cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intergalactic matter

Der Begriff «intergalaktische Materie» wird genau definiert. Eine vom Verfasser vor langerer Zeit ausgearbeitete Theorie fuhrt zum Resultat, das solche Materie nicht nur existieren mus, sondern das die in ihr verkorperte Gesamtmasse im jetzt erforschbaren Teil des Weltalls mit der in den extragalaktischen Nebeln (Sternsytemen) enthaltenen Gesamtmasse vergleichbar ist. Die neuesten mit den grosen Schmidt-Teleskopen gemachten Beobachtungen bestatigen diese Voraussagen. Das Auftreten leuchtender intergalaktischer Materie (hauptsachlich Einzelsterne und sehr ausgedehnte Sternschwarme) wurde bis jetzt insbesondere in der weiteren Umgebung unserer Milchstrase, sodann in den grosen Raumen zwischen den Mitgliedern kleiner Nebelgruppen und endlich in den ungeheuer ausgedehnten Regionen der grosen extragalaktischen Nebelhaufen festgestellt. Anstrengungen, intergalaktische Staub- und Gaswolken zu identifizieren, haben noch keinen bestimmten Erfolg erzielt. Auf Grund der oben erwahnten Entdeckungen wird die mittlere Dichte der Materie in dem uns bekannten Teil des Weltalls auf 10−27 bis 10−26 Gramm/Kubikzentimeter geschatzt.
Uncovering a delicate balance between endonuclease RNase III and ribosomal protein S15 in E. coli ribosome assembly.

Abstract The bacterial ribosomal protein S15 is located in the platform, a functional region of the 30S ribosomal subunit. While S15 is critical for in vitro formation of E. coli small subunits (SSUs), it is dispensable for in vivo biogenesis and growth. In this work, a novel synergistic interaction between rpsO, the gene that encodes S15, and rnc (the gene that encodes RNase III), was uncovered in E. coli. RNase III catalyzes processing of precursor ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcripts and thus is involved in functional ribosome subunit maturation. Strains lacking S15 (ΔrpsO), RNase III (Δrnc) or both genes were examined to understand the relationship between these two factors and the impact of this double deletion on rRNA processing and SSU maturation. The double deletion of rpsO and rnc partially alleviates the observed cold sensitivity of ΔrpsO alone. A novel 16S rRNA precursor (17S∗ rRNA) that is detected in free 30S subunits of Δrnc is incorporated in 70S-like ribosomes in the double deletion. The stable accumulation of 17S∗ rRNA suggests that timing of processing events is closely coupled with SSU formation events in vivo. The double deletion has a suppressive effect on the cell elongation phenotype of ΔrpsO. The alteration of the phenotypes associated with S15 loss, due to the absence of RNase III, indicates that pre-rRNA processing and improvement of growth, relative to that observed for ΔrpsO, are connected. The characterization of the functional link between the two factors illustrates that there are redundancies and compensatory pathways for SSU maturation.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the 2020 Elections

The novel coronavirus upended political campaigns and election administration in 2020. Responses to both the pandemic and to public health recommendations to limit its spread polarized along partisan lines, with Republican candidates largely campaigning as they normally would and Democrats moving their campaigns largely online. This asymmetry benefitted Republicans and harmed Democrats. Many states also altered their election procedures in response to the coronavirus, with the goal of lessening the risk to voters and poll workers. These efforts were successful to the extent that turnout was the highest it had been in a century. But an unintended result of these changes was that they became part of the false narrative propagated by Donald Trump and some of his supporters that the 2020 elections were somehow illegitimate, leading many Republican-controlled states to explore tightening access to the ballot box.
Impact-Induced Delaminations in Thermoset and Thermoplastic Composites

Laminated fiber-reinforced composites are engineering materials with many desirable properties including high stiffness and strength. However, the lack of fiber reinforcement in the through-thickness direction makes composite laminates vulnerable to foreign object impact loading. Transverse impact loading can lead to a variety of damages including matrix cracking, delamination and fiber breakage. Delaminations can reduce the strength of a laminate, especially the compressive strength after impact. Impact loading typically causes multiple delaminations that vary in size and shape by depth location. The fracture behavior of impact damages has been a topic of extensive research [1]. Recently significant advances have been made in the area of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of impact damages in composites. For example, ultrasound is used to map out the details of impact-induced delaminations with ply-by-ply resolution [2].
The Dynamical Prediction of Wind Tides on Lake Erie

Lake Erie is an enclosed, shallow sea with approximate mean dimensions of 60 feet in depth, 240 miles in length, and 40 miles in width. It is located in the region of confluence of the principal winter-time tracks associated with Alberta and Colorado lows, and therefore is exposed to wind action from severe cyclonic storms many of which reach their full intensity while well within range of influence upon the Lake. The associated wind tides are well known and in extreme cases have produced wind set-up in excess of 13 feet difference between Buffalo and Toledo at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis.
Involutions in Chevalley groups over fields of even order

