cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myasthenia gravis serum reduces acetylcholine sensitivity in cultured rat myotubes

MYASTHENIA gravis is a neuromuscular disorder characterised by muscle weakness and fatigability. Muscle fibres from myasthenic patients have reduced amplitudes of endplate potentials and miniature endplate potentials1,2. Early studies concluded that the disorder was presynaptic in origin because the postsynaptic chemosensitivity of the myasthenic muscle fibres was found to be normal1, but recent evidence indicates that myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease directed against the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors3,4. Myasthenic serum globulin has been shown to bind to the acetylcholine receptors5,6, myasthenic muscle contains only 11–30% of α-bungarotoxin binding sites compared with normal muscle7, and iontophoretic studies showed that the acetylcholine sensitivity of the postsynaptic region of myasthenic muscle was markedly reduced2. But the failure of in vitro application of myasthenic serum to reduce the junctional or extrajunctional sensitivity of human, rat or frog muscle8 has raised doubt on the involvement of the serum factor in the disease. In this report we show that the acetylcholine sensitivity of cultured rat myotubes is greatly reduced by in vitro application of myasthenic serum.
Communities near toluene diisocyanate sources: an investigation of exposure and health

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a well-known cause of occupational asthma, but we know little about the potential for exposure and health effects among residents who live near facilities that release TDI. In the mid-1990's, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry investigated exposures to TDI and health outcomes in one community, which left some unanswered questions. This cross-sectional study evaluated the potential associations between living near a TDI source and the prevalence of three variables: asthma or asthma-like respiratory symptoms, antibodies specific to TDI, and verifiable levels of TDI in residential air. Results among North Carolina residents living near such facilities (five target communities) were compared with the results from residents living further away (five comparison communities). Overall, the prevalence of reporting either asthma or asthma-like respiratory symptoms was higher (odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval = 0.97-2.54) among residents in target communities than those in comparison communities. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Symptom prevalence varied greatly among the community populations. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher near facilities with historically higher TDI emissions. Among the 351 participants who provided blood samples, only one had immunoglobulin G specific antibodies to TDI. This participant lived in a target area and may have had non-occupational exposure. TDI was detected at an extremely low level (1 ppt) in one of the 45 air samples from target communities. One ppt is one-tenth the EPA reference concentration. Overall, air sample and antibody test results are not consistent with recent or ongoing exposure to TDI.
Invertebrate Predators of the Jack-Pine Bud worm, Choristoneura pinus,in Michigan

Invertebrate predators of Choristoneura pinus Freeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were studied in the laboratory and observed under field conditions in an investigation of their feeding response and behavior. Observations were made on the biology of important predators in northern anil central Michigan. The distribution, number, and kinds of spiders associated with 6 jack pine trees were investigated in Baraga County. Eight species of insects were recorded preying on various stages of C. pinus. Anatis occllata (L.), Podisus sereventris Uhler, and Camponotus novchoracensis Fitch were the most abundant of this group. Field observations suggested that populations of P. serieventris exhibited a numerical response to increases in buclworm numbers. Fifty-one species of spiders were collected from jack pine trees. Three-quarters of them were hunting spiders that belonged to the families Thomisidae, Salticidae, and Oxyopidae. One species, Metaphidippus flavipedes Peckham, accounted for 48.0% of this group. Theridion murarium Emerton, Dictyna phylax Gertsch ' Ivie, and Grammonota pictilis O. P.-Cambridge were the most common web-spinners encountered. Observations suggested that defoliation and natural stand closure are factors that limit populations of spiders in jack pine stands. No crown level or type of stand could be characterized by specific groups or species.
HIV infection of naturally occurring and genetically reprogrammed human regulatory T-cells.

A T-cell subset, defined as CD4+CD25hi (regulatory T-cells [Treg cells]), was recently shown to suppress T-cell activation. We demonstrate that human Treg cells isolated from healthy donors express the HIV-coreceptor CCR5 and are highly susceptible to HIV infection and replication. Because Treg cells are present in very few numbers and are difficult to expand in vitro, we genetically modified conventional human T-cells to generate Treg cells in vitro by ectopic expression of FoxP3, a transcription factor associated with reprogramming T-cells into a Treg subset. Overexpression of FoxP3 in naive human CD4+ T-cells recapitulated the hyporesponsiveness and suppressive function of naturally occurring Treg cells. However, FoxP3 was less efficient in reprogramming memory T-cell subset into regulatory cells. In addition, FoxP3-transduced T-cells also became more susceptible to HIV infection. Remarkably, a portion of HIV-positive individuals with a low percentage of CD4+ and higher levels of activated T-cells have greatly reduced levels of FoxP3+CD4+CD25hi T-cells, suggesting disruption of the Treg cells during HIV infection. Targeting and disruption of the T-cell regulatory system by HIV may contribute to hyperactivation of conventional T-cells, a characteristic of HIV disease progression. Moreover, the ability to reprogram human T-cells into Treg cells in vitro will greatly aid in decoding their mechanism of suppression, their enhanced susceptibility to HIV infection, and the unique markers expressed by this subset.
Strong anisotropic flow in a finely layered asthenosphere

