cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor at threonine 669.

Abstract The major site of phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor after treatment of cells with EGF is threonine 669. Phosphorylation of this site is also associated with the transmodulation of the EGF receptor caused by platelet-derived growth factor and phorbol ester. A distinctive feature of the primary sequence surrounding threonine 669 is the proximity of 2 proline residues (-Pro-Leu-Thr669-Pro-). This site is not a substrate for phosphorylation by protein kinase C. To investigate the mechanism of the increased phosphorylation of the EGF receptor at threonine 669, in vitro assays were used to measure protein kinase and protein phosphatase activities present in homogenates prepared from cells treated with and without EGF. No evidence for the regulation of protein phosphatase activity was obtained in experiments using the [32P]phosphate-labeled EGF receptor as a substrate. A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 663-681 of the EGF receptor was used as a substrate for protein kinase assays. Incubation of murine 3T3 L1 pre-adipocytes and human WI-38 fibroblasts with EGF caused a rapid increase (3-10-fold) in the level of threonine protein kinase activity detected in cell homogenates. Similar results were obtained after EGF treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing wild-type (Thr669) and mutated (Ala669) human EGF receptors. Activation of the threonine protein kinase activity was also observed in cells treated with platelet-derived growth factor, serum, and phorbol ester. Insulin-like growth factor-1 caused no significant change in protein kinase activity. Together these data indicate a role for the regulation of the activity of a threonine protein kinase in the control of the phosphorylation state of the EGF receptor at threonine 669. The significance of the identification of a growth factor-stimulated threonine protein kinase to the mechanism of signal transduction is discussed.
THE MYTH OF ORIGIN IN CONTEXT THROUGH THE LENS OF DECONSTRUCTION, DIALOGISM, AND HYBRIDITY

The present study aims to deconstruct the myth of origin, a quest after essential identity, in the context of Japan's colonization of Korea (1910-1945). First, I will contextualize the myth of origin as a particular historical construction of Japanese colonization, which stems from Romantic nationalism in the second half of the 19 th century. Then, I will critique the structuralism, monologism, and colonialism standing behind the myth of origin through the lens of deconstruction, dialogism, and hybridity: (1) Jacques Derrida's deconstruction and differance will show the self-implosion of the totalizing, centering vision of structuralism; (2) Mikhail Bakhtin's dialogism will analyze colonial discourse as a double-voiced discourse constituting both dominant discourse and counter-dominant discourse; (3) Homi Bhabha will demonstrate that colonial identity is ambivalent and hybrid through partial mimicry.
Institutional Capacity for Compliance: Latin American States and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

When the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights was established in 1959, few people anticipated that the Inter-American human rights system, consisting of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and, after 1979, also the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), would actually have any noticeable effects on the widespread human rights violations in the hemisphere. To the surprise of many, over the years, these institutions have managed to uncover and adjudicate previously unidentified human rights violations, led states to recognize their crimes against their own people, caused them to change their practices, and even contributed to the resignation of individual dictators. Recent scholarship, however, has shown that there is significant variation in compliance with judgments and decisions by the IACHR and “states rarely do all they are ordered to do (but) […] by the same token, states rarely do nothing at all” (Hawkins and Jacoby 2010: 56). Compliance with court orders varies across countries and depends on the type of judgment ordered. While Hawkins and Jacoby (2010) have presented a first description of the patterns of compliance with IACHR decisions, no one has proposed a systematic explanation of these patterns yet. This raises the question of why states comply with decision by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in some cases and not in others. I argue that in order to understand compliance, it is important to not only understand the incentives for compliance, which has been the orientation of much of the literature on treaty and norm compliance, but one also has to understand the domestic institutional capacity for compliance. More specifically with regards to the conditions for compliance with the IACHR, I argue that the strength of domestic judiciaries and bureaucratic capacity shapes the degree of compliance with decisions by the IACHR. I test this argument as well as possible alternative explanations through a combination of large-N statistical analysis of reparation decisions reached by the IACHR between its inception in 1979 and June 2010 and case studies of specific court decisions. Even when controlling for economic and military power; level of democracy; possible effects of previous cases; involvement in armed conflict; the type of order; and domestic bureaucratic capacity, the strength of domestic judiciaries have a clearly significant, positive effect on domestic compliance. Looking at the results of the cases studies of Chile, Guatemala, and Paraguay, this correctional association could be further substantiated.
Purification and characterization of an inducible Escherichia coli DNA polymerase capable of insertion and bypass at abasic lesions in DNA.