Let G = G(q) be a Chevalley group defined over a field Fq of characteristic 2. In this paper we determine the conjugacy classes of involutions in Aut(G) and the centralizers of these involutions. This study was begun in the context of a different problem.
Genetic and cytological analyses of four partial-sterile mutants in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

Soybean partial-sterile mutant 1 (PS-1) was recovered from a transposon tagging study. The objectives were to study the inheritance, linkage, allelism, and reproductive biology of PS-1 mutant. For inheritance and linkage tests, PS-1 was crossed to Harosoy-w^, and to chlorophyll-deficient mutant, CD-I, also recovered from the tagging study. For allelism tests, reciprocal crosses were made with PS-1 and three other partial-sterile mutants (PS-2, PS-3, and PS-4) recovered from the same transposon tagging study. Linkage results indicated that the gene for partial sterility in PS-1 is not linked either to the W4 locus or to the CD-I locus. The PS-1 mutant is a single-gene recessive and is inherited in a 3:1 ratio. Allelism tests showed that the gene in PS-1 is nonallelic to the gene in PS-2, PS-3, and PS-4. Investigations of microsporogenesis and pollen staining indicated no differences in morphology, stainability or fluorescence between normal and partial-sterile genotypes. The PS-1 mutant is male fertile. Megagametogenesis indicated that early embryo abortion in PS-1
Socrates and Democratic Athens: The Story of the Trial in its Historical AndLegal Contexts

Abstract: Socrates was both a loyal citizen (by his own lights) and a critic of the democratic community's way of doing things. This led to a crisis in 339 B.C. In order to understand Socrates' and the Athenian community's actions (as reported by Plato and Xenophon) it is necessary to understand the historical and legal contexts, the democratic state's commitment to the notion that citizens are resonsible for the effects of their actions, and Socrates' reasons for preferring to live in Athens rather than in states that might (by his lights) have had substantively better legal systems.
Chapter 18 Neural Induction

Publisher Summary This chapter examines methods that are used to address questions about the ability of ectoderm to respond to neural induction signals (competence) and the possible sources of neural induction signals and their modes of delivery. Neural induction can be divided into two very broad and interrelated sets of events. First, ectoderm, the tissue normally induced to become neural, must have the ability to respond to neural-inducing signals. This ability is defined as having “neural competence.” The second event necessary for neural induction includes the interactions or signals, both cellular and molecular, causing competent ectoderm to follow a neural pathway. These interactions may include a series of events during which ectodermal cells become committed to a neural pathway and, finally, committed to becoming distinct tissue types within the neural pathway. Signals imitating neural induction are described in the chapter. Signals initiating neural plate formation and subsequent regional specialization during early development are often referred to as inductive signals. Experimental evidence from several laboratories suggests that many signaling events are involved in the neural induction process.
Neuro-ophthalmology of type 1 Chiari malformation

Chiari malformation is a congenital deformity leading to herniation of cerebellar tonsils. Headache is a typical symptom of this condition, but patients with Chiari malformation often present with double vision and vertigo. Examination of eye movements in such patients often reveals nystagmus and strabismus. Eye movement deficits in the context of typical symptomatic presentation are critical clinical markers for the diagnosis of Chiari malformation. We will review eye movement deficits that seen in patients with type 1 Chiari malformation. We will then discuss the underlying pathophysiology and therapeutic options for such deficits.
Forensic "lie detection": Procedures without scientific basis

Abstract This paper provides a critical overview of the scientific status of the control question test (CQT), the type of polygraph test most likely to be used in forensic settings. The CQT is based on an implausible set of assumptions that makes it biased against innocent individuals and easy for guilty persons to defeat using countermea-sures. Due to serious methodological problems that characterize research on CQT validity, it is not possible to use the existing literature to provide a satisfactory error rate estimate. Scientists, including members of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and APA Fellows, hold negative views about the CQT. They do not believe that it is based on sound theory, that it has adequate psychometric properties, or that it should be used as evidence in court.
Evaluation of in vivo rotator cuff muscle function after acute and chronic detachment of the supraspinatus tendon: an experimental study in an animal model.

BACKGROUND Surgical repair of large chronic rotator cuff tears can be technically demanding because it requires manipulation of a muscle-tendon unit that is scarred, retracted, and stiffer than normal, all of which contribute to increased tension at the repair site. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the in vivo rotator cuff muscle-tendon unit function after acute and chronic injury at surgically relevant preload tensions. METHODS Sixty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a healthy, uninjured (control) group (n = 22), an acute injury group (n = 20), and a chronic injury group (n = 20) and underwent in vivo muscle force testing and electromyographic testing of the supraspinatus muscle-tendon unit at various preload tensions. RESULTS Preload tension affected the maximum supraspinatus muscle contractile force in all groups (p < 0.05). At the peak tension required to repair an acute tear, there was a 28% to 30% reduction in maximum tetanic contraction amplitude in all groups (p < 0.05). At the peak tension required to repair a chronic tear, there was a 40% to 53% reduction in maximal tetanic contraction amplitude in all groups (p < 0.05). The uninjured (control) group showed increased muscle endurance (p < 0.05) in comparison with the acute injury and chronic injury groups at all preload tensions. The chronic injury group showed reduced compound motor action potential amplitude (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both the acute and chronic injury groups demonstrated functional impairment related to increasing preload tensions. Higher repair tensions, associated with the chronic injury setting, resulted in greater functional impairment. The present study also demonstrates an association between increased time from rotator cuff tendon injury and impaired in vivo rotator cuff muscle electromyographic findings.
A comparison of the intracellular distribution of μ-calpain, m-calpain, and calpastatin in proliferating human A431 cells☆

