cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orbits of the hyperoctahedral group as Euclidean designs

The hyperoctahedral group H in n dimensions (the Weyl group of Lie type B n ) is the subgroup of the orthogonal group generated by all transpositions of coordinates and reflections with respect to coordinate hyperplanes.With e 1 , ..., e n denoting the standard basis vectors of $$\sf{R}$$ n and letting x k = e 1 + ··· + e k (k = 1, 2, ..., n), the set $$ {\cal I}^n_k={\bf x}_{\bf k}^H=\{ {\bf x}_{\bf k}^g \mbox{} | \mbox{} g \in H \}$$ is the vertex set of a generalized regular hyperoctahedron in $$\sf{R}$$ n . A finite set $${\cal X} \subset \sf{R}^n$$ with a weight function $$w: {\cal X} \rightarrow \sf{R}^+$$ is called a Euclidean t-design, if $$ \sum_{r \in R} W_r \bar{f}_{S_{r}} = \sum_{{\bf x} \in {\cal X}} w({\bf x}) f({\bf x})$$ holds for every polynomial f of total degree at most t; here R is the set of norms of the points in $${\cal X}$$ ,W r is the total weight of all elements of $${\cal X}$$ with norm r, S r is the n-dimensional sphere of radius r centered at the origin, and $$\bar{f}_{S_{r}}$$ is the average of f over S r . Here we consider Euclidean designs which are supported by orbits of the hyperoctahedral group. Namely, we prove that any Euclidean design on a union of generalized hyperoctahedra has strength (maximum t for which it is a Euclidean design) equal to 3, 5, or 7.We find explicit necessary and sufficient conditions for when this strength is 5 and for when it is 7.In order to establish our classification, we translate the above definition of Euclidean designs to a single equation for t = 5, a set of three equations for t = 7, and a set of seven equations for t = 9. Neumaier and Seidel (1988), as well as Delsarte and Seidel (1989), proved a Fisher-type inequality $$|{\cal X}| \geq N(n,p,t)$$ for the minimum size of a Euclidean t-design in $$\sf{R}$$ n on p = |R| concentric spheres (assuming that the design is antipodal if t is odd).A Euclidean design with exactly N (n, p, t) points is called tight. We exhibit new examples of antipodal tight Euclidean designs, supported by orbits of the hyperoctahedral group, for N(n, p, t) = (3, 2, 5), (3, 3, 7), and (4, 2, 7).
Component minimization in electronic switching

SWITCHING CIRCUIT SYNTHESIS presents two basic problems to the engineer. First, he must be able to obtain a circuit which will function according to the input-output specifications. Second, the circuit must be economical in the use of switching components.
Small caliber arterial endothelial cells calcium signals elicited by PAR2 are preserved from endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial cell (EC)-dependent vasodilation by proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is preserved in small caliber arteries in disease states where vasodilation by muscarinic receptors is decreased. In this study, we identified and characterized the PAR2-mediated intracellular calcium (Ca2+)-release mechanisms in EC from small caliber arteries in healthy and diseased states. Mesenteric arterial EC were isolated from PAR2 wild-type (WT) and null mice, after saline (controls) or angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, for imaging intracellular calcium and characterizing the calcium-release system by immunofluorescence. EC Ca2+ signals comprised two forms of Ca2+-release events that had distinct spatial-temporal properties and occurred near either the plasmalemma (peripheral) or center of EC. In healthy EC, PAR2-dependent increases in the densities and firing rates of both forms of Ca2+-release were abolished by inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) inhibitor, but partially reduced by transient potential vanilloid channels inhibitor ruthenium red (RR). Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced less overall Ca2+-release than PAR2 activation, but enhanced selectively the incidence of central events. PAR2-dependent Ca2+-activity, inhibitors sensitivities, IP3R, small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels expressions were unchanged in EC from AngII WT. However, the same cells exhibited decreases in ACh-induced Ca2+-release, RR sensitivity, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, indicating AngII-induced dysfunction was differentiated by receptor, Ca2+-release, and downstream targets of EC activation. We conclude that PAR2 and muscarinic receptors selectively elicit two elementary Ca2+ signals in single EC. PAR2-selective IP3R-dependent peripheral Ca2+-release mechanisms are identical between healthy and diseased states. Further study of PAR2-selective Ca2+-release for eliciting pathological and/or normal EC functions is warranted.
The embeddings of a graph—A survey

