cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HETEROLOGOUS TUMOUR GROWTH PATTERNS INDUCED IN RELATED MHC ‐ DEFINED CHICKEN LINES BY SEPARATE ISOLATES OF AN AVIAN SARCOMA VIRUS STRAIN

Summary Different patterns of tumour growth resulted from inoculation of separate isolates of the Subgroup C Bratislava 77 strain (B77) of Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV) into three closely-related inbred lines of chickens. The major genetic difference between these chicken lines is that each is homozygous for a different MHC haplotype. Since for one of the viral isolates, resistance to progressive tumour growth has been shown to be controlled by MHC-linked genes, the data presented here suggest that MHC-controlled tumour rejection operates on viral or cellular determinants different from those which define classical viral group or subgroup specificity.
Quantum electronic stability in selective enrichment of carbon nanotubes.

We have studied the structural and electronic stability of a helical ribbon of flavin mononucleotide wrapping around single-walled carbon nanotubes using first-principles density-functional calculations. The helical ribbon is formed through hydrogen bonding between adjacent uracil moieties of the isoalloxazine ring and stabilized through concentric π−π interactions. The electronic structure calculations reveal quantum electronic stability associated with lattice registry and band alignment between the helical assembly and the (8,6) nanotube. The electronic stability plays an essential role in the experimentally observed highly selective enrichment of specific chirality tubes.
Reductive Routes to Dinuclear d10−d10 Palladium(0) Complexes and Their Redistribution Equilibria in Solution

The reaction of hydrazine with (dcpe)PdCl2 or (dippe)Pd(OAc)2 leads to high yields of the isolated dinuclear complexes [(μ-dcpe)Pd]2 and [(μ-dippe)Pd]2, respectively. In solution, these dinuclear c...
SU-FF-T-45: A Simulation Study of Intra-Fraction Motion Effects On the Proton Discrete Scanning Treatment

Purpose: Spot scanned beam delivery can be used to implement intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to better conform dose distributions to the target volume. Unlike passive scattering beam delivery techniques, the interplay of the infra‐fraction organ motion and the discrete spots scanning can introduce ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ spots. We investigated the variation of computer simulated delivered dose, and the improvements for motion effects by scanning with multiple beam widths so that regions that needed higher resolution had smaller beam widths. Method and Materials: The simulation was done for one‐dimensional spots scanned with target motion. The motion pattern was recorded from an actual patient breathing normally. The analysis was made for a range of beam widths and number of repaintings. The beam widths were chosen to be narrow at the edge and wider in the center of the target in order to provide the best efficiency. Results: The variation in delivered dose can be 100% more than planned when there is no repainting. After 10 repaintings, the variation of dose distribution is reduced to 5% or 20% depending on beam width. Beam width modulation approaches high uniformity faster as the number of repaintings increases without the compensation of conformity. Conclusion: The dosimetric effect of the intra‐fraction target motion is a function of the beam width and number of repaintings. The simulation showed that the interplay produces large inhomogeneities. A wider beam can improve the uniformity, with the side effect of a larger penumbra. Multiple repainting and fractionation also smooth out these variations, with the cost of increased total treatment time. Beam width modulation has shown a good balance of these two factors and is expected to be a delivery technique to achieve both high uniformity and conformity as long as sufficient numbers of fractions or repainting.
A unifying interface abstraction for accelerated computing in sensor nodes

Hardware-software co-design techniques are very suitable to develop the next generation of sensornet applications, which have high computational demands. By making use of a low-power FPGA, the peak computational performance of a sensor node can be improved without significant degradation of the standby power dissipation. In this contribution, we present a methodology and tool to enable hardware/software codesign for sensor node application development. We present the integration of nesC, a sensornet programming language, with GEZEL, an easy-to-use hardware description language. We describe the hardware/software interface at different levels of abstraction: at the level of the design language, at the level of the co-simulator, and in the hardware implementation. We use a layered, uniform approach that is particularly suited to deal with the heterogeneous interfaces typically found on small embedded processors. We illustrate the strengths of our approach by means of a prototype application: the integration of a hardware-accelerated crypto-application in a nesC application.
Shared Features for Scalable Appearance-Based Object Recognition

We present a framework for learning object representations for fast recognition of a large number of different objects. Rather than learning and storing feature representations separately for each object, we create a finite set of representative features and share these features within and between different object models. In contrast to traditional recognition methods that scale linearly with the number of objects, the shared features can be exploited by bottom-up search algorithms which require a constant number of feature comparisons for any number of objects. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach on a novel database of 50 everyday objects in cluttered real-world scenes. Using Gabor wavelet-response features extracted only at corner points, our system achieves good recognition results despite substantial occlusion and background clutter.
Using microcode in the functional verification of an I/O chip

