific and genus-specific epitopes in addition to the broadly cross-reactive epitopes, (iii) can be isolated as homomultimers of greater than 240 kDa, and (iv) have similar amino acid compositions. In Escherichia coli, the cross-reactive protein corresponded to the GroEL protein. Both the GroEL protein and the mycobacterial 65-kDa protein are expressed as heat shock proteins.
Rock ‘n’ roll Ain't noise pollution: Artistic conventions and tensions in the major subgenres of heavy metal music

(1994). Rock ‘n’ roll Ain't noise pollution: Artistic conventions and tensions in the major subgenres of heavy metal music. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 1-17.
A Highly Divergent 33 kDa Cryptosporidium parvum Antigen

Abstract: Previous studies comparing the genome sequences of Cryptosporidium parvum with Cryptosporidium hominis identified a number of highly divergent genes that might reflect positive selection for host specificity. In the present study, the C. parvum DNA sequence cgd8-5370, which encodes a protein whose amino acid sequence differs appreciably from its homologue in C. hominis, was cloned by PCR and expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. Antisera raised against the recombinant cgd8-5370 antigen strongly recognized a unique 33 kDa protein in immunoblots from reducing and non-reducing SDS-PAGE of native C. parvum protein. However, anti-Cp33 sera did not recognize the native 33 kDa homologue in C. hominis. In an immunofluorescence assay (IFA), anti-Cp33 serum recognized an antigen in the anterior end of air-dried C. parvum sporozoites but failed to bind at any sites in C. hominis sporozoites, indicating its specificity for C. parvum. IFA staining of live C. parvum sporozoites with anti-Cp3...
Mass univariate analysis of event-related brain potentials/fields II: Simulation studies

Mass univariate analysis is a relatively new approach for the study of ERPs/ERFs. It consists of many statistical tests and one of several powerful corrections for multiple comparisons. Multiple comparison corrections differ in their power and permissiveness. Moreover, some methods are not guaranteed to work or may be overly sensitive to uninteresting deviations from the null hypothesis. Here we report the results of simulations assessing the accuracy, permissiveness, and power of six popular multiple comparison corrections (permutation-based control of the familywise error rate [FWER], weak control of FWER via cluster-based permutation tests, permutation-based control of the generalized FWER, and three false discovery rate control procedures) using realistic ERP data. In addition, we look at the sensitivity of permutation tests to differences in population variance. These results will help researchers apply and interpret these procedures.
Responding to Heinous Crime: Best Practices and the Current State of the Art

Heinous crimes involve offenses that are odious, shockingly cruel, and abhorrent. Victims, criminal justice professionals, and the public at large struggle in their efforts to respond to heinous crimes in ways that simultaneously protect the public, promote rehabilitation, provide an opportunity for retribution, and punish. Heinous crimes present a severe challenge in a democratic society that seeks to respond to unspeakable acts in a just, principled, and fair manner. This article examines the nature of heinous crimes, explores their etiology, and considers the merits of possible responses in light of current knowledge and “best practices.” The author presents a comprehensive typology of heinous crime, based on a qualitative analysis of 13,000 parole cases, and explores the appropriate role of retribution and revenge, punishment, rehabilitation, and restorative and reparative justice.
Privileging Music in Recent Books on The Broadway Musical: A Bibliographic Essay

The past two decades have seen a new development in books on musical theater: an emphasis on music, giving this greater importance than lyrics, plot, production history, or other matters. This article discusses twelve such books, all published in 1990 or later. Four are surveys; the remainder examine the œuvres of particular composers. Of the latter, six are part of a promising, if limited, series devoted to the subject.
Characteristics of the 1 km AVHRR data set for North America

Abstract The North America portion of a new global 1 km AVHRR time-series dataset was produced recently by the U.S. Geological Survey, EROS Data Center. Characteristics of the dataset were evaluated for scan-angle distribution, image area distortion as the result of map projection, distribution of high solar zenith angle, and cloud presence in image composites produced using maximum values of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The evaluation showed that the compositing procedure exhibits a bias favouring off-nadir pixels, particularly at post-nadir (forward scanning) positions in the winter months. Results for scan angle distribution and image area distortion provide a basis for calculating the data's effective minimum mapping area for various geographical locations. The amount of missing data due to large solar zenith angle effect varies from 42 per cent in January to 1 per cent in July. Cloud contaminated pixels estimated for the thirty-six 10-day composites range from 7·5 per cent in May to...
Single-shot generation of a sonogram by time gating of a spectrally decomposed ultrashort laser pulse

