cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of reinnervation of neonatal rat muscle by original and foreign nerves

Abstract Formation of neuromuscular connections in mammals may involve a hierarchy of efficiency of synapse formation at a stage when motor nerves have already contacted muscle fibers and during the transitional period of multiple innervation. In an attempt to test for such a hierarchy, we examined, in neonatal rats, the relative efficiency of reinnervation by foreign or original nerves implanted simultaneously in a large muscle so that competition for muscle fibers was minimized. The tibial nerve, containing gastrocnemius nerve fibers, and the “foreign” peroneal nerve were implanted into the denervated lateral gastrocnemius muscle. One to five months later, indirect tetanic tensions obtained upon stimulating the implanted nerves were measured by isometric techniques and were compared to contralateral control muscles. When both nerves were implanted side by side at the end-plate region, approximately equal tetanic tensions were obtained at the time of testing. The same result was also obtained when the tibial and common peroneal nerves were implanted into non-end-plate and end-plate regions, respectively. However, in the reverse experiment, the tibial nerve implanted at the end-plate region produced significantly higher tetanic tension than the peroneal nerve at the non-end-plate site in the same muscle. Thus, the original nerve, compared to a foreign nerve, appeared to reinnervate neonatal muscle more effectively, but this was only revealed under conditions where access to former end-plate regions was unequal.
A temperature-sensitive mutant of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus defective in an early function required for further gene expression.

Abstract Fifteen temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) have been analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of protiens synsthesized in infected cells. One of the mutants, tsB821, was found to be defective in a very early function. Seven virus-induced proteins were synthesized by 2 hr postinfection. In marked contrast to wild-type virus and the other 14 ts mutants, the synthesis of further virus-induced proteins did not occur in tsB821-infected cells at the restrictive temperature (33°). Host protein synthesis continued as normal after transient expression of the seven early proteins. Viral-specific DNA synthesis was blocked or significantly delayed in tsB821-infected cells at 33°. The relative synthesis of certain viral-induced proteins, particularly P31, P32, P42, P66, and P69, varied considerably in the remaining 14 mutants at 33°. Three mutants exhibited alterations in specific polypeptides; P75 was approximately 1 kDa smaller in tsB1075, P40 was approximately 1 kDa smaller in tsB951, and P25 was greatly reduced in quantity or altered in tsB305.
Variable Accuracy Optical Matrix/Vector Processors - Speed/Accuracy Tradeoffs

This paper addresses some of the issues concerning the use of variable accuracy optical processors to improve the processing time required to obtain a high accuracy solution to a set of Linear Algebraic Equations (LAEs). We begin with a standard error analysis of the Steepest Descent iterative algorithm used to find the solution to the LAEs. This results in an expression relating the accuracy of the solution to the number of iterations and the inherent system accuracy in each mode of operation, along with the eigen-structure of the matrix describing the LAE. The accuracy at any iteration is a combination of terms representing the ideal algorithmic improvement plus the degradation due to processor inaccuracies. An evaluation of the proper number of iterations for processing in both low and high accuracy modes can be inferred through an examination of the tradeoffs in accuracy between these two terms. The expression is evaluated for several sample problems obtained from the Adaptive Phased Array Radar field. These results are then interpreted with respect to specific optical processing architectures.
Two Energy Types in Wave Motion and Their Relation to Group and Wave Velocity

The energy of an element in a wave motion can be of two kinds: first, non-interactive like the energy of a set of independent pendulum bobs, and second, interactive like the potential energy of an element of a stretched string which is dependent only on the relative position of the neighboring elements. In the former case the group velocity is zero, and in the latter it equals the wave velocity. The slowing down of energy transmission in intermediate cases is discussed qualitatively and the ratio of group to wave velocity is calculated quantitatively in a number of cases on the assumption that the energy propagation is given not only by the product of energy density and group velocity, but also by the product of twice the interactive energy density and wave velocity. A general relation is suggested without proof for the connection between energy types and the ratio of group to wave velocity. The same ideas are applied to de Broglie's phase waves, the group velocity of which is the particle velocity.
Unstable covariance LPC solutions from nonstationary speech waveforms

Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) analysis of speech is made using a stationary model while parts of speech such as stop consonants are highly nonstationary. An asymptotic analysis is made of the stability of the LPC model obtained from a simplified model of a nonstationary waveform. This model is used to predict the occurrence of unstable LPC models in the analysis of a stop consonant. >
Technical Communication (Tenth Edition) (Lannon, J. M.; 2006)