We derive the long wave length equivalents of the constitutive relations for finely stratified fluids as suggested by Saito and Abe [1984]. The results show the transversely isotropic relations characterized by two effective viscosities. One is associated with shear stress applied on the plane parallel to the layering and the other is with normal stress applied perpendicular to the layering. If thin soft layers exist in the low velocity zone, there may be a significant difference in these two viscosities. A simple calculation simulating mantle flow with large apparent anisotropy shows the possible existence of convection having large aspect ratio.
A Preliminary Study of the Source and Fate of Carbon Acquired Via CAM in Littorella uniflora var. americana (Fern.) G1.

ABSTRACT The aquatic Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plant, Littorella uniflora var. americana (Fern.) G1., was the subject of some preliminary investigations to determine (1) if the source of the nocturnally accumulated carbon is endogenous, from respiration, or is exogenous, (2) if this carbon was stored primarily as malic acid, as is typical for the CAM pathway and (3) if the nocturnally accumulated carbon was photosynthetically incorporated during the subsequent light period. Littorella plants were collected from the field and held in the labor-atory under different levels of CO2, light, and temperature. The diurnal malic acid rhythm in leaves ranged from 46 to 60 μmoles · g−1 fresh wt., Radiocarbon studies showed that endogenous CO2 (from dark respiration) accounted for 30 to 99% of the nocturnal carbon accumulation. Paper chromatography revealed that the nocturnally incorporated, labelled carbon was primarily in the malate pool, with some labeling of the citrate pool. All of the nocturnally acqui...
Digital network design aids - an integrated approach

The extension of human capabilities in procedural tasks by use of computer processing is well established. Significant effort has been expended within the past decade to apply this processing capability to the tasks within engineering design.1 This paper describes the integrated approach adopted by Collins Radio Company in the development and application of computer aids to the design of digital networks.The digital networks include those networks, systems, or circuits which exhibit discrete logic states and have waveforms that may be assumed idealized with zero rise and fall times. The design aids include simulation, production test generation, and layout.The simulation algorithms provide design verification, computation of production test input/output data, trade-off analysis and timing and loading analysis. The test generation algorithms determine a set of inputs to a unit and the associated outputs for these inputs which can be used for production test of the unit. The layout algorithms provide parts placement, partitioning, pin assignment and interconnect solutions for physical implementation of the circuitry.The simulation, test generation and layout algorithms operate on a common set of data which is inputted to the processor system by the designer. This set of data is added to as simulation, test generation and layout are completed. The resultant evolved set can then comprise a functional specification of the unit.
Reliability of self-reported behavior for exposure to tanning beds, self-tanning creams, and sun sensitivity

Purpose Exposure to ultraviolet radiation has consistently been linked to an increased risk of melanoma. Most studies rely upon retrospective self-report of exposure, which is susceptible to measurement error, which can distort the observed effect sizes. The reliability of self-report of many sun exposure factors has been previously described, but the self-report of use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams has been less well characterized. The purpose of this reliability study was to determine the reproducibility of a survey used in a case–control study of melanoma and to quantify the effect that measurement error could have had on the overall study results. Methods A mailed survey was readministered after completion of the initial survey to 76 randomly selected participants in a case–control study of melanoma. Cases and controls were diagnosed in 1999 and 2000 and ascertained from the Iowa Cancer Registry in 2002. Colorectal cancer patients served as controls. We assessed the consistency of self-reported use of sunlamps and self-tanning creams, sun sensitivity, and history of sunburns using Cohen's kappa (κ). Results There was substantial reliability in reporting the use of sunlamps or self-tanning creams (κ = 0.83 and 0.94, respectively). Therefore, adjusting the observed odds ratios for use of sunlamps or self-tanning creams to account for measurement error had little effect. The reliability of other factors associated with melanoma was also substantial, with κ estimates of 0.62 to 0.78 for several sun-sensitivity factors. Conclusion Overall, the survey instrument demonstrated substantial reproducibility for factors related to use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams and for sun sensitivity factors. This indicates that this survey instrument is reasonably reliable and that measurement error was unlikely to have biased the overall study results.
Measurements of electron transport activities in marine phytoplankton