An experimental technique for single-shot generation of the sonogram of an ultrashort laser pulse is demonstrated. The method is based on the time gating of a spectrally decomposed test signal, transferring its spectral phase into a spatial phase, and the spatial filtering of the signal to produce a sonogram. The technique is evaluated experimentally, producing sonograms for linearly and nonlinearly chirped femtosecond laser pulses. The single-shot technique permits reconstruction of ultrashort pulse complex amplitude profiles and is useful for showing the signal in real time.
Economic Sanctions, International Institutions, and Sanctions Busters: When Does Institutionalized Cooperation Help Sanctioning Efforts?

When international institutions obligate their members to impose economic sanctions against a target state, how much do those sanctions obligations actually impact their members' behavior? To date, the consensus view has treated all international institutions as if they are equally capable of making multilateral sanctioning efforts more effective. Building upon the enforcement theory of sanctions cooperation, we instead theorize that the ability of international institutions to constrain their members from engaging in spoiler behaviors degrades the larger they are. We hypothesize that sanctions obligations imposed by smaller-sized institutions are more effective at preventing their members from becoming extensive trade-based sanctions busters than those imposed by larger ones. We test our hypothesis via a quantitative analysis of how the involvement of five different international institutions in sanctioning efforts influenced their members' likelihoods of sanctions-busting. We find that only the smaller-sized institutions we examine appear capable of constraining their members from undercutting sanctioning efforts. Notably, we find no evidence that the United Nations' sanctions actually prevent its members from sanctions-busting.
Nucleotide sequence of a mouse kappa light chain cDNA cloned in a bacterial plasmid

Abstract A mouse MOPC21 cDNA previously cloned in plasmid pMB9(Higuchi et al. , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 73 (1976) 2136–2140; Wall et al. , Nucleic Acid Res. 5 (1978) 3113–3128) and is designated pL21-3 has been extensively characterized. Cleavage of pL21-3 with Hpall has shown the insert to be 910 basepairs long, consistent with the length of the entire variable and constant regions and the untranslated regions. Digestion of pL21-3 with various restriction endonucleases has established that the insert sequence starts from parts of the 5′ leader region and extends downstream to include the untranslated 3′ terminus. 131 nucleotides in the variable region corresponding to amino acids 49–91 have been determined.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Continuous Infusion Amphotericin B in Cancer Patients

To evaluate the role of amphotericin B (AmB) in the biochemical modulation of antineoplastic agents, AmB was administered as a continuous infusion over a period of 52 to 120 h to 14 patients (26 courses) with advanced carcinomas. Continuous infusion amphotericin B (Cl-AmB) was delivered at a rate of 0.5 to 0.8 mg/kg/d (19–31 mg/m2/d). The AmB plateau levels assayed by HPLC ranged from 0.7 to 1.9 μg/mL and were directly related to the infusion rate. The AmB plasma disposition was biphasic, with mean half-lives of 17 h for the first phase and 11 d for the terminal phase, and a mean residence time of 12 d. Biochemical modulation of antineoplastic agents (lomustine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) by Cl-AmB was not demonstrated clinically. Acute toxicities of fever and chills were noted in only 3 of the 26 courses. Reversible renal toxicity was observed in 23 courses. Therapeutic antifungal plasma levels were rapidly reached and maintained for the duration of infusion, with a reduction of acute toxicities associated with shorter infusions. These observations provide impetus for further clinical investigation of Cl-AmB.
Heat transfer in a tube bank in the presence of upstream cross-sectional enlargement

