cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Splenectomy in a child with chronic Mycobacterium avium complex infection and splenic sequestration

Mycobacterium avium complex infections (MAC) are being reported with increasing frequency in immunocompromised patients. When these infections become resistant to standard antibiotic therapy, treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) can be helpful. Pain, fever, splenic enlargement, and cytopenias caused by splenic sequestration developed during IFN-γ treatment in a 9-year-old boy and were successfully treated by splenectomy. The development of IFN-γ-induced splenic sequestration and cytopenias in MAC-infected patients represents a new indication for splenectomy.
Vanillin-based resin for use in composite applications

Lignin is an abundant, renewable material that has the potential to yield valuable, low molecular weight, single aromatic chemicals when strategically depolymerized. In order to generate a highly bio-based thermoset for use in polymer composites, a lignin-derived chemical, vanillin, was methacrylated in a two-step, one-pot synthesis to produce a vinyl ester resin (87 cP at 25 °C) with a 1 : 1 mole ratio of a mono-functional monomer, methacrylated vanillin, to cross-linking agent, glycerol dimethacrylate. The synthetic scheme was solventless, required little catalyst and moderate reaction temperatures while generating no by-products. Upon resin curing, a hard, transparent thermoset with a broad glass transition, Tg = 155 °C (based on the tan δ maximum), and a temperature of maximum decomposition rate, Tmax, of 426 °C was produced. Overall, a potentially 100% bio-based thermoset was synthesized possessing comparable thermo-gravimetric and thermo-mechanical properties to commercial vinyl ester-based thermosets.
Postfertilization poly(A) . protein complex formation on sea urchin maternal messenger RNA

A two-fold increase in polyadenylate [poly(A)] content occurs between fertilization and the two-cell stage in sea urchin zygotes. In this report the role of this cytoplasmic polyadenylation process in the provision of binding sites for poly(A)-associated proteins during early development of Lytechinus pictus is evaluated. Protein-associated poly(A) sequences, from ribonuclease-treated, post-mitochondrial supernatants of various developmental stages, were collected by nitrocellulose filtration and quantified by 3H-poly(U) complex formation. The proportion of protein-associated poly(A) rose from about 27% to about 60% of the total poly(A), on a nucleotide basis, during the period between fertilization and the eight-cell stage. However, the actual increase in number of poly(A) sequences associated with protein was more extensive, about 2.5-fold, since protein-associated poly(A) sequences average about 45 nucleotides longer than free poly(A). The protein-associated poly(A) of eggs and zygotes is found in two types of protease-sensitive complexes which sediment at 8--12 S and 15--20 S. The 8--12 S complex appears to be selectively increased in amount following fertilization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the poly(A) protein complex fraction indicates the presence of 87,000 and 130,000 molecular weight polypeptides in both eggs and zygotes. It is concluded that quantitative, but not qualitative, alterations in the proportion of protein-associated poly(A) accompanies post-fertilization cytoplasmic polyadenylation in sea urchin zygotes. The attachment of specific proteins to the 3' terminus of maternal RNA's may be involved in their subsequent activities during early embryogenesis.
HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY PRODUCED BY PARENTERAL 6-THIOGUANINE IN MAN IS DOSE AND SCHEDULE DEPENDENT AND HIGHLY VARIABLE IN SEVERITY: 104

HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY PRODUCED BY PARENTERAL 6-THIOGUANINE IN MAN IS DOSE AND SCHEDULE DEPENDENT AND HIGHLY VARIABLE IN SEVERITY: 104
Geochemical evidence for euxinia during the Late Devonian extinction events in the Michigan Basin (U.S.A.)

Abstract Several mass extinction events occurred in the Late Devonian, but the trigger for these events remains elusive. In this study, geochemical evidence in the Late Devonian Antrim Shale, Michigan Basin, U.S.A., records episodic euxinia contemporaneous with these extinction events. Diagnostic changes in iron proxy data and elevated trace metal enrichments correspond to the Kellwasser Crisis. In this study, carbon, sulfur, iron and trace metal geochemistry preserved in the Antrim Formation validates the establishment and expansion of euxinic conditions associated with the Kellwasser Crisis and the Frasnian–Famennian boundary. The strength of the sequential extraction iron mineral data presented here, in concert with trace metal and sulfur isotope proxies, provides definitive signatures of euxinia when other data may be more ambiguous in regard to paleoredox conditions. During the time of the Frasnian–Famennian boundary extensive sulfide oxidation at the chemocline, the result of Fe-limiting conditions within the basin, provides an alternative explanation for the oceanic decline in δ 34 S SO 4 during, and following, the Frasnian–Famennian event. Our geochemical evidence, indicating the presence of anoxia in the Michigan Basin, is consistent with data from other globally distributed locations. Euxinia should be considered a key driver for these global extinction events, and possibly others such as the Hangenberg Event in the Late Devonian.
Development and validation of a single robust HPLC method for the characterization of a pharmaceutical starting material and impurities from three suppliers using three separate synthetic routes