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method of measuring electron transfer in the transport system (ETS) in marine phytoplankton has been developed and characterized. The assay is based on the reduction of the tetrazolium salt 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) by homogenates in the presence of the nonionic detergent Triton X-100. The simplicity and sensitivity of this assay have considerable advantage over existing methods of measuring ETS activity in marine samples where numerous assays must be rapidly carried out on samples which often demonstrate low activities. Several established substrates and inhibitors of electron transport in the ETS were investigated, and each is discussed in relation to the site of INT reduction in the diatoms Skeletonema costatum and Chaetoceros debilis and in the unicellular green alga Dunaliella tertiolecta. The results from these studies suggest that the maximum rate of electron transport, Vmax, is measured in each case.
Bulk single crystal growth from hydrothermal solutions

Hydrothermal crystal growth offers a complementary alternative to many of the classical techniques used to synthesise new materials and grow bulk crystals for various applications. This specialised technique is often capable of growing crystals at temperatures well below their melting points and thus potentially offers routes to new phases or the growth of bulk crystals with less thermal strain. Even some of the most recalcitrant materials can be dissolved, undergo chemistry and be grown as single crystals using hydrothermal solutions. This work reviews the field of bulk hydrothermal crystal growth, highlighting important advances of the past 25 years.
Reporting of preclinical tumor-graft cancer therapeutic studies

Purpose: Characterize the parameters of reporting tumor-graft experiments for oncologic drug development. Experimental Design: Using Institute of Scientific Information impact factors, we identified the most-cited medical and oncology journals with tumor-graft experiments in murine models. For each article, the characteristics of the experimental design, outcome measurements, and statistical analysis were examined. Results: We examined 145 articles describing tumor-graft experiments from October through December 2008. The articles spanned a range of disease types, animal models, treatments and delivery methods. One hundred (69%) articles were missing information needed to replicate the experiments. Outcome measurements included: tumor size (83%), biological changes (57%), and survival or cure-rate outcomes (28%). Thirty-three percent did not specify how tumor size was measured and 30% were missing the formula for evaluating volume. Only 14% utilized appropriate statistical methods. Ninety-one percent of studies were reported as positive and 7% reported with mixed positive-negative results; only 2% of studies were reported negative or inconclusive. Twenty-two articles from 2012 showed improvement in the utilization of statistical methods (35% optimal, p = 0.05) but had a similar fraction with experimental design issues (82%; p = 0.32) limiting reproducibility and 91% had positive results. Conclusions: Tumor-graft studies are reported without a set standard, often without the methodological information necessary to reproduce the experiments. The high percentage of positive trials suggests possible publication bias. Considering the widespread use of such experiments for oncologic drug development, scientists and publishers should develop experimental and publication guidelines for such experiments to ensure continued improvements in reporting.
Advances in the care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which comprises 15% to 30% of all strokes, has an estimated incidence of 37,000 cases per year. One third of patients are actively bleeding when they present to the emergency department, and hematoma growth during the first hours after ICH onset is thought to be a prime determinant of clinical deterioration. Inflammation, as opposed to ischemia, also negatively affects patient condition. Recombinant activated factor VII is emerging as a potential first-line therapy, especially in warfarin-associated hemorrhage. Corticosteroid therapy is not supported by contemporary studies or by current management guidelines. Aggressive blood pressure reduction is under investigation. Surgical intervention has shown no statistically significant benefit over medical management for patients with ICH in general, although subgroup analysis in a large randomized trial suggested potential benefits from surgery for patients with lobar ICH. Not long ago, ICH was considered virtually untreatable. Diligent efforts in both bench and clinical research are generating hope for patients who experience this catastrophic event.
Spine Segmentation and Enumeration and Normal Variants

This article provides a comprehensive review of spine segmentation and enumeration. This important and relatively underappreciated issue, when neglected, frequently results in confusion in vertebral numbering and ultimately may result in wrong segment interventions. The authors supplement this topic with a discussion of normal variants.
Neurosteroids block the memory-impairing effects of ethanol in mice

Abstract Using a win-shift foraging paradigm to assess working memory in C57BL/6 mice, the memory-enhancing effect of low doses of the neurosteroids 5-pregnen-3β-ol-20-one [pregnenolone (PE)], 5-pregnen-3β-ol-20-one sulfate [pregnenolone sulfate (PS)], 5-androsten-3β-ol-17-one [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)], and 5-androsten-3β-ol-17-one sulfate [dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)] were demonstrated. The neurosteroids 5β-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one [pregnanolone (PA)] and 5β-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one [epipregnanolone (EPI)] disrupted memory in this paradigm. PE, PS, DHEA, DHEAS, and PA were also capable of blocking the memory-impairing effect of 0.5 g/kg ethanol. EPI prevented PA from blocking the effect of ethanol. The influence of these compounds on memory and their interactions on this behavior are consistent with their actions on the GABA A system.
Workshop - effective practices for team formation and faculty involvement in capstone design courses