Abstract Per-tube heat transfer coefficients were determined in a tube bank in the presence of an abrupt upstream enlargement of the flow cross section. The enlargement occurred either at the inlet face of the tube bank or at the upstream end of a duct which delivered the flow to the inlet. Three different magnitudes of enlargement were investigated along with three lengths of the delivery duct. Axial pressure distributions were measured both in the tube bank and in the delivery duct, and flow visualization was performed to observe the fluid motions in the tube bank. It was found that the enlargement can give rise to appreciable increases in the tube-bank heat transfer coefficients compared with those for the no-enlargement case. The enlargement also causes an additional pressure drop which depends on the magnitude of the enlargement and, to a lesser extent, on the distance between the enlargement and the tube bank.
The Role of Gastric Surgery in the Multidisciplinary Management of Severe Obesity

Severe obesity affects the health and quality of life of 4 million Americans. The major cost of treating severe obesity and its associated comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary insufficiency, cancer, and degenerative arthritis as well as the poor long-term results of medical, drug, and behavioral therapy has increased the numbers of patients being referred for surgical treatment. Gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty are the two procedures recommended for severely obese patients. These operations currently have low morbidity and mortality. Surgery should be considered adjuvant therapy and must be part of a multidisciplinary approach. The significant long-term weight control resulting from the surgical therapy is associated with improvement and, often, resolution of comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and pulmonary insufficiency.
Expiratory Abdominal Rounding in Acute Dyspnea Suggests Congestive Heart Failure

Patients in acute respiratory distress require rapid assessment of the cause of dyspnea. We have observed that many of those patients who are in congestive heart failure (CHF) exhibit rounding of the abdominal cross-section during expiration. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic utility of this breathing pattern in dyspneic patients presenting to an emergency department. Twenty-six subjects with dyspnea due to a variety of conditions were recruited from the emergency department at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Subjects ranged in age from 21 to 94 years and 81% were female. We measured variation in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the rib cage and abdomen using respiratory magnetometers and determined phase of respiration with a pneumotachometer. Investigators blinded to the subjects’ identities and diagnoses interpreted measurements as indicating normal respiratory movement without expiratory abdominal rounding, slight expiratory rounding, or pronounced expiratory rounding. The likely cause of dyspnea was determined from discharge diagnoses in the medical record. Expiratory rounding was observed in 12/14 subjects with CHF and 5/12 subjects without CHF (p = 0.0186), and pronounced expiratory rounding was present in 11/14 patients with CHF and 2/12 patients without CHF (p = 0.0016). Test characteristics for the association of CHF with pronounced expiratory rounding were sensitivity 79%, specificity 83%, and predictive accuracy 81%. In patients with acute respiratory distress, expiratory abdominal rounding suggests CHF as the primary cause of dyspnea; a greater degree of rounding suggests a greater likelihood of CHF. The clinical utility of this diagnostic sign remains to be determined in a prospective study.
Elevated serum trypsin binding activity in patients with hereditary pancreatitis.

A new kindred with a high incidence of hereditary pancreatitis has been described. Five members (3 males and 2 females) are definitely affected and 2 others are suspected of having the disease. The laboratory finding of interest is a twofold increase in the serum trypsin binding activity in 2 of 3 affected members—despite the fact that their serum α2-macroglobulin levels were within the normal range. The biological significance of this finding is not yet known. Recurrent attacks of abdominal pain began in early childhood in all affected members. Pancreatic calcifications are present in 3 members and diabetes mellitus and steatorrhea in 2 persons. Aminoaciduria was sought for in 2 members but was not found. None of the affected members had evidence of hyperlipemia or cholclithiasis or hyperparathyroidism, nor is any of them either a sporadic or a chronic alcoholic. Although the disease is reported to be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, incomplete penetrance or recessiveness are very likely mechanisms.
Alternate complement pathway in porcine sera: lysis of guinea pig erythrocytes.

