cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Composition of functional lipids in hulled and hulless barley in fractions obtained by scarification and in barley oil

ABSTRACT Two cultivars of hulled barley (Thoroughbred and Nomini) and two cultivars of hulless barley (Doyce and Merlin) were scarified to abrade the outer layers of hull and pericarp. The resulting scarification fines fractions were evaluated as potential sources of functional lipids (phyto-sterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols). The levels of total phytosterols and total tocotrienols in the barley scarification fine fractions were probably not high enough to justify their use as functional foods. However, the levels of total phytosterols and total tocotrienols in the oils extracted from both whole kernels and scarified fines were both sufficiently high to make it reasonable to consider their potential use as new functional oils. Indeed, the levels of total tocotrienols in barley oils (2,911–6,126 mg/kg of oil) are several-fold higher than those reported in two other oils that are being marketed as high in tocotrienols: palm oil (530 mg/kg) and rice bran oil (770 mg/kg). The levels of total phytosterols...
The impact of ethics and work-related factors on nurse practitioners' and physician assistants' views on quality of primary healthcare in the United States

Purpose Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) provide primary care services for many American patients. Ethical knowledge is foundational to resolving challenging practice issues, yet little is known about the importance of ethics and work-related factors in the delivery of quality care. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess whether the quality of the care that practitioners deliver is influenced by ethics and work-related factors.
Genetic Research as Therapy: Implications of “Gene Therapy” for Informed Consent

Authors argue that characterization of gene transfer research as "gene therapy" has compromised informed consent in the current environment of regulatory exceptions, routinized consent, fostered therapeutic misconceptions, and oversold research.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Diarrhea: Still an Issue in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Over half of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience diarrhea that contributes negatively to quality of life and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Opportunistic infectious agents that cause diarrhea in patients with HIV span the array of protozoa, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. With global use of ART, the incidence of diarrhea because of opportunistic infections has decreased; however, the incidence of noninfectious diarrhea has increased. The etiology of noninfectious diarrhea in patients with HIV is multifactorial and includes ART-associated diarrhea and gastrointestinal damage related to HIV infection (i.e., HIV enteropathy). A basic algorithm for the diagnosis of diarrhea in patients with HIV includes physical examination, a review of medical history, assessment of HIV viral load and CD4+ T cell count, stool microbiologic assessment, and endoscopic evaluation, if needed. For patients with negative diagnostic results, the diagnosis of noninfectious diarrhea may be considered. Pharmacologic options for the treatment of noninfectious diarrhea are primarily supportive; however, the use of many unapproved agents is based on unstudied and anecdotal information. In addition, these agents can be associated with treatment-limiting adverse events (AEs), such as drug–drug interactions with ART regimens, abuse liability, and additional gastrointestinal AEs. Currently, crofelemer, an antisecretory agent, is the only therapy approved in the USA for the symptomatic relief of noninfectious diarrhea in patients with HIV on ART.
Factors influencing fixed partial dentures for adolescents.

T HE DEFINITION of the word “adolescent” can be interpreted by a vartiety of expressions according to the dictionary consulted. In general, it is expressed as “developing from childhood to maturity ;” “youthful ;” “a boy or girl from puberty to adulthood ;” “a person in his teens ;” “ time of life from puberty to maturity.” In dentistry, we must depart from literary definitions and consider it to be the physiological age which restricts the maturity of all teeth except third molars to the age of sixteen. In other words, the significance of age1 as a factor in planning fixed appliances for adolescents should be related to the total dental maturity of the youngster, rather than the chronological age of the child. The incidence of teeth lost in this age group is sufficient in number to warrant a study of the indications, contraindications, and precautions involved in their replacement. ’ The primary function of the dental apparatus is the mastication of food, and, secondarily, the esthetic appearance and the production of speech sounds, but, to the teenager and people related to him, the esthetic is the most important reason for the replacement of lost anterior teeth. Psychologically,2 a space in the anterior part of the dental arch of a youngster can result in serious trauma to the personality of that individual. Social contact with friends, teachers, and schoolmates becomes a major mental anxiety that may result in dire psychological involvements. During World War II, the dental high command recognized that the psychological impact of missing anterior teeth in young soldiers was tantamount to an emergency which was as important as a toothache. These teeth were replaced in order to improve the morale of the soldiers. The dental profession is aware of the mechanical and physiological problems surrounding the loss and replacement of a posterior tooth in teenagers, This region presents relatively few problems as compared to those in the anterior region yet dentists are somewhat reluctant to make permanent restorations for young people. Patients must be told of the bad effects of not having lost posterior teeth replaced. In spite of this, many patients refuse to accept this treatment. Their reasons may be
Superconductivity and the b.c.c. to A-15 transformation in Nb-Au alloys†

Abstract Nb-Au alloys near the composition Nb 3 Au can be quenched from the high temperature α solid solution phase field, retaining the b.c.c. structure. We report results on their superconducting, mechanical and physical properties as a function of composition. Short low temperature anneals transform these materials to the equilibrium A-15 structure with T c up to 11K. We report results on the superconducting and physical properties of the transformed A-15 structure materials and describe how the properties of the transformed materials are affected by annealing temperature and time.
Low doses of DNP-D-GL, a potent hapten-specific tolerogen, are immunogenic in vitro.