Little is known about the relative intracellular localizations of the calcium-dependent proteases, calpains, and their naturally occurring inhibitor, calpastatin. In the present study, the intracellular localization of mu-calpain, m-calpain, and calpastatin was studied at the light microscopic level in proliferating A431 cells. Highly specific antibodies against the three antigens revealed distinct staining patterns in interphase and mitotic cells. Most notably, calpastatin in interphase cells was localized near the nucleus in tube-like, or large granular structures, while the calpains were more uniformly distributed through the cytoplasm in either a fibrillar form (mu-calpain) or a diffuse or fine granular form (m-calpain). The distribution patterns of the two calpain isozymes were distinctly different during mitosis. m-Calpain was concentrated at the mitotic spindle poles and midbody, while mu-calpain appeared to accumulate at the cell membrane and the spindles. Four other human cell lines as well as normal human monocytes were examined to determine if the calpains-calpastatin segregation patterns are common to other cells or are unique to the A431 line. With the exception of abundant nuclear mu-calpain in the C-33A cervical carcinoma, the segregation of the proteins was similar to that of A431. These studies indicate that calpains may be localized at regions which are relatively poor in calpastatin content. Proteins at these sites may be susceptible to calpain-catalyzed cleavage.
Theory of Collective Oscillation of Electrons in Solids

A general formulation of the collective oscillation of electtons in solids are developed to take into account fully effects of ion-core potential; Based on the second quantized scheme of the many-body .system, die collective component of density fluctuation is examined carefully and it is shown that we can define a set of the collective normal c:CHil"Ciinates under the specified conditions. In Section 3, the many-electton Hamiltonian is transformed into the Hamiltonian of the collective field and of the electtons With a modified electron-electton interaction and the intetaction Hamiltoliian between the collective field and the electtons. In Section 4, we derive the formula of the generalized " plasma " frequency and that of the dispetsion relation. Recent ·developments of experimental studies of the scattering of fast electrons by thin solid films have made it possible to observe the energy spectrum of scattered electrons with extremely high energy-resolution. The spectrum consists of several lines, of which higher order lines appear to be multiples of a fundamental one. Since the line width is fairly narrow, it seems very hard to interpret the result in terms of single electron excita­ tion through the inter-band transitionsY Thus, Bohm and Pines91 have suggested a possible interpretation in terms of the excitation of a . collective oscillation in solids by the interloper electrons. The fundamental nature of the collective oscillation of electrons in metals has been studied theoretically by Pines.3> As the Bohm-Pines theory dealt with the free electron system, many efforts•>,?> have been forwarded for the extension of the Bohm-Pines theory to take into account the effects of the periodic potential- of atomic cores. The purpose of this paper is to present a general formulation of the collective motion of electrons. in solids, based on the realistic physical picture that the collective motion in solids is due to the density :fluctuation of electrons. So far all of the works on the present subject have used the canonical transformation method, which has restrictive limi­ tation in the application, to formulate the present ·problem. In the canonical transformation method, at first place one has to write down a Hamiltonian that describes the motion of the electrons and an auxiliary " plasma " field, then one tries .to show this Hamiltonian is formally equivalent to the real Hamiltonian of the .. many-electron. s~ und~ some subsidiary condition. This procedure can be
Lesser Tuberosity Avulsions in Adolescents

Background Subscapularis tendon avulsions of the lesser tuberosity are relatively rare and often missed acutely and their characteristic appearance is frequently not recognized or is misinterpreted for an osteochondroma or a neoplastic process.
The 17-KeV neutrino

Abstract A controversy over the possible existence of a 17 keV mass state coupled to the electron neutrino occurred during the period 1985–1993. A number of independent experiments found evidence for this state in nuclear decay spectra, while others did not. Ultimately a consensus that the 17 keV neutrino does not exist was reached. We review and evaluate the experiments that reported evidence for and against the 17 keV neutrino, and discuss the various issues of experimental systematics that contributed to the development and resolution of the controversy. We attempt to distill the lessons learned from this experience and draw some general conclusions that are relevant to future research.
Predicting the development of diabetic nephropathy and its progression

