cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet secretion induced by divalent cation ionophores.

SECRETION by platelets is stimulated by agents of diverse structure such as thrombin, collagen and adrenaline; the substances secreted include adenine nucleotides, 5-hydroxytryptamine and calcium1. In many cells secretion seems to be mediated by the influx of Ca2+ (ref. 2), but this mechanism has not been demonstrated for all secretory systems and, in fact, no extracellular calcium is required for secretion by platelets. From kinetic studies of thrombin-stimulated secretion of ATP and calcium3,4 we proposed that stimulus-secretion coupling in platelets is mediated by intra-cellular calcium. We have now tested this hypothesis with the divalent cation ionophores X-537A (Lasalocid, Hoffman-La-Roche) and A23187 (Lilly). These antibiotics increase the permeability of membranes to divalent cations and can perturb intracellular cation gradients5–10. The probable mechanism involves formation of lipophilic chelate compounds10. If secretion by platelets were mediated by the intracellular release of stored calcium (or some other divalent cation) the ionophores should disrupt the intracellular ion gradients and trigger secretion. This was the observed result.
Fracture behavior of epoxy nanocomposites modified with polyol diluent and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: A loading rate study

Abstract The synergistic effects of reactive polyol diluent and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on fracture of two- and three-phase (hybrid) epoxy nanocomposites are investigated under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Digital image correlation method with a drop-tower and high-speed camera are used for dynamic tests. The crack-tip deformation histories and fracture parameters for stationary and growing cracks are extracted. Tests show improved crack initiation toughness in modified-epoxies relative to the neat resin with the highest enhancement in hybrid nanocomposites. The dynamic crack initiation toughness values are found to be consistently lower than the static counterparts. Fractographic examinations reveal distinct rate-dependent morphologies.
Isolation and partial characterization of arachin-P6.

Abstract A method is described for the isolation of gram quantities of relatively pure arachin from the peanut seed. The isolate was named arachin-P6. Arachin-P6 was homogeneous by immunodiffusion, Immunoelectrophoresis and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex gels. The isolate contained relatively high contents of glutamic acid and arginine. [α']25 D, δC- and K for arachin-P6 were -36.5, 213.2 mμ and -11 × 108, respectively; the parameters a0 and b0 of the moffitt plot for the isolate were -240.5 and 3.2, respectively. In sedimentation analysis arachin-P6 showed one major component (accounting for 93% of the protein) with s20, w of 13.1s (s°20, w= 13.36 S) and two minor components with s20, w values of 19.5 S and 8.09 S. Disc gel electrophoresis of the isolate demonstrated two major and three minor components; the preparation did not contain any basic protein. Our results clearly show that the two previously reported2, 3 isolates of arachin, one prepared by a method based on fractional precipita...
Characterization of the Ca2+-regulatory complex of chick embryonic muscles: polymorphism of tropomyosin in adult and embryonic fibers.

Abstract The Ca 2+ -regulatory tropomyosin-troponin complex was purified from chick embryonic muscles by a combination of DEAE-cellulose chromatography and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation. The embryonic complex was very similar to that obtained from adult chicken muscles with respect to stoichiometry of components and biological activity. Tropomyosin of embryonic skeletal muscles contains both α and β subunits, the β form being the major species. In the adult stage the β form is decreased with a concomitant increase in the α form. These results indicate that i) the Ca 2+ -regulatory proteins are not deficient in early embryonic muscles as previously thought (Hitchcock, S.E., Develop. Biol. 23 , 399, 1970), and ii) different structural genes coding for tropomyosin subunits are expressed differentially in embryonic and adult muscle fibers.
The effects of binder viscosity and molecular size distribution on the fabrication and physical properties of furfuryl alcohol resin bonded graphites

Abstract The viscosities and molecular size distributions of furfuryl alcohol resin binders are shown to have important influences on the fabrication and physical properties of graphites made from them. Increasing binder viscosity to about 2000 cp improves the physical properties of the graphite. Above this, graphite properties improve only slightly with further increases in resin viscosity, but fabrication difficulties increase. The monomer (the smallest resin molecule) is deleterious to graphite physical properties. In general, the medium-size molecules behave in a manner opposite to that of the monomer, and tend to be beneficial. A consideration of the total molecular size distribution shows that a narrow distribution with a relatively large mean molecular size is desirable. Based on the experimental results, conclusions are drawn concerning the characteristics of a superior furfuryl alcohol resin binder.
Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Using Particle Swarm Optimization