Abstract Novel approaches to the development of analytical procedures for monitoring incoming starting material in support of chemical/pharmaceutical processes are described. High technology solutions were utilized for timely process development and preparation of high quality clinical supplies. A single robust HPLC method was developed and characterized for the analysis of the key starting material from three suppliers. Each supplier used a different process for the preparation of this material and, therefore, each suppliers’ material exhibited a unique impurity profile. The HPLC method utilized standard techniques acceptable for release testing in a QC/manufacturing environment. An automated experimental design protocol was used to characterize the robustness of the HPLC method. The method was evaluated for linearity, limit of quantitation, solution stability, and precision of replicate injections. An LC-MS method that emulated the release HPLC method was developed and the identities of impurities were mapped between the two methods.
Assessment of a Problem-Centered Mathematics Program: Third Grade

Six classes received problem-centered mathematics instruction for 2 years in second and third grade. This instruction was generally reflective of a socioconstructivist theory of knowing and compatible with recommendations for reform in mathematics education. A class-by-instruction factorial design was used to compare students in problem-centered classes for 2 years with students in problemcentered classrooms for 1 year, and with students in textbook classes for 2 years on a standardized achievement test. In addition, classes using problem-centered instruction for 2 years were compared with students in problem-centered classes for 1 year on an instrument designed to assess students' conceptual development in arithmetic and an instrument developed to examine personal goals and beliefs about reasons for success in mathematics. The results of the analyses indicate that significant differences exist in arithmetic learning for students in problem-centered classes for 2 years on the standardized achievement test and the arithmetic test. The results indicate that after 2 years of instruction in reform-based classes, students score significantly higher on standardized measures of computational proficiency as well as conceptual understanding. Additionally, these students hold stronger beliefs about the importance of finding their own or different ways to solve problems.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of Austenitic Alloys in Supercritical Water

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the stress corrosion cracking behavior of austenitic alloys in pure supercritical water (SCW) and to gain a better understanding of the stress co...
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acitretin for the treatment of psoriasis.

Acitretin, the active metabolite of etretinate, has the clinical advantage of a much shorter terminal elimination half-life. We report the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acitretin (Soriatane) in 15 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Patients received 25 mg or 50 mg daily of acitretin or placebo in a double-blind fashion for 8 weeks and then were given 25 to 75 mg acitretin daily during an open study. Only two placebo patients completed the double-blind phase; one patient's psoriasis worsened, and one showed no significant change. All 15 patients then completed at least 8 weeks with 25 to 75 mg acitretin daily, with a moderate change in erythema, scaling, and induration (mean 28% to 37% improvement) but with minimal change in the percentage of body surface area involved. Prolonged treatment (≥20 weeks) with acitretin resulted in further significant improvement and a 44% reduction of involved surface area from baseline.
Aggression during learned-helplessness pretraining as a coping response.

Summary.-This study examined the effects of the opportunity to aggress during preuaining for learned helplessness. While rats individually given inescapable shock showed deficits in subsequent chain-pull escape, the performance of rats given inescapable shock in pairs did not differ from that of animals exposed to escapable shock or no shock. These results are interpreted as conuaty to the prediction of the learned-helplessness hypothesis and are consistent with the notion chat shock-induced aggression serves an adaptive function. The shock-induced aggression paradigm (Ulrich & Azrin, 1962) involves placing two rats in a small enclosure and presenting them with brief, inescapable electric shocks. Aggression is usually scored when the animals bite or "box" while in an upright posture. The validity of the laboratory definition of aggression is assumed on the basis that the laboratory behavior is topographically similar to ethologically defined aggressive behavior. However, even though the laboratory definition of shock-induced aggression is isomorphic with some naturalistic observations, the ethological meaningfulness of shock-induced aggression has been questioned (Denenberg, 1973). Denenberg (1973) argues that aggression is an ethologically meaningful behavior in that it is adaptive, species-specific, and rooted in the evolutionary behavior of the species. He contends that the critical aspect of aggression is the function of the behavior rather than the form. According to Denenberg, then, a demonstration of the functional similarity between laboratory indicants and naturally occurring aggression is necessary before the laboratory behavior
Equilibrium and nonequilibrium oxygen isotope effects in synthetic carbonates