Abstract We have investigated the ability of DNA polymerases from SOS-induced and uninduced Escherichia coli to incorporate nucleotides at a well-defined abasic (apurinic/apyrimidinic) DNA template site and to extend these chains from this unpaired 3' terminus. A DNA polymerase activity has been purified from E. coli, deleted for DNA polymerase I, that appears to be induced 7-fold in cells following treatment with nalidixic acid. Induction of this polymerase (designated DNA polymerase X) appears to be part of the SOS response of E. coli since it cannot be induced in strains containing a noncleavable form of the LexA repressor (Ind-). The enzyme is able to incorporate nucleotides efficiently opposite the abasic template lesion and to continue DNA synthesis. Although we observe an approximate 2-fold induction of DNA polymerase III in cells treated with nalidixic acid, several lines of evidence argue that DNA polymerase X is unrelated to DNA polymerase III (pol III). In contrast to pol X, pol III shows almost no detectable ability to incorporate at or extend beyond the abasic site; incorporation efficiency at the abasic lesion is at least 100-fold larger for pol X compared to pol III holoenzyme, pol III core, or pol III* (the polymerase III holoenzyme subassembly lacking the beta subunit). Pol X does not cross-react with polyclonal antibody directed against pol III holoenzyme complex or with monoclonal antibody prepared to the alpha subunit of pol III. Despite these structural and biochemical differences, pol X appears to interact specifically with the beta subunit of the pol III holoenzyme in the presence of single-stranded binding protein. Pol X has a molecular mass of 84 kDa. Our results indicate that this novel activity is likely to be identical to DNA polymerase II of E. coli.
An efficient hidden-line removal method based on Z-buffer algorithm

We describe an efficient hidden-line removal method which is based on the general Z-buffer hidden-surface removal algorithm. This method can be used for effective visualization of three-dimensional wire-frame modelled objects, especially on computers where the Z-buffer algorithm is provided at either hardware or software level. This algorithm has been applied successfully to our human face modelling system. >
Cost‐effective allocation of watershed management practices using a genetic algorithm

[1] Implementation of conservation programs are perceived as being crucial for restoring and protecting waters and watersheds from nonpoint source pollution. Success of these programs depends to a great extent on planning tools that can assist the watershed management process. Herein a novel optimization methodology is presented for deriving watershed-scale sediment and nutrient control plans that incorporate multiple, and often conflicting, objectives. The method combines the use of a watershed model (SWAT), representation of best management practices, an economic component, and a genetic algorithm-based spatial search procedure. For two small watersheds in Indiana located in the midwestern portion of the United States, selection and placement of best management practices by optimization was found to be nearly 3 times more cost-effective than targeting strategies for the same level of protection specified in terms of maximum monthly sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen loads. Conversely, for the same cost, the optimization plan reduced the maximum monthly loads by a factor of 2 when compared to the targeting plan. The optimization methodology developed in this paper can facilitate attaining water quality goals at significantly lower costs than commonly used cost share and targeting strategies.
Pamidronate attenuates muscle loss after pediatric burn injury

Children who are burned >40% total body surface area lose significant quantities of both bone and muscle mass because of acute bone resorption, inflammation, and endogenous glucocorticoid production, which result in negative nitrogen balance. Because administration of the bisphosphonate pamidronate within 10 days of the burn injury completely prevents the bone loss, we asked whether muscle protein balance was altered by the preservation of bone. We reviewed the results from 17 burned pediatric subjects previously enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled study of pamidronate in the prevention of post-burn bone loss and who were concurrently evaluated for muscle protein synthesis and breakdown by stable isotope infusion studies during the acute hospitalization. We found a significantly lower fractional protein synthesis rate (FSR) in the pamidronate group and a correspondingly lower rate of appearance of the amino acid tracer in venous blood, suggesting lower muscle protein turnover. Moreover, net protein balance (synthesis minus breakdown) was positive in the subjects receiving pamidronate and negative in those receiving placebo. Muscle fiber diameter was significantly greater in the pamidronate subjects and leg strength at 9 months post-burn was not different between subjects who received pamidronate and normal physically fit age-matched children studied in our lab. Leg strength in burned subjects who served as controls tended to be weaker, although not significantly so. If substantiated by a larger study, these results suggest that bone may have a paracrine mechanism to preserve muscle and this finding may have implications for the treatment of sarcopenia in the elderly.
Investigation of air flow around buildings using computational fluid dynamics techniques

Abstract The developments of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method as a powerful tool for prediction of wind environmental conditions around buildings are presented in this study. CFD techniques have been applied in predicting wind flow conditions: around a single building, between two parallel buildings and around a multiple building configuration. Also presented is a limited model validation for those simulated configurations. Finally, the paper presents the application of CFD techniques for a case study in simulating an existing site together with proposed buildings and the local landscape.
Cadherins and cadherin-associated molecules in the developing and maturing rat testis.

