cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two forms of O-methyltransferase in tobacco cell suspension culture

Abstract An S -adenosyl- l -methionine: o -dihydric phenol O -methyltransferase was isolated from tobacco cell suspension culture and was partially purified by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 precipitation and successive chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200 and hydroxyapatite columns. It catalysed the O -methylation of 3 cinnamic acids, two coumarins and two flavonoids, but to different extents. Results obtained from polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, m -/ p -methylation ratios and mixed substrate experiments indicated the existence of two forms of the enzyme which were resolved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. One form (MW 74000, pI 6.1, opt. pH 7.3) catalysed the meta -methylation of caffeic acid, while the other (MW 70000, pI 6.3, opt. pH 8.3) mediated the para -methylation of quercetin, though each form exhibited some activity against other substrates.
Body dysmorphic disorder and other clinically significant body image concerns in adolescent psychiatric inpatients: prevalence and clinical characteristics.

Background This study assessed prevalence and clinical correlates of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), eating disorders (ED), and other clinically significant body image concerns in 208 consecutively admitted adolescent inpatients. It was hypothesized that adolescents with BDD would have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Adolescents with eating disorders were expected to have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms. Trauma-related symptoms were also examined in relation to BDD, in the absence of specific hypotheses.
Effect of Path-Overlap on Localization Accuracy in Dense Multipath Environments

Accurate positioning is an essential issue in location- aware wireless networks. Wideband transmission is inherent suitable for indoor localization due to its potential of providing accurate range measurements. In this paper, we will investigate the effect of path-overlap phenomena on the localization accuracy, since wideband signals traveling between nodes in the network experience multipath propagation. The notion of equivalent Fisher information (EFI) is proposed and applied to derive the squared position error bound (SPEB), a measure of the localization accuracy. EFI unifies the contributions from individual anchors in a canonical form, i.e., a sum of ranging information (RI), which characterizes the ability of a received waveform for localization. We show that the effect of path-overlap on the RI can be quantified by the path-overlap coefficient. Our numerical results present the behaviors of the path-overlap coefficient for different propagation channels and transmitted waveforms.
Hydrophobic Surfactant-Associated Protein in Whole Lung Surfactant and Its Importance for Biophysical Activity in Lung Surfactant Extracts Used for Replacement Therapy

ABSTRACT. Hydrophobic protein of 6,000 and 14,000 daltons was isolated from mammalian pulmonary surfactant obtained from canine, human, and bovine alveolar lavage material. Low molecular weight, hydrophobic, surfactant- associated protein (SAP), herein referred to as SAP 6-14, was distinguished from SAP-35, the major glycoprotein in mammalian surfactants (the 35,000 dalton glycoprotein A or apolipoprotein A) by amino acid composition, peptide mapping, and by resistance of SAP 6-14 to digestion by endoglycosidase F, collagenase, trypsin, and other proteases. The amino acid composition of SAP 6-14 was found to be highly enriched in leucine and other hydrophobic amino acids. The characteristics of protein isolated from bovine replacement surfactant extracts utilized for the treatment of hyaline membrane disease in humans were also studied. SAP 6-14 isolated from calf lung surfactant replacement extracts (CLSE) and surfactant- TA were found to be identical to SAP 6-14 isolated from ether/ethanol extracts of various mammalian surfactants. By contrast, SAP-35, the major surfactant-associated glycoprotein of molecular weight=35,000, and other higher molecular weight proteins were not detected in significant quantities in the CLSE or surfactant-TA replacement surfactants, either by highly sensitive silver stain analysis or by immunoblot using monospecific antisera generated against bovine SAP-35. Biophysical studies of the CLSE replacement surfactant containing only SAP 6-14 and native phospholipids demonstrated full surface activity compared to natural lung surfactant. Dynamic surface tension lowering and adsorption properties of CLSE were essentially identical to those of freshly isolated bovine whole surfactant. Thus, hydrophobic SAP 6-14 is the only protein detected in bovine lung extract surfactants with full biophysical activity. The major surfactant associated protein, SAP-35, was not a significant component of either the CLSE or surfactant-TA replacement preparations.
Circulating CD34 + cell subsets in patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherosclerotic disease. Circulating cells that express CD34, including endothelial and hematopoietic progenitor cells, might play a part in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this paper the authors evaluate the association between coronary endothelial dysfunction and concentrations of circulating CD34+cell subsets. Background Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherosclerotic disease. Circulating cells that express CD34, including endothelial and hematopoietic progenitor cells, might play a part in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between coronary endothelial dysfunction and concentrations of circulating CD34+ cell subsets. Methods Intracoronary acetylcholine challenge was used to test for coronary endothelial dysfunction in 57 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo diagnostic coronary angiography and with no signs of substantial obstructive lesions. Mononuclear cells were extracted from whole blood samples taken from all patients, analyzed by flow cytometry for CD14, CD34, CD133, CD45, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and cultured for functional analysis. Results Compared with patients with normal coronary endothelial function, in those with coronary endothelial dysfunction, the number of circulating CD34+/CD45dim/VEGFR2− cells, CD34+/CD45dim/CD133+/VEGFR2− cells and colony-forming units were reduced. Concentrations of CD34+/CD45−/VEGFR2+ cells did not differ between groups. Conclusions Regulation of CD34+ cell subsets seems to differ between patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction and those with normal coronary endothelial function. Changes in specific circulating progenitor cell subsets might, therefore, be an early manifestation of atherosclerosis.
Cometabolic transformation of mono- and dichlorobiphenyls and chlorohydroxybiphenyls by methanotrophic groundwater isolates.