Abstract A suite of divalent metal (Ca, Cd, Ba) carbonates was synthesized over the temperature range 10–40°C by the classical method of slowly bubbling N 2 through a bicarbonate solution. It was discovered that carbonates could be precipitated reproducibly in or out of isotopic equilibrium with the environmental solution by varying the concentrations of bicarbonate and cation. Precipitation rate had little or no influence on the isotopic composition of the product. Relatively high initial concentrations of up to 25 mM in both bicarbonate and cation were prepared by adding solid metal chlorides to solutions of NaHC0 3 . On the basis of results of equilibrium experiments and a new determination of the acid fractionation factor, a new expression is proposed for the oxygen isotope fractionation between calcite and water at low temperatures: 10001nα(Calcite-H 2 O) = 18.03(10 3 T −1 ) − 32.42 where α is the fractionation factor, and T is in kelvins. Combining new data for low-temperature precipitations and the high-temperature equilibrium fractionations published by O'Neil et al. (1969) results in a revised expression for the oxygen isotope fractionation between octavite (CdCO 3 ) and water from 0° to 500°C: 10001nα(CdC0P 3 H 2 O) = 2.7 6 (10 6 T −2 ) − 3.96 The ability to produce nonequilibrium carbonates allowed assessment to be made, for the first time, of the temperature dependence of nonequilibrium stable isotope fractionations in mineral systems. The temperature coefficients of a(carbonate-water) for nonequilibrium divalent metal carbonates are greater than those for equilibrium carbonates, a finding that may bear on the interpretation of analyses of biogenic carbonates forming out of isotopic equilibrium in nature. New determinations of acid fractionation factors (10001nα) at 25°C for calcite (10.44 − 0.10), aragonite (11.01 ± 0.01), and witherite (10.57 − 0.16) are mildly to strongly different from those published by Sharma and Clayton (1965) and point to a control on this fractionation by some physical property of the mineral. Reproducible values for octavite (CdC0 3 ) varied from 11.18 to 13.60 depending on the conditions of preparation of the carbonate. These new values need to be considered in determinations of absolute 18 80 16 60 ratios of international reference standards and in relating analyses of carbonates to those of waters, silicates, and oxides.
Télémédecine : pas de régime de responsabilité spécifique

Resume En matiere de telemedecine, le cadre juridique en vigueur apporte aux acteurs la visibilite et la securite indispensables a leurs actions sans contraindre leurs initiatives et sans qu’il soit necessaire de mettre en place pour cette nouvelle forme de pratique medicale un regime de responsabilite qui s’ecarte des principes de droit commun.
Coordination of short-term and long-term transmission maintenance scheduling in a deregulated system

We focus on coordination between long-term and short-term transmission maintenance scheduling. The time horizons and increments represent differences between short-term and long-term maintenance scheduling. Long-term maintenance scheduling determines the specific window for maintenance scheduling, and short-term maintenance scheduling determines proper maintenance hours within that window.
Cross‐cultural differences in evaluating product characteristics: motion pictures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse culture and its influence on the way people evaluate different movie characteristics such as budget, stars, being a sequel, and genre.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the moderating effect that two of Hofstede's cultural dimensions have on five important movie characteristics related to the ultimate success of a movie. Based on the recommendations and analytical framework provided by Sharma et al. moderated multiple regression was performed, followed by a subgroup analysis.Findings – The results indicate that the presence of stars and being a sequel are considered positive signals for the quality of a movie across cultures, associated with higher revenues only in countries with high uncertainty avoidance. Initial investments in a movie are important regardless of the culture of the audience. In terms of film genre, our results demonstrate in agreement with our expectations that drama as a genre is preferred in cultures with lower masculine ...
Motion picture watermarking via quantization of pseudo-random linear statistics

In this paper, we propose a semi-blind video watermarking scheme, where we use pseudo-random robust semi-global features of video in the spatially wavelet transform domain. We design the watermark sequence via solving an optimization problem, such that the features of the mark-embedded video are the quantized versions of the features of the original video. We use a novel approach in generating the watermark such that the temporal correlation within the video frames is reflected on the generated watermark. This is achieved by i) using a special weight distribution along the time axis ii) modifying the regularization step to reflect the temporal characteristic of the host. We experimentally show the robustness of our algorithm against temporal filtering attacks and at the same time show a common weakness in 3D transform based video mark embedding methods.
Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas

Pediatric low-grade gliomas encompass a heterogeneous set of tumors of different histologies. Cerebellar pilocytic astrocytomas occur most frequently followed by supratentorial diffuse fibrillary astrocytomas. Recent research has implicated activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway in tumorigenesis of these tumors. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy. Overall survival rates for patients whose tumors are completely resected are 90% or greater, 10 years from diagnosis. Conversely, most optic pathway/hypothalamic, deep midline, and brain stem gliomas have minimal potential for resection; these tumors can be difficult to treat and deserve special attention. Combination chemotherapy is currently recommended as front-line adjuvant treatment for progressive or recurrent tumors. Second-line radiotherapy can also improve overall survival but is associated with more frequent and significant neurocognitive, endocrine, and other long-term toxicities.
Glass electrode measurement of cerebrospinal fluid sodium and potassium.