This book addresses a wide spectrum of issues in technical communication, ranging from specific visual elements to the entire research process, from brief memos to formal proposals. Part I, "Communication in the Workplace," starts with how to prepare an effective technical document and deliver the essential information. In Part II, "The Research Process," the author outlines both the procedural and the inquiry stages of the research. Part III, "Structural and Style Elements," focuses on strategies for organizing and conveying messages that users can follow and understand: partitioning and classifying, outlining, storyboarding, paragraphing, sequencing, chunking, and creating an overview. Part IV, "Visual, Design, and Usability Elements," further enhances the discussion in Part II about technical documents. The author talks about the rhetorical implications of graphics and page design so that readers can learn to enhance a document's access, appeal, and visual impact for audiences. Part V, "Specific Documents and Applications," is a rich "think tank" of applications in technical communications. The author offers instructions on almost all the writing styles you can think of - from memos, instant messages, and webpages, to resumes, letters, and proposals. The last part, "A Brief Handbook with Addition Sample Documents," has three appendices that once again address the writing process, editing, and research findings documentation. Readers can also find a wealth of resources on the book's companion website: www.alongman.com/lannonweb. This book presents a panorama of technical communication, providing readers with a look at every aspect of this profession. It is not only a comprehensive textbook for classroom teaching, but also a valuable reference book for instructors and working professionals.
Aspirin inhibits rat megakaryocyte thromboxane synthesis.

This study examines the question of whether the aspirin-induced delay in the recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase pathway activity, as measured by RIA of thromboxane B2, results from a direct effect on megakaryocyte cyclooxygenase. From our measurement of recovery of TXB2 and information on megakaryocyte transit time in rats, we propose that thromboxane synthesis may represent a relatively late step in the differentiation of megakaryocytes. Megakaryocyte thromboxane production was depressed by 70% and that of platelets by 85% at two hr after 20 mg/kg oral aspirin dissolved in DMSO. Full megakaryocyte thromboxane recovery occurred by 72 hr and preceded complete platelet thromboxane recovery by 24 hr. Whereas megakaryocyte thromboxane synthesis showed substantial recovery by 36 hr after aspirin, platelet recovery did not begin for 24 hr and achieved a maximal recovery rate over the following 12 hr. This finding is consistent with predictions based upon human data for both megakaryocyte labeling studies and post-aspirin platelet recovery. We conclude from our data and from estimates of megakaryocyte maturation times in marrow, that thromboxane synthesis develops in rat megakaryocytes after approximately 48 hr of cytoplasmic differentiation toward platelet shedding. This metabolic capacity therefore serves as a marker of megakaryocyte differentiation.
Aberrations of growth factor control in metastatic follicular thyroid cancer in vitro

The aggressiveness of follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) varies widely, and metastasis is the primary cause of death. Uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells may be associated with loss of growth factor control. We investigated the effects of stimulating (epidermal growth factor [EGF]; thyreotropin [TSH] in low concentrations) and inhibiting growth factors (transforming growth factor beta 1 [TGF beta 1]; TSH in high concentrations) on invasion and growth of FTC cell lines from the thyroid tumor (FTC133) and from the lymph node (FTC236) and lung (FTC238) metastases of the same patient. Invasion—penetration through an 8μm pore membrane, covered by Matrigel (basement membrane)—and growth were measured using the MTT-method. EGF (10 ng/ml) and TSH in low concentrations (1 mU/ml) stimulated invasion and growth of all FTC cell lines, but the amplitude of stimulation differed significantly. The parental cell line FTC133 was considerably more responsive to growth factor stimulation than the metastatic clones. Invasion of FTC133 was enhanced by 42% (EGF;p<0.02) and 21% (TSH;p<0.01), invasion of FTC236 by 8% (EGF;p<0.02) and 8% (TSH;p<0.01), and invasion of FTC238 by 9% (EGF;p<0.02) and 8% (TSH;p<0.01). Conversely, invasion and growth of FTC133 were significantly more inhibited by TGF beta 1 (10 ng/ml) and supraphysiologic concentrations of TSH (100 mU/ml) than the cell lines from the lymph node and lung metastases. At day 7, invasion of FTC133 was inhibited by 32% (TGF beta 1;p<0.02) and 21% (TSH;p<0.01), invasion of FTC236 by 18% (TGF beta 1;p<0.02) and 11% (TSH;p<0.01), and invasion of FTC238 by 16% (TGF beta 1;p<0.02) and 12% (TSH;p<0.01). Moreover, we analyzed growth factor independence in minimally supplemented or unsupplemented medium. Growth, but no invasion was evident when cells were cultured completely unsupplemented over 7 days. These results suggest that metastatic FTCs may have developed by escaping from the normal control of TSH and other growth factors.
Identification, genetic analysis and DNA sequence of a 7.8‐kb virulence region of the Salmonella typhimurium virulence plasmid