Diabetes remains the number one cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Only about one third of diabetic patients develop nephropathy, and the risk appears to be, in part, genetically determined. In this article, we review clinical and genetic markers for the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Microalbuminuria remains the best available predictor of the subsequent development of nephropathy, even though in recent years it has become clear that less than 50% of individuals with type 1 diabetes progress to overt proteinuria over a period of less than 10 years. It is of great interest for early recognition of risk of nephropathy that small elevations in nighttime blood pressure predict microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes. Genetic markers for diabetic nephropathy have not been conclusively identified. The occurrence of renal events in diabetic patients, however, appears to be influenced by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotype, with a dominant deleterious effect of the D allele (D/D or I/D) versus I/I genotype. Some patients with the DD genotype also appear less susceptible to the renoprotective effects of conventional doses of ACE inhibitors, suggesting that ACE genotyping might be useful in selecting those patients that could benefit from higher doses of ACE inhibitors and more aggressive treatment to prevent or delay disease progression.
The dynamics and thermodynamics of precipitation loading

A one-dimensional, time-dependent numerical cloud model is used to analyze the factors in the dynamic and thermodynamic equations which lead to a steady-state or nonsteady-state solution for the cloud vertical motion, buoyancy, precipitation, and cloud water fields. ‘Bulk water’ microphysical techniques are used for the cloud, rain, and hail variables. An atmospheric sounding from a severe storm situation is used as initial and environmental conditions, yielding model updrafts of 40 m sec−1 maximum and more than 10 m sec−1 over the entire cloud region.
Use of the pharyngeal flap in the treatment of congenital velopharyngeal incompetence

Seventy-four patients were referred to the senior author because of presumed velopharyngeal incompetence without cleft palate. As a result of an extensive preoperative evaluation that included assessment of articulation patterns, nasal emission, oronasal resonance, and general speech intelligibility, 57 of the 74 patients were selected for a pharyngeal flap procedure. In 54 of the 57 patients (95 percent), the operation corrected inappropriate nasal emission and hypernasality and improved intraoral air pressure to allow normal speech production.
Photosynthetic characteristics of marine phytoplankton from pump-during-probe fluorometry of individual cells at sea.

Background: Active fluorescence techniques are becoming commonly used to monitor the state of the photosynthetic apparatus in natural populations of phytoplankton, but at present these are bulk water measurements that average all the fluorescent material in each sample. Here we describe two instruments that combine individual-cell “pump-during-probe” (PDP) measurements of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence induction, on the time scale of 30 to 100 μs, with flow cytometric or visual characterization of each cell. Methods: In the PDP flow cytometer, we measure Chl fluorescence yield as a function of time during a 150 μs excitation flash provided by an argon ion laser; each particle is subsequently classified as in a conventional flow cytometer. In the PDP microfluorometer, individual cells in a sample chamber are visually identified, and fluorescence excitation is provided by a blue light-emitting diode that can be configured to provide a saturating flash and also a subsequent series of short flashlets. This sequence allows both saturation and relaxation kinetics to be monitored. Results: Phytoplankton from natural samples and on-deck iron-enrichment incubation experiments in the Southern Ocean were examined with each PDP instrument, providing estimates of the potential quantum yield of photochemistry and the functional absorption cross section for photosystem 2, for either individuals (for cells larger than a few micrometers) or populations (for smaller cells). Conclusions: Results from initial field applications indicate that single-cell PDP measurements can be a powerful tool for investigating the nutritional state of phytoplankton cells and the regulation of phytoplankton growth in the sea. Cytometry 37:1–13, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of feed and water withdrawal on green liver discoloration, serum triglycerides, and hemoconcentration in turkeys.

Abstract Turkey poults at 1 d of age were obtained from a local hatchery (Experiment 1), or at 14 wk of age from a local grower (Experiment 2), and kept in floor pens with feed and water available for ad libitum consumption. When the turkeys reached 16 wk of age (Experiment 1) and 18 wk of age (Experiment 2), the treatments were established within a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and consisted of ad libitum consumption of feed and water (control), or feed, water, or both feed and water withdrawal. In Experiment 1, 1 turkey per pen, 6 turkeys per treatment, were killed every 4 h for 32 h, and in Experiment 2, 10 turkeys per treatment were killed at 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, and 54 h after feed, or water, or both had been withdrawn. The turkeys were bled at sampling times 16 and 32 h in Experiment 1 and at each sampling time in Experiment 2. Serum was collected and hematological and clinical chemistries performed. The turkeys were examined for green liver discoloration and turkey osteomyelitis complex lesions. Withdrawal of feed, water, or both feed and water for up to 54 h did not affect the incidence of green liver discoloration in these studies. Serum triglyceride concentrations were the most sensitive blood constituent to either water or feed withdrawal, with reductions (P ≤ 0.05) occurring at 16 h after feed withdrawal. Hemoconcentration resulted in an increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels 30 h after water withdrawal.
Modulation of Voltage-dependent Shaker Family Potassium Channels by an Aldo-Keto Reductase *♦