Abstract A routine p h meter and accessories have been modified for measuring sodium and potassium by the glass electrode method. CSF sodium and potassium concentrations measured by both the glass electrode and flame photometer have been compared. The mean concentration of sodium and potassium as measured by the electrode was 143/2.4 and by the photometer, 145/2.7. The average γ csf Na+ + K+ was 0.745. The average aNa+ was 108.03, average aK+, 2.01. The relationship between the concentrations as determined by the electrode and photometer is expressed by the equation Y = 0.888 X + 14.35 ± 1.36 for sodium and Y = 0.980 X − 0.24 ± 0.21 for potassium.
Autosomal polymorphism due to pericentric inversions in the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and some evidence of somatic segregation.

The existence of extensive autosomal polymorphism due to pericentric inversions in a colony of deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, has been reported (Arakaki and Sparkes, personal communication). A background of intersubspecific hybridization was suspected to have contributed to the observed polymorphism. The present study describes findings on two separate subspecies, P. m. hollisteri and P. m. bairdii. Autosomal polymorphism existed within each subspecies. In P. m. bairdii, the two polymorphic autosomal pairs were identified. In one pair, a large subterminal element was homologous to an acrocentric of comparable size, while in the other pair, a small mediocentric and an acrocentric were homologous. Among splenic cells of animals made heteromorphic for the larger of the two autosomal pairs, the tendency toward reconstitution of homomorphic cell types was observed. This was taken as evidence of somatic segregation among immunologically competent cells.
Stress and couple-stress invariance in non-centrosymmetric micropolar planar elasticity

The stress-invariance problem for a chiral (non-centrosymmetric) micropolar material model is explored in two different planar problems: the in-plane and the anti-plane problems. This material model grasps direct coupling between the Cauchy-type and Cosserat-type (or micropolar) effects in Hooke’s law. An identical strategy of invariance is set for both problems, leading to a remarkable similarity in their results. For both problems, the planar components of stress and couple-stress undergo strong invariance, while their out-of-plane counterparts can only attain weak invariance, which restricts all compliance moduli transformations to a linear type. As an application, when heterogeneous (composite) materials are subjected to weak invariance, their effective (volume-averaged) compliance moduli undergo the same linear shift as that of the moduli of the local phases forming the material, independently of the microstructure, geometry and phase distribution. These analytical results constitute a valuable means to validate computational procedures that handle this particular type of material model.
The Occurrence of Clustering in the Recall of Randomly Arranged Words of Different Frequencies-Of-Usage

(1955). The Occurrence of Clustering in the Recall of Randomly Arranged Words of Different Frequencies-Of-Usage. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 83-95.
Proposition 13 and Effective Property Tax Rates

This article uses sales data and the entire property assessment roll to calculate the ratio of assessed value to market value for all taxed real estate in San Francisco in 1984. The object is to examine the distribution of effective rates of property taxation under the assessment system introduced in California in 1978 by voter initiative (Proposition 13). The estimated aggregate assessment ratio for the city is .55. Assessment ratios differ signifzcantly among and within property types, with average business and private homeowners paying lower rates than owners of multiple-unit dwellings. Within property classes, assessment ratios (and consequently, effective rates of property taxation) are shown to be inversely related to property values.
Automatic synthesis of graphical object descriptions

A technique is presented for automatically synthesizing graphical object descriptions from high-level specifications. The technique includes mechanisms for describing, selecting, and combining primitive elements of object descriptions. Underlying these mechanisms are a referential framework for describing information used in the construction of object descriptions and a computational model of the object-synthesis process.This technique has been implemented in two prototype systems to synthesize object descriptions in near-real time. One system creates graphical displays of information that resides in a conventional database. The other system is a computer graphicist's tool for creating backgrounds of complex, three-dimensional scenes.
The Application of MicrocelTM Column Flotation to Fine Coal Cleaning

Column flotation is widely recognized as providing an improved separation efficiency, primarily as a result of incorporating a froth washing mechansim to remove the entrained mineral matter. However, the use of columns has several shortcomings, including low throughput and plugging problems associated with bubble generators. To overcome some of these problems, a new column known as Microcel TM has been developed. It is based on using microbubbles in the range of 0.1–0.4 mm by employing static, in‐line mixers for bubble generation. The use of smaller air bubbles improves the probability of bubble‐particle collision and, hence, the flotation rate, allowing shorter columns to be used and reducing both air and energy consumption. In addition, the bubble generators are non-plugging, require no fresh water and are externally mounted for easy maintenance. In this communication, the underlying principles of this technology are presented with the test results obtained using laboratory, pilot‐scale, and full‐size c...
Intensive international Summer Schools in Global Distributed Software Development