THE DNP conjugate of a D-amino acid copolymer of glutamic acid and lysine (DNP-D-GL) is a potent inducer of DNP-specific tolerance in vivo and in vitro1,2. Simultaneous administration of DNP-D-GL and allogeneic cells to mice, however, results in anti-DNP antibody formation rather than tolerance3. DNP-D-GL thus seems to block activation of DNP-specific precursor cells in ordinary circumstances but to activate cells altered by allogeneic effect factors4. We have attempted to define further the conditions in which DNP-D-GL can induce antibody formation, a question made more relevant by the proposal that nucleic acids coupled to D-GL may be useful in preventing autoimmune disease, a situation where induction of antibody formation rather than tolerance would be unfortunate.
Ideological Consistency and Attitudinal Conf lict A Comparative Analysis of the U.S. and Canadian Supreme Courts

According to attitudinal theorists, justices on the U.S. Supreme Court decide cases largely on political preferences that fall within one dimension of ideology. The focus of this study is to test whether a unidimensional ideological model explains the voting behavior of Canadian Supreme Court justices (1992—1997). The factor-analytic results in three areas of law, two of which have never been examined in this way in Canada, provide substantial evidence of ideological voting. Yet unlike the U.S. justices of the Rehnquist court, Canadian justices exhibit a much higher degree of ideological complexity. These findings call into question the widely held assumption of unidimensional decision making that is in vogue in the U.S. literature today, and they suggest that attitudinal theorists and comparative scholars must be cognizant that multiple dimensions of attitudinal voting might occur in high courts that are not as ideologically polarized as the U.S. Supreme Court.
Applications for microarrays in renal biology and medicine.

Groundbreaking recent developments, such as the near completion of human and mouse genome sequencing efforts and the emergence of robust microarray (gene chip) technologies, enabling comprehensive ana
Low-cost continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using multimode 975 nm pump lasers

A low-cost continuous-wave supercontinuum source is demonstrated with optical spectral coverage from less than 1200 to more than 2000 nm, using low-cost multimode 975 nm pump lasers. The laser consists mainly of highly nonlinear fibre, Yb/Er doped fibre and 975 nm pump lasers.
Advances in computer simulations of LPP sources for EUV lithography

Photon sources for extreme ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) are still challenging problem to achieve high volume manufacture in the semiconductor industry. Currently EUVL community narrowed the research and developments to two directions: discharge produced plasma (DPP) assisted with trigger lasers and dual-pulse laser produced plasma (LPP) with mass-limited targets. Such complicated systems require extensive optimization to enhance the conversion efficiency (CE) and components lifetime and detail source optimization requires significant experimental and costly efforts. We used our HEIGHTS simulation package to study and optimize LPP sources and to make realistic predictions as well as benchmarking of key experimental results. HEIGHTS package includes 3-D detail description of various integrated physical processes involved in LPP and DPP devices. The models are extensively tested and benchmarked separately in each physics phase of laser/target interaction as well as in the entire integrated system without any parameters adjustments or fittings. We simulated LPP sources in full 3-D geometry using 10-50 μm tin droplet targets, as single droplets as well as distributed fragmented microdroplets with equivalent mass. We studied mass dependence, laser parameters efficiency, atomic and ionic debris generation, and optimization of EUV radiation output. Our modeling and simulation included all phases of laser target evolution: from laser/droplet interaction, energy deposition, target vaporization and fragmentation, ionization, plasma hydrodynamic expansion, thermal and radiation energy redistribution, and EUV photons collection as well as detail mapping of photons source location and size. We also predicted potential damage to the optical collection system from plasma energetic debris and the requirements for mitigating systems to reduce debris fluence. The debris effect on mirror collection system is analyzed using our 3-D ITMC-DYN Monte Carlo package. Modeling results were benchmarked against our CMUXE experimental studies for the in-band photons production and for debris and ions generation.
Carbocyanine dye labeling reveals a new motor nucleus in octopus brain

