cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selection of transfected mammalian cells

Analysis of gene function frequently requires the formation of mammalian cell lines that contain the studied gene in a stably integrated form. Approximately one in 10(4) cells in a transfection will stably integrate DNA (the efficiency can vary depending on the cell type). Therefore, a dominant, selectable marker is used to permit isolation of stable transfectants. In the first part of this unit, the procedure for determining selection conditions and the resulting stable transfection is presented and the most commonly used selectable markers are discussed. The second protocol includes conditions for thirteen markers commonly used for selection of mammalian cells. A third protocols describes selection of transfected cells from the total population soon after transfection with plasmids that express both the gene of interest and a selection tag. Optimization of transfection conditions can be facilitated by a simple staining assay detailed in a .
Integrated, Feed-Forward Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulation in SIMULINK and its Use for Power Management Studies

A hybrid electric vehicle simulation tool (HE-VESIM) has been developed at the Automotive Research Center of the University of Michigan to study the fuel economy potential of hybrid military/civilian trucks. In this paper, the fundamental architecture of the feed-forward parallel hybrid-electric vehicle system is described, together with dynamic equations and basic features of sub-system modules. Two vehicle-level power management control algorithms are assessed, a rule-based algorithm, which mainly explores engine efficiency in an intuitive manner, and a dynamic-programming optimization algorithm. Simulation results over the urban driving cycle demonstrate the potential of the selected hybrid system to significantly improve vehicle fuel economy, the improvement being greater when the dynamicprogramming power management algorithm is applied.
Rigid components identification and rigidity control in bearing-only localization using the graph cycle basis

Bearing-only localization can be formulated in terms of optimal graph embedding: for each node in the graph, find the coordinates that satisfy as close as possible all the bearing-only constraints on the edges. If the graph is parallel rigid, this can be done via spectral methods. When the graph is not rigid the solution is ambiguous, as different subsets of vertices can be scaled differently. It is then important to first partition the problem into maximal rigid components. In this paper we show that the cycle basis matrix of the graph can be used for this task, and that it can also be used to provide a more intuitive look at graph rigidity. We can explain, for instance, why triangulated graphs are rigid and why graphs with longer cycles may loose this property. Furthermore, we can obtain tools for enforcing rigidity by controlling the addition of new measurements.
Plasma flow in the magnetotail and its implications for substorm theories

The neutral line theory of substorms has evolved from early thinking about magnetic energy conversion in solar flares and in the outer magnetosphere and has now attained a relatively high level of sophistication. Some large-scale phenomena that are predicted by this theory are (a) plasma will flow rapidly earthward and tailward along the tail’s midplane away from the merging region; (b) the component of the magnetic field normal to the midplane will be oppositely directed on the two sides of the merging region; (c) in large substorms magnetic merging can reach the field lines bounding the plasma sheet, possibly causing loss of the tail ward portion of the plasma sheet to the solar wind. Observations with satellites located near the center of the tail at distances beyond 20 RE have revealed combinations of these phenomena occurring in more than 25 substorms and often agreeing in remarkable detail with predictions of the theory. This paper deals primarily with plasma flow measurements during substorms and reports on a recent study that shows tailward flow to be much more prevalent than earthward flow during the expansive phase of substorms. This finding tends to contradict an earlier study that reported instances of earthward flow to far outnumber instances of tailward flow during (substorm-related) plasma sheet thinnings. It calls into question a “rarefaction wave model” of substorms that was partially based on that earlier report.
On-demand Connection Management for OpenSHMEM and OpenSHMEM+MPI

Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming models like Open SHMEM and hybrid models like Open SHMEM+MPI can deliver high performance and improved programmability. However, current implementations of Open SHMEM assume a fully-connected process model which affects their performance and scalability. We address this critical issue by designing on-demand connection management support for Open SHMEM which significantly improves the startup performance and reduces the resource usage. We further enhance the Open SHMEM startup performance by utilizing non-blocking out-of-band communication APIs. We evaluate our designs using a set of micro benchmarks and applications and observe 30 times reduction in Open SHMEM initialization time and 8.3 times improvement in execution time of a Hello World application at 8,192 processes. In particular, when sufficient work can be overlapped, we show that use of non-blocking out-of-band communication APIs allow for a constant initialization cost of Open SHMEM jobs at different core counts. We also obtain up to 90% reduction in number of network endpoints and up to 35% improvement in application execution time with NAS Parallel Benchmarks.
An Endonuclease Induced by Bacteriophage λ

A DNA endonuclease has been partially purified from Escherichia coli after infection with bacteriophage λ. The endonuclease, which is not present in uninfected cells or uninduced λ lysogens, catalyzes a magnesium-dependent reaction in which double strand breaks are introduced into duplex DNA. It is active on E. coli and T4 DNA, as well as on λ DNA. At least 1000 breaks can be introduced into λ DNA. A site which is essential for the synthesis of the endonuclease has been identified within the b2 region of the λ genome, but the physiological function of the endonuclease has not been established.
Human Service Nonprofits and Government Collaboration: Findings from the 2010 National Survey of Nonprofit Government Contracting and Grants