Topological graph theory seeks to find answers to the question of how graphs map into surfaces. This paper surveys the information now available about the range of a graph, namely, the set of surfaces on which the graph can be “neatly” embedded. Several other closely related topics, such as irreducible graphs, coloring problems, and crossing numbers, are ignored. As is quite often the case with mathematical theories, this discipline developed in a rather haphazard manner. Many isolated results existed before the practitioners became aware of the fact that they were developing a theory. The turning point occurred in 1968, when Ringel and Youngs completed their proof of the Heawood conjecture. Their proof, in addition to settling an old unsolved problem, also reinforced the significance of the rotation systems. It is the author's belief that these rotation systems, together with the generalized embedding schemes can, and should, become the main tool in all investigations concerning the embeddings of a graph. This survey is written from that point of view. After defining the scope of the area surveyed, this paper proceeds to discuss the significance of the rotation systems and embedding schemes. Several theorems of a general nature are listed. Attention is then focused on the maximum and minimum genera of a graph. Discussion of the first of these is deferred to another survey article by R. Ringeisen to appear in a subsequent issue. The various methods developed by researchers in this area for determining the (minimum) genus are then described. This is followed by a listing of all the theoretical information that is available about the genus parameter. The paper includes two tables that exhibit most of the graphs with known genus.
Improved exercise test accuracy using discriminant function analysis and “recovery ST slope”

Abstract The objective of the study was to optimize the accuracy of the exercise test for predicting the presence of significant angiographic coronary artery disease. A retrospective analysis of stored digital exercise electrocardiographic data on 147 men who had undergone exercise testing and cardiac catheterization was performed. With significant coronary artery disease defined as ≥ 70% stenosis, 95 patients had one or more vessel(s) diseased. None were receiving digoxin, had a myocardial infarction or previous coronary artery bypass graft, or exhibited left bundle branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy, Q waves, or ST depression on their resting electrocardiogram. Analysis was performed using the authors' averaging and measurement software at rest and at each 30 seconds throughout the exercise and recovery in leads II, V2, and V5. Discriminant function analysis was used to analyze pretest variables, as well as hemodynamic and electrocardiographic changes and symptoms during exercise. A discriminant function score was developed and compared to other treadmill scores. The setting was a 1,000 bed Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Long Beach, CA). Discriminant function analysis chose age, smoking status, presenting chest pain characteristics, and lead V5 ST slope in recovery to have independent power for separating those with and without coronary artery disease. A discriminant function score using these four variables was used to form a receiver operating characteristics curve (and derive receiver operating characteristics curve areas) for comparison to other exercise test methods and scores: (discriminant function score = .81; slope 3.5 minutes into recovery in lead V5 = .73; traditional ST amplitude method = .72; ST60 HR index (amplitude of ST depression 60 ms after the J point/delta heart rate) = .66; traditional ST amplitude/HR index (traditional method/delta heart rate) = .75; Hollenberg score = .68; Hollenberg areas only = .66; and ST integral = .66. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed a trend for the discriminant function score to be superior to all other measurements and scores. Recovery ST slope in lead V5 performed as well as or better than all other electrocardiographic criteria or treadmill scores except for the authors' discriminant function score.
Anhydrolevuglandin D2 inhibits the uterotonic acivity of prostaglandins F2α and D2

Abstract Anhydrolevuglandin D 2 (AnLGD 2 ), which is produced from PGH 2 by a water-induced rearrangement and subsequenct dehydration, is uterotonic. However, increasing concentrations caused decreased responses of the uterine horns. AnLGD 2 inhibited responses of uteri to stimulation by specific prostaglandins. PGF 2α was inhibited at an AnLGD 2 :PGF 2α ratio of 0.05:1 with 5 to 25 pg/ml concentrations of PGF 2α . The response to PGD 2 was inhibited at an AnLGD 2 :PGD 2 ratio of 0.05:1 with PGD 2 concentrations of 5 to 75 pg/ml. In contrast, the uterotonic effects of PGE 2 werer not inhibited by AnLGD 2 . When AnLGD 2 was added to baths with contracting uteri it inhibited contractions less if the exposure period was 5 min than if it was 10 min. The longer exposure times produced prolonged inhibition of contractile activity with bath concentrations of AnLGD 2 as little as 2.5 pg/ml.
Cooling of an Isothermal Plate Using a Triangular Array of Swirling Air Jets