This study implemented a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to accelerate the engine development process in order to achieve low emissions. The PSO algorithm is a stochastic, population-based evolutionary optimization algorithm. In this study, PSO was integrated with diesel engine experiments to reduce emissions while maintaining high fuel efficiency. A merit function was defined to help reduce multiple emissions simultaneously. Engine operations using both single- and double-injection strategies were optimized. The present PSO algorithm was found to be very effective in finding the favorable operating conditions for low emissions. The optimization usually took 40–70 experimental runs to find the most favorable operating conditions under the constraints specified in the present testing. High EGR levels, small pilot amount, and late main injection were suggested by the PSO. Multiple emissions were reduced simultaneously without a compromise in the brake specific fuel consumption. In a favorable ca...
Sex differences in opioid antinociception: κ and ‘mixed action’ agonists

A number of investigators have shown that male animals are more sensitive than females to the antinociceptive effects of mu-opioid agonists. The present study was conducted to examine sex differences in opioid antinociception in the rat using agonists known to differ in selectivity for and efficacy at kappa- versus mu-receptors. Dose- and time-effect curves were obtained for s.c. U69593, U50488, ethylketazocine, (-)-bremazocine, (-)-pentazocine, butorphanol and nalbuphine on the 50 or 54 degrees C hotplate and warm water tail withdrawal assays; spontaneous locomotor activity was measured 32-52 min post-injection in the same rats. On the hotplate assay, only butorphanol (54 degrees C) and nalbuphine (50 degrees C) were significantly more potent in males than females. On the tail withdrawal assay, all agonists were significantly more potent or efficacious in males than females at one or both temperatures. In contrast, no agonist was consistently more potent in one sex or the other in decreasing locomotor activity. Estrous stage in female rats only slightly influenced opioid effects, accounting for an average of 2.6% of the variance in females' antinociceptive and locomotor responses to drug (50 degrees C experiment). These results suggest that (1) sex differences in antinociceptive effects of opioids are not mu-receptor-dependent, as they may occur with opioids known to have significant kappa-receptor-mediated activity; (2) the mechanisms underlying sex differences in kappa-opioid antinociception may be primarily spinal rather than supraspinal; (3) sex differences in antinociceptive effects of opioid agonists are not secondary to sex differences in their sedative effects.
PKC-βII sensitizes cardiac myofilaments to Ca2+ by phosphorylating troponin I on threonine-144

Ventricular myocytes express Galphaq-coupled receptors that can mediate enhanced contractility by increasing the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca(2+). The precise mechanisms underlying this change have been difficult to define, in part because myofilament regulatory proteins contain multiple phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase A (PKA) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), with potentially opposing effects. MLCK increases whereas PKC and PKA have a strong tendency to decrease myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity in myocardium. Here we show in mouse cardiac myocytes that PKC-betaII can increase Ca(2+) sensitivity of tension by a similar magnitude to MLCK but via a distinct mechanism. For PKC-betaII (32)P-incorporation occurred primarily into cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and functional effects were highly dependent upon mutations in phosphorylation sites of cTnI. Replacement of serines-23/24 (PKA sites) with alanine prevented cross-phosphorylation of these sites, reduced (32)P-incorporation into cTnI by half and resulted in myofilament Ca(2+) sensitization rather than desensitization in response to PKC-betaII. Replacement of three additional sites on cTnI, serines-43/45 and threonine-144, eliminated PKC-betaII-mediated Ca(2+) sensitization and the remaining (32)P-incorporation into cTnI. A preference for PKC-betaII phosphorylation of threonine-144 in the intact filament lattice was revealed by differential stable isotope labeling and supported by an analysis of peptide phosphorylation. The results suggest that threonine-144 within the critical inhibitory domain of cTnI represents a novel site of regulation of myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity by PKC-betaII, with possible implications for chronically stressed or diseased hearts.
Recombinant Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor in Liposome Model Activates G Protein in Response to Anionic Lipid Constituents

Human cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor expressed in Escherichia coli was purified and successfully reconstituted in the functional form into lipid bilayers composed of POPC, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (POPS), and cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS). Reconstitution was performed by detergent removal from the protein/lipid/detergent mixed micelles either on an adsorbent column, or by rapid dilution to below the critical micelle concentration of detergent followed by removal of detergent monomers on a concentrator. Proteoliposomes prepared at a protein/phospholipid/CHS molar ratio of 1/620–650/210–220 are free of detergent as shown by 1H NMR, have a homogeneous protein/lipid ratio shown by isopycnic gradient ultracentrifugation, and are small in size with a mean diameter of 150–200 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering. Functional integrity of the reconstituted receptor was confirmed by quantitative binding of 2H-labeled agonist CP-55,940-d6 measured by 2H magic angle spinning NMR, as well as by activation of G protein. The efficiency of G protein activation by agonist-bound CB2 receptor was affected by negative electric surface potentials of proteoliposomes controlled by the content of anionic CHS or POPS. The activation was highest at an anionic lipid content of about 50 mol %. There was no correlation between the efficiency of G protein activation and an increase of hydrocarbon chain order induced by CHS or cholesterol. The results suggest the importance of anionic lipids in regulating signal transduction by CB2 receptor and other class A GPCR. The successful reconstitution of milligram quantities of pure, functional CB2 receptor enables a wide variety of structural studies.
‘Wrong parents’ and ‘right parents’: Shared perspectives about citizen participation in policy implementation