Mixed and pure methanotrophic cultures, previously isolated from an uncontaminated groundwater aquifer, were screened for their abilities to degrade a range of orthochlorinated mono- and dichlorobiphenyls when grown under conditions promoting expression of the soluble methane monooxygenase. Only the mixed culture and the pure type II strain CSC1 were found to degrade 2- and 4-chlorobiphenyl; 2,4-dichlorobiphenyl; and 4-hydroxy2-chlorobiphenyl. Substrate disappearance in the mixed culture was consistently 8-10% higher than in incubations with strain CSC1, and observed biomass transformation capacities ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mg of PCB/mg of protein. The main products found in both pure and mixed culture incubation extracts were identified as hydroxylated chlorobiphenyls
Preoperative assessment of retroperitoneal pathology by magnetic resonance imaging primary leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava

A woman with a retroperitoneal mass was found to have a leiomyosarcoma arising in the wall of the inferior vena cava. The extensive preoperative radiologic findings were compared with those of magnetic resonance imaging. The latter allowed a more precise preoperative diagnosis and determination of tumor origin and extent than any of the other diagnostic techniques.
Sensitive Wavelength Dependence of PdC And Pd Formation from Photolysis of Bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)palladium(II)

have been identified.The fluorinated acetylacetonate ligands (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-4-pentanedionate) hfac) that were used in the latter studiesprovide good precursor volatility and allow for facile transportin the gas phase, but they may also result in fluorine and/or carboncontamination of the final deposit.
A 3D experimental framework for exploring drivers' body activity using infrared depth sensors

A significant amount of research has been involved with the development of advanced driver-assistance systems. Such systems typically include radars, laser or video sensors that detect the vehicle trajectory and warn for an imminent lane departure, or sense the front vehicle's speed and apply the brakes of the following vehicle to maintain safe distance headways (i.e., collision avoidance system). However, most of these systems rely on the subject vehicle and surrounding vehicles' position and do not explicitly consider the driver's actions during the driving task. In addition safety research has focused on eye tracking as a means of capturing driver's attention, fatigue, or drowsiness; however, the body posture has not been investigated in depth. This paper presents a novel approach for studying the actual movements of drivers inside the vehicle, when performing specific maneuver types such as lane changing and merging. This information can be useful for identifying specific body movements that may hide potentially unsafe situations. A pilot study was conducted along a freeway and arterial segment, where the 3D shapes of selected participants were constructed with the use of a low-cost infrared depth sensor (Microsoft Kinect) while merging and changing lanes. The analysis of the 3D shapes shows that there are important differences between participants when performing similar driving maneuvers. The preliminary results of this pilot research set the basis for implementing the proposed methodological framework for conducting full-scale experiments with a variety of participants, and exploring differences due to driver behavior attributes, such as age, gender and driving experience.
Research-based teacher evaluation: A response to Scriven

In 1987 the Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education published an article by Professor Michael Scriven entitled “Validity in Personnel Evaluation. ” A second article by Professor Scriven, “Duty-Based Teacher Evaluation,” was published in the Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education in 1988. We found these articles to be thought-provoking and curiously inconsistent—thought-provoking because they pointedly address a field that requires scholarly inquiry from varying perspectives, and curiously inconsistent in the sense that Scriven (1987) challenges the validity of research-based evaluation systems in evaluating instruction (pp. 9, 23) and yet presents in 1988 a model for “Duty-Based Teacher Evaluation” which appears to be based on widely recognized and accepted elements of process-product research of teaching effectiveness. In any event, it seems difficult, if not virtually counter-productive, to conjecture how it can be in the interest of the development of teaching as a semi-profession to ignore or disregard sound research with consistent findings which may inform improved practice.
Properties of carbon/graphite fibers modified by plasma polymerization