The IBM pSeries® clustered and parallel processing systems require high-speed, low-latency communication among processor nodes. The 2-Link Switch Network Interface and 4-Link Switch Network Interface for the pSeries High Performance Switch are the adapters which provide the communication infrastructure for the pSeries p655 and p690 servers. A unique approach was used during the functional verification of these adapters that yielded benefits over the methodology used for the previous-generation product--the SPTM Switch2 Adapter. The approach used on the Switch Network Interface introduced the concept of using microcode during the functional verification process. This paper gives an overview of functional verification, followed by a description of the SP Switch2 Adapter and the Switch Network Interface. The verification methodologies used on these adapters are described and compared. Finally, the benefits of implementing hardware/software co-verification on the Switch Network Interface throughout the development cycle are described.
Fetus-in-fetu With Malignant Recurrence

Fetus-in-fetu is an unusual condition in which a vertebrate fetus is enclosed within the abdomen of another fetus. These occurrences are usually benign. This report describes an instance of malignant recurrence after resection of a fetus-in-fetu.
Labeling and imaging cells in the zebrafish hindbrain.

Key to understanding the morphogenetic processes that shape the early vertebrate embryo is the ability to image cells at high resolution. In zebrafish embryos, injection of plasmid DNA results in mosaic expression, allowing for the visualization of single cells or small clusters of cells 1 . We describe how injection of plasmid DNA encoding membrane-targeted Green Fluorescent Protein (mGFP) under the control of a ubiquitous promoter can be used for imaging cells undergoing neurulation. Central to this protocol is the methodology for imaging labeled cells at high resolution in sections and also in real time. This protocol entails the injection of mGFP DNA into young zebrafish embryos. Embryos are then processed for vibratome sectioning, antibody labeling and imaging with a confocal microscope. Alternatively, live embryos expressing mGFP can be imaged using time-lapse confocal microscopy. We have previously used this straightforward approach to analyze the cellular behaviors that drive neural tube formation in the hindbrain region of zebrafish embryos 2. The fixed preparations allowed for unprecedented visualization of cell shapes and organization in the neural tube while live imaging complemented this approach enabling a better understanding of the cellular dynamics that take place during neurulation.
Commentary on "biomineralization--an active or passive process?".

The current issue contains an excellent review “Biomineralization – An Active or Passive Process” written by Thorsten Kirsch. Since most tissue fluids are supersaturated with respect to calcium pho...
Effects of morphine on the rexed lamina VII spinal neuronal response to graded noxious radiant heat stimulation.

Abstract Morphine sulfate exerts its analgesic action in part through suppression of the activity of spinal cord nociceptive neurons. Cells in Rexed lamina VII are considered to be the cells of origin of the spinothalamic and spinoreticular tracts concerned with nociception. Using graded radiant heat to their peripheral receptive fields, the relationship between the intensity of heat (millicalories per square centimeter per second) which produces noxious stimuli and the response frequency of single units in Rexed lamina VII of the spinal cord was analyzed with extracellular microelectrode recording techniques in 15 decerebrated and spinal-transected cats before and after administration of morphine sulfate (1 mg/kg, iv). A linear relationship between the intensity of heat and the frequency of response discharge was observed (above threshold) both in the control study and after the administration of morphine. Morphine sulfate significantly suppressed the spontaneous activity of the units studied, raised the threshold of their evoked activity to varying intensities of heat, and diminished the slope of the heat intensity vs evoked single-unit response relationship. Naloxone (0.02 mg/kg, iv) eliminated all changes brought about by morphine sulfate.
Challenges and strategies in advanced CMOS technology development

The ongoing drive for increased speed and density of CMOS technology requires the continuous innovation of advanced elements and processes. With the development of new materials also comes new manufacturing challenges. In this paper, we will give an overview on the technology and process challenges, innovation roadmap, and manufacturability strategies. We will also discuss the importance of collaboration in the CMOS business model.
Eddy current probe sensitivity as a function of coil construction parameters