Abstract Government policies, both in Europe and the U.S., increasingly mandate that community-based citizens partner with professionals to plan and implement policy-relevant programs. In the U.S., parents of children with serious emotional disturbances may participate in Community Collaboratives which are charged with implementing children's mental health policy in local communities. This qualitative study examined three Community Collaboratives and identified organizational features associated with how the groups prioritized lay involvement, among other competing goals which they legitimately could pursue. Thirty-four key informants participated in in-depth interviews. Although the overall study identified several factors which permitted greater and lesser degrees of family involvement, this paper reports on one: the symbolic meaning shared by members about lay participation in their shared perspectives about “wrong parents” and “right parents.” Furthermore, two alternate types of “right parents” identified a psychologized version of parents as consumers, and a civic vision of parents as partners. Results from this study are applicable to a wide array of lay–professional partnerships. This study suggests that in order to foster lay–professional partnerships in policy initiatives, lay participants must possess additional, civic-based skills, beyond those needed in the service delivery arena. Furthermore, organizational and professional change may be required to address professional dominance. Within mental health, lack of acceptance of nationally touted recovery-based models is a significant barrier. Finally, sociological implications of developing a civic-based framework for lay–professional partnerships are discussed.
History and Thought in China’s Traditions

The recent turn to China’s traditions has the potential to correct for the Eurocentrism of Political Science theories. Nevertheless, the overwhelming emphasis on political thought, especially Confucianism, may have its drawbacks. This article suggests that political scientists who are interested in building theories and drawing policy implications should study the verifiable, i.e., history. Unless the purpose is to study philosophy for its own sake, political scientists should study political thought in practice, rather than political thought divorced from history. This article first discusses why it is important to examine history beyond thought. It then analyzes why scholars should not conflate political thought with historical practice. It anchors the analysis with a high-profile recent book on ancient Chinese thought.
New metastable phase of Mn by epitaxy on Cu{111}

Abstract Deposition of Mn on a clean Cu{111} surface at room temperature produces an incommensurate 6-fold symmetric √3 × √3 t-30° phase mixed with small amounts of γ-Mn. The √3 × √3−30° phase is a bulk, rather than a surface, phase. We show that it is equal to the √3 × √3−30° phase that was reported earlier to grow pseudomorphically on Pd{111} at 150°C and to be related to α-Mn. It is proposed to call this phase α '-Mn. The atomic structure of α '-Mn is not known at this time, but it appears to be a new metastable modification of Mn that can be prepared by epitaxial growth on suitable substrates.
The development of a population of 4D pediatric XCAT phantoms for CT imaging research and optimization

With the increased use of CT examinations, the associated radiation dose has become a large concern, especially for pediatrics. Much research has focused on reducing radiation dose through new scanning and reconstruction methods. Computational phantoms provide an effective and efficient means for evaluating image quality, patient-specific dose, and organ-specific dose in CT. We previously developed a set of highly-detailed 4D reference pediatric XCAT phantoms at ages of newborn, 1, 5, 10, and 15 years with organ and tissues masses matched to ICRP Publication 89 values. We now extend this reference set to a series of 64 pediatric phantoms of a variety of ages and height and weight percentiles, representative of the public at large. High resolution PET-CT data was reviewed by a practicing experienced radiologist for anatomic regularity and was then segmented with manual and semi-automatic methods to form a target model. A Multi-Channel Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Metric Mapping (MC-LDDMM) algorithm was used to calculate the transform from the best age matching pediatric reference phantom to the patient target. The transform was used to complete the target, filling in the non-segmented structures and defining models for the cardiac and respiratory motions. The complete phantoms, consisting of thousands of structures, were then manually inspected for anatomical accuracy. 3D CT data was simulated from the phantoms to demonstrate their ability to generate realistic, patient quality imaging data. The population of pediatric phantoms developed in this work provides a vital tool to investigate dose reduction techniques in 3D and 4D pediatric CT.
Analytical modeling of DF laser propagation

A system performance model is developed to predict the performance of a high-energy laser system taking into account the propagation through the beam control system and the atmosphere. The performance model essentially shows how the various subsystems, such as the laser device, intermediate transfer system, beam expander, target, etc., will interact with each other and how a closed-loop model for the atmospheric correction can be achieved. Such a model aids in the system design by identifying and optimizing the adaptive optic requirements for the laser beam cleanup and for the atmospheric compensation correction. The heart of such a model is the Perkin-Elmer Physical Optics Propagation (POP) code. The POP code has been successfully used in many high-energy laser programs. The general capabilities of the POP code and the performance model will be highlighted. Results from a test case using a chemical laser wavefront will also be presented.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
How Literacy Emerges: Foreign Language Implications.