The calcium-dependent class of cell adhesion molecules known as cadherins mediate homotypic cell interactions in most epithelia. We have now investigated the expression and distribution of cadherins and cadherin-associated molecules in the developing and maturing rat testis. E-Cadherin was not detected in the seminiferous tubule at any time in development or in the adult. In contrast, Leydig cells expressed E-cadherin between day 15 of gestation and postnatal day 3. alpha- and beta-catenins were expressed throughout the developing testis, but were particularly prominent in Leydig cells. In the maturing testis, alpha-catenin and plakoglobin became progressively more restricted to the basal part of the seminiferous epithelium and by 23 days exhibited a pattern characteristic of the Sertoli cell junctional complex. beta-Catenin recruitment to the Sertoli cell junctional complex was not complete until 60 days. alpha-Catenin and plakoglobin were not present at sites of Sertoli cell-germ cell contacts. Northern...
Self-assembled architectures and the temporal aspects of computing

Despite the convenience of clean abstractions, technological trends are blurring the lines between design layers and creating new interactions between previously unrelated architecture layers. For example, virtual machines such as VMWare and Transmeta implement the application-software-visible architecture in virtual-machine software, allowing more flexibility in the hardware/software interface beneath the VM layer. Future technologies will likely further increase the interactions between design layers. Programmable self-assembly is an emerging fabrication technology that must be considered in the higher layers of computer system design. This technology offers an opportunity to perform computation during the fabrication process itself.
Morphogenetic Investigations on in vitro Leaf Culture of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Starfire) and high Frequency Plant Regeneration

Summary Leaf explants of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill . cv. Starfire ) were cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog medium under controlled environmental conditions. Growth and morphogenetic responses of the explants to cytokinins and auxins were compared at different concentrations and combinations. Combinations of benzyladenine (BA) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) were more effective in inducing shoot differentiation than those of BA and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Multiple shoot differentiation on the calli occurred at 10 μM BA with various concentrations of IAA. Rooting of the differentiated shoots was readily achieved by culturing the shoots on medium containing no growth hormones. Kinetin (K) in conjunction with IAA or NAA failed to induce shoot differentiation. Shoot and root differentiation also occurred at 0.1 μM zeatin (Z) + 10 μM IAA or 1 μM Z + 0.1 μM IAA. When used alone, BA or Z at 5 μM induced complete plant regeneration from the callus. Large numbers of regenerated plantlets were transferred to pots and grown to mature plants.
Changes in translational efficiency is a dominant regulatory mechanism in the environmental response of bacteria

To understand how cell physiological state affects mRNA translation, we used Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 grown under steady state conditions at either 20% or 8.5% O2. Using a combination of quantitative proteomics and RNA-Seq, we generated high-confidence data on >1000 mRNA and protein pairs. By using a steady state model, we found that differences in protein-mRNA ratios were primarily due to differences in the translational efficiency of specific genes. When oxygen levels were lowered, 28% of the proteins showed at least a 2-fold change in expression. Transcription levels were sp. significantly altered for 26% of the protein changes; translational efficiency was significantly altered for 46% and a combination of both was responsible for the remaining 28%. Changes in translational efficiency were significantly correlated with the codon usage pattern of the genes and measurable tRNA pools changed in response to altered O2 levels. Our results suggest that changes in the translational efficiency of proteins, in part due to altered tRNA pools, is a major determinant of regulated alterations in protein expression levels in bacteria.
Processing of native caspase-14 occurs at an atypical cleavage site in normal epidermal differentiation.

Abstract Caspase-14, a cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease expressed during epidermal differentiation, is detected exclusively in the cytosolic fraction of epidermis as a complex of procaspase-14 together with caspase-14 large and small subunits. On non-denaturing protein gels, native caspase-14 has a relative electrophoretic mobility of ∼80 kDa, which resolves into caspase-14 proform, large and small subunit in SDS–polyacrylamide. Purification of caspase-14 from native skin with subsequent N-terminal sequencing of the small subunit and tryptic digest analysis of the large subunit revealed an atypical processing site between Ile152 and Lys153, which distinguishes it from other caspases described to date that are processed at aspartate residues. Expression of caspase-14 in heterologous systems results in unprocessed procaspase-14 without generation of the large and small subunits that characterize this protein family. However, addition of cellular extracts to purified recombinant human caspase-14 generated immunoreactive peptides indistinguishable from large and small subunits in skin. These data provide evidence for novel processing of caspase-14 suggesting that this enzyme has unique mechanisms of regulation during epidermal differentiation.
Role of Phosphate in Pyruvic Acid Dehydrogenation