Computer science graduates face unprecedented opportunities and unforeseen challenges in today's highly global economy. These students will have to work and to think with international perspectives and cultural awareness. In this paper, we report on our experiences organizing and teaching the Pacific Rim Summer Schools in Global Distributed Software Development. We describe the motivation for our focus, our summer school curricula and programs, provide information on the costs of organizing and running the summer schools, and examine the sustainability of our program. We conclude with a discussion of the role of such experiences in computer science curricula and in the education of American and international computer science professionals.
What is arrested hydrocephalus

Summary Complete spontaneous “arrest” of hydrocephalus occurs only rarely in infancy. Hydrocephalus in an infant has not become arrested unless head growth ceases or unless additional head growth proceeds not only at a normal rate but also within or close to a normal circumference range. If our aim is not simply to prolong life but to permit optimal brain growth and maturation wherever possible, mild degrees of progrerssive hydrocephalus must be treated definitively and as early as possible.
The ionization potential, electron affinity and energy gap of polyimide

Abstract The ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (EA) and energy gap ( E g ) of polyimide are estimated from molecular orbital (MO) computations using the AM1 method on model compounds. Their computed values are 8.5, 1.4 and 7.1 eV, respectively. Interestingly, it was found that the EA of polyimide is comparable to that of N-phenylphthalimide.
Growth and characterization of Cd 1−x Mg x Te thin films for possible application in high-efficiency solar cells

Expanded band gap ternary alloys, such as Cd 1−x Mg x Te, could be beneficial for formation of high-efficiency CdTe solar cells structures, such as multi-junction and electron reflector devices. Cd 1−x Mg x Te thin films were grown by side-by-side co-evaporation from CdTe and Mg precursors. Optical measurements reveal increased band gap with higher Mg incorporation and lateral band gap grading across the substrate. SEM imaging denotes a grain size decrease with Mg incorporation. XPS analysis indicates Mg directly replaces Cd in the film. TEC10/CdS/Cd 1−x Mg x Te structures with and without CdCl 2 treatment demonstrate photovoltaic diode behavior similar to typical CdS/CdTe devices. LBIC and QE measurements register grading consistent with band gap grading of the film. Although successful, refinement of Cd 1−x Mg x Te thin film co-evaporation is needed to improve spatial uniformity for large area deposition.
Persistent Focal Behavior and Physical Activity Performance

This article examines the proclivity and performance attributes of focal students across time and activities using data from 9,345 students. Three systematic focal behavior partitions are examined: Across activities, across time, and across activities and time. A student’s performance is focal if it ends in 0 or 5 for push-ups and 0 for curl-ups. Chi-square tests confirm that individual focal outcomes and systematic focal outcomes occur more frequently than random processes would suggest. In each instance, the only cell that is less populated than random processes would suggest is the one that exhibits no systematic focal behavior and the cell that exhibits the greatest deviation from expected is the full focal cell. Focal students outperform their peers on three activities at two assessments. Students with two-systematically focal outcomes have superior performance to students with no systematic focal outcomes but inferior performance to those with three or four focal outcomes.
Cysteine Scanning of CFTR’s First Transmembrane Segment Reveals Its Plausible Roles in Gating and Permeation

Previous cysteine scanning studies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel have identified several transmembrane segments (TMs), including TM1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, as structural components of the pore. Some of these TMs such as TM6 and 12 may also be involved in gating conformational changes. However, recent results on TM1 seem puzzling in that the observed reactive pattern was quite different from those seen with TM6 and 12. In addition, whether TM1 also plays a role in gating motions remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated CFTR’s TM1 by applying methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents from both cytoplasmic and extracellular sides of the membrane. Our experiments identified four positive positions, E92, K95, Q98, and L102, when the negatively charged MTSES was applied from the cytoplasmic side. Intriguingly, these four residues reside in the extracellular half of TM1 in previously defined CFTR topology; we thus extended our scanning to residues located extracellularly to L102. We found that cysteines introduced into positions 106, 107, and 109 indeed react with extracellularly applied MTS probes, but not to intracellularly applied reagents. Interestingly, whole-cell A107C-CFTR currents were very sensitive to changes of bath pH as if the introduced cysteine assumes an altered pKa-like T338C in TM6. These findings lead us to propose a revised topology for CFTR’s TM1 that spans at least from E92 to Y109. Additionally, side-dependent modifications of these positions indicate a narrow region (L102-I106) that prevents MTS reagents from penetrating the pore, a picture similar to what has been reported for TM6. Moreover, modifications of K95C, Q98C, and L102C exhibit strong state dependency with negligible modification when the channel is closed, suggesting a significant rearrangement of TM1 during CFTR’s gating cycle. The structural implications of these findings are discussed in light of the crystal structures of ABC transporters and homology models of CFTR.
Identification and Growth Mechanism of ZnS Nanoparticles with Mixed Cubic and Hexagonal Stacking