The hemolysis by porcine sera of unsensitized erythrocytes (EU) from nine different species was investigated. Optimal lysis occurred when porcine sera were reacted with unsensitized guinea pig erythrocytes suspended in a pH 6.5, barbital-buffered saline solution, made 0.1% in gelatin, and containing 10 mm ethyleneglycol-bis (β-amino-ethyl ether) N, N1-tetraacetic acid and 4 mm MgCl2 (BSG-EGTA-Mg). Results of studies with several different treatments that inhibit complement (C) induced hemolysis indicated that the alternate C pathway was involved in the lysis of EU in the BSG-EGTA-Mg buffer. The extent of lysis was decreased when porcine sera were adsorbed with zymosan, mixed with 20 mm salicylaldoxime, or heated at 50%C. However, carrangeenan treatment caused only a slight decrease in the extent of hemolysis induced. Cobra venom factor activated the alternate C pathway in porcine sera. The pattern of C component utilization resulting from lysis of EU by porcine sera indicated activation of the alternate and not the classical C pathway. Extensive adsorption of porcine sera with packed guinea pig erthrocytes at 0°C only slightly reduced its capacity to lyse guinea pig erythrocytes. Collectively, these results provided evidence that the membrane of the guinea pig erythrocyte is able to active the alternate C pathway of porcine sera without the direct involvement of specific antibody.
Inequality in America: The Contribution of Health Centers in Reducing and Eliminating Disparities in Access to Care

Reducing and eliminating health status disparities by providing access to appropriate health care is a goal of the nation’s health care delivery system. This article reviews the literature that demonstrates a relationship between access to appropriate health care and reductions in health status disparities. Using comprehensive site-level data, patient surveys, and medical record reviews, the authors present an evaluation of the ability of health centers to provide such access. Access to a regular and usual source of care alone can mitigate health status disparities. The safety net health center network has reduced racial/ethnic, income, and insurance status disparities in access to primary care and important preventive screening procedures. In addition, the network has reduced low birth weight disparities for African American infants. Evidence suggests that health centers are successful in reducing and eliminating health access disparities by establishing themselves as their patients’ usual and regular source of care. This relationship portends well for reducing and eliminating health status disparities.
Appointments, Presidential Power, and the Federal Reserve

Abstract The Federal Reserve is nominally independent of elected officials, but it is widely seen as being subject to presidential influence. A number of scholars who have taken this view have also identified the appointment power as the most important mechanism for the exercise of this influence. An examination of the institutional nature of the relationship between the president and the Fed casts doubt on this assertion. We argue that the president’s use of this institutional prerogative, as a means of influencing Fed policy activity, is a more limited tool than previously realized.
CERVICAL SPINE PNEUMATOCYST: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction: Cervical pneumatocyst is an important entity that has been rarely reported in the literature. Less than 20 cases have been reported in the English literature. This entity is an important differential consideration when evaluating cervical spine lesions. The purpose of our study is to characterize the imaging features of cervical pneumatocysts. Methods: We report a case of a cervical pneumatocyst in a 51-year-old female patient, which mimicked a sclerotic lesion on magnetic resonance evaluation. Additionally, a dedicated literature review was performed evaluating the location, signal alterations, and imaging characteristics of 16 cervical pneumatocysts. Results: Fifteen of the sixteen cases in the cervical spine were found in the vertebral body. One case was identified in the lateral mass of the cervical spine. Two pneumatocysts were identified in C4, eight in C5, four in C6, and one in C7. Nine of the sixteen cases demonstrated disruption of the endplate with likely communication with either the spinal canal or intravertebral disc, with the remaining seven cases appearing isolated from the vertebral body. Conclusions: Cervical pneumatocysts are benign lesions that do not require urgent treatment. Based on their imaging appearance alone, they can be differentiated from more serious lesions such as neoplasms or osteomyelitis.
EFFECT OF LOCUS OF REINFORCEMENT CONTROL ON A CONCEPT-IDENTIFICATION TASK

Sr~nmary.-One subject from each of 20 triads matched on age and sex was randomly assigned to yoked contingent external, noncontingent external, and selfreinforcement groups. Differential reinforcement was evaluated in terms of accuracy and output of behavior during acquisition, maintenance, and extinction on a concept-identification task. Performances of the contingent selfand external reinforcement groups were equivalent during acquisition and maintenance. while superior to the noncontingent control group. During maintenance the noncontingent group subjects continued at their same level of output and accuracy in contrast to both contingent groups who improved. Groups did not differ in their accuracy during maintenance nor during the extinction phase when all subjects, as expected, were less accurate. Contrary to previous reports, the performances (output and accuracy) of subjects who administered their own reinforcers were not more resistant to withdrawal of an available external reinforcer than subjects who had received externally controlled consequences.
Overview of a survey-based system for improving data compatibility in land record systems