This work aims at a better understanding of the organization of the brain of Octopus vulgaris, emphasizing the touch and visual learning centers. We injected the carbocyanine dye, DiI, into the cerebrobrachial connectives and, separately, into the brachial nerves of living octopuses. In both experiments, retrogradely transported granules of DiI appeared in motor neurons in the superior buccal, posterior buccal and subvertical lobes and in a hitherto unsuspected motor nucleus of several hundred neurons in the posterior dorsal basal and median basal lobes. In addition we labeled afferent fibers by injecting DiI into the caudal (sensory) division of the cerebrobrachial connective on one side; the label spread throughout the superior buccal, posterior buccal and the lateral and median inferior frontal lobes mainly on the injected side. It extended through the cerebral tract into the subvertical lobe, into the superior frontal lobe through the interfrontal tract, through the posterior buccal commissure into the opposite posterior buccal lobe and into the median inferior frontal lobe. The work suggests a new function for the posterior dorsal and median basal lobes, which are shown for the first time to project through the inferior frontal lobe system into the brachial nerves. In addition it represents the first full report of the successful use of the carbocyanine dyes DiI and DiO for labeling nerve tissue in a live invertebrate animal. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observation of an enhanced N 1s shake-up satellite on nitrided Si(100) and correlation with N bonding geometry

Abstract Si(100) dosed with NO and thermally nitrided with ammonia was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) for a wide range of temperatures. A 410-eV peak was observed in the N 1s XPS spectrum region. It is proposed to be an enhanced shake-up satellite of the N 1s photoelectrons. The temperature dependence of both this peak and HREELS data suggests that precursor silicon nitrides such as planar and pyramidal Si3N species as well as Si3N4 can form at different temperatures.
Distribution of MHC II (+) cells in skin of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): an initial investigation of dolphin dendritic cells.

The skin is an important tissue of the immune system; however, little is known about immune cells in dolphin skin, and very few cetacean-specific immunoreagents are available for investigative purposes. Therefore, in this study immunohistochemistry techniques were used with species-specific and non-species-specific antibodies to characterize immune cells, primarily focusing on Langerhans cells, in skin from the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). An antibody to human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules labeled cells with a dendritic-like morphology. The immunophenotype, morphology, and distribution of some of these cells are consistent with those of Langerhans cells. The cells were predominantly found in dermal papillae, primarily along the epidermal–dermal junction. Thus, the location of these cells was somewhat different from that in terrestrial mammals. Other MHC II (+) cells of varying morphology were observed deeper in the dermis, with a perivascular concentration, and had characteristics of macrophages and dermal dendritic cells. There was no immunostaining with cetacean-specific CD2 or CD21. In diseased skin, a subjective increase of MHC II (+) cells, most notably in the superficial skin layers, was associated with an ulcerative dermatitis. A few CD2 (+) cells were also present. Differences between dolphins and terrestrial mammals in terms of morphology, mechanisms of response to insult and repair, and environmental challenges may explain the modified distribution of MHC II (+) cells in dolphin skin. An elucidation of the immune cells in cetacean skin will contribute to our understanding of the evolution of functional adaptations to various environments, facilitate diagnosis of skin diseases, and define the potential for intradermal administration of vaccines and other immunotherapeutics. Anat Rec Part A 273A:636–647, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An investigation of lateralized alpha activity of oral interpreters while listening to varied oral messages

The purpose of this study was to measure the lateralized alpha activity of oral interpreters while listening to each of four different messages. Subjects were measured for baseline and differential hemispheric alpha activity with an electroencephalograph (EEG). The results indicated (1) suppressed alpha activity as a function of the cognitive processing task, and (2) no increase in alpha activity in the right hemisphere during verbal tasks and in the left hemisphere during spatial tasks.
Geopolitics and Biopolitics in India’s High Natural Background Radiation Zone:

This article explores the tensions between the statist project of securing national bodies—geopolitics—and the governmental project of securing populations—biopolitics. It is based on historical, public health, and ethnographic evidence from a coastal region of India with high background radiation, due to large deposits of thorium in beach sands. Thorium is a critical resource in the Indian state’s long-term programme of energy independence; long-term exposure to radiation is also what comes to define this community as a biomedically-induced population. This article shows that once thorium becomes identified as a state resource, the social meaning of place decays and the ability to imagine local futures becomes increasingly strained. The article concludes that the imperative of establishing a secure future for the nation–state requires that the future of this community be rendered in terms of sacrifice, an increasingly unstable trope of Indian nation-building.
Ureilites: Trace element clues to their origin