This report explores the results of the 2010 National Survey of Nonprofit-Government Contracting and Grants, a study of human service organizations designed to document the extent of nonprofit-government contracting, processes and problems. It also examines the impact of the recession on these organizations and the cutbacks they have made to keep their programs operating. While contracting problems are not new, many are exacerbated by the deep recession that has reduced government budgets and private contributions. Nearly 33,000 human service nonprofits have government contracts and grants, and 9,000 organizations with expenditures over 100,000 were surveyed for this study.
Effect of Liposomal Charge on Stavudine Transport Across Rabbit Cornea and Conjunctiva

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of liposomal charge on the corneal and conjunctival transport and uptake of stavudine, an approved drug for HIV treatment. Neutral, positive, and negative distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) liposomes encapsulating stavudine were compared with free stavudine. Liposome formulations were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method. Positive and negative charges on liposomes were added by including stearylamine and dicetyl phosphate, respectively, with the DSPC lipid. In-vitro transport studies were conducted across rabbit corneas and conjunctivas using 1 mM stavudine with trace quantities of [3H] stavudine in the mucosal bathing fluid. In general, liposomal formulations reduced stavudine transport as well as tissue uptake compared with free drug. Neutral liposomes allowed greatest stavudine transport across cornea and conjunctiva. The cornea–conjunctiva drug uptake ratios were 1.60, 2.79, 3.72, and 0.78 for free drug, neutral, positive, and negative liposomes, respectively. The corresponding drug permeability ratios were 0.35, 0.28, 0.19, and 0.48, respectively. Positive liposomes were most effective in reducing the lag-time for stavudine transport across both tissues. The formulations tested did not appear to enhance stavudine transport, but they did appear to be useful in preferentially localizing drug in either cornea or conjunctiva. Neutral and positive liposomes are useful in localizing stavudine to cornea, while negative liposomes are better for conjunctival localization.
Classical and quantum restrictions on geodesic motion near a Schwarzschild black hole

Classical and quantum restrictions are derived for a test particle falling in the gravitational field of a Schwarzschild black hole. It is noted that in general relativity the gravitational mass of the particle increases (in contrast with Newtonian theory) and hence the condition that the test body exerts negligible influence on the central body becomes invalid for sufficiently small distances from the Schwarzschild radius. The effects of complementarity, and the uncertainty principle are also discussed. This analysis also leads to an extremely small quantum distance below which the Schwarzschild geodesic motion is expected to break down. Both the classical and quantum restrictions are smaller than the Planck length for an in-falling electron.
Improved Center Point Selection for Probabilistic Neural Networks

Probabilistic neural networks (PNN) typically learn more quickly than many neural network models and have had success on a variety of applications. However, in their basic form, they tend to have a large number of hidden nodes. One common solution to this problem is to keep only a randomly selected subset of the original training data in building the network. This paper presents an algorithm called the reduced probabilistic neural network (RPNN) that seeks to choose a better than random subset of the available instances to use as center points of nodes in the network. The algorithm tends to retain non-noisy border points while removing nodes with instances in regions of the input space that are highly homogeneous. In experiments on 22 datasets, the RPNN had better average generalization accuracy than two other PNN models, while requiring an average of less than one-third the number of nodes.
Natural course and outcome of cystic lesions in the pancreas

Abstract Background The number of patients identified with cysts of the pancreas is increasing. The current study was undertaken to assess the natural course and malignant potential of pancreatic cysts. Methods From 1995 to 2008, radiology records were reviewed for the presence of cystic lesions of the pancreas (CLP) characteristics, patient demographics, and follow-up. Results Eighty-two patients met the study inclusion criteria, with a mean age at time of diagnosis of 64.4 ± 16.7 years. Mean cyst size was 1.36 ± 1.05 cm, with 75.6% of patients having a solitary cyst. Thirteen patients underwent surgery. Operative intervention was statistically related to symptomatic, loculated cysts with the presence of calcifications (all P P P P Conclusions Our data show that most pancreatic cysts found on radiographic imaging are asymptomatic, solitary, and small and can be followed safely radiographically.
2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) inhibition of coronary development is preceded by a decrease in myocyte proliferation and an increase in cardiac apoptosis