Cooling with swirling jets is an effective means for enhancing heat transfer and improving spatial uniformity of the cooling rate in many applications. This paper investigates cooling a flat, isothermal plate at 1,000 K using a single and a triangular array of swirling air jets, and characterizes the resulting flow field and the air temperature above the plate. This problem was modeled using the Fuego computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code that is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The separation distance to jet diameter, L/D, varied from 3 to 12, Reynolds number, Re, varied from 5×103 –5×104 , and the swirl number, S varied from 0 to 2.49. The formation of the central recirculation zone (CRZ) and its impact on heat transfer were also investigated. For a hubless swirling jet, a CRZ was generated whenever S ≥ 0.67, in agreement with experimental data and our mathematical derivation for swirl (helicoid) azimuthal and axial velocities. On the other hand, for S ≤0.058, the velocity field closely approximated that of a conventional jet. With the azimuthal velocity of a swirling jet decaying as 1/z2 , most mixing occurred only a few jet diameters from the jet nozzle. Highest cooling occurred when L/D = 3 and S = 0.12 to 0.79. Heat transfer enhancement increased as S or Re increased, or L/D decreased.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Sarcoidosis: pulmonary and skin studies before and after ACTH and cortisone therapy.

Boston, Massachusetts Sarcoidosis, when entertained as a possible diagnosis today, has a vastly more extended significance than when the term “Sarcoid” was first used by Boeck’ in 1899 to describe the skin lesions. Sarcoidosis is more and more frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of obscure systemic illness. The present, most widely accepted, concept of sarcoidosis is that it is essentially a systemic disease which may involve not only skin and subcutaneous tissue, but also lymph nodes, eyes, bones and viscera, especially the lungs. The characteristic, although non-specific, microscopic lesion of sarcoidosis is a granuboma composed of nests of epithelioid cells.2’ � In the later stages, giant cells of either the Langhans or foreign body type are often present; the latter frequently contain inclusing bodies of round (Schaumann) or stellate (“asteroid”)4 configuration. In systemic sarcoidosis, such granulomata may be found in almost any organ or tissue, but they have a predilection for skin, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, salivary glands, bone and eye. The granulomata may be contiguous, but are rarely confluent, and they almost never caseate in the manner which is characteristic of tuberculosis. The granuloma of sarcoidosis has a cycle of variable duration, beginning with the appearance of perivascular inflammatory cells, progressing to the formation of an epithelial granuloma, which eventually disappears or is replaced by fibrosis, about a core of collagenous hyaline material. Generally, a number of granulomata of about the same stage will be found in a given specimen. The principal pulmonary complications and sequellae of sarcoidosis that are found at post mortem examination include fibrosis and cyst formation; only rarely is there cavitation, bronchiectasis or emphysema. Tuberculosis is found in 10 per cent or more of clinical cases and with
Effect of alcohol on yeast hexokinase.

The effect of alcohol upon hexokinase activity has been examined and it has been found that in the concentration range of 0.015 to 1.5 M inhibition varies directly with concentration. Increasing alcohol concentration to 2.25 M resulted in less inhibition than at 1.5 M. No evidence was obtained that hexokinase activity was accelerated by use of very low concentrations (0.0015 M) alcohol.
Long-term ethanol self-administration by the nonhuman primate, Macaca fascicularis, decreases the benzodiazepine sensitivity of amygdala GABA(A) receptors.