The question of the origin of ureilites was reexamined using new data obtained by radiochemical NAA for Ag, Au, Bi, Br, Cd, Cs, Ge, In, Ir, Ni, Pd, Os, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, Te, Tl, U, and Zn in two vein separates from Haveroe and Kenna and a bulk sample of Kenna. Vein material was found to be enriched in all elements analyzed, except Zn, and to account for most of the carbon, noble gases, and, presumably, siderophiles in the meteorite. The results support the earlier interpretation of Higuchi et al. (1976) on the composition of ureilite parent body (similar to C3V or H3, but not C3O chondrites).
Permeability factors in nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Circulating permeability factors have been identified in the plasma of patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Post-transplant recurrence of proteinuria, improvement of proteinuria after treatment with plasmapheresis, and induction of proteinuria in experimental animals by plasma fractions each provide evidence for such plasma factors. Advanced proteomic methods have identified candidate molecules in recurrent FSGS. We have proposed cardiotrophin-like cytokine-1 as an active factor in FSGS. Another potential permeability factor in FSGS is soluble urokinase receptor. In our studies, in vitro plasma permeability activity is blocked by substances that may decrease active molecules or block their effects. We have shown that the simple sugar galactose blocks the effect of FSGS serum in vitro and decreases permeability activity when administered to patients. Since the identities of permeability factors and their mechanisms of action are not well defined, treatment of FSGS is empiric. Corticosteroids are the most common agents for initial treatment. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine A, and tacrolimus and immunosuppressive medications, including mycophenylate, induce remission is some patients with steroid-resistant or -dependent nephrotic syndrome. Therapies that diminish proteinuria and slow progression in FSGS as well as other conditions include renin-angiotensin blockade, blood pressure lowering and plasma lipid control. Use of findings from in vitro studies, coupled with definitive identification of pathogenic molecules, may lead to new treatments to arrest FSGS progression and prevent recurrence after transplantation.
Evaluation of using inductive/capacitive-coupling vertical interconnects in 3D network-on-chip

In recent 3DIC studies, through silicon vias (TSV) are usually employed as the vertical interconnects in the 3D stack. Despite its benefit of short latency and low power, forming TSVs adds additional complexities to the fabrication process. Recently, inductive/capactive-coupling links are proposed to replace TSVs in 3D stacking because the fabrication complexities of them are lower. Although state-of-the-art inductive/capacitive-coupling links show comparable bandwidth and power as TSV, the relatively large footprints of those links compromise their area efficiencies. In this work, we study the design of 3D network-on-chip (NoC) using inductive/capacitive-coupling links. We propose three techniques to mitigate the area overhead introduced by using these links: (a) serialization, (b) in-transceiver data compression, and (c) high-speed asynchronous transmission. With the combination of these three techniques, evaluation results show that the overheads of all aspects caused by using inductive/capacitive-coupling vertical links can be bounded under 10%.
The Measurement of “Spontaneous Activity”

Resume La cage “en forme de roue” mesure une forme choisie de l'activite spontanee. Le comportement depend en partie des proprietes de la roue. On discute la mecanique de courir dans une roue. En determinant les specifications d'une roue adequate, on fait l'effort de reproduire le plus fidelement que possible les conditions de courir sur une surface droite unie. On decrit une roue adequate. La methode d'enregistrer donne un graphique continu de distance et de tempe du comportement. On peut diviser le comportent d'un organisme tel qu'un rat en deux phases—une active et une truille. Si l'on defend une activite etendue pendant une partie d'un jour a partie qui reste montre une plus grande “densite” de l'activite pour le temps unitaire. Si la periode d'emprisonnement est assez longue, la periode active qui resulte peut montrer de certaines proprietes continues. Comme exemples, ont donne des resultats qui montrent (1) la courbe normale d'une periode “comprimee”, (2) l'effet de la presence d'un cycle de faim co...
Esophageal Remodeling Develops as a Consequence of Tissue Specific IL-5-Induced Eosinophilia

Background & Aims: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an increasingly recognized disease that mimics gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, EE has been associated with esophageal remodeling, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We hypothesized that the development of EE in patients and in an experimental murine model would be associated with eosinophil-mediated tissue remodeling. Methods: Histopathologic analysis of basal layer thickness and collagen accumulation was performed on the biopsy specimens of normal individuals, EE patients, and mouse esophageal tissue sections following experimental induction of EE in wild-type, eosinophil lineage-deficient, interleukin (IL)-5-deficient, and IL-5 transgenic mice, with the latter 2 mice groups having decreased and increased esophageal eosinophilia, respectively. Results: An impressive accumulation of collagen in the epithelial mucosa and lamina propria, as well as basal layer thickening, was observed in the esophagus of patients with EE as well as in mice with experimental EE compared with controls. Significantly reduced lamina propria collagen and basal layer thickness were observed in IL-5-deficient mice and eosinophil lineage-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice following the induction of experimental EE. Furthermore, the esophagus of CD2-IL-5 transgenic mice showed increased basal layer thickness and collagen accumulation compared with nontransgenic mice, yet IL-5 intestine transgenic mice did not have EE-like esophageal changes. Additional analysis revealed increased IL-5 levels in the esophagus of EE patients, allergen-challenged wild-type mice, and CD2-IL-5 transgenic mice but not in IL-5 intestine transgenic mice. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that local IL-5-mediated eosinophilia is essential in the induction of esophageal remodeling.
The α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the pathology of hippocampal interneurons in schizophrenia