This workshop will focus on two critical and inter-related issues in capstone design projects - project formation and faculty involvement. Project formation is a notoriously difficult process in any environment. Teams must be formed, project concepts identified, a project selected, specifications and goals determined, and implementation plans developed. Each of the preceding elements is critical to achieving success and requires a good level of understanding by both the students and faculty involved. Students often have little experience in this process and are challenged by its ambiguity and fluidity. Furthermore, faculty are not typically prepared by their academic training to understand or supervise capstone projects, and likewise find it challenging. This presents many barriers to effective and consistent project advising. When multiple faculty members advise projects there need to be consistent expectations and assessment methods. The inclusion of industrial sponsors and advisors adds another level of complexity, as their expectations are often different from those of the institution.
Characterization of two-phase flow patterns in small diameter round and rectangular tubes

Abstract The present study investigates the effect of tube diameter and shape on flow regime transitions for two-phase flow in tubes with small hydraulic diameters. Flow patterns for co-current flow of air–water mixtures in horizontal round and rectangular tubes are determined by high-speed video analysis to develop flow regime maps and the transitions between these flow regimes. Gas and liquid superficial velocities range from 0.1 to 100 m s−1, and 0.01 to 10.0 m s−1, respectively. Bubble, dispersed, elongated bubble, slug, stratified, wavy, annular–wavy, and annular flow patterns are observed. The effect of tube diameter and shape on the flow patterns for hydraulic diameters ranging from 5.5 to 1.3 mm is documented and compared with the literature.
Characterizing the effects of saturated fatty acids on insulin signaling and ceramide and diacylglycerol accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes.

A strong correlation between intramyocellular lipid concentrations and the severity of insulin resistance has fueled speculation that lipid oversupply to skeletal muscle, fat, or liver may desensitize these tissues to the anabolic effects of insulin. To identify free fatty acids (FFAs) capable of inhibiting insulin action, we treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes or C2C12 myotubes with either the saturated FFA palmitate (C16:0) or the monounsaturated FFA oleate (C18:1), which were shown previously to be the most prevalent FFAs in rat soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. In C2C12 myotubes, palmitate, but not oleate, inhibited insulin-stimulation of glycogen synthesis, as well as its activation of Akt/Protein Kinase B (PKB), an obligate intermediate in the regulation of anabolic metabolism. Palmitate also induced the accrual of ceramide and diacylglycerol (DAG), two lipid metabolites that have been shown to inhibit insulin signaling in cultured cells and to accumulate in insulin resistant tissues. Interestingly, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, neither palmitate nor oleate inhibited glycogen synthesis or Akt/PKB activation, nor did they induce ceramide or DAG synthesis. Using myotubes, we also tested whether other saturated fatty acids blocked insulin signaling while promoting ceramide and DAG accumulation. The long-chain fatty acids stearate (18:0), arachidate (20:0), and lignocerate (24:0) reproduced palmitate's effects on these events, while saturated fatty acids with shorter hydrocarbon chains [i.e., laurate (12:0) and myristate (14:0)] failed to induce ceramide accumulation or inhibit Akt/PKB activation. Collectively these findings implicate excess delivery of long-chain fatty acids in the development of insulin resistance resulting from lipid oversupply to skeletal muscle.
Nutritional and management related interactions with iron-deficiency stress response mechanisms

Abstract Iron (Fe) deficiency symptoms develop in many agricultural and horticultural settings and generally occur when susceptible genotypes are grown in calcareous soils where Fe availability is limited. However, in some situations, Fe deficiency develops as a result of biological interactions with factors other than limited available Fe. We review physiological explanations for some factors known to interact with iron-deficiency stress. The discussion includes interactions with macronutrients and micronutrients, management factors such as grazing and companion cropping, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. We also refer to several field observed interactions with Fe deficiency in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], where physiological explanations are yet to be identified. These include interactions with seeding rate and application of the herbicide glyphosate on glyphosate tolerant varieties. We believe that elucidation of additional physiological answers for field observations are critical to efficient and...
Plaquelike cutaneous mucinosis: Its relationship to reticular erythematous mucinosis