DURING earlier work1 on the problem of pyruvic acid dehydrogenation with Bacterium acidificans longissimum (Delbruckii), it was found that in the absence of inorganic phosphate no reaction took place, and at low concentrations of phosphate the rate of dehydrogenation was proportional to concentration. This indicated that inorganic phosphate must in one way or another participate in the reaction. Such a view was further strengthened when it was found that pyruvic acid dehydrogenation was able to promote adenylic acid phosphorylation2. The supplying of active phosphate by a dehydrogenation reaction had only been observed with the phosphoglyceric aldehyde dehydrogenation3,4. Recently Negelein and Bromel5 were able to isolate as the primary product of this dehydrogenation a labile di-phosphoglyceric acid which they assumed to be either a 1-3-phospho. or a pyrophospho-compound, probably the former. The remarkable finding of Negelein and Bromel induced me to see whether during dehydrogenation of pyruvic acid to acetic acid an intermediary phosphate compound occurred.
Probabilistic clutter maps of forested terrain from airborne LiDAR point clouds

Detection from airborne sensors of near-ground objects occluded by above-ground vegetation is not usually straightforward. Our hypothesis is that the probability of obstruction due to objects above ground at any location in the forest environment can be estimated with measurable uncertainty from airborne lidar data. The essence of our approach is to develop a data-driven learning scheme that creates 2D probability maps for obstructions at the study site. The result shows the effectiveness of the newly developed individual tree detection algorithm (with the accuracy index of 77.1%, tested using ground surveys) and also the usefulness of the clutter and uncertainty maps in the prediction of line-of-sight visibility, mobility and above-ground forest biomass.
The impact on family scale revisited: further psychometric data

This article presents additional psychometric data and a revised scoring procedure for the widely used Impact on Family Scale. The analyses were conducted with three datasets produced by validation studies conducted at the originating institution with populations drawn from the same inner-city communities as the original sample. The instrument has one robust factor representing overall family impact. In addition, there are two subsidiary sets of items (financial impact and sibling impact) of possible interest to future researchers. The correlation of the previously published and new Total Score is .97. Data indicate that the Impact on Family Scale is an easily administered, reliable, and valid measure of a family member's perception of the effect of a child's chronic condition that can be used across diagnostic groups. The Impact on Family Scale fills a gap in the measurement of the psychological and social consequences of chronic disorders in childhood that can be useful in clinical and health services research.
A constructive algorithm for the solution of a 2-D coprime condition

Solutions to certain 2-D polynomial coprime conditions are obtained in this work. Given the 2-D polynomials f(x,y) and g(x,y), the problems are: (1) If f and g have no common zeros, to find u(x,y) and v(x,y) such that uf + vg = 1. (2) If f and g have no common zeros in ??C2, to find u(x,y) and v(x,y) such that uf + vg has no zeros in ?. The proofs of the existence of u and v are constructive and algebraic. Problem (2) has applications to 2-D feedback system design.
Application of enzymatic methods to organic functional group analysis. I. Microdetermination of the primary amino group

Abstract A selective method for determining the primary amino group in certain d -α-amino acids on the 0.1-meq. scale is described. The sample is treated with d -amino acid oxidase and catalase at pH 8.3 for 60 to 90 min. at 35 to 37.5 °C. The ammonia formed is steam-distilled in presence of a borax-potassium carbonate mixture, collected in 2% boric acid solution, and titrated with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid. Seven aliphatic α-amino acids, two aromatic α-amino acids, and tryptophan gave results accurate to about 5% relative. The presence of large excess of the l -isomers does not affect the analysis. No ammonia is produced from α-amino acids which are not resolvable. Serine, threonine, and glutamic acid gave low results. Lysine and histidine are not attacked by d -amino acid oxidase.
A debugger for parallel processes

A system for analysing and debugging parallel Fortran codes is in use on the Sun workstation. The system is composed of a parallel processing simulator mtsim, a window- and mouse-based debugging tool mtdbx, and a set of real-time display routines. The simulator mtsim, which is called from Fortran by a set of routines having the same syntax as the CRAY X-MP multitasking library, causes several concurrently active user tasks to be executed. The debugger mtdbx is based on the Sun dbxtool debugging facility. It has an enhanced command interface with functional control of parallel processes in multiple windows. The display routines offer two real-time views of multitasking synchronization primitives as they are used during execution. These three components of the debugging system afford the opportunity to analyse the behaviour of parallel processes by dynamic interaction at run-time.
Chronic social stress: Changes in behavioral and physiological indices of emotion

Subordination constitutes a natural and often chronic stress condition for males of virtually all species of social mammals. Subordinate male rats of mixed-sex groups maintained in visible burrow systems show high-magnitude changes in adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones and, in a subpopulation, disruptions in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis function. Changes in brain serotonin systems have been extensively documented in both colony subordinates and colony dominants, with other regional neurotransmitter system changes also indicated. The group experience seems to change a variety of behaviors both inside the colony situation and in tests run outside the colonies and may disrupt the relationship found in controls between hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response to an acute stressor and defensive behavior. Comparisons of these patterns of stress response with those of other chronic stress models such as learned helplessness and chronic mild stress suggest that, in terms of adrenal and gonadal steroid hormone response, subordination constitutes a more severe stressor. Some involvement of the serotonin system has been demonstrated for both subordination and more traditional models, and other systems may prove to be involved in both. However, a central feature of both learned helplessness and chronic mild stress paradigms is a specific criterion behavior or behaviors, emphasized as models for particular psychopathologies. Thus, learned helplessness and chronic mild stress studies have tended to emphasize the effects of pharmacological agents on these models, whereas work with subordination has been focused on analysis of the biobehavioral stress process itself.
Anatomy of a habit: America's unnecessary wars