The β subunit (Kvβ) of the Shaker family voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv1) is a cytosolic protein that forms a permanent complex with the channel. Sequence and structural conservation indicates that Kvβ resembles an aldo-keto reductase (AKR), an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction using an NADPH cofactor. A putative AKR in complex with a Kv channel has led to the hypothesis that intracellular redox potential may dynamically influence the excitability of a cell through Kvβ. Since the AKR function of Kvβ has never been demonstrated, a direct functional coupling between the two has not been established. We report here the identification of Kvβ substrates and the demonstration that Kvβ is a functional AKR. We have also found that channel function is modulated when the Kvβ-bound NADPH is oxidized. Further studies of the enzymatic properties of Kvβ seem to favor the role of Kvβ as a redox sensor. These results suggest that Kvβ may couple the excitability of the cell to its metabolic state and present a new avenue of research that may lead to understanding of the physiological functions of Kvβ.
The fall of France: Lessons of the 1940 campaign

(2003). The fall of France: Lessons of the 1940 campaign. Defence Studies: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 109-123.
Apparatus for chronic stimulation of the brain of the rat by radiofrequency transmission.

Abstract Apparatus for chronic stimulation of the brain of the rat by radio-frequency transmission is described. This method of stimulation allows complete freedom of movement of the animal during and between the periods of stimulation.
STATE‐DEPENDENT ENERGY ALLOCATION IN VARIABLE ENVIRONMENTS: LIFE HISTORY EVOLUTION OF A ROTIFER

We present a framework for studying the evolution of state-dependent life history strategies in unpredictable environments. A dynamic energy budget model tracks the flow of energy through individuals and is parameterized using the rotifer species Brachionus calyciflorous. Ingested energy is allocated between new growth, energy reserves, and reproductive effort, in proportions determined by the organism's physiological state, leading to a three-way trade-off when food supplies are unpredictable. The model generates testable predictions regarding how variability in food affects optimal allocation strategies. There is selection for indeterminate growth and for norms of reaction in body size, storage, and age at maturity. Harsher environments select for smaller sizes and increased storage and, consequently, greater ability to withstand starvation. The model's predictions about body size, age at maturity, and effects of food deprivation are consistent with experimental results for B. calyciflorous, indicating that these life history traits have all been shaped by evolution of energy allocation and storage strategies in response to environmental variability.
Sphingoid bases and their phosphates: transient activation and delayed repression of protein kinase C isoforms and their possible involvement in fumonisin B1 cytotoxicity.

Fumonisin B1, a potent inhibitor of ceramide synthase, leads to accumulation of sphinganine, and later sphingosine, in vivo and in vitro. Fumonisin B1 modulates the activity of protein kinase C (PKC), however, which metabolite of disrupted sphingolipid metabolism is involved, has not been ascertained. In the present study, we evaluated the modulation of PKC by sphingolipid bases and their metabolites using exogenous sphingolipid analogues in porcine renal epithelial (LLC-PK1) cells. In preliminary studies we found that fumonisin B1 (1 μM) selectively and transiently activated PKCα, whereas fumonisin B1 concentrations of 1–50 μM at 48 h repressed PKC-α, -δ, -e and -ζ isoforms in a concentration-dependent manner. Addition of exogenous sphinganine-1-phosphate (1 μM for 5 min) alone stimulated cytosolic to membrane translocation of PKCα. Co-exposure of fumonisin B1 with N,N-dimethylsphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine/sphinganine kinase, prevented the effects of fumonisin B1 on PKCα. Sphinganine, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate and ceramide (all at 1 μM) added exogenously, did not alter PKCα cytosolic to membrane translocation at 5 min. Fumonisin B1 (10 μM), sphinganine, sphingosine and ceramide (1 μM each) significantly repressed PKC-α and -δ isoforms at 48 h, whereas all the exogenously added sphingolipids significantly repressed PKC-e and ζ similar to fumonisin B1. Co-exposure of myriocin with fumonisin B1 prevented the delayed inhibitory effects of fumonisin B1 on PKC isoforms in LLC-PK1 cells. This study demonstrated that selective and transient activation of PKCα may be due to the fumonisin B1-induced accumulation of the bioactive sphinganine-1-phosphate, whereas the long-term repression of PKC isoforms may be predominantly due to the accumulation of sphinganine or its metabolite, and to a lesser extent sphingosine or its metabolite in LLC-PK1 cells. These findings suggest that the direct or indirect modulation of PKC by these sphingolipids is involved at least in part in the action of fumonisin B1.
Management of portal and mesenteric vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy with endovascular stent placement

seventeen) for the first BRTO session and 100% (one of one) for the second. Follow-up imaging revealed complete obliteration of the varices in fourteen of sixteen patients (87.5%) and partial obliteration in the remaining one. Immediate clinical improvement of HE was observed in all patients, with decreasing serum ammonia level from 177.8 mg/dl 44.7 mg/dl to 60.0 25.3 mg/dl (po0.001) and an average of serum ammonia decreasing rate was 66.9%. Procedure-related deterioration of liver and renal function in laboratory examinations was not observed. Increasing of ascites fluid was observed in three cases and all cases were controlled by medical therapy. Esophageal varix was observed in two cases with preand postprocedural endoscopic examination. Conclusion: Our initial experience suggests that BRTO is an effective and safe procedure in the management of HE due to portosystemic shunts.
Characterization of Tactors Used in Vibrotactile Displays