Abstract This paper is a review of a recent findings on the pathology of hippocampal interneurons in schizophrenia, with specific emphasis on a protein expressed by these cells, the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit. Convergent information indicates that interneurons in the hippocampus and other forebrain structures are decreased in number and function in subjects with schizophrenia. Among the neurochemical markers that are decreased in the hippocampus are synapsin I, cholecystokinin, somatostatin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and nitric oxide synthase. GABA uptake sites and the GABA synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase are also diminished. Included among these findings is decreased binding of α-bungarotoxin, which binds to low-affinity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, such as the α7-nicotinic receptor. Co-labeling experiments in rodents indicate that these markers are expressed on overlapping populations of hippocampal interneurons. Thus, the finding of decreased neurochemical function of hippocampal interneurons is a widely replicated finding, with different groups reporting markedly similar findings using independent post mortem samples and different neurochemical strategies. Decreased α-bungarotoxin binding or decreased α7-nicotinic receptor immunoreactivity has also been found in the frontal cortex and in the nucleus reticularis thalami of schizophrenic subjects. The α7-nicotinic receptor subunit gene on chromosome 15q14 is a site of heritability for schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, and in, particular, for a deficit in inhibitory neuronal function associated with these illnesses. Thus, the post mortem data are further supported by psychophysiologic and genetic investigations that indicate a deficit in inhibitory interneuronal function, involving the α7-nicotinic receptor. The α7-receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel that admits calcium ions into cells, and it has been proposed to have various developmental roles. Its malfunction may be part of the developmental pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Carcinosarcoma (malignant mixed müllerian (mesodermal) tumor) of the female genital tract: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of 28 cases

Abstract In an attempt to clarify the histogenesis of carcinosarcoma (malignant mixed mullerian tumor) of the female genital tract, 20 uterine and eight ovarian tumors were studied by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Cytokeratins (MAK-6 and AE1:AE3) and epithelial membrane antigen were detected in the epithelial component of all tumors and in the stromal component of 15 cases (55%). Vimentin was detected in the stromal component of all cases and wasfocally positive in the epithelial component of 18 cases (69%). Tumors showing rhabdomyosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous differentiation were positive for myoglobin and S-100 protein, respectively. At the ultrastructural level epithelial cells were observed in tight clusters (usually surrounded by a basal lamina), in loose aggregates, and singly (sometimes spindle shaped), and were surrounded by cells displaying variable differentiation. The closest examples of “hybrid” epithelial/stromal cells were those with a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasmic projections, poorly formed intercellular junctions, and an incomplete basal lamina. The observations support the view that carcinosarcomas of the female genital tract could represent examples of biphasic (metaplastic) carcinomas.
In Situ Calorimetric, Structural, and Compositional Study of Zeolite Synthesis in the System 5.15Na2O−1.00Al2O3−3.28SiO2−165H2O

The synthesis of FAU zeolite was studied in situ using scanning microcalorimetry at a slow heating rate of 0.10 °C/min. The scanning calorimetric heat flow (SCHF) curves showed characteristic exothermic peaks for both the precrystallization reactions and the crystallization. Combined with complementary characterization techniques, the structural and chemical changes in the zeolite synthesis system were identified and correlated with the SCHF peaks. Two mixtures of the same composition (5.15Na2O−1.00Al2O3−3.28SiO2−165H2O) but prepared from different silica sources (colloidal silica vs silicate solution) for the syntheses of FAU zeolite were examined. A cyclic or oscillatory pattern for precrystallization reactions was observed for the first time. This precrystallization evolution pattern indicates the stepwise precrystallization reactions that may result in significant inhomogeneity of the Si/Al ratio in the microscopic domains of the amorphous precursor. The existence of the compositional inhomogeneity is...
Autonomy levels for unmanned systems (ALFUS) framework: safety and application issues

The Autonomy Levels for Unmanned Systems (ALFUS) framework is generic and applicable to multiple unmanned system (UMS) domains. The key component of the Framework is metrics along the three established axes or aspects. This paper attempts to examine how the metrics might be applied to selected domains that include homeland security, manufacturing, and defense. In particular, the paper attempts to lay out how the critical UMS concerns, including requirements specification, performance measures, safety, and risks might be established from the Framework.
Improved Visualization of the Left Atrial Appendage by Transthoracic 2-Dimensional Tissue Harmonic Compared with Fundamental Echocardiographic Imaging ☆ ☆☆ ★

We compared fundamental and tissue harmonic transthoracic echocardiographic imaging for the delineation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in 32 subjects. The LAA images recorded in the parasternal short-axis view were divided into 4 segments and 2 observers independently graded for each segment using a visual scoring system ranging from 0 to 3 (0 = no, 3 = clearly visible over the entire length of the segment). For the 128 segments, the averaged segment scores were significantly increased after switching to harmonic imaging (1.32 +/- 0.69 versus 1.60 +/- 0.81 for fundamental and tissue harmonic imaging, respectively; P <.0005 for observer 1, and 1.38 +/- 0.65 versus 1.61 +/- 0.82, respectively; P <.001 for observer 2). In a patient with LAA thrombus, the image contrast of the thrombus was improved in harmonic compared with fundamental imaging. These data suggest that tissue harmonic imaging significantly improves image quality of the LAA.
On the negative effective mass density in acoustic metamaterials