Carbon fibers and pyrolytic graphite blocks were treated with plasma of acrylonitrile (AN) and styrene (ST) monomers, using an induction-coupled, RF-plasma reactor. Both substrates were stable towards plasma, leading to a deposition of thin, coherent coatings of 400A∼1000A thickness. Both monomers produced surfaces which are substantially more polar (γc=54 dynes/cm for AN and 40 dynes/cm for ST) than the untreated surfaces (γc=32 dynes/cm). ESCA and IR studies indicate that the plasma polymers contain a high concentration of oxygen (12 percent in PPAN and 17.8 percent in PPST), in the form of CO, COOH, COC, and OH groups. Also, treated fibers exhibited slightly higher tensile strengths than the untreated counterparts, suggesting that the plasma coatings effectively heal some of the surface flaws of the fiber. The abundant surface polar groups combined with the improved tensile properties of the plasma treated fibers make them attractive reinforcements for advanced composite materials.
In vitro studies on bile acid deconjugation and lipolysis inhibition byGiardia lamblia

In vitro studies were conducted to determine whetherGiardia lamblia can deconjugate bile acids or inhibit lipolysis. CulturedG. lamblia trophozoites failed to deconjugate either glycine- or taurine-conjugated cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, or chenodeoxycholic acid. However, sonicated trophozoites significantly inhibited the hydrolysis of tributyrylglycerol by porcine pancreatic lipase. This inhibition was not dependent upon the presence of bile acids but was dependent upon the concentration ofG. lamblia sonicate. Heating the sonicate for 20 min at 60° C abolished the inhibitory effect; dialysis of the sonicate did not affect inhibition. We conclude that culturedG. lamblia trophozoites do not deconjugate bile acids and that sonicatedG. lamblia inhibit lipolysisin vitro.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of cholinergic modulation in mild cognitive impairment.

Purpose of review Mild cognitive impairment often represents the earliest clinical phase of Alzheimer's disease and is thought to involve synaptic dysfunction. Functional neuroimaging methods may be sensitive to these early physiologic changes and may be useful in early detection, therapeutic monitoring, and prediction of treatment response and other clinical outcomes. This review will focus on functional magnetic resonance imaging and its use in measuring the effects of cholinergic modulation in mild cognitive impairment. Recent findings Functional magnetic resonance imaging has begun to be applied to measure changes in regional brain activation during cognitive task performance after pharmacologic manipulation. In mild cognitive impairment, recent reports have appeared demonstrating alterations in neocortical activation after acute and prolonged administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. These functional changes may relate to both behavioral performance and measures of brain structure (e.g., hippocampal volume). Summary Pharmacologic functional magnetic resonance imaging is a rapidly emerging field, with applications in both basic human neuroscience and clinical psychiatry and neurology. Its use in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease may provide novel insights into the cholinergic system, memory, and neurodegenerative disease.
Do frogs communicate with seismic signals

Male white-lipped frogs exhibit conspicuous behavioral responses to calling conspecific males that are nearby but out of view. Since the calls often are accompanied by strong seismic signals (thumps), and since the male white-lipped frog exhibits the most acute sensitivity to seismic stimuli yet observed in any animal, these animals may use seismic signals as well as auditory signals for intraspecific communication.
A survey of insulin-dependent diabetes-part I: therapies and devices

This paper surveys diabetes therapies from telemedicine viewpoint. In type 1 diabetes therapies, the exogenous insulin replacement is generally considered as a primary treatment. However, the complete replacement of exogenous insulin is still a challenging issue because of its complexity of modeling the dynamics, which is typically modeled nonlinearly. On the other hand, thanks to the progress of medical devices, currently the diabetes therapies are being automated. These medical devices include automated insulin pumps and blood glucose sensors. Insulin pumps are designed to create artificial insulin perfusion while they largely rely on the blood glucose profile measurements and these measurements are achieved by one or more blood glucose sensors. The blood glucose measurements are also important for the insulin-dependent diabetes therapies. An insulin pump along with sensors establishes a good feedback system providing the appropriate amount of the exogenous insulin on demand. Controlling the amount of exogenous insulin to suppress the blood glucose levels requires complicated computations. This paper mostly explains both type 1 and 2 diabetes and their mechanisms accompanied by descriptions of diabetes therapy and medical devices currently utilized in the therapy.
FMS in CIM (flexible manufacturing systems in computer integrated manufacturing)

Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM) is concerned with providing computer assistance, control and high level integrated automation at all levels of the manufacturing industries, including the business data processing system, CAD, CAM and FMS, by linking islands of automation into a distributed processing system. The technology applied in CIM makes intensive use of distributed computer networks and data processing techniques, Artificial Intelligence and Database Management Systems. FMS in this aspect plays the role of a highly efficient and “ready to react to random requests” manufacturing facility (e.g. machining, test, assembly, welding, etc.) in this “total concept”. (Figure 1)
A topological view of estimation from noisy relative measurements