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the operating characteristics of small DC motors that are often in tactile displays. The results indicated that these motors are reliable in terms of their frequency and amplitude of oscillation, but that the frequency varies across motors. A simulated skin material was developed to provide a substrate for evaluating the performance of the motors. There was a marked attenuation in frequency when the tactors were on this material and the surface waves could be detected 60 mm from the site of activation. These findings suggest that the spacing between tactors should be at least 60–80 mm if tactile cues are used to locate events in the environment.
THE CULTIVATION OF THE GRANULES OF VACCINIA VIRUS

The technique is described whereby vaccinia "granules" are separated from all other material of glycerolated vaccinia calf lymph and cultivated in vitro with embryonic tissues. These "granules"remain alive, as tested by rabbit corneal inoculation, for as long as 71 days, when grown in connection with growing tissue; they fail to remain potent if cultivated with dying cells, showing in this way the same characteristics as whole vaccine virus. The potency of the " granules" increases with the age of the culture under the first mentioned conditions. The fluid part of the vaccinia lymph which remains after the removal of all "granules," is impotent under all conditions.
Assessment of eosinophil granule proteins in various body fluids: is there a relation to clinical variables in childhood asthma?

Background The eosinophil plays a central role in the inflammatory process in bronchial asthma. Recent studies have indicated that the assessment of eosinophil-derived proteins in various body fluids could be used for monitoring disease activity of childhood asthma. Till now, no study exists which compared the levels of eosinophil-derived proteins in various body fluids such as serum, nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and urine. Objective To investigate whether eosinophil granule proteins in different compartments were correlated and whether there is a relationship between disease activity, pulmonary function and bronchial hyperreactivity. Methods Twenty-eight children with atopic bronchial asthma were recruited. Serum, NALF and urine samples were obtained and assessed for eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX). The levels of eosinophil proteins were analysed for a relationship with lung function variables, bronchial hyperreactivity and disease activity. Eleven healthy control subjects were used as controls. Results Median ECP and EPX concentrations in serum (31.4 and 74.8 microg/L vs 15.8 and 24.3 microg/L, respectively), NALF (9.9 and 44. 9 microg/L vs 0 and 2.5 microg/L, respectively) and urine (49.4 vs 16.5 microg/mmol creatinine) were significantly raised in children with bronchial asthma compared with healthy control subjects. In addition, ECP and EPX levels in serum and urine samples were significantly higher in symptomatic patients compared with asymptomatic subjects with asthma. Although no relationship between eosinophil-derived proteins in serum, NALF or urine and the level of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity could be detected, the concentrations of EPX in serum and urine were correlated with variables of pulmonary function. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate increased eosinophil activity in serum, NALF and urine derived from children with bronchial asthma. Due to the relationship between levels of eosinophil proteins in serum/urine samples and lung function, as well as significant concentration differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic asthmatic children, the assessment of eosinophil proteins in serum or urine samples appear to be more appropriate in monitoring disease activity than measurement of ECP or EPX in NALF. Thus, the determination of serum ECP/EPX or urinary EPX may be preferentially used in monitoring eosinophilic inflammation in childhood asthma.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents: Similarities and Differences in a Diverse Population

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents: Similarities and Differences in a Diverse Population
Mechanism Design Issues of the Materials Processing Research Centrifuge of Auburn University

Some of the design issues of the 7feet radius materials processing research centrifuge of the Solidification Design Center of Auburn University are presented. The centrifuge consists of a modified rear axle of a 6 ton truck disposed vertically on a steel structure, the wheel-hub of which rotates a horizontal arm. The two-stage gearbox and the angle alignment system of the experiment container are some of the mechanism design issues detailed in the paper.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Fluorescent Sequence-Specific dsDNA Binding Oligomers

Sequence-specific detection methods for double-stranded DNA that obviate the need for denaturation would provide a powerful tool for bioorganic chemistry and genetics. As part of a sustained effort to develop sequence-specific fluorescent DNA detection methods, two programmable oligomers have been synthesized which target their respective sequences 5‘-WTACGW-3‘ and 5‘-WGGGGW-3‘ (W = A or T). The two oligomers were found to fluoresce weakly in the absence of DNA but showed significant fluorescence enhancement by the addition of match DNA. The fluorescence is shown to increase in a concentration-dependent manner, and the intensity varies depending on the number of mismatch sites incorporated into the DNA hairpins. This new class of oligomers provides a method to detect DNA sequences without denaturation and in the absence of conjugation to a dye molecule. This is a first step toward sequence-specific DNA-binding molecules containing a fluorescent switch integrated as part of the recognition modules.
Is there a role for routine mediastinoscopy in patients with peripheral T1 lung cancers