The manner in which and the reasons for which the United States went to war against Iraq in 2003 do not represent a radical departure from the past. American history shows that the United States has had a strong propensity to become involved in unnecessary wars. These wars share some common characteristics: they were justified in the name of America's presumed historical mission; they were entered into on the basis of false premises; a relatively small ‘war party’ was indispensable to the decision to go to war; the two-party democratic competition frequently acted as a stimulus to military action; and the wars exhibit a kind of ‘law of unintended consequences’.
Assessment of fusion cells from patient-derived ovarian carcinoma cells and dendritic cells as a vaccine for clinical use.

Abstract Purpose. To evaluate a protocol that allowed the successful generation of DC and OVCA cells, fusion of these two cell types and assessment of stimulatory ability of the fusion cells for clinical use. Patients and methods. Ovarian cancer (OVCA) cells and dendritic cells (DC) were isolated or generated from 22 patients with OVCA and subsequently fused with PEG. The stimulatory ability of fusion cells including T cell proliferation and induction of cytotocic T lymphocytes (CTL) was assessed. In addition, the impact of radiation, freezing and thawing of the fusion cells was evaluated. Results. OVCA cells derived from 22 patients were successfully fused with autologous DC. The created heterokaryons expressed tumor-associated antigens, such as MUC1 and CA-125, and DC-derived MHC class II and costimulatory molecules. The fusion cells were functional in stimulating the proliferation of autologous T cells. In addition, CD4 and CD8 T cells derived from patients with ovarian cancer were stimulated by fusion cells and produced IFN-γ as demonstrated with intracellular staining. Significantly, T cells primed by fusion cells produced MHC class I-dependent lysis of autologous ovarian tumor cells. One cycle of fusion-cell stimulation can maintain the CTL activity up to 25 days. Conclusions. The fusion of human OVCA cells and DC created immunogenic cells capable of stimulating CD4 and CD8 T cells. The effects of the processes required for preparing a vaccine for clinical use, including freezing and thawing and irradiation, do not interfere with the immunogenic properties of the fusion cells.
Access and Use of Information Technology by Human Service Providers

ABSTRACT Increasing amounts of scientific and professional information are available through information technology, therefore, it is important to understand the extent to which human service providers have access to these capabilities and whether they find them useful. A random sample of one-hundred and forty-nine human service providers in Ohio were surveyed by mail about their use of information technology. Findings indicate that about seventy-five percent had computers on their desks. About fifty-three percent had access to e-mail and fifty-one percent had access to the WWW from their own computers. Those providers who were in direct service were less likely than those in administration to have computer access. Across the entire sample, human service providers strongly agreed with the need to use Internet for educating clients and professional development. In general, providers reported limited access to many types of information and strong needs for assistance in developing information technology ski...
Mitochondrial cristae diversity in human Leydig cells: A revised look at cristae morphology in these steroid‐producing cells

Mitochondria of steroid-producing cells are integrally involved with steroidogenesis. For decades, the mitochondrial morphology of Leydig cells, as with other steroid-producing cells, has been known to differ from typical mitochondria in that the cristae are predominately “”tubular.” In a few species, humans being one example, the cristae have often been further categorized as “tubular and/or lamellar,” without further elaboration. In the present study, mitochondria of human Leydig cells were examined with the purpose of providing a more detailed description of “cristae” morphology in these steroid-producing cells. The cristae are found to be rather diverse in morphology, consisting of elements of anastomosing tubules in continuity with small cisternal regions as well as with stacked arrays of lamellae, referred to as “lamellar associations.” The tubular elements are found to branch in a tripartite fashion and sometimes to expand into small cisternal elements at these junctures. The lamellar associations are a distinctive feature of cristae in human Leydig cells and consist of two to eight closely apposed lamellae with a consistent gap of approximately 4 nm between the membranes of apposing lamellae. Such a close association of cellular membranes is highly suggestive of an integral transmembrane linkage. Although the lamellar associations often appear isolated, evidence is present of a continuity of this compartment of the cristae with the tubular elements. The connections (termed “initial segments”) of the various forms of the cristae to the inner mitochondrial membrane are typically via tubules. Mitochondria exhibiting a central region of matrix delineated by one or more cup-shaped lamellae are also present. The pleomorphic structure of mitochondrial cristae in human Leydig cells reemphasizes our present lack of knowledge of how subcellular structure relates to steroidogenesis. Anat Rec 254:534–541, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ionography: Some aspects of ion migration on paper in an electric field

Abstract The relationships that exist between the mobility of amino acids migrating on paper under the influence of an electric field, and the pH of the solution, the ionic strength, the time and the voltage across the paper are presented. The rate of migration bears a linear relation to the potential gradient and to the time. The isoelectric points of histidine and glutamic acid have been determined to be 7.6 and 3.1, respectively.
The effect of triamcinolone on psoriatic arthritis-a two year study.