In this paper we study the problem of estimating the state of sensors in a sensor network from noisy pairwise relative measurements. The underlying sensor network is typically modeled by a graph whose edges correspond to pairwise relative measurements and nodes represent sensors. Using tools from algebraic topology and cohomology theory, we present a new model in which the higher order relations between measurements are captured as simplicial complexes. This allows us to address the fundamental tension between two conflicting goals: finding estimates that are close to obtained measurements, and at the same time are consistent around any sequence of pairwise measurements that form a cycle. By defining a measure of inconsistency around each cycle, we present a one-parameter family of algorithms that solves the estimation problem by identifying and removing the smallest fraction of measurements that make the estimates globally inconsistent. We demonstrate that the inconsistencies are due to topological obstructions and can be decomposed into local and global components that have interesting geometric interpretations. Furthermore, we show that the proposed algorithm is naturally distributed and will provably result in consistent estimates, and more importantly, recovers two sparse estimation algorithms as special cases.
Light-cone models for intrinsic charm and bottom

Expectations for the momentum distribution of nonperturbative charm and bottom quarks in the proton are derived from a variety of models for the Fock space wave function on the light cone.
Evaluation of fatty acids in oil as reaping indices for Caribbean-grown groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea )

Studies were conducted to evaluate amounts of fatty acids in the oil as possible indicators of crop maturity in the groundnut, cultivar NC2, grown in St Vincent, Eastern Caribbean. Percentage fatty acids in oil of the composite samples of seeds collected between 99 and 141 days after planting for a period of 3 years (1985-87) was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Results indicated variation in the amounts of individual fatty acids with crop maturity. There were definite trends, however, with respect to oleic and linoleic acids. As seeds matured, percentage oleic acid increased and percentage linoleic acid decreased, and consequently, the oleic: linoleic acid ratio in oil of the composite seeds increased significantly. The percentage oleic acid peaked significantly at a value of 55.8±0.59 at optimum harvest dates [...]
The Early Development of Low-Birthweight Infants: Relationship to Health, Family Status, Family Context, Family Processes, and Parenting

This study examines the early development of low birthweight infants and its relationship to five categories of medical and environmental variables: (1) health; (2) family status; (3) family context; (4) family process; and (5) parenting. Results showed that scores on the Bayley Mental Development Index. (MDI) at 18 months were related to all five categories of variables. However, most correlations were only moderate in strength (0.3 to 0.5) and four of the. five categories could be represented by only a single variable within the category. Multiple regression analyses indicated that family context and family process variables were not as highly related to MDI as family status, medical problems, and parenting were. The most efficient prediction of MDI was obtained using a combination of two HOME subscales, variety of stimulation and organisation of the environment, plus the 5-minute APGAR (R = 0.59).
Motor learning and consolidation: The case of visuomotor rotation

Adaptation to visuomotor rotation is a particular form of motor learning distinct from force-field adaptation, sequence learning, and skill learning. Nevertheless, study of adaptation to visuomotor rotation has yielded a number of findings and principles that are likely of general importance to procedural learning and memory. First, rotation learning is implicit and appears to proceed through reduction in a visual prediction error generated by a forward model, such implicit adaptation occurs even when it is in conflict with an explicit task goal. Second, rotation learning is subject to different forms of interference: retrograde, anterograde through aftereffects, and contextual blocking of retrieval. Third, opposite rotations can be recalled within a short time interval without interference if implicit contextual cues (effector change) rather than explicit cues (color change) are used. Fourth, rotation learning consolidates both over time and with increased initial training (saturation learning).
The Increasing Threat of Personal Watercraft Injuries

A trend of increasing number and severity of injuries associated with use of personal watercraft (PWC) has been noted as the use and popularity of PWC also rises. The rate of injuries secondary to PWC use is greater than that from other water sports. Multiple etiologies of injury have been reported, including closed head trauma, spinal injuries, facial fractures, chest trauma, abdominal injuries, and drowning. These injuries may occur from collision with other objects, falls from the PWC, and encounters with the hydrostatic jet stream. The most significant contributing factors to injury seem to be carelessness and inattention. However, some studies show that substance abuse may also contribute. Recommendations to reduce morbidity and mortality include using U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFD), limiting use of PWC to trained adults, and improving recognition of significant PWC injury by medical personnel.
The Value of Genetic Fallacies

Since at least the 1938 publication of Hans Reichenbach’s Experience and Predication, there has been widespread agreement that, when discussing the beliefs that people have, it is important to distinguish contexts of discovery and contexts of justification. Traditionally, when one conflates the two contexts, the result is a “genetic fallacy”. This paper examines genealogical critiques and addresses the question of whether such critiques are fallacious and, if so, whether this vitiates their usefulness. The paper concludes that while there may be one or more senses in which genealogical critiques are fallacious, this does not vitiate their value.
Detecting disease rare alleles using single SNPs in families and haplotyping in unrelated subjects from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data