Summary The 90-kilobase (kb) virulence plasmid of Salmonella typhimurium is responsible for invasion from the intestines to mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens of orally inoculated mice. We used Tn5 and aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (aph) gene insertion mutagenesis and deletion mutagenesis of a previously identified 14-kb virulence region to reduce this virulence region to 7.8kb. The 7.8-kb virulence region subcloned into a low copy-number vector conferred a wild-type level of splenic infection to virulence plasmid-cured S. typhimurium and conferred essentially a wild-type oral LD50. Insertion mutagenesis identified five loci essential for virulence, and DNA sequence analysis of the virulence region identified six open reading frames. Expected protein products were identified from four of the six genes, with three of the proteins identified as doublet bands in Escherichia coli minicells. Three of the five mutated genes were able to be complemented by clones containing only the corresponding wild-type gene. Only one of the five deduced amino acid sequences, that of the positive regulatory element, SpvR, possessed significant homology to other proteins. The codon usage for the virulence genes showed no codon bias, which is consistent with the low levels of expression observed for the corresponding proteins. Consensus promoters for several different sigma factors were identified upstream of several of the genes, whereas only consensus Rho-dependent termination sequences were observed between certain of the genes. The operon structure of this virulence region therefore appears to be complex. The construction of the cloned 7.8-kb virulence region and the determination of the DNA sequence will aid in the further genetic analysis of the five plasmid-encoded virulence genes of S. typhimurium.
Excess Air, Schmidt Number, and NOx Formation in Laminar Jet Flames

Studying NOx formation is essential for reducing nitric oxide emissions from gas-fired burners. In the case of laminar jet diffusion flames, the temperature profiles in the inner rich core, outer lean, and the plume regions can affect the extent of thermal NOx formation. The temperature and oxygen profiles in the plume region depend upon the extent of air entrained by the jet containing the fuel stream. In our previous works, the concept of excess air in jet diffusion flames was introduced and it was shown that excess air percentage for any fuel in the jet depends only upon the Schmidt number of the fuel jet, if one assumes equal diffusion coefficients for all species. In the current article, it is shown that NOx production is affected by excess air and, hence, Schmidt number. Thus, under identical flame temperatures of two different fuels, the difference in Schmidt number can cause differences in NOx emissions. A desired Schmidt number can be achieved by selecting a combination of fuels and inerts. Compu...
Some nonseparable boundary value problems and the many-body problem

Abstract The quantum-mechanical problem of the motion of N interacting particles, e.g., hard spheres in a box, is a nonseparable boundary value problem in a 3 N -dimensional space. The nonseparability is of a special kind in that it involves a number of boundaries, for each of which the wave equation is separable, but which taken as a whole make up a nonseparable problem. It is then suggestive for the many-body problem to consider analogous nonseparable problems in three dimensions, and a method for treating a rather general class of them is given. This is illustrated by a discussion of the solution of the Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet conditions for a box containing one or more hard spheres. This method also gives the solution to the general problem of multiple scattering by a configuration of scatterers of finite range. The difficulties of using perturbation theory with hard spheres are discussed, and a method is described for getting around these difficulties. This perturbation method is applied to the problem of two hard spheres in a finite box and the energy shift is found to lowest order in hard sphere radius for particles with symmetric and antisymmetric wave functions. In the light of the above results some qualitative features of the N -body problem are discussed. It is pointed out that the energy perturbation of the ground state of a dilute hardsphere Bose gas is different for periodic and for Dirichlet boundary conditions and that this is not a surface effect, in the sense that it does not vanish as the volume becomes very large. Finally, a connection is shown between the van der Waals equation and Weyl's theorems on the asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues for the Helmholtz equation.
Scalable fine‐grained parallelization of plane‐wave–based ab initio molecular dynamics for large supercomputers

Many systems of great importance in material science, chemistry, solid-state physics, and biophysics require forces generated from an electronic structure calculation, as opposed to an empirically derived force law to describe their properties adequately. The use of such forces as input to Newton's equations of motion forms the basis of the ab initio molecular dynamics method, which is able to treat the dynamics of chemical bond-breaking and -forming events. However, a very large number of electronic structure calculations must be performed to compute an ab initio molecular dynamics trajectory, making the efficiency as well as the accuracy of the electronic structure representation critical issues. One efficient and accurate electronic structure method is the generalized gradient approximation to the Kohn-Sham density functional theory implemented using a plane-wave basis set and atomic pseudopotentials. The marriage of the gradient-corrected density functional approach with molecular dynamics, as pioneered by Car and Parrinello (R. Car and M. Parrinello, Phys Rev Lett 1985, 55, 2471), has been demonstrated to be capable of elucidating the atomic scale structure and dynamics underlying many complex systems at finite temperature. However, despite the relative efficiency of this approach, it has not been possible to obtain parallel scaling of the technique beyond several hundred processors on moderately sized systems using standard approaches. Consequently, the time scales that can be accessed and the degree of phase space sampling are severely limited. To take advantage of next generation computer platforms with thousands of processors such as IBM's BlueGene, a novel scalable parallelization strategy for Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics is developed using the concept of processor virtualization as embodied by the Charm++ parallel programming system. Charm++ allows the diverse elements of a Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics calculation to be interleaved with low latency such that unprecedented scaling is achieved. As a benchmark, a system of 32 water molecules, a common system size employed in the study of the aqueous solvation and chemistry of small molecules, is shown to scale on more than 1500 processors, which is impossible to achieve using standard approaches. This degree of parallel scaling is expected to open new opportunities for scientific inquiry.
High-throughput screening assay for embryoid body differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