Background 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) causes cardiovascular toxicity, culminating in edema, hemorrhage, and mortality in piscine, avian, and mammalian embryos. To elucidate the mechanism of the cardiovascular teratogenicity of TCDD, we used a chick embryo model to determine whether TCDD alters coronary artery development and whether this alteration was associated with apoptosis and/or changes in myocyte proliferation. Methods Fertile chicken eggs were injected with corn oil (control), 0.24, or 0.40 pmol TCDD/g in corn oil before incubation. To evaluate effects of TCDD on differentiation of coronary arteries, chick embryo hearts from incubation days 8 (D8), D10, and D12 were stained with anti-α-smooth muscle actin. Myocyte proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation on D6, 8, 10, and 12 after TCDD treatment. In addition, temporal and spatial patterns of apoptosis were detected by TUNEL on D3, D5, D6, D8, and D10, and immunohistochemistry was used to identify the origin of apoptotic cells on D6. Results TCDD increased apoptosis in structures where cell death normally occurs, including the outflow tract, endocardial cushion of the atrioventricular canal, and dorsal mesocardium, peaking in intensity on D6. Immunohistochemistry revealed that cells undergoing TCDD-induced apoptosis in the dorsal mesocardium were not neural or epicardial in origin. On D8 and D10 TCDD reduced myocyte proliferation. On D10, TCDD reduced coronary artery size and on D10 and D12 TCDD induced a dose-dependent decrease in coronary artery number. Conclusions The reduction of myocyte proliferation by TCDD preceded the reduction in coronary artery number and size, suggesting that changes in coronary development may be a consequence of reduced myocyte proliferation and a thinner ventricle wall. The peak of TCDD-induced increase in apoptosis occurred even earlier in embryo development and thus may contribute to changes in myocyte proliferation, coronary development, and cardiac structural malformations; however, a cause-and-effect relationship between apoptosis and these other events has yet to be established. Teratology 64:201–212, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment A New Approach For Activating Intellectual Potential In Learning Disabled Youth

Reuven Feuerstein's theory of cognitive modifiability is finding continued interest and support among professionals in the fields of psychology and education. This paper describes those aspects of Feuerstein's theory which hold profound implications for the learning disabled. Additionally, the paper describes a pilot study of one component (Organization of Dots) of the Feuerstein remedial technique called Instrumental Enrichment. The program was administered to four post-secondary students in attendance at a business training institute in Chicago. The subjects of the study, although not formally classified as learning disabled, displayed learning characteristics of learning disabled youth. The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices as well as a Feuerstein pre-post measure were utilized. Results indicated that the treatment had made a profound impact on the subjects.
Extra‐ and intracellular HRP analysis or the organization of extraocular motoneurons and internuclear neurons in the guinea pig and rabbit

The distribution of extraocular motoneurons and abducens and oculomotor internuclear neurons was determined in guinea pigs by injecting horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into individual extraocular muscles, the abducens nucleus, the oculomotor nucleus, and the cerebellum. Motoneurons in the oculomotor nucleus innervated the ipsilateral inferior rectus, inferior oblique, medial rectus, and the contralateral superior rectus and levator palpebrae muscles. Most motoneurons of the trochlear nucleus projected to the contralateral superior oblique muscle although a small number innervated the ipsilateral superior oblique. The abducens and accessory abducens nuclei innervated the ipsilateral rectus and retractor bulbi muscles, respectively. The somata of abducens internuclear neurons formed a cap around the lateral and ventral aspects of the abducens nucleus. The axons of these internuclear neurons terminated in the medial rectus subdivision of the contralateral oculomotor nucleus. At least two classes of guinea pig oculomotor internuclear interneurons exist. One group, located primarily ventral to the oculomotor nucleus, innervated the abducens nucleus and surrounding regions. The second group, lying mainly in the dorsal midline area of the oculomotor nucleus, projected fee the cerebellum. Intracellular staining with HRP demonstrated similar soma-dendritic organization for oculomotor and trochlear motoneurons of both guinea pigs and rabbits. Dendrites of oculomotor motoneurons radiated symmetrically from the soma to cover approximately one-third of the entire nucleus, and each motoneuron sent at least one dendrite into the central gray overlying the oculomotor nucleus. In both species, a small percentage of oculomotor motoneurons possessed axon collaterals that terminated both within and outside of the nucleus. The dendrites of trochlear motoneurons extended into the medial longitudinal fasciculus and the reticular formation lateral to the nucleus. Our data on the topography of motoneurons and internuclear neurons in the guinea pig and soma-dendritic organization of motoneurons in the guinea pig and rabbit show that these species share common organizational and morphological features. In addition, comparison of these data with those from other mammals reveals that dendritic complexity (number of dendrites per motoneuron) of extraocular motoneurons exhibits a systematic increase with animal size.
Uniformity of Energy Deposition for Laser Driven Fusion