In this paper, we demonstrate the consequence of using different equivalent models to represent a lattice system consisting of mass-in-mass units and why negative mass is needed in the equivalent model. Dispersive wave propagation in the lattice system is studied and compared to various equivalent models. It is found that, if the classical elastic continuum is used to represent the original mass-in-mass lattice system, the effective mass density becomes frequency dependent and may become negative for frequencies near the resonance frequency of the internal mass. In contrast, if a multi-displacement microstructure continuum model is used to represent the mass-in-mass lattice system, the dispersive behavior of wave propagation and the band gap structure can be adequately described. However, while the acoustic mode is accurately described by the microstructure continuum model, the description of the optical mode is accurate only for a limited frequency range.
A simple O(n2) algorithm for the all-pairs shortest path problem on an interval graph

Let G denote an interval graph with n vertices and unit weight edges. In this paper, we present a simple O(n 2 ) algorithm for solving the all-pairs shortest path problem on graph G. A recent algorithm for this problem has the same time-complexity but is fairly complicated to describe. However, our algorithm is concise to state, intuitive to understand, and easy to implement.
Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in brain inhibits inflammatory pain, dorsal horn expression of Fos, and local edema

Abstract Systemic administration of thiazolidinediones reduces peripheral inflammation in vivo , presumably by acting at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in peripheral tissues. Based on a rapidly growing body of literature indicating the CNS as a functional target of PPARγ actions, we postulated that brain PPARγ modulates peripheral edema and the processing of inflammatory pain signals in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. To test this in the plantar carrageenan model of inflammatory pain, we measured paw edema, heat hyperalgesia, and dorsal horn expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos after intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of PPARγ ligands or vehicle. We found that ICV rosiglitazone (0.5–50 μg) or 15d-PGJ 2 (50–200 μg), but not vehicle, dose-dependently reduced paw thickness, paw volume and behavioral withdrawal responses to noxious heat. These anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia effects result from direct actions in the brain and not diffusion to other sites, because intraperitoneal and intrathecal administration of rosiglitazone (50 μg) and 15d-PGJ 2 (200 μg) had no effect. PPARγ agonists changed neither overt behavior nor motor coordination, indicating that non-specific behavioral effects do not contribute to PPAR ligand-induced anti-hyperalgesia. ICV administration of structurally dissimilar PPARγ antagonists (either GW9662 or BADGE) reversed the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic actions of both rosiglitazone and 15d-PGJ 2 . To evaluate the effects of PPARγ agonists on a classic marker of noxious stimulus-evoked gene expression, we quantified Fos protein expression in the dorsal horn. The number of carrageenan-induced Fos-like immunoreactive profiles was less in rosiglitazone-treated rats as compared to vehicle controls. We conclude that pharmacological activation of PPARγ in the brain rapidly inhibits local edema and the spinal transmission of noxious inflammatory signals.
An Implicit, Bidiagonal Numerical Method for Solving the Navier-Stokes Equations

In recent years, much progress has been made in solving fluid dynamical problems using finite difference methods. Solving inviscid compressible problems in two and three dimensions has become almost routine with many suitable methods, explicit or implicit, available. The problem of compressible, viscous flows in complicated geometries remains, however, a major challenge. Here fine mesh spacing in the viscous flow regions makes the explicit methods with their simple boundary conditions extremely costly. Existing implicit methods can make use of large time steps, but require inversions of large block tridiagonal matrices. A method recently developed by MacCormack eliminates this disadvantage by introducing a predictor-corrector scheme requiring the inversion of only block bidiagonal matrices. It is the aim of present work to extend this method to allow solution of viscous, compressible problems in general coordinates for arbitrary two-dimensional geometries.
In-system failure investigation on 0.18 /spl mu/m high speed serial link ASIC using logic built-in self test

In this exciting chip debug investigation, a mysterious voltage sensitivity was exhibited in four out of six High Speed SerDes (HSS) serial link IP blocks on a 0.18 /spl mu/m prototype ASIC chip. A number of noise and circuit failure theories were hypothesized. The investigators conducted experiments in both the device manufacturing test and system verification card environment. Ultimately, the use of the at-speed logic built-in self test (LBIST) present in the HSS IP blocks exercised in the system environment allowed the team to crack the case.
Purification and characterization of the hexokinase from Schistosoma mansoni, expressed in Escherichia coli