BACKGROUND Rodent models of chronic alcohol exposure are typically constrained to relatively short periods of forced ethanol due to the lifespan of these animals. Nonhuman primate models, particularly those employing long-term self-administration, are conceptually more similar to human alcoholic individuals. METHODS We performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings on acutely dissociated amygdala neurons isolated from cynomolgus macaque coronal temporal lobe slices. Slices were prepared from control monkeys or monkeys allowed to self-administer oral ethanol for 18 months. Flunitrazepam and acute ethanol modulation of currents gated by exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) application was assessed in these isolated neurons. Complementary experiments were performed on amygdala total RNA using quantitative real-time reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction to understand potential ethanol-dependent adaptations to subunit composition. RESULTS Gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated currents from ethanol-exposed macaque amygdala neurons exhibited reduced modulation by flunitrazepam compared with control neurons. However, this was specific for benzodiazepines as the modest inhibition of GABA-gated currents by acute ethanol was not affected by the chronic ethanol consumption. We also measured mRNA expression levels for the beta, gamma, and delta subunits in total amygdala RNA isolated from control and ethanol-drinking animals. beta1 and gamma2 expression was significantly reduced in samples from ethanol-exposed amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that chronic ethanol self-administration reduces the benzodiazepine sensitivity of amygdala GABA(A) receptors. This reduced sensitivity may be the result of decreased expression of an amygdala gamma subunit. These findings suggest that, while rodent and nonhuman primate models of chronic ethanol exposure share many characteristics, the specific molecular adaptations associated with the amygdala GABAergic system may not be identical.
Folded additive structures: A nonpolynomial model of some factorial interactions

Abstract A nonpolynomial measurement model for representing nonadditive compositions of stimulus dimensions is presented. This representation, which is referred to as a folded additive structure, permits the decomposition of a behavioral ordering into independent factors in some of the cases where the behavior itself does not directly reflect this independence. Psychologically, this representation corresponds to a model of behavior which assumes that (1) the effect stimulus attributes have on behavior is mediated by a single relevent psychological dimension, (2) the behavioral ordering is single-peaked over this mediating dimension and (3) the mediating dimension has a conjoint additive ordering over a set of relevent stimulus dimensions. Necessary and sufficient tests for folded additive structures are given. In addition, five psychological theories which make these assumptions are discussed.
TGFβ family signaling: novel insights in development and disease

Advances in our understanding of the many levels of regulation of TGFβ and BMP signaling were reported at the recent FASEB Summer Conference entitled `The TGFβ Superfamily: Development and Disease9, which was held in Carefree, Arizona, USA, on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert. This conference was the fifth meeting in a biannual FASEB conference series and, as with the previous meetings, brought together biochemists, geneticists, developmental and tissue biologists interested in the inter-workings of TGFβ/BMP signaling pathways and in the consequences of these pathways going awry.
Effects of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) metabolites on cricket (Acheta domesticus) survival and reproductive success.

Abstract The effect of two major hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) metabolites, hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX), on cricket (Acheta domesticus) survival and reproduction was studied. RDX metabolites did not have adverse effects on cricket survival, growth, and egg production. However, MNX and TNX did affect egg hatching. MNX and TNX were more toxic in spiked-sand than in topical tests. TNX was more toxic to egg than MNX. Developmental stage and exposure time affected hatching. After 30 days exposure to MNX or TNX, the EC20, EC50, and EC95 were 47, 128, and 247 μg/g for TNX, and 65, 140, and 253 μg/g for MNX in topical tests. The ECs for 20, 50, and 95 were 21, 52, and 99 μg/g for MNX, and 12, 48, and 97 μg/g for TNX in sand. No gross abnormalities in cricket nypmhs were observed in all experiments indicating that neither TNX or MNX is teratogenic in this assay.
Effects of Moment-to-Shear Ratio on Combined Cyclic Load-Displacement Behavior of Shallow Foundations from Centrifuge Experiments

Current design guidelines for shallow foundations supporting building and bridge structures discourage footing rocking or sliding during seismic loading. Recent research indicates that footing rocking has the potential to reduce ductility demands on structures by dissipating earthquake energy at the footing-soil interface. Concerns over cyclic and permanent displacements of the foundation during rocking and sliding along with the dependence of foundation capacity on uncertain soil properties hinder the use of footing rocking in practice. This paper presents the findings of a series of centrifuge experiments conducted on shear wall-footing structures supported by dry dense to medium dense sand foundations that are subjected to lateral cyclic loading. Two key parameters, static vertical factor of safety ( FSV ) , and the applied normalized moment-to-shear ratio (M∕ (H⋅L) ) at the footing-soil interface, along with other parameters, were varied systematically and the effects of these parameters on footing-so...
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with spinal anomalies.