Laser driven fusion requires a high degree of uniformity in laser energy deposition in order to achieve the high density compressions required for sustaining a thermonuclear burn. The characteristic nonuniformities produced by laser irradiation, with multiple overlapping beams, are examined for a variety of laser-target configurations, Conditions are found for which the rms variation in uniformity is less than 1%. The analysis is facilitated by separating the contributions from (1) the geometrical effects related to the number and orientation of the laser beams and (2) the details of ray trajectories for the overlapping beams. Emphasis is placed on the wavelength of the nonuniformities in addition to their magnitudes, as the shorter wavelength nonuniformities are more easily smoothed by thermal conduction within the target. It is demonstrated how the geometrical symmetry of the laser system effectively eliminates the longer wavelengths, and how shorter wavelength nonuniformities can be “tuned out” by varying parameters such as the focal position and the radial intensity profile of the beam. The distance required for adequate thermal smoothing of the irradiation nonuniformities is found to be 2 to 3 times smaller than previously estimated due mainly to the relatively small spatial wavelength of the nonuniformities. This is a consequence of the geometrical symmetry of the laser system and is relatively insensitive to the details of overlapping beam profiles. The results are particularly important for irradiation with short wavelength laser light (e.g. 0.35 µm), as the small smoothing distances anticipated for moderate laser intensities are found to still produce adequate attenuation of the calculated nonuniformities. The effect of irradiation nonuniformity on target dynamics is illustrated by an implosion simulation using laser-target conditions anticipated for near-term high-density experiments.
Nobel lecture: When atoms behave as waves: Bose-Einstein condensation and the atom laser*

The lure of lower temperatures has attracted physicists for the past century, and with each advance towards absolute zero, new and rich physics has emerged. Laypeople may wonder why ‘‘freezing cold’’ is not cold enough. But imagine how many aspects of nature we would miss if we lived on the surface of the sun. Without inventing refrigerators, we would only know gaseous matter and never observe liquids or solids, and miss the beauty of snowflakes. Cooling to normal earthly temperatures reveals these dramatically different states of matter, but this is only the beginning: many more states appear with further cooling. The approach into the kelvin range was rewarded with the discovery of superconductivity in 1911 and of superfluidity in helium-4 in 1938. Cooling into the millikelvin regime revealed the superfluidity of helium-3 in 1972. The advent of laser cooling in the 1980s opened up a new approach to ultralow-temperature physics. Microkelvin samples of dilute atom clouds were generated and used for precision measurements and studies of ultracold collisions. Nanokelvin temperatures were necessary to explore quantum-degenerate gases, such as Bose-Einstein condensates first realized in 1995. Each of these achievements in cooling has been a major advance, and recognized with a Nobel prize. This paper describes the discovery and study of BoseEinstein condensates (BEC’s) in atomic gases from my personal perspective. Since 1995, this field has grown explosively, drawing researchers from the communities of atomic physics, quantum optics, and condensedmatter physics. The trapped ultracold vapor has emerged as a new quantum system that is unique in the precision and flexibility with which it can be controlled and manipulated. At least 30 groups have now created condensates, and the publication rate on Bose-Einstein condensation has soared following the discovery of the gaseous condensates in 1995 (see Fig. 1).
EXCHANGE EFFECTS FOR COMPOSITE PARTICLES.

Abstract Inelastic and charge-exchange scattering of light projectiles by a nucleus are considered. Among the contributions to the scattering amplitude which arise from the antisymmetrization of the projectile and target wave functions and from the exchange nature of the nuclear force, the process where the interacting projectile nucleon and target nucleon are exchanged is shown to be important. This contribution changes only slightly the angular distribution, but may increase the cross-section strength up to a factor 4. As discussed, other processes similar to the transfer of two particles should be included in order to estimate the magnitude of all the exchange effects.
Overexpression of dystrophin in transgenic mdx mice eliminates dystrophic symptoms without toxicity

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD) are X-linked recessive diseases caused by defective expression of dystrophin. The mdx mouse, an animal model for DMD, has a mutation that eliminates expression of the 427K muscle and brain isoforms of dystrophin. Although these animals do not display overt muscle weakness or impaired movement, the diaphragm muscle of the mdx mouse is severely affected and shows progressive myofibre degeneration and fibrosis which closely resembles the human disease. Here we explore the feasibility of gene therapy for DMD by examining the potential of a full-length dystrophin transgene to correct dystrophic symptoms in mdx mice. We find that expression of dystrophin in muscles of transgenic mdx mice eliminates the morphological and immunohistological symptoms of muscular dystrophy. In addition, overexpression of dystrophin prevents the development of the abnormal mechanical properties associated with dystrophic muscle without causing deleterious side effects. Our results provide functional evidence for the feasibility of gene therapy for DMD.
Current collection model on tether satellite system

Results are reported from numerical simulations of current collection by a tethered satellite moving in the earth magnetic field. The focus is on the instruments of the Research on Orbital Plasma Electrodynamics (ROPE) experiment planned for the TSS-1 mission (scheduled launch 1991). The derivation of the governing equations is outlined, and the results of simulations with and without the geomagnetic field are presented in graphs. It is predicted that beam-beam interaction will occur when no magnetic effect is present, especially when the instrument bias is lower than the local potential; with the magnetic effect, there should be complex multiple-stream interactions, magnetic-field shielding covering 30 percent or more of the satellite surface when the B field is greater than 0.35 G, and nearly complete collection of the electrons by the instrument arm.
Host plant species affects the quality of the generalist Trichoplusia ni as a host for the polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum

Diet of herbivorous insects can influence both the herbivores and their natural enemies. We examined the direct and indirect effects of diet on the interactions between the polyphagous herbivore Trichoplusia ni Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). To determine how host plant species and host plant iridoid glycoside content affect host caterpillars and their parasitoids, parasitized and unparasitized T. ni were given leaves of either Plantago lanceolata L., which contains the iridoid glycosides aucubin and catalpol, Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae), which contains only aucubin, or Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg (Asteraceae), which contains neither. Survival of unparasitized T. ni was much lower when fed P. major compared with the other two host plants, whereas pupae were smallest when fed T. officinale and developed most slowly when fed P. lanceolata as larvae. Neither aucubin nor catalpol were detected in intact Plantago-fed T. ni larvae or their hemolymph, and only trace amounts of aucubin were detected in frass, suggesting that these compounds are mostly metabolized in the mid-gut and are not encountered by the parasitoid. Copidosoma floridanum clutch size was almost doubled when reared from P. lanceolata-fed T. ni compared with T. officinale-fed larvae and tripled compared with P. major-fed larvae, although the percent of parasitoids surviving to adulthood was uniformly high regardless of host diet. The observed variation in C. floridanum fitness among host diets is likely mediated by the effect of the diets on host quality, which in turn may be influenced more by other factors in the host plants than their iridoid glycoside profiles. Interactions between plant metabolites, generalist herbivores like T. ni, and their parasitoids may be predominantly indirect.
Proposed quantum-beats, quantum-eraser experiment

Interest in experiments which demonstrate the non-local nature of quantum measurement half been expressed by several authors. Most recently Scully and Druhl1 have proposed a type of Young’s interference experiment in which the slits are replaced by two 4-level atoms. Interference between the two possible scattering histories can only occur if the atom is left in a final state devoid of information as to which path the photon has taken. Otherwise at some time, conceivably much later, one could probe the atom to determine whether the photon had scattered from atom 1 or atom 2. In their proposal the information remaining in the atoms after scattering the first photon, is “erased” by application of a second light pulse and coincidence detection.
The White Cinematic Lens: Decoding the Racial Messages in The Blind Side

This article examines the racial discourses in the film, The Blind Side—a “rags-to-riches” story of black NFL player Michael Oher and his white, adopted family. The Blind Side was a large financial success amongst film viewers while also earning prestigious recognition at the 2010 Academy Awards. Despite its broad appeal and praise, this article argues that the film serves an ideological purpose—to reinforce the bonds of white supremacy. The concept of the White Cinematic Lens is introduced; a process in which the physical aspects of the film conform to ideologies of white supremacy and colorblindness. Through a critical racial analysis, we maintain that the white cinematic lens shapes nearly every physical aspect of the film, including the voiceovers, timeline, storyline, character development, settings, camera angles, and alignment of the camera. Studies of discourse and “film talk” are significant as they reveal how societal participants view their racial world. The white cinematic lens centers white experiences and sensibilities while shielding whites from the harsh realities of the racialized society in which we all live. Problematic stories like The Blind Side legitimize and reproduce several notions of white supremacy, including whiteness, blackness and the “danger” of the urban.
Prevalence of Tuberculin Skin Test Positivity in Clinical Population in New York City

The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in the various populations of New York City (NYC), a city with a high density of non-US-born persons, is unknown. We examined the prevalence of TST positivity in patients who received a tuberculin skin test (TST) between 1/2002 and 8/2004 at any of 10 NYC health department chest centers. A positive TST was defined as an induration reaction to tuberculin of ≥10 mm. In the study population of 41,022 individuals, prevalence of TST positivity was 24.4% (95%CI = 24.0, 24.8); four times higher among non-US-born persons than US-born (39.5% vs. 8.8%, Prevalence ratio (PR) = 4.5; 95%CI = 4.4, 4.6). Prevalence of TST positivity increased with age in both US and non-US-born persons. Persons from countries with a TB case rate >100/100,000 population had higher prevalence of TST positivity (47% vs. ≤39%), even after controlling for BCG (PR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.2, 1.4). These findings provide insight into current prevalence of TST positivity in many immigrant populations and will help both clinicians and health departments to target patients for LTBI treatment.
Effect of Frenkel defects on the high-pressure phase transitions in Pb F 2 and Sr Cl 2

Significant curvature has been observed in a plot of transition temperature against transition pressure for the high-pressure cubic-orthorhombic phase transition in both Pb${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Sr${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$ at high temperatures. In the present paper it is shown that the presence of a high equilibrium concentration of Frenkel defects in one phase but not the other phase involved in the transition can provide an explanation for this curvature. A comment is also made on the applicability of the work to AgI and Rb${\mathrm{Ag}}_{4}$${\mathrm{I}}_{5}$.
Blau syndrome and related genetic disorders causing childhood arthritis.