Summary The benefits of reading and writing well in a foreign language have been well documented. Recent research on how literacy emerges in native languages suggests that reading and writing develop concomitantly through social interactions in literate environments, long before schooling starts. Implications of emergent literacy research for foreign-language instruction include ideas about when reading and writing activities should be introduced, what sorts of literacy materials might be made available, what kinds of reading and writing tasks are likely to be most helpful, and what teachers should help novice foreign-language readers and writers focus on.
Helium preheater for the open‐split interface

A small oven was constructed which supplies preheated helium to the purge port of a modified version of the open split interface. The advantages of this new design are discussed. The open split oven increases total ionization baseline stability and instrument performance.
Large-scale purification of the chromosomal β-lactamase from Enterobacter cloacae P999

Abstract Homogeneous β-lactamase (β-lactam hydrolase, E.C. 3.5.2.6) from Enterobacter cloacae P99, an enzyme that has an important function in antibiotic resistance, was prepared using a single cation-exchange chromatographic step with CM-Sepharose fast-flow. A 6-g amount of the enzyme was isolated from 5 kg of cell paste, with 84% of the enzyme activity in the cell homogenate being recovered by the single cation-exchange step. The specific activity of the β-lactamase was 587 U/mg protein. The relative molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 45 kDa by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and the isoelectric point was 8.95.
Experimental comparison of optical binary phase-only filter and high-pass matched filter correlation

An experimental comparison of two optical correlation systems in their ability to do target detection, identification, and discrimination is described. A common set of four binary input images was used for the experiments, which included single and multiple target scenes. The set included symmetric and asymmetric objects. The two optical correlation systems compared were (a) a high pass matched filter (HPMF) VanderLugt system and (b) a binary phase-only filter (BPOF) system. In the HPMF system, the input image and filter are film-based, with the filter somewhat Gaussian apodized to achieve high passing. The BPOF system has one magneto-optical spatial light modulator as the input device, and another as the filter device. The experimental measurements compared were (1) target auto- and crosscorrelation, (2) auto- and crosscorrelation for multiple target scenes, (3) spatial extent of the correlation peaks, and (4) sidelobe levels in multiple target scenes. In spite of the fundamental differences in the correlators compared (i.e., film vs. real time image/filter), the use of binary imagery and high pass filters in both cases gave comparable results in target detection, identification, and discrimination. Both the similarities and the differences are described and summarized.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Maternal control of Drosophila segmentation gene expression.

Several genes have been identified that are involved in establishing the segmented body pattern during development of the fruit-fly Drosophila melanogaster. These fall into several classes on the basis of the kind of alteration to the wild-type segmentation pattern observed in mutant embryos. For example, mutations of the pair-rule1 class, such as fushi tarazu (ftz)1–3 , cause the deletion of pattern elements with a two-segment periodicity; those of the gap class1, such as knirps1,4, cause the deletion of contiguous groups of segments. The availability of antibodies against the ftz protein has allowed its spatial pattern of expression to be studied during the development of wild-type5 and mutant6 embryos. The aim of the latter kind of experiment is to investigate possible interactions between these important genes. We have recently reported that knirps mutations cause a striking alteration to the pattern of transverse stripes of ftz expression usually seen during embry-ogenesis6. Knirps is a zygotically-expressed gene, but recently a class of maternally-active genes has been identified that causes similar defects in pattern formation7–9. We have now investigated the pattern of ftz expression in mutants of this class and have found that while they do have features seen in knirps mutants, they also exhibit significant differences between the different mutations reflecting the distinct but overlapping domains of gene activity. These observations demonstrate that maternally-active segmentation genes regulate zygotic gene expression, and that some of their effects on ftz may be directed through the knirps gene.
β-oxidation of 12(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid by MOLT-4 lymphocytes

Abstract MOLT-4 lymphocytes metabolize 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12( S )-HETE via β-oxidation with retention of the hydroxyl group at the ω9 carbon atom. The isolation of 6-hydroxy-4,8-tetradecadienoic acid documents that these cells have the capacity to catabolize the conjugated diene system. 12( S )-HETE was also metabolized to 3,12-dihydroxy-8,10,14-eicosatrienoic acid and 1,9-dihydroxy-5,7,11-heptadecatriene as well as to 17- and 19-carbon aldehydes. When MOLT-4 cells were incubated with the β-oxidation product, 10-hydroxy-6,8,12-octadecatrienoic acid, it was in part further catabolized but in addition it served as an anabolic precursor as defined by the accumulation 3,12-dihydroxy-8,10,14-eicosatrienoic acid as well as 1,11-dihydroxy-7,9,13-nonadecatriene. Neither 10-hydroxy-6,8,12-octadecatrienoic acid nor 13-hydroxy-5,8,11-octadecatrienic acid was as potent in inhibiting phytohemagglutin-induced lymphocyte mitogenesis as were their parent compounds—i.e., 12( S )- and 15( S )-HETE. These findings argue against the hypothesis that β-oxidation products of 12( S )- and 15( S )-HETE are the potential modulators of lymphocyte function. However, neither the pathway for synthesis, nor the role of odd chain aldehydes and diols as potential lipid mediators was determined in this study.
“Time Is Our Commodity” Gender and the Struggle for Occupational Legitimacy Among Personal Concierges