We report the results of the first phase of a study designed to quantify the relationship between eddy current coil construction and the performance of these coils used in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspections. The ferrite core coils wound for this study are small but typical of the sizes commonly used in commercially manufactured eddy current probes. Coil diameters range from 1 mm to 7 mm with lengths from 0.5 mm to 4 mm. Seven parameters were studied and included ferrite diameter, ferrite permeability, coil aspect ratio, number of turns, distance of the windings from the inspection end of the ferrite, wire gauge, and length of the ferrite beyond the end of the windings. Additionally, the coil set was designed to provide some indication of the repeatability of identical constructions, what we have called winding inhomogeneity. The coils were incorporated into surface probes for scanning defects in flat plate specimens. The measure of sensitivity was the change of probe impedance (ΔZ) as the probe was scanned from an unflawed area to the flawed area of the test specimen. Measurements were also made of the component of ΔZ perpendicular to the liftoff vector.
A Collision Avoidance Tool for Aircraft Pilots

A new collision avoidance device is being developed by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is proposed that the regions from which maneuvers to avoid collision can be made and the required maneuvers which are presented in this paper be displayed along with other information which will be available in the new device. The regions and maneuvers for a two aircraft encounter are found from reachability conditions for nonlinear systems and smooth targets with constant control. The results are applicable for the case in which both aircraft maintain nearly the same altitude, have speed ratios of two-to-one, and perform a single turn maneuver to avoid collision.
Modeling prawn production management system: A dynamic Markov decision approach

Abstract This paper describes an attempt to develop a computer-operational bio-economic model for assessing the economics of alternative pond management and marketing strategies for a freshwater prawn production system in Hawaii. The model structure incorporates a biological component, which is represented by a simple Markov process, into a dynamic program for economic analysis. The Markov transition probability matrices are estimated based on 4 months of production data from a commercial facility on Oahu. Price and cost data from the same 4-month period are used as a baseline in the dynamic program. Different price and cost assumptions are used to test the sensitivity of the baseline results. An assessment of the present model structure, its associated data requirements, and results are discussed.
The Opacity of an Ionised Gas

IN a paper read before a joint meeting of the American Physical Society and the American Astronomical Society, in December, I pointed out that theoretically the absorption of radiation by free electrons should render an ionised gas highly opaque. The organised vibrational energy, due to the radiation, of the free electrons is transformed by collisions into disorganised thermal energy of translation. A tentative application of the methods of the well-known free electron theory of the optical properties of metals to conditions in an ionised gas gives the following equation for the volume opacity coefficient K. The quantity K is such that in distance z centimetres through the gas the intensity of the direct beam is reduced to eKz of its initial value.
The Hall Effect in Sodium, Potassium and Caesium

The Hall effect has been studied in carefully purified samples of sodium, potassium and caesium obtained by distilling the metals in vacuum, into thin flat molds of Pyrex, with sealed-in electrical leads. The Hall constants determined are as follows: sodium, -0.0021, potassium -0.0042, caesium, -0.0078. The Hall effect in each case was found to be independent of the current density in the specimen, and of the magnetic field intensity. The change in resistance due to the magnetic field was too small to be observed, up to a field of 20,000 gauss. The theory of Sommerfeld and Frank is considered in connection with lithium and sodium.
Autoregulation of neurotransmitter release at autonomic nerve terminals: a questionable theory.

1 The evidence for feedback regulation of neurotransmitter release by means of autoreceptors is questioned. 2 Autoreceptor function must meet the expectations for feedback loops. However, this concordance has not been observed in most neuroeffector systems. 3 The characteristics of per pulse transmitter release with changes in the parameters of stimulation in several autonomic systems do not support the ongoing operation of negative feedback loop mediated by locally released transmitter. Also, the effects of antagonists and agonists often do not comply with feedback expectations. 4 Evidence is provided that agonists and antagonists act at different loci to achieve their inhibiting and potentiating effects on transmitter release. 5 Future efforts should be directed to exploring the mechanism(s) of antagonist action and to a system-by-system analysis of the evidence for and against autoreceptor operation.
Serum stability of phosphopeptides

Abstract Synthetic phosphopeptides are increasingly used to mimic phosphoprotein fragments and in rational drug design. Both applications require a study of the stability of phosphopeptides in biological environments. Here we report a study of the stability of three sets of synthetic un-, mono-, and diphosphorylated peptides in diluted human serum. The synthetic peptides contained the phosphoserines or phosphothreonines in mid-chain position corresponding to immunodominant regions of abnormally hyperphosphorylated variants of the human τ protein present in the paired helical filaments of Alzheimer's disease. The peptide degradation in human serum was monitored, and the first metabolites formed were collected from reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Seven of nine monophosphorylated peptides exhibited increased stability compared to the unphosphorylated parent analogs. All peptides phosphorylated at immunodominant sites displayed higher serum stability than phosphopeptide isomers of the same sequences giving evidence of the extended presence of the antigenic stimulus in the hosts. Analysis of the degradation pathway of the fastest degrading peptide family showed that the mono- and diphosphorylated peptides, like the unphosphorylated version, underwent aminopeptidase cleavage and the phosphate group remained attached to the serine and threonine side chains. These results indicate that phosphopeptides are suitable models of phosphoprotein fragments in biochemistry assays, and that phosphorylation can be a viable modification of peptide leads in drug design.
Newspaper Indexing with Microcomputers: The Washington State Experience