Blau Syndrome (BS) is an inheritable disorder characterized by granulomatous polyarthritis, panuveitis, and exanthema. It was described by Edward Blau in 1985, the same year in which Douglas Jabs reported a very similar family. Clinically indistin-guishable from early onset sarcoidosis (EOS), both are now known to share a mutated form of caspase recruitment domain-15 (CARD 15), a protein involved in activation of nuclear factor kappa B which is in turn an up-regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription. An association between BS and EOS was suspected for years given the striking similari-ties of the core triad (arthritis-uveitis-dermatitis) and a com-mon emerging pattern of systemic involvement. Hence, the familial form (BS) and the sporadic form (EOS) are almost cer-tainly the same illness/defect, inherited in the first and acquired in the second as a result in most cases of a de novo mutation. Another form of granulomatous arthritis with uveitis, Crohn’s disease, has also been associated with mutations in CARD 15 (albeit at a different domain) and despite similar phenotypes there are obvious differences including gut inflammation and pyoderma gangrenosum in Crohn’s disease. This paper will review the clinical characteristics of these three disorders and their association with mutations in the CARD 15 gene.
Strategies for Improving Reliability of Solder Joints on Power Semiconductor Devices

There has been a significant research effort on area-array flip-chip solder joint technology in order to reduce package footprint, enhance current handling capability, and improve heat dissipation. However, there is a lingering concern over cyclic fatigue of solder alloys by thermo-mechanical stresses arising from mismatched thermal expansion coefficients of expansion among the various components of the package. In this paper, some strategies taken to improve the reliability of solder joints on power devices in single-device and multi-chip packages are presented. A strategy for improving solder joint reliability by adjusting solder joint geometry, underfilling and utilization of flexible substrates is discussed with emphasis on triple-stacked solder joints that resemble the shape of an hourglass. The hourglass shape relocates the highest inelastic strain away from the weaker interface with the chip to the bulk region of the joint while the underfill provides a load transfer from the joints. Flexible substrates can deform to relieve thermo-mechanical stresses. Thermal cycling data show significant improvements in reliability when these techniques are used. The design, testing, and finite-element analyses of an interconnection structure, termed the Dimple-Array Interconnect (DAI), for improving the solder joint reliability is also presented. In the DAI structure, a solder is used to join arrays of dimples pre-formed on a metal sheet onto the bonding pads of a device. Finite-element thermo-mechanical analyses and thermal cycling data show that the dimple-array solder joints are more fatigue-resistant than the conventional barrel-shaped solder joints in flip-chip IC packages.© 2003 ASME
Vulvar disease: A pelvic floor pain disorder?

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of painful bladder syndrome and functional bowel disorders in women with vulvar disease and control subjects. Study design In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire that contained validated outcome measures was administered to women who were seeking care in a vulvar disease clinic and in general gynecology clinics. Results Women who were seen at a vulvar disease clinic were 2.18 (95% CI, 1.19, 3.97) times more likely to have painful bladder syndrome and 2.13 (95% CI, 1.35, 3.35) times more likely to have functional bowel disorders than general gynecology clinic control subjects after multivariable analyses. Conclusion Painful bladder syndrome and functional bowel disorders are more prevalent in women who are seen at a vulvar disease clinic than gynecology clinics control subjects. These associations may reflect a common origin for these disorders in certain women. These findings lay the groundwork for future research to investigate a potential "pelvic floor pain disorder," which is a disease entity that would combine the diagnostic criteria for vulvar, bladder, and bowel pain disorders.
A total water management analysis of the Las Vegas Wash watershed, Nevada

Climate change, land-use change, and population growth are fundamental factors affecting future hydrologic conditions in streams, especially in arid regions with scarce water resources. Located in the arid southwest within the Las Vegas Wash watershed, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas of the country. In the past 30 years, because of climate and land-use changes, it has experienced a decrease in clean water supply but an increase in water demand. To alleviate some of these problems, large amounts of water have been pumped into the city from different sources, such as Lake Mead, and the urban wastewater is treated and returned back to the reservoir for water augmentation. However, in the face of continual global climate change and urbanization in the watershed, long-term planning for sustainable water management is critical. This research was designed to provide a comprehensive analysis incorporating hydrologic modeling, population projection, land-use change modeling, and water ma...
THE 'MAIN SEQUENCE' OF EXPLOSIVE SOLAR ACTIVE REGIONS: DISCOVERY AND INTERPRETATION