The emergence of personal concierge and errand services in the past decade offers a rare opportunity to look at a fledgling occupation with uncertain prospects and in particular to examine its rhetorical struggles for legitimacy. Providers of these services are attempting to commodify household and personal tasks largely associated with women’s labor. Based on interviews and participant observation, this article demonstrates that this association of concierge work with women’s work impedes its symbolic and monetary valuation in the market. In response, concierges primarily use gender-neutral frames to legitimate their product and cast themselves as professionals. This analysis illuminates multiple dimensions of legitimacy-seeking and documents the continued influence of gender on rhetorics of work and value in the market.
Label-free biological and chemical sensors

Highly sensitive, label-free biodetection methods have applications in both the fundamental research and healthcare diagnostics arenas. Therefore, the development of new transduction methods and the improvement of the existing methods will significantly impact these areas. A brief overview of the different types of biosensors and the critical parameters governing their performance will be given. Additionally, a more in-depth discussion of optical devices, surface functionalization methods to increase device specificity, and fluidic techniques to improve sample delivery will be reviewed.
The ‘Inextricabilis Syndrome’: a case with no solution

Summary We describe a case of a 58-year-old man with cardiogenic shock who underwent triple vessel coronary artery bypass and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. His course was complicated by stroke, worsening mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and multiple cardiac thrombi while on the device. We provide the details of the patient’s hospital course, management, and echocardiographic findings. We also discuss the utility of echocardiography before LVAD insertion and its role for continued monitoring after insertion. Learning points: † Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used as bridge to decision, transplant, recovery, or destination therapy in patients with advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. † VADs improve survival and the quality of life but have significant associated complications. † Echocardiography plays an essential role before VAD insertion and for postoperative cardiac monitoring. Information provided by echocardiography is used in device selection, consideration for corrective surgical interventions, and device explantation.
Recent progress on application of hp-adaptive BE/FE methods to elastic scattering

SUMMARY Several new issues related to the projcct described in References 1-3 are reported. The presented problems include (I) sensitivity of p-convergence results to geometric parametrizations and an idea of a new mesh generation for lip-approximations, (2) a posteriori error estimation for the coupled problem, (3) a better understanding of the meaning of the asymptotic convergence. A few typical numerical examples conclude the presentation.
Religion and Development Revisited: Comparing Islam and Christianity With Reference to the Case of Iran

To explain the level of difference between Muslim societies and the West, many refer to religious sources as if Christianity caused modern development; and Islam all present misfortunes. This paper...
Arterial hemostasis using the DuettTM sealing device

Abstract Using a liquid procoagulant, the Duett sealing device employs a distinctly different mechanism than other available devices for attaining hemostasis after femoral arterial puncture. Approved for use with 5 to 9 Fr sheath sizes, the Duett incorporates the typical vascular sheath in the closure procedure. Moreover, the liquid procoagulant, containing a mixture of thrombin and collagen, provides instant hemostasis and does not leave foreign material in the artery or in the subcutaneous tissues. Several studies, including one comparing the Duett to standard manual compression (SEAL), have shown the safety of the device as well as decreased times to ambulation. In addition, time to hemostasis was significantly decreased in patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. The Duett sealing device is simple to use, safe, effective and a viable alternative to other available devices and/or manual compression. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Tomographic fluorescence imaging in tissue phantoms: a novel reconstruction algorithm and imaging geometry

A novel image reconstruction algorithm has been developed and demonstrated for fluorescence-enhanced frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) tomography from measurements of area illumination with modulated excitation light and area collection of emitted fluorescence light using a gain modulated image-intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. The image reconstruction problem was formulated as a nonlinear least-squares-type simple bounds constrained optimization problem based upon the penalty/modified barrier function (PMBF) method and the coupled diffusion equations. The simple bounds constraints are included in the objective function of the PMBF method and the gradient-based truncated Newton method with trust region is used to minimize the function for the large-scale problem (39919 unknowns, 2973 measurements). Three-dimensional (3-D) images of fluorescence absorption coefficients were reconstructed using the algorithm from experimental reflectance measurements under conditions of perfect and imperfect distribution of fluorophore within a single target. To our knowledge, this is the first time that targets have been reconstructed in three-dimensions from reflectance measurements with a clinically relevant phantom.
Development of Pediatric Cardiology