Nine patients with plaquelike cutaneous mucinosis, including the three described originally in 1960, are presented. The clinical manifestations of asymptomatic, persistent, erythematous, infiltrated papules, either isolated or coalescing into plaques, in the midline of the back or chest are suggestive of the diagnosis. The dermal histopathologic findings of perivascular and periappendageal round cell infiltrates and mucin (acid mucopolysaccharides) on special stains confirm the diagnosis. This syndrome is more common among women, may be aggravated by exposure to ultraviolet light, and may subside spontaneously after long periods. We believe the condition of these patients is identical to that described as reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome.
Fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of unusual cutaneous neoplasms of the scalp in HIV-infected patients: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report on two unusual, non-AIDS-defining scalp neoplasms, Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) and malignant melanoma, in 2 men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the first patient, metastatic MCC was initially diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a posterior cervical lymph node, based on the cytomorphology and the characteristic immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features. No skin lesion was initially apparent, but a 0.3-mm scalp primary was found during the ensuing neck dissection. In the second patient, recurrent and metastatic malignant melanoma from a Breslow 1.3-mm scalp primary was diagnosed by FNA. Both patients developed generalized disease in a relatively short time, despite their small primaries. These cases illustrate the occurrence of Merkel-cell carcinoma and melanoma in AIDS patients, and stress the need to consider these unusual cutaneous neoplasms when evaluating lymph node FNA samples from HIV-positive patients, especially since both may present as metastases from clinically occult primaries.
Raising The Bar: The Use Of Performance Guarantees By The Pacific Business Group On Health

In 1996 the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH) negotiated more than two dozen performance guarantees with thirteen of California's largest health maintenance organizations (HMOs) on behalf the seventeen large employers in its Negotiating Alliance. The negotiations put more than $8 million at risk for meeting performance targets with the goal of improving the performance of all health plans. Nearly $2 million, or 23 percent of the premium at risk, was refunded to the PBGH by the HMOs for missed targets. The majority of plans met their targets for satisfaction with the health plan and physicians, as well as cesarean section, mammography, Pap smear, and prenatal care rates. However, eight of the thirteen plans missed their targets for childhood immunizations, refunding 86 percent of the premium at risk.
Myosins from rat right and left ventricles. Comparison of ATPase activities and light fragments released by 8 M-urea.

Myosins prepared from rat right and left ventricles had similar levels of ATPase activity, measured in Mg2+ and in Ca2+. The low molecular weight fragments of these myosins, examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, also did not differ. It is concluded that the differences between the mechanical characteristics of right- and left-ventricular contraction are not reflected in differences between the myosins of the two ventricles. However, the ATPase activity of rat cardiac myosin was higher than that noted previously for comparable preparations from rabbit and canine ventricles, and the low molecular weight fragments of rat cardiac myosin differed from those reported for rabbit cardiac myosin. These findings suggest that shortening velocity, which has been reported to be greater in the hearts of smaller animals, may reflect a difference in the low molecular weight fragments and ATPase activity of cardiac myosin.
The role of lysozyme in killing and lysis of coliform bacteria in the bovine animal 1. Serum and milk concentrations of lysozyme and susceptibility of coliform strains to its action

Abstract Concentrations of lysozyme were determined in 206 bovine sera and 37 bulk-tank milks. Detectable levels were not found in 46.6% or 96 sera, 38.3% (79 sera) had less than 2.5 μg/ml, 12.1% (25 sera) had concentrations of 2.5 to 25 μg/ml and 2.9% (6 sera) had concentrations greater than 25.0 μg/ml. Only one milk sample had any detectable lysozyme (0.5 μg/ml) by the method used. Lysis by bovine sera of washed coliform bacteria previously determined to be resistant or sensitive to killing by bovine serum was tested in various buffer systems. No correlation between killing by serum and sensitivity to lysis by lysozyme was found. EDTA markedly potentiated serum lysis in the presence of added lysozyme. Lysozyme itself was not lytic. Added lysozyme did not potentiate killing of the coliforms by bovine serum when tested by direct plate counts or by spectrophotometric growth assay. These in vitor results suggest that lysozyme may have limited importance as a protective agent against coliform bacteria in vivo.
Antagonism of methoxyflurane-induced anesthesia in rats by benzodiazepine inverse agonists

Injection of the partial benzodiazepine inverse agonist Ro15-4513 (1-32 mg/kg i.p.) or nonconvulsant i.v. doses of the full benzodiazepine inverse agonist beta-CCE immediately following cessation of exposure of rats to an anesthetic concentration of methoxyflurane significantly antagonized the duration of methoxyflurane anesthesia as measured by recovery of the righting reflex and/or pain sensitivity. This antagonism was inhibited by the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro15-1788 at doses which alone did not alter the duration of methoxyflurane anesthesia. In addition, high-dose Ro15-4513 pretreatment (32 mg/kg) antagonized the induction and duration of methoxyflurane anesthesia but was unable to prevent methoxyflurane anesthesia or affect the induction or duration of anesthesia induced by the dissociative anesthetic ketamine (100 mg/kg). These findings indicate that methoxyflurane anesthesia can be selectively antagonized by the inverse agonistic action of Ro15-4513 and beta-CCE.
Generation of thioaldehydes via fluoride induced elimination of α-silyldisulfides

Abstract A mild, efficient and general method for the generation of reactive thioaldehydes from α-silyldisulfides is described.
Analysis of three-dimensional in vivo knee kinematics using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