We present an evaluation of discovery power for two association tests that work well with common alleles but are applied to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 simulations with rare causative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (minor allele frequency [MAF] 1%. We conclude that these findings reflect inadequate statistical power (the result of small simulated samples) for the complex genetic model that underlies these data.
Barking up the Wrong Branch: Scientific Alternatives to the Current Model of Sociological Science

A fortiori it is unlikely that a mere repetition of the tricks which served us so well in physics will do for the social phenomena too. (John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern 1944, p. 6) I do not think the relationship between theory and measurement in the social sciences is much like what Kuhn describes for physics. Talcott Parsons was right about the lack of interaction between the two in sociology. If Kuhn is right about the preconditions for such interaction in physics, and if physics is the model for sociology, then it will be a long time before measurement makes an important contribution to sociology as a basic science …. But sociology is not like physics. Nothing but physics is like physics …. (Otis Dudley Duncan 1984, p. 169) ▪ Abstract The standard for what passes as scientific sociology is derived from classical physics, a model of natural science that is totally inappropriate for sociology. As a consequence, we pursue goals and use criteria for success that are harmful and counterproductive. E...
Stable transformation of a recalcitrant kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivar using mature seed-derived highly regenerative tissues

An efficient method to produce highly regenerative tissues from seeds of a previously recalcitrant cultivar of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. ev. Kenblue) was established under dim-light conditions (10–30 μE m−2s−1, 16-h light) using media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 4.5 or 9.0 μM), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA; 0.44 or 2.2 μM), and a high level of cupric sulfate (5.0 μM). The tissues were co-transformed with three plasmids containing the genes for hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt), β-glucuronidase (uidA; gus), and a synthetic green fluorescent protein gene [sgfp(S65T)]. From 463 individual explants bombarded, 10 independent transgenic events (2.2%) were obtained after a 3–4-month selection period for hygromycin resistance using 30–100 mg l−1 hygromycin B; of the 10 independent events, seven (70%) were regenerable. Stable integration of the transgene(s) in transgenic plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and DNA blot hybridization analyses. Coexpression frequency of all three genes was 20%; for two transgenes, either hpt/uidA or hpt/sgfp(S65T), coexpression frequency was 30–40%.
Skin Perfusion Pressure A Case Study Demonstrating Microcirculatory Blood Flow

Skin perfusion pressure (SPP) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that quantitatively analyzes the local blood flow in an area of interest. SPP is measured using a laser Doppler sensor that is placed ...
Complement membrane attack complexes activate noncanonical NF-κB by forming an Akt+NIK+ signalosome on Rab5+ endosomes

Complement membrane attack complexes (MACs) promote inflammatory functions in endothelial cells (ECs) by stabilizing NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) and activating noncanonical NF-κB signaling. Here we report a novel endosome-based signaling complex induced by MACs to stabilize NIK. We found that, in contrast to cytokine-mediated activation, NIK stabilization by MACs did not involve cIAP2 or TRAF3. Informed by a genome-wide siRNA screen, instead this response required internalization of MACs in a clathrin-, AP2-, and dynamin-dependent manner into Rab5(+)endosomes, which recruited activated Akt, stabilized NIK, and led to phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK)-α. Active Rab5 was required for recruitment of activated Akt to MAC(+) endosomes, but not for MAC internalization or for Akt activation. Consistent with these in vitro observations, MAC internalization occurred in human coronary ECs in vivo and was similarly required for NIK stabilization and EC activation. We conclude that MACs activate noncanonical NF-κB by forming a novel Akt(+)NIK(+) signalosome on Rab5(+) endosomes.
Response to Letter by Kramer et al

Response: We would like to thank Dr Kramer and colleagues for their interest in our article. With regard to aspirin and extended release dipyridamole, we are aware of its effectiveness for long-term stroke prevention, and we did mention that use of …
A New Look at Snowpack Trends in the Cascade Mountains

Abstract This study examines the changes in Cascade Mountain spring snowpack since 1930. Three new time series facilitate this analysis: a water-balance estimate of Cascade snowpack from 1930 to 2007 that extends the observational record 20 years earlier than standard snowpack measurements; a radiosonde-based time series of lower-tropospheric temperature during onshore flow, to which Cascade snowpack is well correlated; and a new index of the North Pacific sea level pressure pattern that encapsulates modes of variability to which Cascade spring snowpack is particularly sensitive. Cascade spring snowpack declined 23% during 1930–2007. This loss is nearly statistically significant at the 5% level. The snowpack increased 19% during the recent period of most rapid global warming (1976–2007), though this change is not statistically significant because of large annual variability. From 1950 to 1997, a large and statistically significant decline of 48% occurred. However, 80% of this decline is connected to chang...
Testing hypotheses and estimating parameters in human genetics if the age of onset is random