Abstract The Westport Land Records Project is an interdisciplinary effort by a group of University of Wisconsin (Madison) researchers in collaboration with the Dane County Regional Planning Commission, the Wisconsin State Cartographers Office, and the Economics and Statistics Service of the USDA. The project is concerned with the development of an automated land data base for the township of Westport in Dane County. General project objectives include examination of the usefulness, reliability, cost and required accuracy of a survey-based cadastre. the feasibility of developing such a system within a local government setting, and the determination of public attitudes towards land information held by the populace within the study area. The immediate project tasks (which are the primary focus of this paper) are (1) to develop compatibility among spatial resource records by integrating survey control with existing source data and (2) improve physical data handling techniques. The latter task involves the development of a hardware configuration and the associated software needed to manipulate these spatially referenced data.
Analysis of a Novel Forced-Commutation Starting Scheme for a Load-Commutated Synchronous Motor Drive

A load-commutated inverter synchronous motor drive system employing a simple auxiliary commutation circuit for machine startup analyzed, and results hybrid computer simulation are presented. The commutation circuit employs a single commutation capacitor connected to the neutral of the machine and two auxiliary thyristors, which are used only during machine starting. A practical operating scheme is developed for the forced commutated inverter, which insures commutation over all load currents by actively allowing the commutation capacitor to charge to a voltage proportional to load, current. Results of key computer runs are given including inverter waveforms, transient waveforms during transition from forced to load commutation, as well as the effect of forced commutation and load commutation on pulsating torque. The forced-commutation circuit is used only for synchronous machine startup. However, due to its simplicity it also is an attractive alternative to be considered for other types of current-fed inverter ac drives.
Heterogeneity of Pemphigoid Antigens

The immunologic specificity of bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigens expressed in human skin was studied by reacting the sera of 34 patients with BP with several specimens of normal skin. Most sera with basement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies reacted to antigens expressed in all specimens of skin examined. A minority of pemphigoid sera reacted to BP antigens expressed in some specimens of skin but not in others. The pattern of cross-reactivity suggests that BP antigens are heterogeneous and that two different groups can be defined serologically. The first is a universal BP antigen(s) which is expressed in all individuals and to which antibodies are formed in most patients with BP. The other group consists of a family of BP antigens whose expression varies from individual to individual. Several immunologically distinct BP antigens can be expressed concurrently in the same specimen of skin. Lastly, the apparent absence of BMZ antibodies in some patients with BP is occasionally the result of antibodies directed to "minor" BP antigens with restricted expression.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome: Coincidence or unusual complication?

We report on two patients with velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The first, a 9-year-old girl, presented with microcephaly, characteristic face, congenital heart disease, and velopharyngeal insufficiency. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study showed deletion of D22S75 (N25), confirming the diagnosis of VCFS. At age 7, she developed joint pain, and polyarticular JRA was diagnosed. Awareness of this case led to the subsequent diagnosis of VCFS (also confirmed by FISH) in another, unrelated 12-year-old girl with characteristic face, hypernasal speech, and obesity. JRA was first diagnosed in this case at age 5 years, and she subsequently developed severe polyarticular disease. Neither patient had clinical or laboratory evidence of immunodeficiency. This observation represents the first report of the association of JRA with VCFS and raises the question of whether this is a coincidental association or a rare complication of this condition.
The structure and stability of phospholipid bilayers by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the structure, stability, and defects of the hydrophilic surfaces of Langmuir-Blodgett bilayer films of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) in the solid phase, and dilinoleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DLPE) in the fluid phase. Their relative resilience to external mechanical stress by the scanning tip and by fluid exchange were also investigated. DPPE monolayers showed parallel ridges at the surface with a period of 0.49 nm, corresponding to the rows of aligned headgroups consistent with the known crystallographic structure. DSPC and DLPE monolayers did not show any periodic order. The solid DSPC and DPPE monolayers were stable to continued rastering by the AFM tip; however, the stability of DLPE monolayers depended on the pH of the aqueous environment. Structural defects in the form of monolayer gaps and holes were observed after fluid exchange, but the defects in DLPE monolayer at pH 11 were stable during consecutive scanning. At pH 9 and below, the defects induced by fluid exchange over DLPE monolayers were more extensive and were deformed easily by consecutive scanning of the AFM tip at a force of 10 nN. The pH dependence of resilience was explained by the increasing bending energy or frustration due to the high spontaneous curvature of DLPE monolayers at low pH. The tangential stress exerted by the AFM tip on the deformable monolayers eventually produced a ripple pattern, which could be described as a periodic buckling known as Shallamach waves.
Negative Interpretations of Interpersonal Situations and the Relation Between Low Perceived Support and Psychological Distress Among Divorced Adults1