Serum-free human pluripotent stem cell media offer the potential to develop reproducible clinically applicable differentiation strategies and protocols. The vast array of possible growth factor and cytokine combinations for media formulations makes differentiation protocol optimization both labor and cost-intensive. This unit describes a 96-well plate, 4-color flow cytometry-based screening assay to optimize pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocols. We provide conditions both to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to the three primary germ layers, ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm, and to utilize flow cytometry to distinguish between them. This assay exhibits low inter-well variability and can be utilized to efficiently screen a variety of media formulations, reducing cost, incubator space, and labor. Protocols can be adapted to a variety of differentiation stages and lineages.
Working Under the Influence (WUI): Correlates of Employees' Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs*

In response to the use of alcohol and other drugs in the work place, policy decisions with significant social and legal implications—such as urine testing for drug use—are being made without a clear understanding of either the epidemiology or etiology of this phenomenon. This article presents the major theoretical perspectives on employees' substance abuse and assesses the desirability of integrating them. Using data from an anonymous mail survey of 9,175 employees of 47 organizations in three industries, the author analyzed responses to items addressing age, gender, social interaction with coworkers, and satisfaction with one's job to determine any relationship between these variables and self-reported instances of working while intoxicated. The findings indicate that the employees most likely to work under the influence of alcohol or other drugs were men younger than 30 years, and that the likelihood of their—or other employees'—doing so increased when they felt unhappy about their jobs and socialized f...
Phosphatidylcholine Inhibits and Lysophosphatidylcholine Enhances the Lymphatic Absorption of α-Tocopherol in Adult Rats

This study was conducted to compare the effects of enterally infused phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) on the lymphatic absorption of alpha-tocopherol (alphaTP) in male rats. In expt. 1, bile-diverted rats with mesenteric lymph cannulas were infused at 3.0 mL/h for 8 h with a lipid emulsion containing 5.0 micromol alphaTP, 565 micromol 14C-triolein (14C-OA) and 396 micromol Na+-taurocholate with 80 micromol 1,2-dipalmitoyl PC (DPPC) or 1,2-dilinoleoyl PC (DLPC) or without PC (NoPC) in 24 mL phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.6). In expt. 2, the effects of 1,2-dioleoyl PC (DOPC) and 1-oleoyl-2-hydroxy-PC (lysoPC) on alphaTP and 14C-cholesterol absorption were compared in rats with lymph cannulas. When DPPC or DLPC was infused, the lymphatic absorption of alphaTP was lowered drastically. The cumulative absorptions of alphaTP in rats infused with DPPC and DLPC were 45 and 52%, respectively, of the control values (NoPC). No significant difference was noted between the PC groups. In contrast, the absorption of 14C-OA was increased by 42 to 43% in rats infused with DPPC or DLPC compared with that in NoPC rats. Phospholipid outputs also were significantly higher in DPPC (34.0 +/- 5.5 micromol /8 h) and DLPC (32.4 +/- 2.4 micromol /8 h) rats than in NoPC rats (21.2 +/- 4.2 micromol /8 h). When lysoPC was infused, the absorptions of alphaTP and 14C-cholesterol were increased markedly compared with those for DOPC, with no significant difference in PL output between groups infused with DOPC and lysoPC. These observations provide clear evidence that PC present in a lipid emulsion inhibits alphaTP absorption, whereas it enhances the absorption of fat. The data also demonstrate that lysoPC simultaneously increases the absorption of alphaTP and cholesterol. The findings indicate that luminal PC inhibits the absorption of alphaTP and that hydrolysis of PC is critical to improving the intestinal absorption of the vitamin.
Critical roles of Notch and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the regulation of hyperplasia and/or colitis in response to bacterial infection

Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signals play essential roles in intestinal development and homeostasis. Citrobacter rodentium induces transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia (TMCH) and various degrees of inflammation, depending upon the genetic background. We aimed at delineating the role of the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the regulation of colonic crypt hyperplasia and/or colitis following C. rodentium infection. During TMCH, relative levels of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) increased significantly, along with increases in Jagged-1 and Hes-1 coinciding with the progression and regression phases of hyperplasia. Blocking of Notch signaling with dibenzazepine (DBZ) for 5 days before the onset of hyperplasia also blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Targeting the Notch pathway for 5 days after the onset of hyperplasia failed to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin-regulated crypt hyperplasia. Chronic DBZ administration for 10 days blocked both Notch and Wnt signaling, disrupted the intestinal barrier, and induced colitis. Core-3(-/-) mice, which are defective in mucin secretion and are susceptible to experimental triggers of colitis, also exhibited significant colitis in response to C. rodentium plus DBZ. Chronic DBZ administration in these mice did not result in depletion of the putative stem cell marker doublecortin-like kinase-1 (DCLK1) in the crypts. Dietary bael (Aegle marmelos) extract (4%) and curcumin (4%) restored signaling via the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, thereby promoting crypt regeneration, and also replenished the mucus layer, leading to amelioration of C. rodentium- and DBZ-induced colitis in NIH:Swiss mice. Thus, the balancing act between cell proliferation and mucus production to restore barrier integrity seems to depend upon the interplay between the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways in the TMCH model.
Measuring Company Exposure to Country Risk: Theory and Practice