OBJECTIVE:Increased mortality is seen in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who have associated anomalies, such as cardiac defects. We reviewed our series of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and spinal anomalies to evaluate if their prognosis was altered.METHODS:We examined o
Trace Metal Contamination of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) from Two Indiana Lakes

Abstract Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) from two industrially contaminated Indiana lakes were analyzed for cadmium, zinc, and lead content. Bluegill collected from several uncontaminated sites were used to establish background metal concentrations. The highest mean concentrations of Cd and Zn were found in Palestine Lake bluegill (3.4 μg Cd/g and 220 μg Zn/g) and the highest mean concentration of Pb was found in Little Center lake bluegill (6.1 μg Pb/g). These mean concentrations were significantly higher than background.
The Heroic Engineer

This paper is about the adjustment between real life and the growing knowledge of life. Real life refers here to the life of the good person and good citizen of a free society. The growing knowledge of life refers mainly to formal engineering education, but also to such informal mentoring as may be witnessed in engineering practice. What character traits in engineers compel them to care about others and enable them to live principled lives? How can engineering faculty help engineering students develop these traits? Our response to the first question relies on the scholarly viewpoint that immaturity in adults is a national problem for U.S. Americans. Our response to the second question relies on Joseph Campbell's antidote for immaturity in adults—the mythic hero's journey. Cases are studied wherein engineering teachers help engineering students achieve heroism: inwardly, by telling them stories of heroism in the practice of engineering; outwardly, by conditioning their learning experiences for heroism.
Nature of the Transition Structure for Alkene Epoxidation by Peroxyformic Acid, Dioxirane, and Dimethyldioxirane: A Comparison of B3LYP Density Functional Theory with Higher Computational Levels

The performance of the B3LYP density functional theory calculations has been studied for the epoxidation reactions of ethylene, propene, and cis- and trans-2-butene with peroxyformic acid and of ethylene with dioxirane and dimethyldioxirane. The transition structures for the epoxidation of ethylene and propene with peroxyformic acid and of ethylene with dioxirane and dimethyldioxirane calculated at the B3LYP level as well as at the QCISD and CCSD levels are symmetrical with nearly identical C−O bond distances, whereas the MP2 calculations favor unsymmetrical transition structures. The geometrical parameters of the transition structures calculated using the B3LYP functional are close to those found at the QCISD and CCSD levels. While the activation barriers for the epoxidation reactions calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-31+G* levels are very close to the MP4SDTQ/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* and MP2/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* values, these activation energies are systematically lower (up to 5−6 kcal/mol) than the ba...
Differential expression of miR-145 in children with Kawasaki disease.

Background Kawasaki disease is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of childhood that can result in structural damage to the coronary arteries. Previous studies have implicated the TGF-β pathway in disease pathogenesis and generation of myofibroblasts in the arterial wall. microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and can be transported between cells in extracellular vesicles. To understand the role that microRNAs play in modifying gene expression in Kawasaki disease, we studied microRNAs from whole blood during the acute and convalescent stages of the illness. Methodology/Principal Findings RNA isolated from the matched whole blood of 12 patients with acute and convalescent Kawasaki disease were analyzed by sequencing of small RNA. This analysis revealed six microRNAs (miRs-143, -199b-5p, -618, -223, -145 and -145* (complementary strand)) whose levels were significantly elevated during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. The result was validated using targeted qRT-PCR using an independent cohort (n = 16). miR-145, which plays a critical role in the differentiation of neutrophils and vascular smooth muscle cells, was expressed at high levels in blood samples from acute Kawasaki disease but not adenovirus-infected control patients (p = 0.005). miR-145 was also detected in small extracellular vesicles isolated from acute Kawasaki disease plasma samples. Pathway analysis of the predicted targets of the 6 differentially expressed microRNAs identified the TGF-β pathway as the top pathway regulated by microRNAs in Kawasaki disease. Conclusion Sequencing of small RNA species allowed discovery of microRNAs that may participate in Kawasaki disease pathogenesis. miR-145 may participate, along with other differentially expressed microRNAs, in regulating expression of genes in the TGF-β pathway during the acute illness. If the predicted target genes are confirmed, our findings suggest a model of Kawasaki disease pathogenesis whereby miR-145 modulates TGF-β signaling in the arterial wall.
E-cadherin expression predicts clinical outcome in carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder.