In this paper we assume that each person has his individual age of onset. There will be no restriction for the distribution of age of onset. We are going to develop a method to estimate the gene frequencies and the penetrance and to test simple hypotheses such as the hypothesis of dominance or of recessiveness. In ? 2 we formulate the basic assumptions concerning the trait, the genes, and the age of onset. We try to make the assumptions as (realistic' as possible so that we can apply the model to a concrete case. The reader may be troubled because we use many notations, but this seems to be inevitable if we want to avoid misunderstanding. In ? 3 we derive the distribution law for the frequencies of the characteristic under the assumption that there is no selection of families whatsoever. In order to connect the theory with the observations of a sample we study two methods of selection or ascertainment in ? 4. The following section contains the theoretical distributions under the assumption of ascertainment. To estimate parameters and to test genetical hypotheses we have to compare the theoretical frequencies with the observed frequencies. The procedure will be explained briefly at the end of ? 5. A special application concerning the atopic diseases of the respiratory tract is explained in ? 6. In the past, several papers have been published dealing with genetical problems of those diseases. A critical survey is given in ? 7.
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: Review on Nutrition Considerations

The prevalence of obesity in adolescents has dramatically increased over the past 3 decades in the United States. Weight loss surgery is becoming a viable treatment option for obese adolescents. The number of surgeries being performed yearly is rising, and this trend is likely to continue. Adolescent patients present a unique challenge to clinicians. There are currently best-practice recommendations and evidence-based nutrition guidelines for the treatment of the adolescent bariatric patient. A review of the current literature was performed to discuss bariatric surgery and nutrition for the adolescent patient. Studies show that most adolescents with obesity will become obese adults, thus increasing their risk of developing serious and debilitating health conditions. It is recommended that the candidates for surgery be referred to a practice that has a multidisciplinary team experienced in meeting the distinct physical and psychological needs of adolescents. Specific nutrition concerns for the adolescent b...
Repetition protocols and channel state information in block-fading channels

In today's networks, error correction is achieved by a combination of FEC (forward error correction) and ARQ (automatic repetition request). In classical repetition protocols, a receiver requests a retransmission in case FEC-decoding fails. In this work we revise and summarize our recent results that show the benefits of using the retransmission request bit(s) not only to request a retransmission, but also to inform coarsely the transmitter about the actual channel condition. Our goal is to simultaneously enable the performance gain due to retransmission and to power control at the transmitter. We give an explicit protocol construction for any number of retransmissions and any number of feedback bits, and show remarkable throughput improvements, especially at low and moderate SNR (signal to noise ratio). For the case of a single retransmission and a single feedback bit, we show that the repetition is not needed at low SNR and that the throughput improvement is due to power control only, which allows to turn off transmission when the channel is in deep fade. On the other hand, at high SNR, the repetition turns out to be useful, and the performance gain comes form a combination of power control and ability to send more redundancy bits through repetition.
Aspects of NAD Metabolism in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Our laboratories have investigated NAD metabolism in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Background information in this area has previously been reviewed (1–3). The work we describe here on eukaryotic systems is initial experiments to examine the possible role of ADP-ribosylation in modulating synaptic transmission in the nervous system. In this article, we also summarize our present understanding of NAD metabolism and its regulation in the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, and present preliminary data for a link between NAD turnover cycles and DNA repair in this bacterium.
Intrinsic Material Limitations in Using Interphase Modification to Alter Fiber-Matrix Adhesion in Composite Materials.

A very large percentage of studies seeking to improve fiber-matrix adhesion to alter composite properties are directed at the formation of primary chemical bonds between the reinforcement surface and the matrix. The dynamic events that occur when the fiber-matrix interface is formed lead to the creation of an interphase which can have properties quite different from the matrix in addition to any chemical bond formation. This study has been directed at elucidating the role of these interphase properties themselves on fiber-matrix adhesion. A reinforcement (AS-4 carbon fiber) with a quantifiable surface chemistry and an epoxy matrix have been kept constant through a series of experiments in which the distance between crosslinks of the matrix has been changed. The wettability of the fiber and the degree of chemical bonding to the fiber have not changed but the interfacial shear strength measured for each of these systems has decreased with decreasing matrix modulus. It will be shown that the properties of the matrix and the residual stresses created during processing limit the maximum interfacial shear stress that can be supported by the fiber-matrix interphase.
Some factors influencing platelet retention in glass bead columns including the influence of plastics.

Several variables affecting tests of platelet retention in glass bead columns have been examined, with particular emphasis on the effect of the type of plastic used to make the column. The observations suggest that the high platelet retention found in normal persons may be due to some substance dissolved out of polyvinyl tubing.
Long-term outcome of fulminant myocarditis as compared with acute (nonfulminant) myocarditis.