Nano-ZnS with mixed cubic and hexagonal stacking was synthesized via reaction of zinc acetate with thioacetamide in a weakly acidic solution, while nano-ZnS in primarily the sphalerite phase was synthesized in a basic solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the nanoparticle structures. The formation of nano-ZnS with mixed stacking was simulated numerically by generation of ZnS nanoparticles via random cubic and hexagonal stacking of the close packing layers. The numerically simulated stacking distribution is determined by the ratio of the probability of cubic vs hexagonal stacking. XRD patterns of ZnS nanoparticles with mixed stacking were simulated by using Debye function analysis. The wurtzite (102) peak is absent whereas the wurtzite (103) peak is present in nano-ZnS with mixed stacking, matching features of XRD results for synthesized ZnS. We conclude that crystallization of ZnS nanoparticles with mixed stacking occurs via a growth mechanism in ...
Sterol Intermediates of Cholesterol Biosynthesis Inhibit Hair Growth and Trigger an Innate Immune Response in Cicatricial Alopecia

Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a group of inflammatory hair disorders that cause scarring and permanent hair loss. Previous studies have implicated PPARγ, a transcription factor that integrates lipogenic and inflammatory signals, in the pathogenesis of PCA. However, it is unknown what triggers the inflammatory response in these disorders, whether the inflammation is a primary or secondary event in disease pathogenesis, and whether the inflammatory reaction reflects an autoimmune process. In this paper, we show that the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway is impaired in the skin and hair follicles of PCA patients. Treatment of hair follicle cells with BM15766, a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor, or 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), a sterol precursor, stimulates the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokine genes. Painting of mouse skin with 7-DHC or BM15766 inhibits hair growth, causes follicular plugging and induces the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the interfollicular dermis. Our results demonstrate that cholesterologenic changes within hair follicle cells trigger an innate immune response that is associated with the induction of toll-like receptor (TLR) and interferon (IFN) gene expression, and the recruitment of macrophages that surround the hair follicles and initiate their destruction. These findings reveal a previously unsuspected role for cholesterol precursors in PCA pathogenesis and identify a novel link between sterols and inflammation that may prove transformative in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
A heuristic method for the multi-story layout problem

In this paper we present a heuristic procedure designed expressly for solving a large layout problem in a multi-story setting, where the objective is to minimize total fixed and interaction costs. This is achieved by decomposing the original facilities layout problem into several similar but smaller problems, thus enabling solution of problems with as many as 150 facilities in reasonable time. Some of the novel features of the procedure described are the use of a heuristic K-median subroutine to obtain groupings of facilities, and a simple and fast exchange-improvement method. Computational results for randomly generated problems compare the effectiveness of this method with the space planning heuristic method of Liggett and Mitchell.
Long repetition time experiments for measurement of concentrations in systems with chemical exchange and undergoing temporal variation-comparison of methods with and without correction for saturation.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to compare two methods for quantifying metabolite concentrations using the one-pulse experiment for a sample undergoing chemical exchange and subject to an intervention or other temporal variation. The methods, LATR-C (Long Acquisition TR (interpulse delay); Corrected for partial saturation) and LATR-NC (Long Acquisition TR; Not Corrected), are compared in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, SNR, per unit time and quantitation errors. Parameters relevant to the isolated perfused rat heart are used as a specific application, although the results are general. We assume throughout that spin–lattice relaxation times, T1, do not change. For a given flip angle, θ, TR’s are calculated which result in maximal SNR per unit time under 10%, 5%, and 1% constraints on quantitation errors. Additional simulations were performed to demonstrate explicitly the dependence of the quantitation errors on TR for a fixed θ. We find (i) if the allowed error is large, and when both metabolite concentrations and rate constants vary, LATR-C permits use of shorter TR, and hence yields greater SNR per unit time, than LATR-NC; (ii) for small allowed error, the two methods give similar TR’s and SNR per unit time, so that the simpler LATR-NC experiment may be preferred; (iii) large values of θ result in similar constrained TR’s and hence SNR per unit time for the two methods; (iv) the ratio of concentrations of metabolites with similar T1 exhibit similar errors for the two methods.
Complexes of the rare earths—II: N,N′-ethylenediamine-diacetic acid

Step-wise stoicheiometric formation constants have been determined for the rare earths (including yttrium) with N,N′-ethylenediaminediacetic acid. The measurements have been made in aqueous solutions of ionic strength μ = 0·1 (KNO3) and a temperature of 25°C. The data have been interpreted in terms of 1:1 and 2:1 chelates. Trends in the values of log K1 and log K2 are discussed and compared with similar values for other aminopolycarboxylate complexes. It is further shown that the values of log K2 are of such a magnitude as to suggest that the rare-earth ions exhibit a co-ordination number larger than six.
Investigations of the Role of Iron in Chlorophyll Metabolism I. Effect of Iron Deficiency on Chlorophyll and Heme Content and on the Activities of Certain Enzymes in Leaves