Patients continue to develop premature arthritis despite good subjective and objective evaluations of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knees. Current objective evaluations have been limited to muscle strength examination, radiographic imaging, and laxity measurements. Anterior-posterior laxity measurements were originally developed to diagnose ACL insufficiencies; however, their application has been broadened to evaluate the success of ACL reconstructions. Although we recognize the importance of the meniscal function in preventing osteoarthritis, we do not have any means to evaluate meniscal kinematics after ACL injuries and reconstruction. In this article, we will highlight the importance of developing new methods in evaluating in vivo tibiofemoral and meniscal kinematics under dynamic conditions. We will also present our recent work on magnetic resonance analysis of knee kinematics under simulated weight-bearing conditions. We hope that we can extend this technique in dynamic evaluation of cruciate ligament injured knees. With better quantification of three-dimensional tibiofemoral and meniscal kinematics, we hope that we can improve our ability to diagnose, treat and critically evaluate our reconstructions for the cruciate ligament injured patients.
The effect of plasticization on the transport of gases in and through glassy polymers

The effects of plasticization on the transport of gases and vapors in and through glassy polymers are examined from the viewpoint of the “dual-mode” sorption model with partial immobilization. The analysis assumes the existence of two penetrant populations with different mobilities in the Henry's law and Langmuir domains of the glassy polymers. These mobilities are characterized by their mutual diffusion coefficients DD and DH. The plasticization of the polymer by penetrant gases is reflected in the concentration dependence of DD and DH. Expressions for the effective (apparent) diffusion and permeability coefficients are derived assuming that DD and DH are exponential functions of the penetrant concentration in the polymers. The results of this study are compared with a similar analysis which assumed the existence of a single mobile penetrant population. The present analysis provides information on the effects of plasticization on the penetrant transport in the Henry's law and Langmuir domains separately. The effects of antiplasticization or clustering of penetrant molecules on the effective diffusion and permeability coefficients are also examined.
Assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using the BASC and BRIEF

There has been an overwhelming increase in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School and clinical psychologists play an important role in the assessment of a child's emotional and behavioral difficulties, including problems with attention. Various assessment measures, including behavioral rating forms such as the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), are often used in the assessment of a child's behavior. The purpose of this article is to provide more knowledge to psychologists regarding the assessment of ADHD in children using the BASC and BRIEF. Results from this study indicated that the BASC and BRIEF scales appear to be measuring similar, but different, constructs pertaining to behaviors associated with ADHD, as well as similar study skills and learning problems. These findings suggest that children diagnosed with ADHD are rated lower on adaptive skills when compared to children with no diagnosis on the BASC. Use of the BASC and BRIEF in ADHD assessment appears promising and may generate additional areas in need of intervention.
Mapping QTL, epistasis and genotype × environment interaction of antioxidant activity, chlorophyll content and head formation in domesticated lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants in human diets and their intake is associated with chronic disease prevention. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a common vegetable in diets worldwide, but its nutritional content is relatively low. To elucidate the genetic basis of antioxidant content in lettuce, we measured the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and chlorophyll (Chl) content as a proxy of β-carotene in an F8 recombinant inbred line (RIL) in multiple production cycles at two different production sites. Plants were phenotyped at the open-leaf stage to measure genetic potential (GP) or at market maturity (MM) to measure the influence of head architecture (‘head’ or ‘open’). Main effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified at MM (three Chl and one ORAC QTL) and GP (two ORAC QTL). No main effect QTL for Chl was detected at GP, but epistatic interaction was identified in one pair of marker intervals for each trait at GP. Interactions with environment were also detected for both main and epistatic effects (two for main effect, and one for epistatic effect). Main effect QTL for plant architecture and nutritional traits at MM colocated to a single genomic region. Chlorophyll contents and ORAC values at MM were significantly higher and Chl a to Chl b ratios were lower in ‘open’ types compared to ‘head’ types. The nutritional traits assessed for GP showed a significant association with plant architecture suggesting pleiotropic effects or closely linked genes. Taken together, the antioxidant and chlorophyll content of lettuce is controlled by complex mechanisms and participating alleles change depending on growth stage and production environment.
“Eclipse” Bifurcation in a Twinkling Oscillator

This work regards the use of cubic springs with intervals of negative stiffness, in other words, “snap-through” elements, in order to convert low-frequency ambient vibrations into high-frequency oscillations, referred to as “twinkling.” The focus of this paper is on the bifurcation of a two-mass chain that, in the symmetric system, involves infinitely many equilibria at the bifurcation point. The structure of this “eclipse bifurcation” is uncovered, and perturbations of the bifurcation are studied. The energies associated with the equilibria are examined.
Integrating Textual Thinking into the Introductory College-Level Foreign Language Classroom