The value of newspaper indexes in libraries is a topic that few public services librarians would be willing to debate on the negative team. Most large and mid‐size libraries, and many small ones, subscribe to indexes of major dailies such as the New York Times or the Christian Science Monitor. Recent advances in computer technology have not only made these indexes more efficient to publish, but have also made online access to full‐text newspaper databases possible. However, access to the contents of local or regional newspapers is often more important to the typical library user than indexed information carried in the national press, with the possible exception of Dave Barry's column.
Secreting Tumor Suppression

Cellular senescence limits the proliferative capacity of damaged cells and thereby acts as an intrinsic mechanism of tumor suppression. In this issue, Wajapeyee et al. (2008) identify insulin growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) as a secreted factor that mediates senescence induced by oncogenic BRAF in normal melanocytes. In addition, IGFBP7 triggers apoptosis in cells that have progressed to melanoma, suggesting a new approach for melanoma treatment.
The ties that bind II: Reunification for siblings in out-of-home care using a statistical technique for examining non-independent observations

Abstract The present study was undertaken to incorporate sibling information and account for sibling bias when modeling longitudinal child welfare outcomes using a generalized linear model such as logistic regression. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part examines recent studies that have included sibling data in their multivariate models, and references statistical literature that underscores a method–generalized estimating equations (GEE)–that accounts for non-independent, cluster-correlated observations in analyses where logistic regression might otherwise be considered. The second part of the paper applies this technique to examine the likelihood of reunification from foster care for a statewide sample of siblings who entered care for the first time in 2000 (n=15,517). Results indicate that some sibling-specific factors (e.g., being placed together in care) strongly predict reunification, while another (i.e., number of siblings), surprisingly, does not. Implications for child welfare policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Isoforms of amino acid transporters in placental syncytiotrophoblast: plasma membrane localization and potential role in maternal/fetal transport.

Abstract Many cell proteins exist as isoforms arising either from gene duplication or alternate RNA splicing. There is growing evidence that isoforms with different, but closely related, functional characteristics are often directed to discrete cellular locations. Thus, specialized functions may be carried out by proteins of similar evolutionary origin in different membrane compartments. In polarized epithelial cells, this mechanism allows the cell to control amino acid transport independently at each of its specialized apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains. Investigations of isoform localization in these membranes have generally been performed in epithelia other than the placental trophoblast. This review of placental amino acid transporter isoforms first provides an overview of their properties and preliminary plasma membrane localization. We then discuss studies suggesting various roles of isoform localization in trophoblast function. To provide insights into the molecular basis of this localization in trophoblast, we present a review of current knowledge of plasma membrane protein localization as derived from investigations with a widely used epithelial model cell line. Finally, we discuss a potential approach using cultured trophoblast-derived cells for studies of transporter isoform localization and function. We hope that this review will stimulate investigation of the properties of trophoblast transporter isoforms, their membrane localization and their contribution to the cellular mechanism of maternal–fetal nutrient transport.
Drug-containing lipid vesicles render drug-resistant tumour cells sensitive to actinomycin D

DEVELOPMENT of cellular resistance to actinomycin D (AD) has been reported in tumour cell populations in vivo1,2 and in vitro3–6. Such cells have a lower capacity than normal to incorporate AD3,6–8, prompting suggestions that the AD-resistant phenotype is determined by changes in plasma membrane function that reduce cellular permeability to this drug. Support for this proposed mechanism of drug resistance has been provided by experiments showing that treatment of AD-resistant cells with membrane-active detergents, to increase plasma membrane permeability, enhances AD uptake by resistant cells and reduces the concentration of AD required to inhibit cell growth8,9. This approach, while instructive, has the disadvantage that the detergent causes significant alteration in cell viability and also impairs cell growth8. We now report a new method for enhancing drug uptake by permeability restriction, drug-resistant cells which uses lipid vesicles as carrier agents to introduce AD directly into cells. As reported elsewhere10,11, negatively-charged lipid vesicles composed of lipids or lipid mixtures that are “fluid” at 37 °C are incorporated into cultured cells by fusion with the cellular plasma membrane. Entrapment of drugs inside such vesicles and subsequent fusion of the vesicles with cells offers a potential method for bypassing the plasma membrane transport barrier to introduce drugs directly into the intracellular compartment. Since vesicles are not cytotoxic10–12, their use as drug carriers allows direct evaluation of the cellular response to the introduced drug, free from the complications8,9,13 associated with the use of detergents. The results presented here indicate that uptake of vesicles containing AD by AD-resistant cells produces inhibition of cellular RNA synthesis and cell growth at AD concentrations that have no effect on cells when added as free drug to the culture medium.
Banking Regulation and the Output Cost of Banking Crises