The growth of financial markets in Asia and Latin America and the allure of globalization have made the analysis and assessment of country risk a critical component of valuation in recent years. In this paper, we consider two issues. The first is the whether country risk should be considered explicitly in valuation, and if the answer is yes, how to do it. Generically, there are two ways of incorporating country risk; we can either adjust the cash flows or change the discount rate and we will consider both approaches. The second and equally important issue is how to assess a company's exposure to country risk and we will emphasize two points. The first is that not all companies in an emerging market are equally exposed to country risk and that we need to differentiate between firms. The second is that a company's exposure to country risk comes not from where it incorporates and trades but from where it does its business. In other words, assessing and dealing with country risk can be important even for companies that trade in developed markets, if they get a significant portion of their revenues in emerging markets.
Moving training to the strategic level with learning requirements planning

Manufacturing organizations have a tremendous opportunity to obtain a competitive advantage through the alignment of their training programs with organizational strategic goals. Yet, few manufacturing organizations are able to achieve a competitive advantage through organizational learning. In this article, the author details a comprehensive model for aligning corporate strategic goals with the everyday training and education sessions that occur within the organization. Besides laying the groundwork for strategic advantage, implementing a Learning Requirements Planning (LRP) process should especially appeal to manufacturing organizations, because it uses the same logic and structure as much of the manufacturing software on the market today.
Sediment resuspension in Lake St. Clair

Time-series measurements of water transparency, wave conditions, and current speed were made at several different sites in Lake St. Clair during five different l-month periods in 1985 and 1986. Observed changes in suspended sediment concentration were modeled with a simple zero-dimensional, spatially averaged, mass balance model in which local bottom erosion was expressed as a linear function of the bottom shear stress. Estimates of the three parameters required by the model (particle settling velocity, resuspension concentration, and background suspended material concentration) are reasonably consistent for the various data sets, suggesting that the properties of the lake bottom do not change significantly through either space or time. The modeled settling velocities agree with the observed suspended particle size data and the erosion rates are comparable to laboratory results for freshwater sediments. The results show that a simple mass flux model can be used to model local sediment resuspension events in Lake St. Clair with reasonable accuracy. Concern about environmental problems associated with contaminated sediments has led investigators to examine the resuspension of bottom material in open waters, both in lakes and on the continental shelf. Several of these investigations have included the development of mathematical models intend
Effects of Platelet Concentrate on Palatal Wound Healing After Connective Tissue Graft Harvesting

Background: Platelet concentrate (PC) is known to contain growth factors that stimulate cellular proliferation and differentiation. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, the objective was to determine whether PC accelerated connective tissue graft (CTG) wound healing and maintained donor site tissue thickness.Methods: Twenty healthy adult subjects with multiple bilateral gingival recessions were treated with CTGs and PC combined with CTGs. The donor sites were treated with PC and placebo. Clinical wound healing was observed for an average of 6 weeks. Biopsies were taken from donor sites and submitted for histology and immunohistochemical analysis for type I and III collagens. Palatal tissue thickness, post-surgical complications, and pain level were evaluated. Wilcoxon, Cronbach, one-sample t, and paired-sample t tests were used to assess statistical significance at P <0.05.Results: PC-treated palatal donor sites were 1.10 mm thicker than control sites. PC-treated recipient sites sho...
Molecular phylogenetics of Fouquieriaceae: evidence from nuclear rDNA ITS studies.