One of the characteristics of the well-documented bifurcation in collegiate foreign language (FL) instruction is the difficult transition from lower- to upper-level instruction. Particularly pronounced are the expectations placed on readers at the upper level. No longer engaged in surface readings and sentence-level exercises that stay focused on everyday situations with clear intent and unambiguous meaning, learners at the upper level must shift to supersentential and discourse-level processing of texts that contain a significantly higher level of abstraction and ambiguity. Recognizing that preparation for such an approach to reading requires long-term attention, this article explores the pedagogical feasibility of implementing in beginning instruction the type of textual thinking and reading practiced at upper levels. Implemented in two sections of first-semester German (N= 27) while students read a full-length novel, this pedagogical approach centers on developing beginning learners' ability to see texts as message systems that reveal cultural significance.
Size distribution of quartz in mudrocks

Sixteen penecontemporaneously deposited mudrock-sandstone pairs ranging in age from Devonian to Cretaceous were treated chemically to isolate the quartz and chert fraction from the other constituents of the rocks. The amount of crystalline silica was determined from the chemical treatments; its size distribution was determined using a combination of normal and Micro Mesh sieving and settling tube analysis; the crystalline silica coarser than 10 μu was examined petrographically to determine the amount of chert. Percentages of crystalline silica in the mudrocks range from 6·7 to 46·7 % and average 27·6 (σ= 10·7). Mean grain size ranges from 4·4 φ to 7·3 φ and averages 6·1 φ. The crystalline silica fraction is a poorly sorted medium to fine silt consisting of one-eighth sand, six-eighths silt, and one-eighth clay size sediment. Percentage of crystalline silica and mean size of crystalline silica in the thirty-two mudrocks and sandstones are positively correlated; r= 0·685, which is significant at the 99 % level. The best fit linear regression line is: Y= 102·7–11·3X. Extrapolation of the regression line indicates that, on the average, crystalline silica is lacking in mudrocks in grain sizes finer than 9·1 φ (1·μm), a result consistent with observations by clay mineralogists. The crystalline silica fraction of both the mudrocks and associated sandstones averages 4% chert in the >10 μm portion. There is no correlation between the mean grain size of the crystalline silica and the percentage of chert in it.
A minimalist's reactive potential for efficient molecular modelling of chemistry

We review a minimalist's reactive force field, reactive state summation (RSS) potential. The essence of RSS potential scheme is to model each reactive state by individual non-reactive force fields,...
When is enophthalmos "significant"?

PURPOSE It is currently unknown how many measurable millimeters of enophthalmos may be noticeable to an observer. Identifying the amount of enophthalmos present may help to guide patients and clinicians in regard to surgical management of enophthalmos. METHODS The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Oculoplastics imaging database was used to select 12 photographs of patients with unilateral enophthalmos whose measurements ranged between 1 mm and 8 mm for the study group and 12 photographs of patients who did not have enophthalmos as the control group. Observers were asked to review each of the photographs from both groups and to comment on whether the appearance was normal or abnormal. RESULTS There was no statistical difference found when observers reviewed photographs from the control group and patients whose measurements ranged between 1 mm and 2 mm (87%, 83% respondents identifying patients as normal, respectively). Twenty-eight percent of observers found patients with 3 mm and 4 mm of enophthalmos as having a normal appearance (P < 0.001). Ninety-seven percent of observers commented that patients with measurements of 5 mm and 8 mm had an abnormal appearance (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with 2 mm and less of measurable enophthalmos had a normal appearance as frequently as those without enophthalmos. Nearly all patients with measurements of 5 mm and greater had abnormal appearances. The point at which enophthalmos becomes detectable lies between 3 mm and 4 mm.
Toxins produced by arthropod parasites: Salivary gland proteins of human body lice and venom proteins of chelonine wasps

A review is presented of our ongoing research projects on the protein components of the saliva of human body lice and of the non-paralyzing venom of wasps in the subfamily Cheloninae. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryamide gel electrophoretic analysis of lice salivary gland proteins showed a predominance of high and intermediate mol. wt proteins. Immunoblotting with a low titer polyclonal antiserum to lice salivary proteins indicated that some, but not all, of the predominant high mol. wt salivary gland proteins are injected into the host during feeding. The venom of a Chelonus sp. wasp contains a chitinase, and a 33,000 mol. wt protein with a primary structure composed mostly of a series of 12 tandem repeats of a 14-residue sequence. The N-terminus of this protein and its homologs in a related species of Ascogaster share a conserved adjacent pair of acidic residues. Epitope mapping/immunoprecipitation experiments now in progress will provide information on which linear motifs are on the surface of the protein, and will thereby provide information on the tertiary structure of the protein.
Sauvons le Luxembourg: urban greenspace as private domain and public battleground, 1865-1867.