Triamcinolone was found effective in suppressing both the cutaneous and articular manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. Side effects were frequent and in some instances serious. The ameliorative effects of this steroid were temporary, and eventual relapse of the manifestations usually occurred. Esseva trovate que triamcinolona es efficace in le suppression del manifestationes tanto cutanee como etiam articular de arthritis psoriatic. Le effectos lateral esseva numerose, in certe casos serie. Le effectos amelioratori de iste steroide esseva transiente. In le majoritate del casos, recidiva del manifestationes occurreva in le curso del tempore.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Adolescent Smoking: Using Smoking Status to Differentiate the Influence of Body Weight Measures

BACKGROUND Previous research has reported mixed results on the association between body weight measures (ie, perception of weight and weight loss goal) and cigarette smoking prevalence—and how these associations vary by sex and race. This longitudinal study assessed the relationship between these 2 body weight measures and smoking prevalence by smoking status (ie, nonsmoker, former smoker, smoker). METHODS Panel data of adolescents (N = 1592) from Louisiana schools completed survey interviews in the 9th grade and again in the 12th grade. Three separate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses were conducted based on respondents' smoking status in the 9th grade: nonsmoker, former smoker, and smoker. The dependent variable, smoking prevalence was assessed in the 12th grade. RESULTS Among nonsmokers, weight loss goal was associated with smoking in the 12th grade. Among former smokers, the association between weight loss goal and smoking varied by sex. Girls who reported the goal to lose weight smoked more than their male counterparts. In contrast, among those who did not have the goal of losing weight, boys smoked more than girls. Among adolescents who were already smokers in the 9th grade, weight loss goal was not significantly associated with smoking prevalence. CONCLUSION Differences in the association between weight-related variables and smoking prevalence may be attributed, in part, to smoking status. School-based smoking interventions should target nonsmokers and female former smokers who desire weight loss.
On the role of strain gradients in adiabatic shear banding

The effect of higher order strain gradients on adiabatic shear banding is investigated by considering the simple shearing of a heat conducting thermoviscoplastic material with a gradient-dependent flow stress. The competition between the gradient-dependent plastic flow and heat conduction and their influence on the shear band width and structure are examined. Two internal length scales, i.e., the deformation internal length and the thermal internal length, are incorporated into the linear stability analysis, which shows that the band width size scales either with the square root of the strain gradient coefficient (in the absence of heat conduction) or the thermal conductivity (in the absence of strain gradients), respectively. The numerical computation for the nonlinear problem reveals that the “diffusive” effect of the strain gradient is much stronger than that of the heat conduction and dictates the constitutive response of the material in the postlocalization regime, and shows that the deformation length scale is much larger than the termal length scale. The band width predicted by the gradient theory agrees reasonably well with the experimental observations found in the literature.
Computerized 22-channel stimulator for limb movement

The Nucleus 22-channel implantable hearing prosthesis (Cochlear Pty. Ltd., Lane Cove, Sydney, Australia) has been modified by computer programming (MOCO, Inc., Scituate, Mass. USA) into a functional electrical stimulator. Individual or multiple channels can be sequenced and adjusted for their amplitude, width and frequency of the pulse so that activation of single and multiple nerves can be achieved. Sciatic nerve branches (lateral and medial) of anesthetized rabbits were stimulated to produce single contractions or co-contraction at the ankle and simultaneous bilateral joint movements. The spiral (Helix) electrode was also found suitable in these experiments. The external equipment is being re-designed for a wearable ambulation unit to be used in paraplegic subjects.
Fourier transforms, Hilbert transforms and fitting to Fourier components

Abstract Determining magnetic field distributions from μSR data is equivalent to determining the coefficients of cos(( γb = ω ) t + φ ) which reproduce the precession data. It is natural to assume that one should do this by carrying out a Fourier transform on the asymmetry data, A ( t ). Doing this on asymmetry data from a single or pair of detectors either with FFT or equivalently integrating cos( ωt + φ )· A ( t ) encounters a difficulty. This difficulty is that unless φ is exactly 0 or an integer multiple of π /2 one does not obtain the underlying field distribution probability function. This peculiar feature of single detector or single detector pair data is demonstrated. (For four detectors at right angles the feature can easily be avoided by a rotation to 0°.) A means around this problem using a Hilbert transform is presented. This technique requires approximating the data for negative time. Results for numerically generated data are presented. Fitting for field components in the frequency domain, as opposed to the usual Fourier transform, also reproduces the underlying magnetic field distribution. This is also shown.
X-ray nanolithography: Extension to the limits of the lithographic process