Using a cross-section time-series of 47 banking crisis episodes in 35 industrial and emerging market economies between the 1970s and 2003, this study analyzes the relationship between banking regulation and supervision, and the severity of banking crises measured in terms of the magnitude of output loss. The empirical results show that countries that provide comprehensive deposit insurance coverage and enforce strict bank capital adequacy requirements experience a smaller output cost of crises. Restrictions on bank activities also influence the severity of crises. The results, however, do not suggest that there is a significant impact of bank supervision. In addition, there is no robust evidence that the magnitude of the output cost of crises depends on the extent of banks' financial inter-mediation.
Fast learning of k-term DNF formulas with queries

This paper presents an algorithm that uses equivalence and membership queries to learn the class of k-term DNF formulas in time O(n•2o(k)), where n is the number of input variables. This improves upon previous O(nk) bounds and allows one to learn DNF of O(log n) terms in polynomial time. We present the algorithm in its most natural form as a randomized algorithm, and then show how recent derandomization techniques can be used to make it deterministic. The algorithm is an exact learning algorithm, but one where the equivalance query hypotheses and the final output are general (not necessarily k-term) DNF formulas.For the special case of 2-term DNF formulas, we give a simpler version of our algorithm that uses at most 4n + 2 total membership and equivalence queries.
Role of inflammation (leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions) in vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Background Delayed vasospasm is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This phenomenon was first described more than 50 years ago, but only recently has the role of inflammation in this condition become better understood. Methods The literature was reviewed for studies on delayed vasospasm and inflammation. Results There is increasing evidence that inflammation and, more specifically, leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions play a critical role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm after aSAH, as well as in other conditions including meningitis and traumatic brain injury. Although earlier clinical observations and indirect experimental evidence suggested an association between inflammation and chronic vasospasm, recently direct molecular evidence demonstrates the central role of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in the development of chronic vasospasm. This evidence shows in both clinical and experimental studies that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are up-regulated in the perivasospasm period. Moreover, the use of monoclonal antibodies against these CAMs, as well as drugs that decrease the expression of CAMs, decreases vasospasm in experimental studies. It also appears that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to a severe inflammatory response after aSAH based on their haptoglobin genotype, which in turn predisposes them to develop clinically symptomatic vasospasm. Conclusion Based on this evidence, leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions appear to be the root cause of chronic vasospasm. This hypothesis predicts many surprising features of vasospasm and explains apparently unrelated phenomena observed in aSAH patients. Therapies aimed at preventing inflammation may prevent and/or reverse arterial narrowing in patients with aSAH and result in improved outcomes.
Factors affecting the efflux of lactate dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from glycerinated chicken skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. 1. In this study glycerination was used to extract enzymes from chicken skeletal muscle with minimal disruption to the cells. 2. 2. Data is presented to show that the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the muscle is less than that of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (aGPDH). 3. 3. The restricted release of LDH as compared to GAPDH or aGPDH may be due to subcellular compartmentation or binding to subcellular structures.
Equilibrium Tropical Cyclone Size in an Idealized State of Axisymmetric Radiative–Convective Equilibrium

AbstractTropical cyclone size remains an unsolved problem in tropical meteorology, yet size plays a significant role in modulating damage. This work employs the Bryan cloud model (CM1) to systematically explore the sensitivity of the structure of an axisymmetric tropical cyclone at statistical equilibrium to the set of relevant model, initial, and environmental external parameters. The analysis is performed in a highly idealized state of radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) governed by only four thermodynamic parameters, which are shown to modulate the storm structure primarily via modulation of the potential intensity.Using dimensional analysis, the authors find that the equilibrium radial wind profile is primarily a function of a single nondimensional parameter given by the ratio of the storm radial length scale to the parameterized eddy radial length scale. The former is found to be the ratio of the potential intensity to the Coriolis parameter, matching the prediction for the “natural” storm length ...
Tomato Telotrisomics: Origin, Identification, and Use in Linkage Mapping