We have reviewed in previous chapters some of the sweep of pediatric cardiac advances. Clearly, a number of cardiac defects have extraordinarily fascinating histories, and each defect is separate in the timing of understanding and treatment. Clinically, cardiac problems cannot be thought of in isolation, but always in context of the whole child; but historically, very different tools and concepts were involved in the elucidation of individual defects. An evolutionary approach to the growth of knowledge of 3 specific cardiac anomalies, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, and double inlet ventricle is outlined in the next few pages. Each defect has had its own special problems of recognition and management, and for each new challenges exist in the developmental era.
Fractalkine and CX3CR1 regulate hippocampal neurogenesis in adult and aged rats

Microglia have neuroprotective capacities, yet chronic activation can promote neurotoxic inflammation. Neuronal fractalkine (FKN), acting on CX3CR1, has been shown to suppress excessive microglia activation. We found that disruption in FKN/ CX3CR1 signaling in young adult rodents decreased survival and proliferation of neural progenitor cells through IL-1β. Aged rats were found to have decreased levels of hippocampal FKN protein; moreover, interruption of CX3CR1 function in these animals did not affect neurogenesis. The age-related loss of FKN could be restored by exogenous FKN reversing the age-related decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis. There were no measureable changes in young animals by the addition of exogenous FKN. The results suggest that FKN/ CX3CR1 signaling has a regulatory role in modulating hippocampal neurogenesis via mechanisms that involve indirect modification of the niche environment. As elevated neuroinflammation is associated with many age-related neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing FKN/ CX3CR1 interactions could provide an alternative therapeutic approach to slow age-related neurodegeneration.
Using dynamic execution traces and program invariants to enhance behavioral model inference

Software behavioral models have proven useful for design, validation, verification, and maintenance. However, existing approaches for deriving such models sometimes overgeneralize what behavior is legal. We outline a novel approach that utilizes inferred likely program invariants and method invocation sequences to obtain an object-level model that describes legal execution sequences. The key insight is using program invariants to identify similar states in the sequences. We exemplify how our approach improves upon certain aspects of the state-of-the-art FSA-inference techniques.
Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of stable isotopes of 3-methylhistidine in biological fluids: application to plasma kinetics in vivo.

A simple and rapid method for measuring 3-methylhistidine (3MH) in plasma and urine is described. Internal standard, 1-methylhistidine (1MH), was added to plasma, acidified and absorbed onto cation-exchange columns. It was then eluted from columns, dried, and derivatized for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A major fragment of 3MH was monitored at 238 u and 3-methyl-(methyl-2H3)histidine (d3-3MH) (used for in vivo kinetics) at 241 u, whereas 1MH was monitored at 340 u and eluted 0.5 min later than 3MH. Standard curves for plasma analysis were linear and nanamole amounts of 3MH in plasma were determined with a precision of 3.5%. 3MH was also quantitated in urine; however, because of substantial amounts of 1MH, (18O2)1MH was used as the internal standard. Nanamole amounts of 3MH were determined in urine with a precision of 2.7%. Application of the 3MH analytical method was used to develop a kinetic compartmental model by using the stable isotope of 3MH, d3-3MH. Cattle, like humans, quantitatively excrete 3MH in the urine. A young bovine was injected with d3-3MH and the enrichment curve in plasma was evaluated in order to obtain a steady-state production rate of 3MH. The decay curve was modeled through the use of NIH-SAAM modeling program. The kinetics of d3-3MH from plasma were adequately described by a three-pool compartmental model. The de novo production rate of 3MH estimated in the calf was 665 μmol per day. This corresponded to an estimated fractional turnover rate of 1.56% per day, which was similar to estimates obtained from urine collections. These data suggest that d3-3MH can be used to model 3MH production in vivo.
Automatic identification of biological microorganisms using three-dimensional complex morphology

We propose automated identification of microorganisms using three-dimensional (3-D) complex morphology. This 3-D complex morphology pattern includes the complex amplitude (magnitude and phase) of computationally reconstructed holographic images at arbitrary depths. Microscope-based single-exposure on-line (SEOL) digital holography records and reconstructs holographic images of the biological microorganisms. The 3-D automatic recognition is processed by segmentation, feature extraction by Gabor-based wavelets, automatic feature vector selection by graph matching, training rules, and a decision process. Graph matching combined with Gabor feature vectors measures the similarity of complex geometrical shapes between a reference microorganism and unknown biological samples. Automatic selection of the training data is proposed to achieve a fully automatic recognition system. Preliminary experimental results are presented for 3-D image recognition of Sphacelaria alga and Tribonema aequale alga.
Maximum allowable bulk defect density for generation-recombination noise-free device operation

Generation-recombination noise associated with bulk defect levels in silicon is modeled in a partial differential equation-based device simulator to study the maximum allowable defect density that guarantees generation-recombination (g-r) noise-free operation in the presence of hot-carrier effects and space-charge injection.
The Need to Restructure the Substance Misuse Behavioral Science Research Enterprise.