The unique aspects of x-ray lithography that make it attractive for the sub-100nm domain include: a highly localized, sharply peaked point-spread function, leading to minimal proximity effects; absence of spurious scattering; an intrinsic resolution below 30 nm; compatibility with all pattern geometries; and parallel exposure (i.e., compatibility with volume production). The major problem areas are: the mask-sample gap (less than 5 @mm for linewidths below 70 nm), and absorber stress, which must be near zero to avoid mask distortion. Nanometer-level pattern placement and alignment are considered achievable by means of spatial-phase-locked e-beam lithography and interferometric-broad-band imaging, respectively. The efficacy of x-ray nanolithography has been demonstrated via the fabrication of a variety of sub-100 nm-featured quantum-effect devices, Si MOSFETs, and grating-based optoelectronic devices. In the event that the small gaps required of proximity x-ray nanolithography prove unacceptable in manufacturing, x-ray projection using arrays of zone plates appears to be the only approach that can employ the optimal wavelengths (i.e., ~1 nm or 4.5 nm) and achieve deep sub-100 nm resolution. A scheme is proposed that employs an array of zone plates in a pattern generator mode.
Management of intestinal atresia in patients with gastroschisis.

Background Purpose: Intestinal atresia occurs in approximately 10% to 20% of children with gastroschisis and may be missed at the initial closure if a thick peel obscures the bowel. Some investigators have identified intestinal atresia as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. The authors reviewed their experience with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia in an attempt to answer the following questions. What is the incidence of this association? How often is the intestinal atresia unrecognized as a result of the peel? What is the optimal management for infants with atresia and gastroschisis, and does the atresia affect morbidity or mortality? Methods: The hospital charts and medical records of all patients with gastroschisis treated at our institution from 1969 to present were reviewed thoroughly. Parameters analyzed included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), antenatal diagnosis, mode of delivery, type of closure, era of repair, presence of other major anomalies, and development of necrotizing enterocolitis. Morbidity and mortality rates were examined. Characteristics of patients with and without atresia were compared. Chi-squared was used for crosstabular analysis. Sample parameters were compared with Student’s t test. P values of less than .05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 199 babies had gastroschisis and 25 (12.6%) had intestinal atresia. Intestinal atresia was initially unrecognized in 3 patients. Most patients (80%) underwent primary closure of the abdominal wall. Initial stoma formation and delayed anastomosis was performed in 12 (48%) patients, none of whom required prosthetic material for abdominal wall closure. Initial stomas were avoided in 5 patients who required SILASTIC® (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) silos. Skin closure alone was used in 2 babies. The level of the atresia was most commonly jejunoileal (20 of 25, 80%). Mean hospital stay was increased in babies with intestinal atresia, 36.2 versus 63.1 days (P , .001). Conclusions: Although patients with intestinal atresia did have feeding delays, an increased incidence of adhesive intestinal obstruction, and prolonged hospitalization, neither x 2 nor logistic regression analysis showed any correlation with mortality. Intestinal repair at the first operation is sometimes possible and depends on the severity of the peel. Delayed repair of the atresia after a period of bowel decompression and parenteral nutrition is preferred, but in certain situations (colonic atresia, necrotic intestine, complicated atresia) may not be possible. The combination of stomas and prosthetic material can be avoided in almost all patients. A management algorithm for patients with atresia and gastroschisis is discussed. J Pediatr Surg 36:1542-1545. Copyright © 2001 by W.B.
FACTORS AFFECTING SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE STALLION