Telotrisomics-sporophytes possessing a telocentric chromosome in addition to the normal complement-were obtained and studied for six different chromosome arms of the tomato. They originated in the progeny of the following kinds of chromosomal deviants: terminal deficiency, tertiary monosomic, and compensating trisomic. Cytological studies at meiotic pachytene established that the centromere of three telocentrics was flanked by a heterochromatic chromomere opposite the intact arm and three appeared to have terminal centromeres. Of the latter group the centromere of two appeared to be of normal size, while one was about half normal size, its chromosome being the only one of the six telocentrics to be mitotically unstable. The longer the telocentric arm, the greater the tendency to form trivalents; when trivalents are not formed, the telocentric is invariably univalent, the preferential pairing between the two normal homologues leading exclusively to 12:12+telocentric anaphasic separations. Consistent with this cytological behavior, only one in several hundred trisomic progeny was of primary type, the rest telosomic.-The effects of the extra telocentric chromosome on gross phenotype of the plant are much greater for the long arms, and telocentrics for long arms closely resemble the corresponding primary trisomics. As a result of gametophytic elimination, the telocentric is never substituted for the corresponding normal chromosome, but can be transmitted as an extra element for all studied telocentrics on the female side and for the short arms also on the male side. The rate of female transmission generally exceeds that of the corresponding primary trisomic.-Inheritance studies of three telotriosmics permitted assignment of marker genes to their proper chromosome arms. Since efficiency of the trisomic ratio method is enhanced if the telotrisomic is phenotypically distinguishable from the diploid, trisomics for the long arms are better suited for genetic mapping purposes than those for short arms. In this fashion r and wf were proven to lie on 3S, rv and sf on 3L, var on 7S, and cpt on 8L, with correspondingly closer approximations of centromere positions. The incompletely dominant gene La was assigned to 7L by virtue of dosage effects in heterozygous triplo-7L. Considering their higher rates of transmission and less depressing effects on vigor and fertility, extra telocentrics render telotrisomics more useful for determining arm locations than either secondary or tertiary trisomics.
Short Hydrocarbon Chain Lipids Enable Class a G Protein-Coupled Receptor Isolation in its Active Conformation: Eliminating the Need for Detergents

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of integral membrane receptors and are involved in many intracellular communications in response to diverse external stimuli. Despite advances in GPCR biophysical characterization, a major challenge continues to be the isolation of large quantities of membrane protein in functional form. Here we report the purification of a GPCR, namely the human adenosine receptor A2A, using solely the short hydrocarbon chain lipid 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC, di-6:0PC). After purification, the receptor remains folded and capable of binding to ligand. Interestingly, no cholesterol addition was required to retain receptor activity and no detergent removal step was necessary. Additionally, this approach will enable the addition of longer chain lipids create biomimetic membrane systems (e.g. bilayered micelles) that can be oriented in the presence of a magnetic field, which are widely used in NMR studies.
Features of triboformation of the steel surface layer using lubricating materials modified with nanodispersed β-sialon

The results of triboengineering tests have revealed the effectiveness of β-sialon nanodispersed particles as an additive to lubricating materials oiling heavily loaded friction units. The method of X-ray structural analysis has established that use of β-sialon as an additive leads to the appearance of steel structures in the surface layer distinct in having a larger parameter of the crystalline lattice, reduced relative mean quadratic micro-deformation, and sparser dislocations, ensuring better triboengineering characteristics of friction couples. The main tribological effect of β-sialon in the lubricating material is that the mechanical energy of deformation converts into the chemical energy of formation of a new structure—an ordered surface layer.
Proximal surface caries detection with direct-exposure and rare earth screen/film imaging

This laboratory study compared five imaging systems for their diagnostic accuracy in detection of proximal surface dental caries. Ten viewers provided data on radiographic detectability of carious lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of each system was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by comparing viewer data with the true state of the teeth as determined microscopically. D-speed film marginally outperformed the other four systems, but the three screen/film systems matched the diagnostic accuracy of E-speed film. Radiation reductions between 62% and 92% were achieved with the screen/film systems when compared to the two conventional dental films. The feasibility of designing a screen/film bite-wing cassette was shown, but the poor diagnostic accuracy of the present bite-wing system indicated a need for a new technology in caries detection.
Tracheal epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma associated with sarcoid-like reaction: A case report

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas are rare tumors that primarily originate in the salivary glands but have also been found in the tracheobronchial tree. We report the first case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma associated with sarcoidosis. A 61 year old Hispanic man presented with altered mental status and hypercalcemia. Imaging revealed diffuse intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. A diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed where an incidental tracheal nodule was discovered and biopsied. Pathology was consistent with epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Lymph node biopsy demonstrated non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Patient underwent tracheal resection of the primary tumor with primary tracheal reconstruction. Hypercalcemia subsequently normalized with clinical improvement. Repeat CT imaging demonstrated complete resolution of lymphadenopathy. Our findings are suggestive of a possible paraneoplastic sarcoid-like reaction to the epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with associated lymphadenopathy and symptomatic hypercalcemia.
Effect of selected excitant and depressant agents on the cortical response to midline thalamic stimulation in the rabbit.