We examine the location and distribution of the production of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and major flares by sunspot active regions in the phase space of two whole-active-region magnetic quantities measured from 1897 SOHO/MDI magnetograms. These magnetograms track the evolution of 44 active regions across the central disk of radius 0.5 R {sub Sun}. The two quantities are {sup L}WL{sub SG}, a gauge of the total free energy in an active region's magnetic field, and {sup L}{phi}, a measure of the active region's total magnetic flux. From these data and each active region's history of production of CMEs, X flares, and M flares, we find (1) that CME/flare-productive active regions are concentrated in a straight-line 'main sequence' in (log {sup L}WL{sub SG}, log {sup L}{phi}) space, (2) that main-sequence active regions have nearly their maximum attainable free magnetic energy, and (3) evidence that this arrangement plausibly results from equilibrium between input of free energy to an explosive active region's magnetic field in the chromosphere and corona by contortion of the field via convection in and below the photosphere and loss of free energy via CMEs, flares, and coronal heating, an equilibrium between energy gain and loss that is analogous tomore » that of the main sequence of hydrogen-burning stars in (mass, luminosity) space.« less
Keratins as biochemical markers of epithelial differentiation.

Abstract Keratins form a complex family of fibrous cytoskeletal proteins that are among the major differentiation-specific proteins of epithelial cells. Since their expression is very tightly linked to the particular differentiated state of a cell, their finely tuned program of differential expression has been used to probe the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial differentiation and development.
Evidence of strong hydrogen bonding by 8-aminoguanine

DNA oligonucleotides containing 8-aminodeoxyguanosine residues form a pH-dependent self-structure with strong hydrogen bonds.
Response of single degree of freedom mechanisms to base excitation

Design dynamic analysis for mechanisms is usually done under the assumption that the mechanism is supported on an inertial frame. When the mechanism is mounted on an accelerating base, the previous analysis must be extended to include the dynamic effects of the base acceleration. This paper provides the necessary extension for single degree of freedom (SDOF) mechanisms and also presents an example.
Institutions and ethnopolitical conflict in post‐communist politics

This article investigates the relationship between institutions and the extent to which ethnic groups make political demands for separatism. It tests several institutional remedies in light of the evidence from 21 ‘minorities at risk’ in post‐communist Eastern Europe from 1990–98. Using multivariate analytical techniques, it was found that proportional representation of ethnic groups and the existence of relatively powerful presidencies are associated with less mass ethnic‐protest. On the other hand, avoidance of destructive demands appears to be best promoted by electoral systems which emphasize ‘individualism’ and less decentralization of political authority.
Some aspects of Emily Dickinson's food and liquor poems

(1971). Some aspects of Emily Dickinson's food and liquor poems. English Studies: Vol. 52, No. 1-6, pp. 32-40.
Road traffic injuries in urban Africa and Asia: A policy gap in child and adolescent health

Summary Objective This study highlights the burden of urban road traffic injuries (RTIs) in children and young adults in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to heighten awareness of current limitations in child health policies, and to direct future research and intervention development. Methods Comparative analysis of recent Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia reviews of RTIs, World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burden of Disease statistics, and the Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey. Participants Children aged 0–18 years in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa reviews, aged 0–14 years in the WHO data, and aged 1–17 years in the Bangladeshi data. Results Child pedestrians comprise the largest proportion of urban RTI victims. More healthy life years were lost per 1000 children aged 0–18 years in South Asia than Sub-Saharan Africa. Disability-adjusted life years lost per 1000 children aged 0–14 years was greater in Africa than South-east Asia. South-east Asia has the greatest overall incidence of RTIs; however, Africa has poorer reported outcomes for children aged 0–14 years. Conclusion These data sources point to the salience of intervening in RTIs in children to prevent a predicted boom in the RTI burden in children, particularly in the poorest regions of the world. However, child health policies in these regions have not yet embraced RTI, either in research or programmes.
Conservation of human research teeth by controlling cavity depth

Abstract In order for the dental profession to obtain reliable data as to whether new or experimental restorative materials and adjunct agents are more or less irritating to pulp tissues than dental products currently in use, pulp studies at the national and international level are being standardized to enhance corroboration.1 The purpose of this study was to reduce the number of human teeth required in any experimental pulp toxicity study by controlling the problem of cavity depth. Many valuable teeth are wasted by making cavity preparations that are either too shallow or too deep, with consequent pulp exposures. This needs to be corrected.
The physical and genetic characterization of a transformable enzyme: Bacillus subtilis α-amylase

Abstract The α-amylases (α-1,4-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) of two strains of Bacillus subtilis are observed to differ in electrophoretic mobility, thermal sensitivity, K m and repressibility. Transformation of a strain having a repressible α-amylase by DNA from a non-repressible strain shows the following phenomena: (1) the amylase type of the donor and its non-repressibility are transferred in a one-step event; (2) the transformant amylase, although in other characteristics like that from the donor cells, shows one electrophoretic component like that of the donor and two new components; (3) the acquisition of the donor type enzyme by transformants results in complete repression of the recipient amylase enzymes. It is shown that when the loss of the transformed amylase occurs in transformants the recipient amylases are relieved of the repression. Thus, the nono-allelism of the two amylase types is confirmed. Various hypotheses that may account for this unusual repression are examined.
Observations on the accumulation of oxalate in kidney following the oral administration of glycolic acid