Abstract Background: The role of surgical staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to evolve. This report describes our findings utilizing routine cervical mediastinoscopy in the evaluation of peripheral T1 ( Methods: Retrospectively 30 patients with peripheral T1 lesions and CT scans negative for pathologic adenopathy were identified over a 3-year period. Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed prior to VATS/thoracotomy during the same operative session. Results: Mediastinoscopy was performed in 29 of 30 patients. For patients with malignancy (27 of 30), 3 of 27 (11%) had mediastinoscopy positive for malignancy and no further resection performed. Overall the subgroup of patients with bronchogenic carcinomas had positive mediastinal involvement identified in 5 of 24 (21%) after mediastinoscopy or complete resection. Conclusions: A significant number of patients with small peripheral lung cancers harbor radiographically occult lymph node involvement. Mediastinoscopy facilitates identification of patients with regionally advanced disease prior to resection, allowing neoadjuvant therapy and avoiding unnecessary resections.
Identification of histone H1 as a cognate antigen of the ulcerative colitis-associated marker antibody pANCA.

Abstract Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA)4is a predominant serum marker of ulcerative colitis (UC), and a familial trait associated with disease susceptibility and disease associated MHC haplotypes. This study characterizes the pANCA antigen defined by representative UC-pANCA human monoclonal antibodies, Fab 5–3 and 5–2. Western blot analysis probed with Fab 5–3 revealed specific binding to a nuclear protein doublet (apparent MW=32–33 kDa) expressed in several cell types. Purification and tryptic peptide sequencing identified the protein as histone H1, and this specificity was confirmed by Fab 5–3 binding to purified H1. Rabbit anti-histone H1 immunostaining and Western blot analysis confirmed that the pANCA epitope is preferentially immunoaccessible in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). The epitope was localized to the COOH-terminal region by site-specific proteolysis, and recombinant deletants further localized binding activity for both Fab 5–2 and 5–3 to two non-overlapping segments (AA 69–171 and 172–226) associated with a recurring PKKAK motif. Serum IgG binding was detectable to these segments, but was not significantly correlated with pANCA titer or disease status. These findings indicate that histone H1 bears a recurring COOH-terminal epitope recognized by monoclonal ulcerative colitis-associated pANCA marker antibodies, but this epitope is not a predominant specificity of serum pANCA.
Phosphate partition and turnover in human red cells.

PHOSPHATE partition and turnover in the human red cell can be studied by paper chromatography, which permits unequivocal separation of the organic phosphate compounds involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
PREP for Strong Bonds: A Review of Outcomes from a Randomized Clinical Trial

To help address the relationship needs of service members, there have been a number of programs offered within active duty and veteran contexts. One program, offered within the Strong Bonds portfolio delivered by Army Chaplains, is PREP for Strong Bonds (PREP = the Prevention and Relationship Education Program). PREP has a number of empirically based and tested variants. This article reviews the disseminated research regarding results from a large randomized clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of PREP for Strong Bonds. From a sample of 662 Army couples drawn from two sites, outcome papers have focused on different subsamples, marital outcomes, follow up time points, and moderators. Reviewing these disseminated outcomes, we conclude that PREP for Strong Bonds has significant divorce reduction effects at one site; these divorce effects were found at both 1 and 2 years post intervention, and were moderated by factors such as minority status, economic strain, and cohabitation history of the couple. In terms of marital quality outcomes, some modest overall effects were found pre to post intervention, but there were no overall marital quality outcome effects 2 years post intervention. However, marital quality outcomes are significantly moderated by infidelity and cohabitation history, with couples reporting these risk factors showing greater positive marital quality outcomes. These results to date are discussed in terms of clinical and research implications as well as directions for future work, such as examining longer term preventative effects.
α3 contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of an electron in the mass-operator formalism☆

Abstract We evaluate numerically the α3 contributions to (q-2)/2 of an electron due to graphs without electron loops(s) by the mass operator formalism. Our result is 0.74(6) (α/π)3.
The clot thickens

Vascular sclerosis has been linked to many risk factors, including smoking, family history, low birth weight, and hypertension. In interesting studies, Goforth et al. show an increased rate of mutations in thrombophilic molecules in patients with vascular sclerosis in renal biopsies, suggesting yet another mechanism.
Responses of Yield and Conformation to Selection for Milk in a Designed Experiment with a Control Population

Abstract A selection experiment was conducted over a 25-yr period to measure long-term responses to selection of AI sires based on milk alone. An unselected control line was maintained as part of the experimental design. The four highest sires available from active AI sire lists for PTA of milk were mated each year to successive generations of a selection line. Selection and control lines were compared for milk and fat yields and conformation traits. Animal models were demonstrated to be particularly preferable to sire models for analysis of data from designed selection experiments. Genetic trend from 1967 to 1988 for the selection line was estimated to be approximately 125 kg/yr. Furthermore, selection cows received higher genetic evaluations than control cows for most conformation traits recorded from 1983 to 1989. Before young bulls are allowed to enter AI progeny-testing programs, their pedigrees are scrutinized heavily for conformation traits. Selection for secondary traits by dairy producers may be justifiable; however, commercial dairy producers may select AI sires that have highest PTA for yield, disregarding other traits, without concern for deterioration of conformation.
Synthesis of 1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes and their interaction with acetonitrile and chalcogens.