For over 100 years it has been known that iron is essential for the growth of higher plants and that it is involved in some manner with chlorophyll metabolism. Iljin (17,18,19) demonstrated that iron deficiency in plants resulted in decreased dry weight, salt, and protein nitrogen contents and increased contents of amino and organic acids. Extensive studies (8, 9, 25, 33) have confirmed Iljin's observations, but despite the keen interest in iron chlorosis, no clear evidence of the precise role of iron in chlorophyll metabolism has been obtained. Evans (11) and DeKock et al. (7) found a positive correlation between the iron content of the nutrient medium and the chlorophyll and heme contents of leaves. The activities of enzymes containing heme prosthetic groups, including catalase, peroxidase, and cytochrome oxidase, have been reported (7,11, 33) to be less in iron-deficient than in normal tissues. There is no evidence for a direct role of the heme enzymes in chlorophyll metabolism; however, there is strong evidence that the porphyrin moieties of heme and chlorophyll are formed by the same biosynthetic system (2). The fact that the activities of heme-containing enzymes and the contents of both heme and chlorophyll in leaves are influenced in a similar manner by the iron content of nutrient solutions that some step in chlorophyll and heme synthesis is dependent on an adequate iron supply. Studies (22, 32) on porphyrin biosynthesis by microorganisms and animals have provided evidence suggesting a role of iron in this process. Small amounts of iron (32) have been reported to stimulate porphyrin and heme formation in the blood of irondeficient ducks. According to Lascelles (22) the formation of porphyrins in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides also is stimulated by iron additions. Studies show that insufficient iron results in a decreased rate of conversion of coproporphyrinogen III to protoporphyrin (23,28). Thus iron appears to be important in porphyrin metabolism in several types of organisms. Our experiments were initiated in an effort to identify in iron-deficient plants metabolic abnormalities that may be related directly or indirectly to chlorophyll metabolism. Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the iron supply on the activities of certain enzymes and on the content of heme and protoporphyrin in leaves. The postulation was tested that the activities of PPNR5 and of cytochromes are decreased by iron deficiency, thus decreasing the energy supply which may be involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis (24).
TERRESTRIAL LOCOMOTION WITHOUT LIMBS

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the aid of the National Science Foundation (NSF G-9054) which supports my studies. Grants from Sigma-Xi RESA and the Bache Fund of the National Academy of Sciences permitted me to pursue field work. The New York Zoological Society through the courtesy of H. Dowling and H. Knobloch assisted with the loan of motion pictures, in particular the footage shot for their movie, "The Locomotion of Snakes," prepared under the direction of James A. Oliver, and many friends put me in their debt by discussing aspects of the present problem. Walter Bock, Charles M. Bogert, John C. Dalton, D. Dwight Davis, Wilfred T. Neill, M. Graham Netting, Ernest E. Williams and my wife took the trouble of furnishing detailed comments on the manuscript. 1 Limitations of space and the organization of this symposium restrict this analysis, first to vertebrates, and secondly to terrestrial forms. I thus omit swim? ming not only by actually or functionally limbless fish, but also by snakes and lizards (aquatic mam? mals and birds are neither actually nor functionally limbless), flight (or gliding) by snakes, and various mechanisms of primary use for burrowing or the excavation of tunnels. 1959, 1960; Cowles, 1956; Mosauer, 1930) have considered details regarding mechanism or function of single types of move? ment. In spite of this resurgence of attention, there remain many questions (cf Klauber, 1956), and a summary statement can be justified only if designed as the basis for additional investigation. The literature deals essentially with four methods of terrestrial limbless locomotion
Active transport of D-mannose in the small intestine.

Abstract A low capacity active transport system for D-mannose is uncovered in the isolated small intestine of the frog. The active transport is sodium dependent and is inhibited by 10 −5 M ouabain.
Distance education: basic resources guide

The past two decades have witnessed the rapid developments in distance education. Though debates surrounding issues related to distance education have yet abated, more and more institutions, entrepreneurs, educators, and learners embrace distance education with the aid of improved information technologies. The present guide introduces the historical development, major theories, and leading agencies and organizations associated with the discipline. Furthermore, it provides an annotated selection of resources including periodicals, books and monographs, and Internet sites. Though emphasis is placed on representative resources and information of distance education of the USA, important international resources are also analytically introduced.
Competition between Keratella cochlearis and Daphnia ambigua : effects of temporal patterns of food supply