This article examines the way in which public response to a municipal proposal concerning greenspace reduction in Paris during the Second Empire reflected not only political antipathy but also an ever-increasing understanding of public urban greenspace as part of the private domain. By examining archival records concerning the proposal, essays, newspaper accounts, and memoirs, this article argues that a particular proprietary sensibility, fomented by expansive public greenspace development in Paris, intersected with extant social constructs and political tensions to create a public, coordinated, and sustained challenge to the authoritarian regime. Thus, the battle over the Luxembourg Garden became more than just a fight to prevent a reduction in size of a particular public urban greenspace. Rather, public debate surrounding alteration of this garden underscores the extent to which public greenspace, in general, was urban space that blurred the public—private boundary and presented unique opportunities for...
High resolution XUV spectroscopy of x-ray laser plasmas

This paper discusses recent progress in LLNL's high resolution XUV spectroscopy efforts with x-ray laser plasmas. We describe the instrumentation used, and we present preliminary time-resolved data on the spectral profiles of several XUV (extreme ultraviolet) lines from Ne- like Se and Ne-like Y x-ray lasers which have been obtained with instrumental resolutions ((lambda) /(Delta) (lambda) ) of approximately 10,000. The Se data indicates that the 206.4 angstroms J equals 2 - 1 laser line narrows below the expected 400 eV Doppler width (35 m angstroms) when amplified through approximately 6 gain lengths, while the Y data shows no evidence of the J equals 0 - 1 laser predicted to be nearly resonant with the J equals 2 - 1 laser at 154.9 angstroms.
The effects of combined perirhinal and postrhinal damage on complex discrimination tasks

Rats with combined lesions of the perirhinal (PER) and postrhinal (POR) cortices were trained on a complex discrimination in the simultaneous feature-positive and feature-negative discrimination task. In this task, a panel light (L) paired with an auditory stimulus determined whether a tone (T) or white noise (N) would be rewarded (+) or not rewarded (-). Thus, the light feature determined whether the target auditory stimuli were rewarded or not. In each session, trial types were LT+, T-, N+, and LN-. We had hypothesized that damage to the target regions would impair performance on this task. Acquisition was altered in the lesioned rats, but not in the predicted direction. Instead, lesioned rats exhibited significantly enhanced acquisition of the discrimination. Manipulation of intertrial intervals indicated that reduction of proactive interference did not explain the enhancement. Lesioned rats were not different from controls on a multiple-cued interval timing task, providing evidence that the enhancement does not extend to all types of discriminations and is not due to a deficit in timing. Other research shows that rats with PER lesions are impaired on similar tasks, thus the enhancement is likely due to the effects of POR damage. Normally in this task, context is thought to accrue inhibitory control over other cues. Without this inhibitory control, animals might be expected to learn the task more efficiently. Our conclusion is that deficits in processing contextual information underlie the enhanced acquisition observed in rats with combined PER and POR damage on this complex discrimination task.
Analysis of Phloxine B and Uranine in Coffee by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Zone Electrophoresis after Solid Phase Extraction Cleanup

A method was developed for the analysis of phloxine B and uranine, photoactive dyes being evaluated as fruit fly toxicants, in coffee cherries and green and roasted beans. The analytes were measure...
Mapping of complex bedrock structure using the high-resolution reflection seismic technique

Abstract In May of 1996, four reflection seismic profiles and one VSP (vertical seismic profile) were acquired near Colonsay, Saskatchewan. This survey was conducted as part of a site-specific study of the high-resolution reflection seismic profiling, and shallow open-borehole VSP methods. The reflection seismic/VSP survey was designed with four specific objectives in mind. The sponsor wanted to determine: (1) whether high-resolution reflection seismic data could provide an essentially continuous structural image of the shallow subsurface (Quaternary alluvium and Cretaceous shale to a depth of ca 200 m); (2) if the Cretaceous bedrock and overlying Quaternary strata in the study area are extensively faulted; (3) whether useful VSP data could be acquired from shallow open-boreholes in the study area; and (4) optimum high-resolution reflection seismic acquisition parameters (given the target zone and site conditions) for future production-oriented work in the area. From a technical perspective the survey was successful. The acquired high-resolution reflection seismic data effectively image the shallow subsurface, and support the thesis that bedrock and overlying Quaternary strata are extensively faulted in the study area. The VSP data establish that sonic log velocities recorded above the water table in a fluid-filled borehole are anomalously high (relative to the seismic velocity of an equivalent thickness of unsaturated sediment). On the basis of the VSP control, the sonic log data were modified such that the corresponding synthetic seismograms correlate well with the reflection seismic profiles. Additionally, on the basis of field testing, optimum site/target specific field acquisition parameters were determined. These will be of use in designing any subsequent seismic reflection and VSP surveys in the study area.