Molecular sequence data from the 18S‐26S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region support the monophyly of Fouquieria sensu lato (Fouquieriaceae) and the three subgenera (subg. Fouquieria, subg. Bronnia, subg. Idria) previously recognized within it. Resolution within subg. Fouquieria differs somewhat between parsimony and maximum likelihood (ML) trees. Section Fouquieria and sect. Ocotilla within subg. Fouquieria are not well supported as monophyletic groups. Uncertainty regarding placement of the root within Fouquieriaceae makes discussion of character evolution within the family difficult. Three root positions are consistent with rate-constant evolution of ITS sequences: (1) along the branch to subg. Idria, (2) along the branch to subg. Bronnia, and (3) along the branch to subg. Fouquieria. The first root position listed is equivalent to an outgroup rooting. The third root position listed is equivalent to a midpoint rooting. Of the three root positions above, only the third is along a branch that may be sufficiently long to act as a long-branch attractor. The first two root positions would result in character reconstruction suggesting that succulent growth forms and white floral pigmentation are ancestral within the family, with shifts to woody growth forms and to red floral pigmentation. The third root position results in equivocal reconstruction of the ancestral growth form, equivocal reconstruction of ancestral floral pigmentation in parsimony trees, and a suggestion of white floral pigmentation as ancestral in ML trees. Two previous hypotheses of polyploid origins are compatible with the molecular data presented here: (1) origin of the tetraploid F. diguetii from F. macdougalii, and (2) allopolyploid origin of the hexaploid F. burragei from the tetraploid F. diguetii and a diploid species similar to F. splendens. Direct descent of the hexaploid F. columnaris from the subg. Bronnia lineage is not supported by our data. An amphiploid origin of F. columnaris involving a member of the subg. Bronnia lineage and an extinct taxon outside subg. Bronnia, however, cannot be ruled out.
Failure of Epoxy and Hydroxy Fatty Acids to Cause Egg Discoloration When Fed to Laying Hens

Abstract THE cyclopropenoid ring containing fatty acids, sterculic and malvalic, have been shown to give positive Halphen reactions (Macfarlane et al., 1957; Faure, 1956) and to cause pink-white discoloration in stored eggs from hens fed these compounds (Shenstone and Vickery, 1959; Masson et al., 1957). Evans et al. (1962) isolated from 4,000 grams of crude cottonseed oil, a 45 gram fraction of fatty acids which gave a strong Halphen reaction and caused pink-white discolorations in stored eggs from hens fed it. Treatment with urea separated the concentrate into two fractions, a urea insoluble one that gave a strong Halphen color reaction and variable degrees of pink-white discoloration and a urea soluble fraction which gave a negative Halphen reaction but gave consistent pink-white discoloration. More than 90% of the methyl esters of the urea soluble fatty acids had gas-liquid chromatographic retention times similar to methyl linoleate. No methyl esters were detected in…
Endosseous Fixation Device for Lapidus Arthrodesis: Technique, Early Experience, and Comparison With Crossed Screw Fixation.

First metatarsal cuneiform joint arthrodesis has been commonly used since the early 1900s for definitive treatment of a variety of conditions involving the medial column of the foot. Early applications of this procedure resulted in a relatively high rate of complications, including malunion and nonunion. We retrospectively examined a novel method of fixation involving an endosseous implant with a nonporous, rough exterior surface and compared it with the traditional crossed screw fixation, considered the standard of care for the procedure. Twenty-one feet in 19 patients served as the control group with crossed screws, and 18 feet in 17 patients served as the trial group using the study device. Null hypothesis testing was used to compare the outcomes parameters between the comparative groups. Postoperatively, the patients were allowed to walk in a prefabricated, removable, below-the-knee cast boot at a mean of 48.3 ± 8.2 days in the control group and 24.4 ± 9.7 days in the trial group. These differences were highly significant (p < .0001). Postoperatively, the patients were allowed to walk in a stiff-soled shoe at a mean of 65.2 ± 8.4 days in the control group and 49.7 ± 19.2 days in the trial group. These differences were also statistically significant (p = .0020). The patients in the control group required revision surgery in 7 of 21 procedures (33%), with 2 patients developing nonunion (9.5%). Only 1 patient in the trial group required revision surgery (5.8%), and no patient developed nonunion. From these results, we believe that the endosseous trial implant is a reliable option for fixation of the first metatarsal cuneiform arthrodesis procedure and might allow for earlier weightbearing with fewer postoperative complications.
Oxygen Implanted Layers in Silicon Electrical and Microstructural Characterization

We report on an investigation of ‘buried’ oxygen implants formed by 0 + implantation at 400 KeV and 3.5 MeV into p-type CZ (100) wafers with a dopant density N A 10 15 cm −3 . Peak concentrations of 1 × 10 19 cm −3 to 2 × 10 20 cm −3 . were investigated. Test devices were fabricated on implanted and annealed wafers using conventional wafer processing. For the 400 keV implants, a 4 µm epitaxial buffer layer was grown subsequent to the 0 + implant. For a dose of 3 × 10 15 cm −2 the lifetime reduction ratio for the effective generation lifetime τ g at the implant peak is greater than 10 3 relative to an unimplanted region where τ g = 150 µS. C-V and SRP profiles show evidence for oxygen donor compensation. TEM analysis reveals a well defined layer at 1 µm with respect to the original implant surface containing a relatively high density of small precipitates and dislocation loops. DLTS measurements on diodes reveal 2 electron traps designated as E1 and E2. The trap energy ∆E and capture cross section σ are (E C -E T ) 1 = 0.41 ± 0.020 eV and (E C -E T ) 2 = 0.22 ± 0.030 eV with σ 10 19 cm -3 . The estimated trap density N T for the dominant trap is 8.2 × 10 13 cm −3 for a calculated peak 0 + implant concentration of 6.8 × 10 19 cm −3 . The values of ∆E are in good agreement with values for unimplanted CZ wafers subjected to 2-step precipitation anneals. The experimental results provide direct evidence that ion implantation provides an effective method of introducing atomic oxygen in silicon at concentration exceeding its solid solubility during processing to produce a buried low lifetime region.
Loss of viability by Listeria monocytogenes in commercial bovine pepsin-rennet extract.