Abstract The effects of depressant and excitant agents given intravenously were tested upon the pre-central agranular cortical response to repetitive midline thalamic stimulation in 78 adult rabbits. After preparation under ether, the animals were locally anesthetized and transferred to flaxedil and artificial respiration for the trials. Non-polarizable electrodes and DC recording were used, and the following observations made: 1. 1. The cortical response consists of four components. Two belong to the primary (negative) potential of the recruiting series and are decremental and incremental waves. Following the primary spike is an after-positivity which is trailed by a negative deflection of 250–400 msec duration, the slow negativity. 2. 2. Depressants (thiopental, methohexital, paraldehyde and chloral hydrate) behaved similarly in significantly reducing both slow negativity and incrementing wave at a lower concentration than that required to affect the decrementing wave. For methohexital and paraldehyde, after-positivity is significantly reduced as well. The effect of nitrogen inhalation on the recruiting response is presented and discussed with respect to mode of action depressants. 3. 3. Excitants used fall into two groups. One (including metrazol, picrotoxin and benadryl) increases slow negativity while diminishing the amplitude of the primary potential of the recruiting series. The others (procaine and caffeine) increase the primary potential while abolishing slow negativity. These results suggest an intimate relation between primary potential and slow negativity such as a common origin in the cortical substrate which produces the potentials. 4. 4. Differences between the effects of these agents on the direct cortical and recruiting responses are discussed and are thought to arise from differences in the route by which the responses are evoked.
Fire and brimstone

The Lyman Hawaiian Earthquake Diary, 1833-1917. By M. Wyss, R. Y. Koyanagi and D. C. Cox. US Geological Survey Bulletin 2027, USGS: 1992. Pp. 34. $2. 75 (pbk). Hawai I Volcano Watch: A Pictorial History, 1779-1991. By T. L. Wright, T. J. Takahashi and J. D. Griggs. University of Hawaii Press: 1992. Pp. 162. $42 (hbk), $24.95 (pbk).
Imaging malignant and apparent malignant transformation of benign gynaecological disease

Common benign gynaecological diseases, such as leiomyoma, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and mature teratoma, rarely undergo malignant transformation. Benign transformations that may mimic malignancy include benign metastasizing leiomyoma, massive ovarian oedema, decidualization of endometrioma, and rupture of mature teratoma. The aim of this review is to provide a contemporary overview of imaging findings in malignant and apparent malignant transformation of benign gynaecological disease.
Synchronization in Sensor Networks: an Overview

Configuration and maintenance of wireless sensor networks are complicated by random deployments, random finite sensor lifetimes, addition of new nodes, the desire to adhere to strict power and energy constraints, and perhaps mobility. The desire to maximize network lifetime, in the face of finite energy resources, leads to duty cycled radios that save energy by listening only at appropriate times. This implies a level of synchronization across the network. Synchronization is also needed to support the network goals, such as event detection and reporting. In this paper, we review the problem of wireless sensor network synchronization and associated key issues, including the fundamental signal processing tasks needed, such as estimation of the skew and offset between two clocks, round trip delay estimation, extension of synchronization to multiple nodes, as well as performance analysis and bounds.
On the Design of Energy-Efficient Mixed-Line-Rate (MLR) Optical Networks

With increasing energy consumption of the Internet, it is now imperative to design energy-efficient network architectures and protocols. Optical technologies have significant promise in improving the energy efficiency of network infrastructures. Future optical backbone networks will be heterogeneous in nature where a single link may carry various line-rate signals. This mixed-line-rate (MLR) network architecture is shown to be cost effective in satisfying heterogeneous traffic demands. In this study, we present mathematical models that can act as references for designing energy- and cost-efficient MLR optical networks. We also perform a comparative study of the energy efficiency of MLR and special cases of MLR design, named as single-line-rate networks (where all the links have same line rates). We explore the scenarios where the MLR networks minimize energy consumption. Finally, we investigate the relationship between energy-minimized and cost-minimized MLR network design.
Improving Expository Writing Skills of Preservice Teachers in an Online Environment.