The hexokinase (ATP;D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1) of Schistosoma mansoni has been expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein including an N-terminal polyhistidine tag and enterokinase cleavage site. The enzyme was purified by metal chelate chromatography to > 95% homogeneity, based on analysis by SDS-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. The absorbance at 280 nm was 0.54 for a 1 mg/ml solution (molar extinction coefficient 2.7 x 10(4) cm2 mol). The pI of the S. mansoni hexokinase was 6.0-6.2, slightly more acidic than the rat Type I isozyme (pI 6.35). The S. mansoni enzyme migrated as a single band of activity during nondenaturing cellulose acetate electrophoresis; the mobility was slightly greater than the rat Type I isozyme, consistent with the estimated pI. The Km values for substrates glucose and ATP were 128 +/- 10 and 927 +/- 41 microM, respectively. In accord with a previous report, the S. mansoni hexokinase exhibited moderate sensitivity to inhibition (competitive vs ATP) by the product, glucose 6-phosphate, with a Ki approximately 150 microM; the product analog, 1,5-anhydroglucitol 6-phosphate, was somewhat less effective as an inhibitor, with Ki approximately 500 microM. These kinetic properties were not altered by removal of the N-terminal fusion partner by enterokinase treatment. Immunological crossreactivity between the rat Type I isozyme and the S. mansoni hexokinase was demonstrated by immunoblotting, but this was markedly dependent on the preparation of antiserum used. The activity of the enzyme is apparently highly dependent on maintenance of free sulfhydryl groups. Activity was maintained during storage in the presence of monothioglycerol; activity lost during storage in the absence of monothioglycerol could be partially restored by treatment with this reagent.
Host-ectoparasite relationships among North American chipmunks

A review of the fleas and lice of the Nearctic chipmunks indicates that North American chipmunks, Neotamias and Tamias, have had separate histories; and that one has not been derived directly from the other. The western chipmunks (Neotamias) have in common a species assemblage of sucking lice and fleas, and the single eastern species, Tamias striatus (Linnaeus, 1758), has distinctive species of fleas which do not generally occur on other small mammals; none of the lice or fleas on T. striatus occcurs on the western chipmunks. This dichotomy of distribution of external parasites on these chipmunks indicates a very long separation of the hosts, and could not occur if one group had been directly derived from the other. Chipmunks in western North America, on the basis of the molecular evidence and distribution of sucking lice and fleas, are most logically placed in the genus Neotamias. Such an arrangement is consistent with the morphological, molecular, and parasitological evidence, and suggests a plausible history and relationship of the three groups of chipmunks. The fossil distribution of North American chipmunks indicates an early movement from Asia in the Oligocene, and a scarcity or absence of chipmunks from the middle Miocene until the Pleistocene. Both Tamias striatus and species of Neotamias are probably a product of two Pleistocene movements across the Bering connection.
Social Contacts, Social Instrumentality, and Adjustment of Institutionalized Aged

A correlational study examined social instrumentality of institutionalized aged in terms of self- versus other-initiated contacts with family, community-dwelling friends, and coresidents. Correlations with life satisfaction, self-esteem, and perceived social control indicate positive associations with self- but not with other-initiated contacts with friends and fellow nursing home residents. Although family contacts were generally unrelated to adjustment, positive correlations did emerge for self-initiation of long-distance interactions with family members. Results are discussed in terms of parallels with previous experimental research on social control for institutionalized elderly and of differential functions of family and friendship interactions for this population.
Storage Reliability With Periodic Test

Electronic equipment can and does fall upon turn-on or even prior to turn on. This implies that failure mechanisms are at work even when an electronic equipment is not energized; that is, when it is in a storage or dormant condition. This paper addresses the storage/dormancy reliability problem and explores methods for predicting reliability of electronic items that must be in storage or dormancy for long periods of time prior to usage. One such method is to test the item periodically, repair any failures found, and in effect restore the item to near its inherent reliability. The mathematical model for such a system is developed and demonstrated by example. Computer programs were developed to make the calculations and trade-off analyses.
Rhesus macaque θ-defensin isoforms: expression, antimicrobial activities, and demonstration of a prominent role in neutrophil granule microbicidal activities

Mammalian defensins are cationic, antimicrobial peptides that play a central role in innate immunity. The peptides are composed of three structural subfamilies: α-, β-, and θ-defensins. θ-Defensins are macrocyclic octadecapeptides expressed only in Old World monkeys and Orangutans and are produced by the pair-wise, head-to-tail splicing of nonapeptides derived from their respective precursors. The existence of three active θ-defensin genes predicts that six different RTDs (1–6) are produced in this species. In this study, we isolated and quantified RTDs 1–6 from the neutrophils of 10 rhesus monkeys. RTD-1 was the most abundant θ-defensin, constituting ∼50% of the RTD content; total RTD content varied by as much as threefold between animals. All peptides tested were microbicidal at ∼1 μM concentrations. The contribution of θ-defensins to macaque neutrophil antimicrobial activity was assessed by analyzing the microbicidal properties of neutrophil granule extracts after neutralizing θ-defensin content with a specific antibody. θ-Defensin neutralization markedly reduced microbicidal activities of the corresponding extracts. Macaque neutrophil granule extracts had significantly greater microbicidal activity than those of human neutrophils, which lack θ-defensins. Supplementation of human granule extracts with RTD-1 markedly increased the microbicidal activity of these preparations, further demonstrating a prominent microbicidal role for θ-defensins.
Posaconazole pharmacokinetics in a 2-year-old boy with rhino-cerebral-orbital zygomycosis.