Abstract Loss of viability by Listeria monocytogenes strains California, V7, and Scott A in commercial bovine pepsin-rennet extract was determined during storage for 56 d at 7°C. Four levels (10 3 to 10 6 /ml) of L. monocytogenes were added to the coagulant, and McBride listeria agar was used to determine numbers of survivors. Selected colonies thought to be L. monocytogenes were confirmed biochemically. Samples also were tested during and after completion of cold enrichment (up to 8 wk at 4°C). Coagulant inoculated with 10 3 to 10 4 L. monocytogenes /ml usually was free of viable cells of the pathogen after 28 d and sometimes after 14 d, as determined by direct plating and cold enrichment. When the inoculum was 10 5 to 10 6 cells/ml, samples of coagulant usually were free of viable L. monocytogenes after 42 d and sometimes after 28 d. The three strains of L. monocytogenes behaved similarly, although strain California was somewhat less hardy in the environment of the coagulant than were the other two strains. Bovine pepsin-rennet extract, before inoculation, was free of L. monocytogenes (direct plating and cold enrichment).
Advanced Mass Spectrometric Methods for the Rapid and Quantitative Characterization of Proteomes

Progress is reviewed towards the development of a global strategy that aims to extend the sensitivity, dynamic range, comprehensiveness and throughput of proteomic measurements based upon the use of high performance separations and mass spectrometry. The approach uses high accuracy mass measurements from Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR) to validate peptide ‘accurate mass tags’ (AMTs) produced by global protein enzymatic digestions for a specific organism, tissue or cell type from ‘potential mass tags’ tentatively identified using conventional tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This provides the basis for subsequent measurements without the need for MS/ MS. High resolution capillary liquid chromatography separations combined with high sensitivity, and high resolution accurate FTICR measurements are shown to be capable of characterizing peptide mixtures of more than 105 components. The strategy has been initially demonstrated using the microorganisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Deinococcus radiodurans. Advantages of the approach include the high confidence of protein identification, its broad proteome coverage, high sensitivity, and the capability for stableisotope labeling methods for precise relative protein abundance measurements. Abbreviations: LC, liquid chromatography; FTICR, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance; AMT, accurate mass tag; PMT, potential mass tag; MMA, mass measurement accuracy; MS, mass spectrometry; MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry; ppm, parts per million.
Modeling and analysis of an off-line battery charger for single cell lithium batteries

Several papers have addressed the issues of modeling and analysis of switching mode converters, but few have targeted systems with a battery load. In this paper, by using the PWM switch model, an analytical model is given for the control loops of an off-line flyback charger. System performance under different charging currents and voltages are analyzed and compared with the resistive load. A real application system is analyzed using the model, and the model prediction is compared with lab measurement.
Do mesenchymal stem cells function across species barriers? Relevance for xenotransplantation

Li J, Ezzelarab MB, Cooper DKC. Do mesenchymal stem cells function across species barriers? Relevance for xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 273–285. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Allogeneic mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSC) are a promising therapy for various pathological conditions. Genetically modified pig MSC have been demonstrated to downregulate the human T-cell response to pig antigens in vitro. Before genetically modified pig MSC can be used clinically, however, evidence needs to be provided to indicate whether they will survive in a human (xenogeneic) host. Literature Search and Results: A literature search through the end of 2011 identified 94 reports of the in vivo cross-species administration of MSC in a variety of experimental models. The majority (n = 89) involved the use of human MSC in various other species, with an occasional study using pig, rat, or guinea-pig MSC. When human MSC were used, they were largely derived from the bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord blood. The routes of administration were varied, although almost half of the studies utilized the intravenous route. In 88 experiments (93.6%), there was evidence that the MSC engrafted and functioned across the species barrier, and in only six cases (6.4%) was there evidence of failure to function. Importantly, MSC function was confirmed in several different cross-species models. For example, human MSC functioned in no fewer than seven different recipient species. Conclusions: The data provided by this literature search strengthen the hypothesis that pig MSC will function satisfactorily in a different species, for example, humans. The data also suggest that our own in vitro observations on the efficacy of pig MSC in downregulating the strength of the human T-cell response to pig antigens will likely be reproduced in vivo in pre-clinical large animal models and in clinical trials.
A general averaging theory via series expansions