SUMMARY. 1. Population growth rates and relative competitive abilities of the rotifer Keratella cochlearis f. tecta and the small-bodied cladoceran Daphnia ambigua were studied under different schedules of food addition but equal total food quantity (per 4-day interval). The initial population growth rate of Keratella was significantly affected by the feeding schedule and by the presence of competitors, while that of Daphnia was affected by neither factor. Population densities of both species tended to increase as the frequency of food addition increased. 2. Daphnia suppressed and excluded Keratella from mixed-species cultures when food was provided intermittently at a high concentration, but it failed to exclude the rotifer when food was provided in a near-continuous supply at low concentration. Keratella had only a minor suppressive effect on Daphnia in all mixed-species treatments. 3. Starvation experiments indicate that Daphnia is able to withstand food shortages for significantly longer periods of time than Keratella. These and other results indicate that the outcome of interspecific competition between these species may be influenced by me frequency and concentration at which food is supplied. Daphnia ambigua is competitively superior to K. cochlearis when food is concentrated or ‘pulsed’, but much less so when ambient food levels are chronically low. Patterns of food availability may have important effects in determining the relative abundance of rotifers and small cladocerans in natural zooplankton communities.
PEDF Deficient Mice Exhibit an Enhanced Rate of Retinal Vascular Expansion and Are More Sensitive to Hyperoxia-Mediated Vessel Obliteration

Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. However, its physiological role during vascular development and neovascularization remains elusive. Here we investigated the role of PEDF in normal postnatal vascularization of retina and retinal neovascularization during oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) using PEDF-deficient (PEDF-/-) mice. The beta-galactosidase staining of eye sections from PEDF-/- mice confirmed the expression pattern of endogenous PEDF previously reported in mouse retina. However, strongest staining was observed in the retinal outer plexiform layer. Retinal trypsin digests indicated that the ratio of endothelial cells (EC) to pericytes (PC) was significantly higher in PEDF-/- mice compared to wild type (PEDF+/+) mice at postnatal day 21 (P21). This was mainly attributed to increased numbers of EC in the absence of PEDF. There was no significant difference in the number of PC. We observed an increased rate of proliferation in retinal vasculature of PEDF-/- mice, which was somewhat compensated for by an increase in the rate of apoptosis. Staining of the retinal wholemounts and eye frozen sections indicated postnatal retinal vascularization expansion occurred at a faster rate in the absence of PEDF, and was more prominent at early time points (prior to P21). The retinal vascularization in PEDF+/+ mice reaches that of PEDF-/- mice such that no significant difference in vascular densities was observed by P42. Lack of PEDF had a minimal effect on the regression of hyaloid vasculature and VEGF levels. PEDF-/- mice also exhibited enhanced sensitivity to hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration during OIR compared to PEDF+/+ mice despite higher levels of VEGF. However, there was no significant difference in the degree of retinal neovascularization. Our studies indicate that PEDF is an important modulator of early postnatal retinal vascularization and in its absence retinal vascularization proceeds at a faster rate and is more susceptible to hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration.
Coping with the Complexities of Informed Consent in Dermatologic Surgery

Few medico-legal issues have generated as much controversy as informed consent--the right of patients to be fully informed about the risks, complications, and alternatives to a medical treatment or surgical procedure before deciding whether or not to submit to it. This paper discusses the complexities inherent in the legal doctrine of informed consent and their implications for dermatologic surgery. Particular emphasis is placed on the legal requirements for informed consent, as well as the problems associated with informing patients and their potential solutions.
193 INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS ARE NOT RELATED TO DURATION OF INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITORING

We retrospectively reviewed intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors to determine whether infectious complications occur most frequently at the time of monitor insertion, or increase with duration of monitoring. Seventy two ICP monitors in 65 children with acute brain injuries were reviewed. Monitoring was carried out for 7 days or longer in more than half the cases (range 1–28 days). Nine infections (positive monitor surveillance cultures) occurred on days 2–11. The risk of a subsequent infection rose from an initial 1.5 infections/100 subsequent monitor-days to a high of 1.9 infections/100 subsequent monitor-days on day 6, and progressively diminished after day 6. For monitors remaining in place and uninfected, the percent with a subsequent infection was highest in the first 2 days and diminished thereafter. If a distinction is made between monitor colonization (positive monitor surveillance culture, patient afebrile, no CSF pleocytosis) vs. patient infection (fever, CSF pleocytosis), only 8.3% of monitors overall, and only 4.9% of monitors in non-craniotomy patients caused infection. These observations suggest that introduction of infection occurs at the time of monitor insertion. Routine reinsertion of a new monitor might increase risk by re-exposing the patient to contamination at the time of insertion. An indwelling ICP monitor should be used as long as necessary with reinsertion of a new monitor only if a malfunction or positive surveillance culture occurs.
Adaptation, consistency and beyond: II. An integral account

Abstract This is the second of two articles presenting a joint analysis of the adaptation and consistency effects. The first article emphasized that these two effects are related, essentially reciprocal phenomena that can best be accounted for in terms of practice. This second article, through a language-based analysis of the reading material used in the study, extends the integration achieved in the first article by identifying linguistic stress as the major dimension through which the effect of practice finds expression.