Background Lymphocytic myocarditis causes left ventricular dysfunction that may be persistent or reversible. There are no clinical criteria that predict which patients will recover ventricular function and which cases will progress to dilated cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that patients with fulminant myocarditis may have a better long-term prognosis than those with acute (nonfulminant) myocarditis. Methods We identified 147 patients considered to have myocarditis according to the findings on endomyocardial biopsy and the Dallas histopathological criteria. Fulminant myocarditis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features at presentation, including the presence of severe hemodynamic compromise, rapid onset of symptoms, and fever. Patients with acute myocarditis did not have these features. The incidence of the end point of this study, death or heart transplantation, was ascertained by contact with the patient or the patient's family or by a search of the National Death Index. The average period of fol...
Use of laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery. Preliminary study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic bowel surgery performed by colorectal surgeons not previously experienced in laparoscopic biliary or appendiceal surgery. METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent ileocolic resection/anastomosis (n=12), loop ileostomy (n=7), colostomy (n=4), ileostomy takedown/ileorectal anastomosis (n=3), subtotal colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis (n=2), sigmoid resection (n=2), or other procedures (n=2). No curative cancer surgery was undertaken. RESULTS: Time to first bowel movement was one to eight (median, four) days. Length of stay ranged from 4 to 11 (median, 6) days. There were no major complications seen in follow-up from 6 to 15 (median, 7) months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Large intestinal and distal ileal surgery using laparoscopic techniques, performed by surgeons with training only in laparoscopic intestinal surgery, is feasible and safe. Faster recovery and need for less postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic surgery compared with conventional surgery cannot be surmised from this study. A randomized study design is needed to evaluate many of the differences between conventional and laparoscopic intestinal surgery.
A Study of the Methodology for Assaying Unidentified Growth Factor in Fish Meal and Fish Solubles

Abstract Four experiments were conducted using a crystalline amino acid diet to establish an improved bioassay for evaluating the unidentified growth factor(s) (U.G.F.) in fishery products. To maintain constant levels of nutrients, dietary adjustments were made to equalize the content of selenium (Se), fish oil and of each amino acid based on the chemical analyses of the test materials. In this manner, the existence of the U.G.F. was demonstrated in the presence of an intact protein (5% gelatin), and constant total levels of proline (0.82%), Se (0.5 p.p.m.) and fish oil (1%). The U.G.F. response from fishery products appears to be independent of the intestinal flora as indicated by a gnotobiotic experiment.
The Behavior and Survival of Adult Cereal Leaf Beetles

The adult cereal leaf beetle population was studied in an 1842-acre area in Kalamazoo County, Michigan from 1970-74. Adults were found to survive winter in highest densities at the edge of the woodlots. Other habitats include sparse woods, fence rows, dense woods, and croplands (in order of “preference”). Emergence from overwintering is temperature-dependent and, although cumulative emergence is quite regular on a degree- day scale, differences occur between years. Following emergence, the adult beetle population moves among wild grasses and grain fields as it decreases rapidly clue to mortality. The density within a field depends on the size of the regional population and the stage of development of the crop during this period of mobility. Generally early-planted winter grains and late-planted spring grains maintain lower populations than normal plantings of each. The cereal leaf beetle population in the study area declined between 1970 and 1974 and several factors were investigated as possible causes. This decline was apparently not caused by spring mortality rates, planting dates, or relative acreages of crops, however a shift of the majority of the population from oats to wheat was associated with the declining densities and may be a factor in population regulation.
A toolbox to study epidermal cell types in zebrafish

Epithelia provide a crucial protective barrier for our organs and are also the sites where the majority of carcinomas form. Most studies on epithelia and carcinomas use cell culture or organisms where high-resolution live imaging is inaccessible without invasive techniques. Here, we introduce the developing zebrafish epidermis as an excellent in vivo model system for studying a living epithelium. We developed tools to fluorescently tag specific epithelial cell types and express genes in a mosaic fashion using five Gal4 lines identified from an enhancer trap screen. When crossed to a variety of UAS effector lines, we can now track, ablate or monitor single cells at sub-cellular resolution. Using photo-cleavable morpholino oligonucleotides that target gal4, we can also express genes in a mosaic fashion at specific times during development. Together, this system provides an excellent in vivo alternative to tissue culture cells, without the intrinsic concerns of culture conditions or transformation, and enables the investigation of distinct cell types within living epithelial tissues.
A Robst, Adaptive Multiwavelength WDM Transceiver for Optical Fiber Transmission Systems