Posaconazole is a triazole antifungal agent used as adjuvant or salvage therapy for the treatment of zygomycosis, an invasive fungal infection associated with high mortality. Oral posaconazole absorption is highly variable. We describe the pharmacokinetics of oral posaconazole in a 2-year-old boy with rhino-cerebral-orbital zygomycosis. Seven days after induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he was brought to the emergency department because of left eyelid swelling and was admitted to the hospital. Zygomycosis was diagnosed 12 days later. After we conducted a literature search and consulted with antifungal drug experts, a triple-antifungal regimen consisting of liposomal amphotericin B, caspofungin, and posaconazole was started. Given the severity of the disease, we aimed for posaconazole plasma trough concentrations greater than 1.25 µg/ml; the dosage necessary to achieve this goal was posaconazole 200 mg 4 times/day. After a difficult 105-day stay in the hospital and stabilization of the fungal infection, the patient was discharged. Caspofungin was discontinued at time of discharge, but the patient continued to receive amphotericin B lipid complex 7.5 mg/kg/day intravenously and posaconazole 200 mg orally 4 times/day. This is one of the few case reports describing posaconazole pharmacokinetics in a child younger than 8 years. In patients with extensive zygomycosis, a triple-antifungal regimen, combined with therapeutic drug monitoring of posaconazole, may be helpful.
Analytic models for the dynamics of diffuse oceanic plate boundaries

Summary Some plates deform across zones that are many hundreds to thousands of kilometres wide, much broader than traditional boundaries such as mid-ocean ridges, deep-sea trenches and oceanic transform faults, across which most deformation is concentrated in a zone just a few kilometres wide. These wide zones of deformation, commonly referred to as diffuse plate boundaries, occur in both continental and oceanic lithosphere. Composite plates are composed of two or more rigid, or nearly rigid, component plates separated by one or more diffuse plate boundaries (Royer & Gordon 1997); such ‘complete’ diffuse boundaries are terminated at both ends by triple junctions (although there are other diffuse boundaries that transform into narrow boundaries). Here we consider the dynamics of complete diffuse oceanic plate boundaries by constructing simple analytical models on a flat earth and on a spherical earth assuming that the viscous force resisting deformation is described by either a linear Newtonian law or a high-exponent power law. We investigate the observed tendency for the pole of relative motion between component plates separated by a diffuse plate boundary to lie within the diffuse boundary itself. We show that this tendency is due to geometrical effects that make it unlikely that the total torque acting between plates at a diffuse boundary could be oriented such that relative rotation occurs between the plates about a pole lying outside the boundary. This is demonstrated for both flat and spherical earth cases, assuming that resistance to strain along the diffuse boundary increases linearly with stress (Newtonian rheology). We further show that the pole of rotation is even more likely to lie in the diffuse plate boundary if the viscous force resisting deformation is described by a high-exponent power law rather than a Newtonian law.
EFFECT OF GLASS COLOR ON SETTING RATES IN MANUFACTURE OF GLASS BOTTLES

It has been observed in the manufacture of bottles of the same size and shape from various colored glasses, such as emerald green and amber and the so-called flint bottle glass, that higher machine speeds are usually obtained in the case of the colored glasses. A laboratory test has been devised to measure the cooling rates of several colored and colorless glasses throughout their respective working ranges, which gives results paralleling the speeds obtained in actual bottle manufacture.
MITD1 is recruited to midbodies by ESCRT-III and participates in cytokinesis

The MITD1 is an largely uncharacterized MIT domain–containing protein. This protein localizes to the midbody, with its recruitment dependent on selective interactions with a number of ESCRT-III pro...
Complementary curves of descent

The shapes of two wires in a vertical plane with the same starting and ending points are described as complementary curves of descent if beads frictionlessly slide down both of them in the same time, starting from rest. Every analytic curve has a unique complement, except for a cycloid (solution of the brachistochrone problem), which is self complementary. A striking example is a straight wire whose complement is a lemniscate of Bernoulli. Alternatively, the wires can be tracks down which round objects undergo a rolling race. The level of presentation is appropriate for an intermediate undergraduate course in classical mechanics.