This paper describes an experimental exploration of special procedures used in a game-like online expository writing experience that was designed to help preservice language arts teachers develop descriptive writing skills. Participants were asked to describe a target picture within a picture set to their cohorts in an online discussion in order for the cohort to correctly identify the target picture. Cohorts' responses provided feedback about the effectiveness of participants' descriptions. It was predicted that participants' descriptive text would improve over repeated trials by having received this feedback from their cohorts. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to analyze writing samples.
Masculine voices signal men's threat potential in forager and industrial societies

Humans and many non-human primates exhibit large sexual dimorphisms in vocalizations and vocal anatomy. In humans, same-sex competitors and potential mates attend to acoustic features of male vocalizations, but vocal masculinity especially increases perceptions of physical prowess. Yet, the information content of male vocalizations remains obscure. We therefore examined relationships between sexually dimorphic acoustic properties and men’s threat potential. We first introduce a new measure of the structure of vocal formant frequencies, ‘formant position’ (Pf), which we show is more sexually dimorphic and more strongly related to height than is the most widely used measure of formant structure, ‘formant dispersion’, in both a US sample and a sample of Hadza foragers from Tanzania. We also show large sexual dimorphisms in the mean fundamental frequency (F0) and the within-utterance standard deviation in F0 (F0 2 s.d.) in both samples. We then explore relationships between these acoustic parameters and men’s body size, strength, testosterone and physical aggressiveness. Each acoustic parameter was related to at least one measure of male threat potential. The most dimorphic parameters, F0 and Pf, were most strongly related to body size in both samples. In the US sample, F0 predicted testosterone levels, Pf predicted upper body strength and F0 2 s.d. predicted physical aggressiveness.
Intervention analysis of total suspended particulate data from Chicago

Abstract The monthly total suspended particulate data measured at Chicago during January 1964 to December 1977 are analyzed and the results are reported. The ban on using high sulfur coal in Chicago which came into effect in January 1970 coincided with a dramatic change in the seasonality of the particulate time series and a reduction in particulate levels. Traditional methods of time series analysis based on the assumptions of constant mean and variance of time series are not applicable for these nonstationary time series with jumps. A recently developed stochastic modeling technique called intervention analysis is used in the present study. A dynamic model and a stochastic model are used to characterize the time series. The technique is briefly introduced and the results of analysis of the suspended particle data are discussed. The statistically significant reduction in the suspended particles in Chicago after January 1970 has occurred over both the warm and cold periods of the year. The dangers of using a model fitted to data before the intervention in the post-intervention period are also brought out.
Evaluating Area-Based Socioeconomic Status Indicators for Monitoring Disparities within Health Care Systems: Results from a Primary Care Network

Objective To determine which area-based socioeconomic status (SES) indicator is best suited to monitor health care disparities from a delivery system perspective. Data Sources/Study Setting 142,659 adults seen in a primary care network from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. Study Design Cross-sectional, comparing associations between area-based SES indicators and patient outcomes. Data Collection Address data were geocoded to construct area-based SES indicators at block group (BG), census tract (CT), and ZIP code (ZIP) levels. Data on health outcomes were abstracted from electronic records. Relative indices of inequality (RIIs) were calculated to quantify disparities detected by area-based SES indicators and compared to RIIs from self-reported educational attainment. Principal Findings ZIP indicators had less missing data than BG or CT indicators (p < .0001). Area-based SES indicators were strongly associated with self-report educational attainment (p < .0001). ZIP, BG, and CT indicators all detected expected SES gradients in health outcomes similarly. Single-item, cut point defined indicators performed as well as multidimensional indices and quantile indicators. Conclusions Area-based SES indicators detected health outcome differences well and may be useful for monitoring disparities within health care systems. Our preferred indicator was ZIP-level median household income or percent poverty, using cut points.
Nutrition and Newly Emerging Viral Diseases: An Overview

Infectious diseases are on the increase worldwide. When discussing interactions of nutrition and infection, nutritionists have traditionally considered only the effects of diet on the host. Recent data, however, indicate that, at least for an RNA virus, host nutriture can influence the genetic make-up of the pathogen and thereby alter its virulence. This symposium was organized to alert the nutrition community to this discovery and its possible implications for the investigation of nutrition-infection interrelationships. Topics covered in the symposium include the following: the public health threat of emerging viral diseases; the rapid evolution of viral RNA genomes; oxidants and antioxidants in viral diseases-disease mechanisms and metabolic regulation; and increased virulence of coxsackievirus B3 due to vitamin E or selenium deficiency. If the findings with coxsackievirus are more broadly applicable to other RNA viruses, the results could be of great public health significance because RNA viruses constitute the majority of all plant, animal and human viruses.