This research tested hypotheses for a mechanism by which low perceived support may lead to psychological distress. According to social-cognitive models, perceived support guides the interpretation of interpersonal situations. People with low perceived support interpret these situations more negatively than do people with high perceived support, and these negative interpretations lead to psychological distress. This mechanism is hypothesized to be distinct from similar mechanisms involving other social-cognitive constructs, such as dysfunctional attitudes. These hypotheses were tested in 2 samples of adults adjusting to divorce. The data were consistent with predictions. Implications for understanding low perceived support's relation to distress and adults' adjustment to divorce were discussed.
Imaging of occlusal dental caries (decay) with near-IR light at 1310-nm

Dental enamel manifests high transparency in the near-IR. Previous work demonstrated that near-IR light at 1310-nm is ideally suited for the transillumination of interproximal dental caries (dental decay in between teeth) [1]. However, most new dental decay occurs in the pits and fissures of the occlusal (biting) surfaces of posterior teeth. These caries lesions cannot be detected by x-rays during the early stages of decay due to the overlapping topography of the crown of the tooth. In this study, a near- IR imaging system operating at 1310-nm was used to acquire occlusal images by launching the near-IR light into the buccal surface of the tooth just above the gingival margin (gum-line). The near-IR light diffuses through the highly scattering dentin providing uniform back illumination of the enamel of the crowns allowing imaging of the occlusal surfaces. The near-IR images show high contrast between sound and demineralized areas. Demineralization (decay) can be easily differentiated from stains, pigmentation, and hypomineralization (fluorosis). Moreover, the high transparency of the enamel enables imaging at greater depth for the detection of subsurface decay hidden under the enamel. These early images suggest that the near-IR offers significant advantages over conventional visual, tactile and radiographic caries detection methods.
Allostery in Ca2+ channel modulation by calcium-binding proteins

A tethered ligand approach reveals that calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) act as allosteric modulators of calcium channel calmodulin regulation, shedding light on how trace CaBPs can prevail over an abundance of CaM.
EXPLAINING PLANT‐LEVEL DIFFERENCES IN MANUFACTURING OVERHEAD: STRUCTURAL AND EXECUTIONAL COST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD AUTO INDUSTRY

Using data from 62 automobile assembly plants worldwide, we examine the extent to which various structural cost drivers (plant scale, automation, and product mix complexity) and exe-cutionalcost drivers (product manufacturability, management policies, and production practices) account for plant-level differences in manufacturing overhead. Our analysis of structural drivers finds that overhead hours per vehicle are negatively associated with production volumes, consistent with economies of scale in overhead functions. However, automation appears to have little influence on overhead levels. Product mix complexity's effect on overhead requirements varies with the complexity's form and the plant's manufacturing capabilities. Option and parts complexity (measures of peripheral and intermediate product variety) both exhibit adverse effects on overhead, reflecting the considerable logistical, coordination, and supervisory challenges that accompany an increased number of parts and more complex manufacturing tasks. In contrast, model mix complexity (a measure of fundamental variety) appears to have little impact on direct or overhead labor requirements in auto assembly plants. Our analysis of executional drivers provides empirical support for the claim that advanced manufacturing practices such as the reduction of buffers, multiskilled production workers, and the use of teams can lower overhead costs. We also find preliminary evidence that the lower overhead costs in Japanese auto assembly plants are due primarily to the use of multiskilled work teams and the shifting of traditional overhead activities to production workers. Overall, our results indicate that manufacturing overhead is a function not only of the structural cost drivers that have dominated the academic literature but also of executional cost drivers that are harder to duplicate and therefore potentially more valuable for achieving competitive advantage.
Surgical Treatment in Ebstein's Malformation