Two major dynamics characterize the field of substance misuse behavioral science research in recent decades. First, assessments of the outcomes of prevention and treatment services have shown increasing conceptual and methodological sophistication, but, in general, have not kept pace with new developments in biostatistics and multivariate analyses. Second, funding for richer, more informed evaluation efforts to assess the efficacy, cost benefits, and longer term outcomes of these services has declined significantly. These two processes are creating a growing crisis in the field. Researchers, program administrators, and legislative bodies at the state and federal levels have each contributed to this crisis. A significant restructuring of what we do and when (appropriate timing), their underpinnings (theoretical, empirical, stakeholder agendas and goals, etc.) and how we do it, and the ongoing availability and accessibility of relevant human and non-human resources, amongst other considerations, is needed. Although this Op-Ed piece prevents full discussion of these issues, as someone who has been involved in this field for many years, I feel several key issues need to be addressed:
Compliance with osteoporosis medications.

Background Long-term compliance with pharmacologic treatments for many asymptomatic conditions may be suboptimal, but little is known about compliance with medications used for osteoporosis. This study was undertaken to assess the level and determinants of compliance with drugs prescribed for osteoporosis. Methods This retrospective cohort study used pharmacy claims data from US Medicare and filled prescriptions from a state pharmaceutical benefits program. We included persons 65 years or older who initiated use of a medication for osteoporosis (alendronate sodium, calcitonin, hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride, or risedronate) from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2002. The outcome of interest was suboptimal medication compliance, defined as equal to or less than 66% of days with medication during a 60-day period. Results One year after initiating treatment for osteoporosis, 45.2% of the 40 002 patients were not continuing to fill prescriptions. Five years after initiation, 52.1% of patients were not continuing to fill prescriptions for an osteoporosis medication. Several characteristics independently predicted compliance: female sex, younger age, fewer comorbid conditions, using fewer nonosteoporosis medications, bone mineral density testing before and after initiating a medication, a fracture before and after initiating a medication, and nursing home residence during the 12 months before initiating a medication. However, models adjusted for the significant patient variables explained only 6% of the variation in compliance. Conclusions Most patients who initiate a medication for osteoporosis do not continue to take it as prescribed. Although several patient characteristics significantly correlated with compliance, adjusted models explained little of the variation.
Detrital Zircon Provenance of Mesoproterozoic to Cambrian Arenites in the Western United States and Northwestern Mexico

U-Pb isotopic dating of detrital zircon from supracrustal Proterozoic and Cambrian arenites from the western United States and northern Mexico reveal three main age groups, 1.90 to 1.62 Ga, 1.45 to 1.40 Ga, and 1.2 to 1.0 Ga. Small amounts of zircons with ages of 3.1 to 2.5 Ga, 1.57 Ga, 1.32 Ga, 1.26 Ga, 0.7 Ga, and 0.5 Ga are also present. Detrital zircons ranging in age from 1.90 to 1.62 Ga and from 1.45 to 1.40 Ga are considered to have been derived from Proterozoic crystalline basement rocks of these known ages, and probably in part from reworked Proterozoic supracrustal sedimentary rocks, of the western United States. The 1.2 to 1.0 Ga detrital zircon ages from California, Arizona, and Sonora are characterized by distinct spikes (1.11 Ga, in particular) in the age-probability plots. These spikes are interpreted to indicate the influx of zircon from major silicic volcanic fields. Igneous rocks such as the Pikes Peak Granite (1.093 Ga) of Colorado, and the Aibo Granite (1.110 Ga) of Sonora, Mexico, may represent the deeply eroded roots of such volcanic fields. Samples from farther north along the Cordilleran margin that contain abundant 1.2‐1.0 Ga detrital zircons do not show spikes in the age distribution, but rather ages spread out across the entire 1.2‐1.0 Ga range. These age spectra resemble those for detrital zircons from the Grenville province, which is considered their source. Less common detrital zircons had a variety of sources. Zircons ranging in age from 3.36 to 2.31 Ga were apparently derived from inland parts of the North American continent from Wyoming to Canada. Zircons of about 1.577 Ga are highly unusual and may have had an exotic source; they may have come from Australia and been deposited in North America when Australia and North America were juxtaposed as part of the hypothetical Rodinian supercontinent. Detrital zircon of ;1.320 Ga apparently had the same source as that for tuff (1.320 Ga) in the Pioneer Shale of the Apache Group in Arizona. Detrital zircons of about 1.26 Ga in the Apache Group and Troy Quartzite appear to be related to local, approximately coeval volcanic fields. Zircons of about 0.7 Ga may have had a source in igneous rocks related to rifting of the Proterozoic supercontinent of Rodinia, and 0.5 Ga zircons a source in relatively small areas of granitic rocks of this known, or inferred, age in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
A MULTI-STAGE COLOR MODEL REVISITED: IMPLICATIONS FOR A GENE THERAPY CURE FOR RED-GREEN COLORBLINDNESS