Two new, more convenient methods for the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes are described. Four new 1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes have been prepared using these methods: 1-(1-adamantyl)-3,4-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2a), 1-(1-adamantyl)-3-phenyl-4-(p-bromophenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2b), 1-(1-adamantyl)-3-phenyl-4-(α-naphthyl)-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2c), and 1-(1-adamantyl)-3,4-di(p-bromophenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2d). The X-ray crystal structures of 2d and the precursor salt 1-(1-adamantyl)-3,4-di(p-bromophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide (1e) are described. Compound 2a reacts with CH3CN via C−H insertion to form 1-(1-adamantyl)-3,4-diphenyl-5-cyanomethyl-5H-1,2,4-triazoline (3), and 2a and 2d react with elemental sulfur and elemental selenium, respectively, to form the corresponding thione (4) and selenone (5).
Industrial surface finish method comparison for fine finish measurements

Measurement of surface finish in industrial manufacturing has traditionally been done by means of either visual comparison with reference plates or by the use of contact stylus based profilers. There are many challenges associated with contact profilers such as stability during measurement in an industrial environment, damage and wear of the tip, measurement in tight spaces or on curved surfaces and just the limited amount of data obtained by a linear scan of the stylus. Many alternative methods have become available such as white light interferometry, focus based systems, and even laser scatter. This paper will present the result of testing of the commercially available methods with particular emphasis on the fine surface finishes demanded in today’s manufacturing, then presents some alternative methods that show strong potential to address some of the challenges mentioned above that are not in wide use today. The analysis will specifically explore some of the physical mechanisms that affect the stylus based measurement, as well as the limitations of many of the optical approaches related to view angle and diffraction limited resolution consequences. The area of confocal imaging will be specifically explored as to how it might be used to obtain more complete data on very fine surface finishes.
Heliosheath fluctuations near the perpendicular termination shock: Two-dimensional hybrid simulations

[1] The two-dimensional Los Alamos hybrid simulation code is used to study the excitation of fluctuations and the associated ion dynamics at the high Alfven-Mach heliospheric termination shock and in the near-shock heliosheath. This simulation represents the electrons as a zero-mass fluid, addresses only a perpendicular shock, and considers the upstream ions to consist of a cool solar wind component and a more energetic pickup component. The shock yields two strongly heated downstream components: the more dense thermals and the more tenuous suprathermals, each with strong T⊥ > T∥ anisotropies. In the downstream, relatively homogeneous sheath plasma, linear dispersion theory predicts that each component anisotropy drives both the Alfven-cyclotron instability and the proton mirror instability. The simulation demonstrates that Alfven-cyclotron modes dominate mirror-like modes in the downstream, in contrast to earlier two-dimensional hybrid simulations of high-Mach quasi-perpendicular shocks without pickup ions, in which the Alfven-cyclotron and mirror modes were excited to comparable intensities. A hypothesis is presented that the presence of pickup ions implies a relatively low magnetosonic Mach number at termination shocks, thereby favoring the excitation of the Alfven-cyclotron instability. The primary consequence of wave-particle interactions from this instability is pitch angle scattering, so the energetic part of the ion perpendicular velocity distribution in the heliosheath is depleted by comparison with the distribution computed from a comparable one-dimensional hybrid simulation.
Circulating Corticosterone Responses of Feed and Water Deprived Broilers and Japanese Quail

Experiments were conducted to delineate the acute stress response of commercial broilers to feed and water deprivation for 10 hr. The effect of method of nutrient deprivation, cooping versus removal of feed and water from broiler floor pens, was also considered. Bihourly plasma corticosterone measures were made during 10-hr withdrawal periods, and significant alterations in this adrenal steroid were considered indicative of stress. In all studies, feed and water deprivation produced significant elevations in plasma corticosterone concentrations. Cooped broilers exhibited a shorter onset and more exaggerated magnitude of adrenal responsiveness than floor penned broilers deprived of feed and water. There was also evidence that plasma corticosterone secretion in floor penned broilers was continual (linearly increasing) throughout the 10-hr withdrawal period. In contrast, maximal corticosterone responses followed by waning hormonal levels (an increasing quadratic function) were evident in cooped broilers. It was concluded that procedures involved in physically cooping birds, as well as the restraint cooping imposed, were acting additively to the stress associated solely with feed and water deprivation. Changes in plasma volume, as evidenced by percent packed cell volume changes during treatment periods, were not responsible for the corticosterone elevations observed. In a separate experiment, battery housed Japanese quail deprived of feed and water for 12 hr exhibited a temporal plasma corticosterone response very similar to that observed in floor penned broilers deprived of feed and water. Full-fed control quail exhibited only random temporal hormonal fluctuations during this time. It was likewise concluded that the practice of feed and water deprivation in quail constitutes a significant nonspecific stressor.