Between January, 1967, and July, 1981, 24 patients with Ebstein's malformation underwent surgical repair. Sixteen had tricuspid valve replacement; 8 did not. All interatrial communications were closed. Two patients had plication of atrialized ventricle. Twenty had dysrhythmias; these were surgically treated in 4. Four patients (17%), each with valve replacement, died in the hospital (70% confidence limits, 9-28%); 3 of these were among the 6 patients who were preoperatively in New York Heart Association Functional Class IV. There were 3 late deaths, 1 from noncardiac causes and 2 from persistent tricuspid regurgitation in patients without valve replacement. No late deaths or valve-related complications occurred in the valve replacement group. Dysrhythmias remain a problem, although most patients are symptomatically improved after operation. This experience suggests that good early and late results are obtained with replacement of incompetent tricuspid valves if this is done before advanced symptomatic deterioration, that plication rarely is necessary, and that rhythm disturbances should be recognized and appropriately managed.
Lethality, antiesterase and hemicholinium-like actions of a series of bisquaternary ammonium compounds

Abstract Comparative data from mice and rats are presented concerning the lethality, antiesterase and hemicholinium-like effects of a series of bisquaternary ammonium compounds in which the positively charged nitrogens are connected by a phenacyl butanone (a), a phenylene diacetyl (b), or a biphenacyl (c) chain. Three analogs of each were studied. The analogs contain the ortho-pyridinio (I), the meta-pyridinio (II) or the 2-hydroxyethyldimethylammonio (III) moieties. A relatively simple method was developed for differentiating hemicholinium-like action from antiesterase action on the intact anterior tibial muscle preparation of the rat. All compounds of the III series are essentially of only a low order of activity as antiesterase agents but show hemicholinium-like effects. Compounds of the I series are inactive when tested for hemicholinium-like effects. The a, b, and c members of the I and II series are of similar antiesterase potency.
Navigating Disciplinary Boundaries: Script, Games and the Role of Language

Datasets from ethnography help generalize the findings in cultural transmission theory. Participation in cultural transmission theory of social scientists has been sparse. Other untapped sources of data that are similar in kind and that already enjoy interdisciplinary attention require a skillful navigation of disciplinary boundaries. Both writing systems and board games are examples of descriptive material collected in the historical sciences that are used for testing hypotheses related to cultural evolution. They show that physical appearance and a system of rules can be transmitted independently, and that language is not always a boundary in the transmission process. It is argued that research questions shared by different disciplines should be embraced so that incompatibilities of method and theory are no longer an obstacle for collaboration.
Identifying social capital in the facebook interface

A number of studies have identified a robust relationship between the use of social network sites, particularly Facebook, and positive outcomes such as social capital. Social network site use is often measured as a function of use frequency, network size, and a range of subjective opinions about the value of the site. This research extends this understanding by exploring the relationship between the use of particular elements of the site and social capital. Our goal in this research is to identify where, in the interface, perceived social capital is most effectively produced and transmitted. We find that, as hypothesized, public, person-to-person communication is positively associated with perceived social capital. Through the use of a structural equation model, we are able to provide in-depth exploration of the relationship between the interface elements and the outcome, perceived social capital.
Temperature-Dependent Development, Cold Tolerance, and Potential Distribution of Cricotopus lebetis (Diptera: Chironomidae), a Tip Miner of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)