Spermatogenesis is a process of division and differentiation by which spermatozoa are produced in seminiferous tubules. Seminiferous tubules are composed of somatic cells (myoid cells and Sertoli cells) and germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids). Activities of these three germ cells divide spermatogenesis into spermatocytogenesis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis, respectively. Spermatocytogenesis involves mitotic cell division to increase the yield of spermatogenesis and to produce stem cells and primary spermatocytes. Meiosis involves duplication and exchange of genetic material and two cell divisions that reduce the chromosome number to haploid and yield four spermatids. Spermiogenesis is the differentiation without division of spherical spermatids into mature spermatids which are released from the luminal free surface as spermatozoa. The spermatogenic cycle (12.2 days in the horse) is superimposed on the three major divisions of spermatogenesis which takes 57 days. Spermatogenesis and germ cell degeneration can be quantified from numbers of germ cells in various steps of development throughout spermatogenesis, and quantitative measures are related to number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Germ cell degeneration occurs throughout spermatogenesis; however, the greatest seasonal impact on horses occurs during spermatocytogenesis. Daily spermatozoan production is related to the amount of germ cell degeneration, pubertal development, season of the year, and aging. Number of Sertoli cells and amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum of Leydig cells and Leydig cell number are related to spermatozoan production. Seminiferous epithelium is sensitive to elevated temperature, dietary deficiencies, androgenic drugs (anabolic steroids), metals (cadmium and lead), x-ray exposure, dioxin, alcohol, and infectious diseases. However, these different factors may elicit the same temporary or permanent response in that degenerating germ cells become more common, multinucleate giant germ cells form by coalescence of spermatocytes or spermatids, the ratio of germ cells to Sertoli cells is reduced, and spermatozoan production is adversely affected. In short, spermatogenesis involves both mitotic and meiotic cell divisions and an unsurpassed example of cell differentiation in the production of the spermatozoon. Several extrinsic factors can influence spermatogenesis to cause a similar degenerative response of the seminiferous epithelium and reduce fertility of stallions.
Position control experiments using vision

This article presents results of experiments carried out to test the vision-based method of camera-space manipulation using a fully three-dimensional rigid-body mating task. In this work, the performance of the method under various operating conditions is studied experimentally using a large six-axis manipulator. Further, an analytical study is carried out to understand the influence of relative orientation of cameras and their number on the terminal positioning precision expected with the method.
Migrating fetal astrocytes do not intravasate since they are excluded from blood vessels by vital basement membrane.

Abstract Astrocytes appear to be excluded from blood vessels. In order to test this observation, pial blood vessels were seeded upon cultures of purified E14 fetal astrocytes. One to seven days later co-cultures were immunohistochemically stained for laminin and fibronectin. Confocal microscopy revealed that laminin-positive cultured astrocytes migrated from the coverslip to and on to the surface of the blood vessels. The fetal astrocytes migrated along the basement membrane but did not enter the blood vessel. Viable (live) basement membrane is a barrier to astrocyte intravasation and is a pathway for astrocyte migration. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Vertically integrated sensible‐heat budgets for stable nocturnal boundary layers

SUMMARY The stable nocturnal boundary layer is commonly viewed or modelled as a balance between the temperature tendency (cooling) and vertical heat-flux divergence. Sometimes the radiative-flux divergence is also included. This perspective has dictated the design of field experiments for investigating stable nocturnal boundary layers. Tower-based micrometeorological data from three field campaigns are analysed to evaluate the vertically integrated sensible-heat budget for nocturnal stable conditions. Our analysis indicates frequent occurrence of large imbalance between the temperature tendency and vertical heat-flux divergence terms. The values of the radiative-flux divergence are generally too small and sometimes of the wrong sign to explain the residual. An analysis of random flux errors and uncertainties in the tendency term indicate that such errors cannot explain large imbalances, suggesting the importance of advection of temperature or possibly the divergence of mesoscale fluxes. The implied role of advection is consistent with circumstantial evidence. Even weak surface heterogeneity can create significant horizontal gradients in stable boundary layers. However, it is shown that existing field data and observational strategy do not allow adequate evaluation of advection and mesoscale flux divergence terms.
Computational Models for Mechanics of Morphogenesis

In the developing embryo, tissues differentiate, deform, and move in an orchestrated manner to generate various biological shapes driven by the complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Mechanics plays a key role in regulating and controlling morphogenesis, and quantitative models help us understand how various mechanical forces combine to shape the embryo. Models allow for the quantitative, unbiased testing of physical mechanisms, and when used appropriately, can motivate new experimental directions. This knowledge benefits biomedical researchers who aim to prevent and treat congenital malformations, as well as engineers working to create replacement tissues in the laboratory. In this review, we first give an overview of fundamental mechanical theories for morphogenesis, and then focus on models for specific processes, including pattern formation, gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis, and wound healing. The role of mechanical feedback in development is also discussed. Finally, some perspectives are given on the emerging challenges in morphomechanics and mechanobiology.
Outlier detection using robust measures of scale

The studentized absolute maximum deviation from the mean statistic is modified by replacing the sample standard deviation with a biweight estimator of σ 2. Simple approximate formulas for the 90 and 95th percentage points are found through the use of the Monte-Carlo technique. A comparison is made between the proposed procedure, the one using the sample standard deviation and the kurtosis measure (b2 ), as methods for detecting one or more outliers. For normal slippage alternatives the use of the proposed procedure seems better than using standard deviation and about the same as using b2 . For more general alternatives b2 seems to be far more conservative than the proposed method. In addition, the proposed procedure can be used in one stage to detect multiple outliers, with only slight loss of power, as compared to consecutive use.