This paper generalizes averaging theory to arbitrary order by synthesizing series expansion methods for nonlinear time-varying vector fields and their flows with nonlinear Floquet theory. A companion paper uses these results to construct exponentially stabilizing controllers for underactuated nonlinear systems.
Percent of Possible Sunshine and the Total Cloud Cover

Abstract The total cloud cover is deduced from measurements of the percent of possible sunshine at 72 locations in the United States. This sunshine-derived total cloud cover is then compared to conventional ground-based observations of total cloud cover made by meteorological observers. A linear relationship between the two estimates is calculated, and the difference between the two estimates as a function of latitude is fitted with a least-squares linear equation. It is found that on the average the sunshine-derived values of total cloud cover are about 13% lower than the corresponding ground-based estimates of total cloud cover. The difference between the two estimates may be attributed to projection problems by the ground-based observer where sides of clouds are viewed and added to the estimate of total cloud cover or to the failure of sunshine recorders to detect thin cirrus clouds. Projection problems by the meteorological observers is probably the most likely cause because satellite and aircraft obs...
Differences between CuGa/In and Cu/Ga/In films for selenization

CuGa/In and Cu/Ga/In metal precursor films were deposited by co-evaporation and selenized in situ. Differences were studied by XRF, GIXRD, SEM, EPMA, and SIMS for precursors, partially selenized, and completely selenized films. Solar cells were fabricated from completely selenized absorber films, and were characterized by JV and QE measurements. More intermixing of Cu and Ga was exhibited by CuGa/In, relative to Cu/Ga/In precursors. This caused a lower Ga/(Ga+In) composition near the surface, which led to higher current, lower voltage, and worse photovoltaic performance for CuGa/In. The difference in relative selenization kinetics of Ga and In were not responsible for the evolution of the contrasting Ga/(Ga+In) profiles.
A Look at Infinity

Four bugs are located at the four corners of a square. Each looks at a bug nearest to it in a clockwise direction. Each moves toward that neighbor, all four bugs moving at the same speed at any given moment, although that speed does not necessarily remain constant in time.
Neuromodulation Treatments for Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that causes great suffering and debilitation worldwide. We have a multitude of medications that are effective for psychosis. However, these have not been successful in treating the negative and cognitive symptom domains of schizophrenia. These symptoms are responsible for the larger part of functional impairments that result from schizophrenia. In addition, there are many patients for whom no significant improvement is achieved even in the positive symptom domain. Hence, other treatment modalities have been explored to help these patients. Electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation are two of the most promising adjunct treatment methods for medication-resistant schizophrenia. Electroconvulsive therapy is the gold standard treatment for catatonias whether associated with schizophrenia, mood disorders, or other non-psychiatric disorders. Although not effective for negative symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy provides substantial augmentation to antipsychotic medications in improving positive symptoms and overall severity. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered more often in patients with inadequate response to antipsychotic medications even when they do not have prominent affective symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as a promising useful therapeutic tool in targeting medication-resistant auditory hallucinations and negative symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has proven to be very safe and well-tolerated by the patients in spite of its labor intensiveness. The incorporation of transcranial magnetic stimulation to routine clinical use awaits further studies to substantiate its efficacy and to optimize and customize treatment parameters to individual patients and their symptom patterns. Moreover, combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroconvulsive therapy to synergize their likely different mechanisms of action is another exciting possibility.
Relationship between structure and stability of a Halipegus occidualis component population in green frogs: a test of selective treatment.

The aggregated nature of helminth parasite populations has led to the suggestion that selectively treating heavily infected hosts can efficiently reduce parasite abundance and morbidity within a host population. Moreover, it has been postulated that a selective treatment protocol might have long-term effects on parasite transmission by disrupting the stability attributed to aggregated parasite population distributions by theoretical models. Long-term investigation has demonstrated year-to-year consistency in the population dynamics of Halipegus occidualis in green frogs from Charlie's Pond, North Carolina. In 1996, removal of all but 1 worm from each frog with ≥15 worms reduced the estimated component worm population by 45%, thereby decreasing mean intensity and aggregation (variance-to-mean ratio) of H. occidualis in the frogs by 85% and 63%, respectively. The following year, mean intensity, aggregation, and host colonization trends returned to pretreatment levels, indicating no effect of worm removal an...
FLIP II

After 26 years of operations at sea with the research platform FLIP, a 355-ft.-long craft which has a draft of 300 ft. in the vertical position, planning is underway for a larger, more capable FLIP II that can operate in seas with waves of up to 80 ft. and survive more severe seas. The author discusses scientific and engineering communities regarding the design and potential uses of a larger FLIP II. Current thinking centers around a 420-ft.-long, 30-ft.-diameter hull with a smaller water-plane diameter of 20 ft. All-weather deployment capability of submersibles from the bottom of FLIP II (draft 340 ft.) is considered. The types of research that are performed utilizing FLIP, including ocean acoustics/underwater sound and physical oceanography, are described. Other issues discussed include mooring operations with FLIP/FLIP II and typical operating costs. >