A chironomid midge, Cricotopus lebetis (Sublette) (Diptera: Chironomidae), was discovered attacking the apical meristems of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f. Royle) in Crystal River, Citrus Co., Florida in 1992. The larvae mine the stems of H. verticillata and cause basal branching and stunting of the plant. Temperature-dependent development, cold tolerance, and the potential distribution of the midge were investigated. The results of the temperature-dependent development study showed that optimal temperatures for larval development were between 20 and 30°C, and these data were used to construct a map of the potential number of generations per year of C. lebetis in Florida. Data from the cold tolerance study, in conjunction with historical weather data, were used to generate a predicted distribution of C. lebetis in the United States. A distribution was also predicted using an ecological niche modeling approach by characterizing the climate at locations where C. lebetis is known to occur and then finding other locations with similar climate. The distributions predicted using the two modeling approaches were not significantly different and suggested that much of the southeastern United States was climatically suitable for C. lebetis.
Ultra-high frequency monolithically integrated quantum well infrared photodetector up to 75 GHz

An integrated quantum well infrared photodetector for ultra-high speed and frequency sensing in the mid-infrared has been developed. The photodetector is mounted on a microwave connector with either a ‘K’ or ‘V’ connector. The device was characterised at a temperature of 100 K by optical heterodyne generation of photocurrent in the frequency range DC to 75 GHz. Photoresponse at 75 GHz was approximately 30% that at DC, indicating very fast performance.
3 Tesla MRI of patients with a vagus nerve stimulator: initial experience using a T/R head coil under controlled conditions.

Purpose: To assess safety of clinical MRI of the head in patients with implanted model 100, 102, and 103 vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy Systems (Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, TX) in 3.0 Tesla MRI (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). Materials and Methods: The distributions of the radiofrequency B1+-field produced by the clinically used transmit/receive (T/R) head coil (Advanced Imaging Research Incorporated, Cleveland, OH) and body coil were measured in a head and shoulders phantom. These measurements were supplemented by temperature measurements on the lead tips and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) of the VNS devices in a head and torso phantom with the same two coils. Clinical 3T MRI head scans were then acquired under highly controlled conditions in a series of 17 patients implanted with VNS. Results: Phantom studies showed only weak B1+ fields at the location of the VNS IPG and leads for MRI scans using the T/R head coil. The MRI-related heating on a VNS scanned in vitro at 3T was also found to be minimal (0.4–0.8°C at the leads, negligible at the IPG). The patient MRI examinations were completed successfully without any adverse incidents. No patient reported any heating, discomfort, or any other unusual sensation. Conclusion: Safe clinical MRI head scanning of patients with implanted VNS is shown to be feasible on a GE Signa Excite 3T MRI system using one specific T/R head coil. These results apply to this particular MRI system configuration. Extrapolation or generalization of these results to more general or less controlled imaging situations without supporting data of safety is highly discouraged. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010; 31: 475–481. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Internal cantholysis for full thickness eyelid defects

Eyelid reconstruction requires an understanding of normal eyelid anatomy and function. A thorough understanding of the basic anatomy, contour, and mobility of the eyelids is essential in restoring the tissue to its presurgical level. There are many different surgical options to assist in the repair of full thickness eyelid defects involving the margin. Direct wound closure depends on eyelid laxity and is often possible with smaller defects. Moderate to larger sized defects are often under undue wound tension if direct closure is attempted. We have developed a new technique for closure of eyelid defects using a transconjunctival cantholysis to release the lateral canthal tendon cruces, thereby avoiding the external incision while still allowing for eyelid mobility. Using this technique for defects 15 mm in horizontal eyelid margin length or greater, we have found positive results. Direct closure of eyelid defects represents the most straightforward technique to repair any full-thickness eyelid defect and provides maximal functional and cosmetic results. Internal cantholysis represents an excellent option for repairing smaller and even larger full thickness eyelid defects. Eyelid mobility increases by 4–10 mm, sometimes more, and allows for closure of defects larger than even 20 mm.
Hormonal stimulation of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase

Abstract Hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity in adrenalectomized rats was increased by a variety of hormones, including hydrocortisone, growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and thyroxin. Repeated treatment with either hydrocortisone or growth hormone, the most effective of the hormones tested, failed to maintain the elevated enzyme levels attained within a few hours after the initial injection.