Abstract Male and female rabbits were fed approximately 0.25 and 0.50 g of sodium glycolate or 0.5 g of glycolic acid per kilogram of body weight per day for about 7 months. Analyses at the termination of the experiment revealed a more than tenfold increase above normal levels in the oxalate concentration of their kidneys. However, these animals showed no evidence of renal impairment as indicated by periodic determinations of their phenolsulfonphthalein elimination and blood nonprotein nitrogen level, or by gross pathologic examination of their kidneys. The subcutaneous injection into male and female rabbits of 0.5–1.0 g of glycolic acid as the sodium salt did not produce gross abnormalities in their kidney function as measured by phenolsulfonphthalein elimination and blood nonprotein nitrogen and creatinine levels.
Evaluation of Fetal Cardiac Mechanics Using Four-Dimensional Echocardiography Under Different Conditions

This in vivo study was designed to test the feasibility and accuracy of non-gated four-dimensional (4D) fetal echo for strain determination. Eight open-chest rabbits were studied under baseline conditions, a 2ml/kg saline bolus, a 4ml/kg saline bolus, an inferior vena cava ligation, an ascending
Application of an Electrochemical NAD+ Recycling System Involving a String-Like Carbon Fiber to an Enzyme Reactor

A string-like carbon fiber was found to be very suitable as a working electrode material for direct electrochemical oxidation of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH), and direct use of it for an enzyme reactor was possible. The electrochemical NAD+ recycling system was applied to glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and to the recombinant formate dehydrogenase (RFDH) reactors. The maximum oxidation current value increased to 3.9 mA in the case of the GDH reactor. The remaining GDH activity after the reaction for 10 h amounted to 57% of the initial level. The remaining NAD+ activity amounted to 78% of the initial level. The current efficiency was calculated to be 80%. Furthermore, RFDH, which was more stable than GDH, was applied to the system. The maximum current value reached 5.9 mA. The remaining RFDH activity after reaction for 10 h amounted to 81% of the initial level. The remaining NAD+ activity was 78% of the initial level. The current efficiency was calculated to be 73%. Based on these re...
Novel thermally stable poly(vinyl chloride) composites for sulfate removal.

Abstract BaCO3 dispersed PVC composites were prepared through a polymer re-precipitation method. The composites were tested for sulfate removal using rapid small scale column test (RSSCT) and found to significantly reduce sulfate concentration. The method was extended to synthesize barium carbonate-loaded silica aero-gels-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer composites. The PVC composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. The method has advantages over conventional sulfate precipitation (sulfate removal process) using BaCO3 wherein clogging of the filter can be avoided. The method is environmentally friendly and does not interfere with natural organic matter as the conventional resin does. Some of the composites were thermally more stable as compared with the pure PVC discussed in the literature.
Action-transfer and frequency-shift relations in the nonlinear theory of waves and oscillations☆

Abstract Certain relations which have arisen in the theories of electrical networks electron tubes, plasma oscillations, and particle accelerators are here shown to be special cases of general relations attributable to any system which may be described by a Hamiltonian. If such a system is analyzed into an interacting set of modes (waves or oscillators), we find that the rates of transfer of action to or from members of a group of interacting modes are in integral ratios, the integers being determined by the interaction, and are related in magnitude to the energy associated with the interaction. We find furthermore a conjugate set of relations which lead to the following statement: the fractional shifts in frequency of members of a group of interacting modes, when multiplied by the energies in those modes, are in integral ratios, the integers being determined by the interaction, and are related in magnitude to the energy associated with the interaction. The “action-transfer relations” allow one to draw a close parallel between the nonlinear theory of propagating media and the quantum or classical theories of particle collisions. These relations are closely related to the Poincare and adiabatic invariants. The “frequency-shift relations” provide useful information relating the frequencies of uncoupled modes and the frequencies of excitation of these modes to the partition of energy of this excitation among these modes. This application is demonstrated by a simple example.
Ultrasonically-aided extrusion of blends of two thermotropic LCPs

Ultrasonically-aided extrusion of two thermotropic LCPs based on 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl and p-oxybenzoyl moieties (LCP1), and p-oxybenzoyl, terephthaloyl and hydroquinone moieties (LCP2) and their blends that are partially miscible was investigated. Ultrasonic treatment induced structural changes in the components, leading to improved mechanical properties of LCP1 moldings, and degradation of LCP2. Also, the ultrasonic treatment was found to further improve the partial miscibility of the blends. Although LCP1 and LCP2 behaved differently under ultrasonic treatment, synergistic effects on fibrillation and mechanical properties of blends were observed in injection moldings. Mechanical properties of melt spun fibers of blends lied between those of the components. Lack of synergism in mechanical properties of fibers was primarily attributed to saturation of LCP2 orientation at low draw down ratios in fiber spinning.