In 1993, DeValois and DeValois proposed a 'multi-stage color model' to explain how the cortex is ultimately able to deconfound the responses of neurons receiving input from three cone types in order to produce separate red-green and blue-yellow systems, as well as segregate luminance percepts (black-white) from color. This model extended the biological implementation of Hurvich and Jameson's Opponent-Process Theory of color vision, a two-stage model encompassing the three cone types combined in a later opponent organization, which has been the accepted dogma in color vision. DeValois' model attempts to satisfy the long-remaining question of how the visual system separates luminance information from color, but what are the cellular mechanisms that establish the complicated neural wiring and higher-order operations required by the Multi-stage Model? During the last decade and a half, results from molecular biology have shed new light on the evolution of primate color vision, thus constraining the possibilities for the visual circuits. The evolutionary constraints allow for an extension of DeValois' model that is more explicit about the biology of color vision circuitry, and it predicts that human red-green colorblindness can be cured using a retinal gene therapy approach to add the missing photopigment, without any additional changes to the post-synaptic circuitry.
Adapting user interface design methods to the design of educational activities

considered simply, but a more complex evaluation of the effects of performing the tasks. For example, an educational activity that learners complete quickly and accurately is of no value if they learn nothing from it. We have adapted the programming walkthrough technique to help design computer-supported educational activities in elementary school science. We present examples from a case study which illustrate ways in which design of an educational activity is similar to and different from design of a user interface. We have found that the walkthrough approach is useful in this new setting, and that it sheds new light on the general task-centered orientation to design. Despite these differences in design problems, we hypothesized that the core logic of task-centered user interface design, and of the associated walkthrough methods, could be adapted to the design of educational activities. We present the results of our exploration of this possibility by describing a case study in which we adapted the programming walkthrough technique [2, 9] to the design of a suite of educational activities about plants for an elementary school science unit.
Fine-tuning the diagnosis of fetal scalp cysts: the value of high-frequency sonography.

Objective. The purpose of this series is to emphasize the importance of an exhaustive and appropriately conducted sonographic examination in the correct diagnosis of fetal cystic scalp lesions and the place of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic sequence. Methods. Transabdominal and transvaginal 2- and 3-dimensional sonography with color and power Doppler imaging as well as 3-dimensional rendering techniques such as inversion and Doppler angiography were used. In 1 case, an MRI study was performed. Results. In 1 case, the MRI missed and the different sonographic techniques correctly made the diagnosis of a meningocele. In the second case, sonography was sufficient to establish the diagnosis of an epidermal cyst. Conclusions. These 2 cases show the value of going the distance with the newly available high-frequency sonography. Ultimately, the correct diagnoses were made with the tools offered by sonography without the need for any other imaging modality.
MR demonstration of spinal cord sarcoidosis: report of a case.

Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, multisystem, granulomatous disease characterized microscopically by the presence of noncaseating granulomas and, in the majority of cases , sup­ portive laboratory and clinical findings. The CNS is clinically involved in approximately 5% of cases [1], although autopsy findings suggest an overall involvement of closer to 15% [2]. The CNS is the sole site of involvement in 1.5% of cases [3]. The most frequently affected portions of the CNS are the basal leptomeninges, cranial nerves (particularly VII and II), hypothalamus, and pituitary gland; the brainstem and spinal cord are rarely involved [1]. Hydrocephalus secondary to basal arachnoiditis is the most common CNS abnormality detected radiographically, although contrast-enhancing mass lesions produced by coalescent granulomata have occasion­ ally been demonstrated with CT [2-7]. Only one previous report [8] has described MR findings in a case of suspected neurosarcoidosis. We report a second case with MR findings in which histologically confirmed neu­ rosarcoidosis involved the brainstem and spinal cord.
Synthesis and Characterization of Conductive Palladium Containing Polyimide Films

The doping of neutral polymers with dissolved metal salts or metal complexes for the purpose of imparting electrical conductivity to the polymer has received little attention. In the few instances where this technique has been applied enhancement of conductivity has been marginal. Angelo1 initially reported in a patent the synthetic procedure for the addition of metal ions to numerous types of polyimides. Few properties of the films which he cast are available from the patent. However, the electrical properties at room temperature of a film derived from 4,4′-diamino-diphenylmethane, pyromellitic dianhydride and bis(acetylacetonato)-copper(II) were given as follows: percent copper, 3.0%; dielectric consent, 3.6%; dissipation factor, 0.004–0.01; volume resistivity, 8×1012 ohm-cm. The measured resistivity represented a 5–6 orders of magnitude enhancement over the polymer alone. Further patents or published work in this area are not available.2