In the next decade, we will see data transmission with speeds at several tens of gigabits per second (Gb/s) and beyond in long-haul telecommunications networks as well as in LAN, MAN computer networks environments. Time division multiplexing (TDM) based transmission systems become increasingly difficult to implement at higher speeds due to the speed limitations of electronics and in addition, these networks use the available bandwidth inefficiently. As a result, both timing synchronization and bandwidth sharing among large numbers of users become major challenges. Although Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) eases most of these problems, it introduces wavelength synchronization as the primary technical hurdle. We propose an adaptive and robust WDM receiver that can adjusts dynamically to the sources and thus alleviates many of the most serious and costly disadvantages of WDM. The technical burdens of WDM transmission are shifted to the receiver which is designed to accommodate the manufacturing and operating imperfections of the transmitter sources. Consequently, the receiver has then to be more sophisticated, but the added complexity in the receiver is in VLSI, simple PIN diodes, and passive wave optics. These components are inherently among the least expensive components in an optoelectronic system.
Calculation and test of intensity and strength for Joint airproof structure at Front and back junction of Fiber wraped shell structure

In this paper,Half-discontinuity and half-resolution methods that was presented in this paper.we have analyzed and calculated intensity and strength for Joint airproof structure at Front and back junction of solid-propellant rocket engine firebox fiber wrapped shell structure based on the Timoshinko method,half-discontinuity and half-resolution methods.The numerical calculation was compared with the test result.
I’ll Fly Away : Baadasssss Mamas and Third Cinema in Sankofa

In “Passing Strange: Voodoo Queens and Hollywood Fantasy in Eve’s Bayou”, the discussion continues with questions of the ‘tragic mulatto’ constructed as a symbol of cultural identity, at times fuelling the imagination of a white southern elite eager for signifiers of cultural demarcations between themselves and their northern neighbours in the United States. African American folklore and culture, as embodied in the Voodoo lady figure, provides this desired distinction by adding visibility to the otherwise invisibility of ‘whiteness’.
History, Philosophies, and Concepts of Animal Welfare

A sound understanding of laboratory animal welfare should be grounded in a general knowledge of some of the major events, organizations, and philosophies that have shaped how animals are used and cared for since the industrial revolution. This overview includes the evolution of animal protection and advocacy movements, the development of professional animal science associations, and the creation of laws and regulations governing the use of animals in research. Throughout this period the dominant philosophy has been a form of utilitarianism. However, deontology, animal rights, and ethics of care have also been influential. Scientific inquiry has evolved to increasingly engage with topics such as animal distress and welfare, although the questions of how to best assess the subjective elements of well-being and balance the various measurable parameters remain. There is a general pattern of expanding regulation and increasing public discourse, and a need for harmonization, collaboration, and high standards of care in support of ongoing animal-based activities.
The effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride and shade on blood metabolites of finishing beef steers.

The effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and shade were evaluated on blood metabolites and lung score in finishing beef steers (n = 480). Cattle were fed 0 or 8.33 mg/kg ZH for 21 d with a 3- or 4-d withdrawal before harvest and were housed in open or shaded pens. Blood samples and lung scores were collected the day before ZH was fed and on the day the cattle were shipped to the commercial abattoir. Lactate concentration was not different between cattle fed ZH in open or shaded pens (P = 0.12). Nonetheless, a tendency for a diet × time interaction was detected for lactate concentration (P = 0.09), in which it was greater in cattle fed the control diet in open pens before being fed ZH. Cortisol concentration was different before and after ZH was fed (P = 0.01) in that it was less after ZH was fed. Glucose was greater for cattle fed the control diet than cattle fed ZH for 21 d (P = 0.03). Cattle fed in open vs. shaded pens did not differ in glucose concentration (P = 0.12); whereas, glucose concentrations were greater before ZH was fed than after (P = 0.02). In contrast, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration was not different in response to diet (P = 0.24), housing type (P = 0.65), or before vs. after being fed ZH (P = 0.60). Lactate concentrations were not different across diet or shade treatments before ZH was fed, whereas after ZH, lactate concen­trations were greater in control cattle than cattle fed ZH. Additionally, cortisol was less after feeding ZH. Glucose was greater before than after feeding ZH.
The Impact of National Culture on Workplace Privacy Expectations in the Context of Information Security Assurance

Organizational leaders seek to establish a safe information environment, including perimeter controls against external threats and also internal controls to monitor for intentional or accidental internal threats. Are individuals who are more oriented toward individualistic perceptions more likely to reject or resent the use of such controls designed to facilitate organizational security? A related question is whether national culture, specifically the cultural environment within East Asian countries such as China, may promote a predominance of individuals who are more oriented toward collectivist or allocentric perceptions such that they may be more willing to relinquish some degree of individual privacy in order to increase overall organizational security. A large sample of working professionals in the insurance and other industries will be surveyed in China and in the United States to address these research questions, and the results will be presented and discussed at the conference.
Part I. Harmonic Majorants Part II. Nevanlinna and Hardy-Orlicz Classes

Part I. An inequality of the form u ≤ h, where u is subharmonic on a region Ω and h is harmonic on Ω, can be viewed as a growth condition on u. In this situation we call h a harmonic majorant for u.