Abstract Objectives. The clinical course of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder is highly variable. Our objective in this study was to describe E-cadherin expression patterns in CIS with and without papillary disease and to determine whether altered E-cadherin expression is associated with disease progression and survival in patients with CIS of the bladder. Methods. Tumor specimens from 53 patients who had CIS in the absence of muscle-invasive carcinoma on bladder biopsy were identified. Formalin-fixed paraffin sections were processed using a hot citric acid antigen retrieval method, followed by immunostaining with anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody. Expression patterns were evaluated in a blinded fashion and scored as normal and abnormal, which included absent and various degrees of heterogeneous immunostaining. Outcomes analyzed were recurrence, progression, and survival. Results. Loss of normal membrane E-cadherin immunoreactivity was found in 17 patients (32%). At a median follow-up of 131 months, abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with disease recurrence ( P = 0.0087), disease progression ( P = 0.0003), and bladder cancer-specific survival ( P = 0.0285). In multivariate analyses, E-cadherin expression was independently associated with disease recurrence ( P = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.342 to 5.940), disease progression ( P = 0.002, 95% CI 2.049 to 17.989), and bladder cancer-specific survival ( P = 0.025, 95% CI 1.179 to 10.432). Conclusions. Loss of E-cadherin expression in patients with CIS with and without papillary disease of the bladder predicts disease recurrence, disease progression, and bladder cancer-specific death. CIS with and without papillary disease associated with abnormal E-cadherin expression may represent a biologically more aggressive cancer, requiring early definitive therapy. This hypothesis should be evaluated in larger studies and prospective clinical trials.
“You Can’t Eat WHAT?" Managing the Stigma of Celiac Disease.

Drawing on modified labeling theory and the concept of symbolic entrapment, the goal of the current research is to examine the perceptions and management of stigma associated with Celiac Disease (CD). Through an assessment of life history narratives from a sample of adults with the disease, we find that the younger subjects who were most recently diagnosed with CD reported the most significant problems with disease-related stigma, social activities, and interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, we find that the subjects utilize a variety of stigma-management strategies to protect their pre-disease identities.
If you know our names it helps! : Students' perspectives about Good teaching

The purpose of this narrative is to explore students’ perceptions of exemplary and effective teachers, contextualized within contemporary conversations about “evidence-based” instruction and school reform. A brief overview of audience performance texts and their implications for teacher education programs is first provided, followed by the role-play of a panel discussion among students, educators, and policy makers. The text highlights the relationship between students’ perceptions and the research regarding optimal teaching strategies and learning environments.
Chemotactic stimulation by cell surface immune reactions

CHEMOTAXIS of migratory leukocytes is of special interest to immunologists as it is intimately associated with tissue reactions initiated by immune responses. Chemotactic activity as measured in vitro with the Boyden chamber has been exclusively associated with chemotactic factors of various origins which all have in common the inherent ability to attract the responding cells. Immune-related chemotactic factors attracting neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) and macrophages are either complement (C)-derived as a result of C activation or they are products of activated lymphocytes. Thus, their activity is secondary to a specific humoral or cellular immune reaction taking place independent of and at a distance from the responding cell. Here we present a new concept of chemoattraction in which the chemotactic stimulus is a direct result of an immune reaction that proceeds on the surface of the responding cell itself. This concept originated from the discovery of the chemotactic stimulation of PMNs by cytotoxic sera at subcytotoxic doses.
Inflammatory Response with Osteolysis Related to a Bioabsorbable Anchor in the Finger: a Case Report

Soft tissue fixation of ligaments and tendons in the hand can be achieved by the use of metal or bioabsorbable suture anchors. Advantages of bioabsorbable suture anchors include lack of interference in magnetic resonance imaging, resorption of anchor, replacement by bone, and no need for hardware removal. However, complications of these bioabsorbable implants include inflammatory response to the material use. We present what we believe to be the first case in the hand of a poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lacitide) suture anchor causing an inflammatory response leading to significant osteolysis 4 months postoperatively after repair of a ring finger flexor digitorum profundus avulsion. Exploration of the distal phalanx revealed an intact implant and repair, no signs of infection, and an extensive bone defect. Pathology showed chronically inflamed tissue. This case has led us to reconsider the use of bioabsorbable anchor sutures in the hand. Further research is necessary to better define the contraindications to bioabsorbable suture anchor use in the hand.
Comparison of Three Members of the Cysteine-rich Protein Family Reveals Functional Conservation and Divergent Patterns of Gene Expression

Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family are evolutionarily conserved proteins that have been implicated in the processes of cell proliferation and differentiation. In particular, one CRP family member has been shown to be an essential regulator of cardiac and skeletal muscle development. Each of the three vertebrate CRP isoforms characterized to date is composed of two copies of the zinc-binding LIM domain with associated glycine-rich repeats. In this study, we have addressed the biological significance of the CRP multigene family by comparing the subcellular distributions, biochemical properties, and expression patterns of CRP1, CRP2, and CRP3/MLP. Our data reveal that all three CRP family members, when expressed in adherent fibroblasts, associate specifically with the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, all three CRP isoforms are capable of interacting with the cytoskeletal proteins α-actinin and zyxin. Together, these observations suggest that CRP family members may exhibit overlapping cellular functions. Differences between the three CRPs are evident in their protein expression patterns in chick embryos. CRP1 expression is detected in a variety of organs enriched in smooth muscle. CRP2 is restricted to arteries and fibroblasts. CRP3/MLP is dominant in organs enriched in striated muscle. CRP isoform expression is also developmentally regulated in the chick. Our findings suggest that the three CRP family members perform similar functions in different muscle derivatives. The demonstration that all members of the CRP family are associated with cytoskeletal components that have been implicated in the assembly and organization of filamentous actin suggests that CRPs contribute to muscle cell differentiation via effects on cytoarchitecture.
Postiive tone resists based on network deploymerization of molecular resists

Conventional chemically amplified resists have several issues that can potentially limit their capability for sub-40 nm imaging. One of the major issues at this size scale is that the mechanical strength of positive tone CARs limits the amount of stress they can withstand during development, rinse, and drying, thus leading to problems with pattern collapse due to the high capillary forces generated during drying. This problem is exasperated by the fact that linear polymers show dramatically reduced modulus at sub-50 nm f eatures sizes. To improve on this problem, we have made a positive tone resist based on network depolymerization of molecu lar resists. The resist thermally cross-links after being spin cast into thin film form through reactions between vinyl ether groups and carboxylic acid groups. By cross-linking the resist to form a dense three dimensional polymer network, the mechanical strength of the resist is greatly improved compared to linear polymers. The network is depolymerized using an acid catalyzed reaction to create development contrast that allows for patterning of the resist via developmen t in either aqueous base or or ganic solvent. One drawback of the current resist design is that the free carboxylic acids on the resist molecule appear to react in solution at room temperature with both the vinyl ether groups on adjacent mo lecules and with any added base quencher. These reactions cause reduced effectiveness of the base quencher and produce a noticeable resist shelf life problem. Despite these limitations, the material was used to compare the effect of development in aqueous base versus organic solvent. The resist formulated in this work showed a DUV sensitivity of 7 mJ/cm
Enantiospecific toxicity of the β‐blocker propranolol to Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas

Propranolol is a widely prescribed, nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking agent. Propranolol has been detected in municipal effluents from the ng/L to the low-microg/L range. Like many therapeutics and other aquatic contaminants, propranolol is distributed as a racemic mixture ((R,S)-propranolol hydrochloride). Although the (S)-enantiomer is the most active form in mammals (up to 100-fold difference), no information is available regarding the enantiospecific toxicity of propranolol to aquatic organisms. Acute and chronic studies were conducted with Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas to determine enantiospecific toxicity of propranolol to a model aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate, respectively. Also, enantiospecific effects of propranolol on D. magna heart rate were examined. Propranolol treatment levels were verified using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Acute (48-h) responses of both organisms were similar for all enantiomer treatments. Chronic P. promelas responses to propranolol enantiomers followed the hypothesized relationship of (S)-propranolol being more toxic than (R)-propranolol, but chronic D. magna responses did not. This is potentially the result of a lack of beta-type receptors in cladocerans. No enantiospecific effects on daphnid heart rate were observed in acute exposures. Interestingly, some propranolol enantiomer treatments produced significant increases in reproduction before causing reproduction to decrease at higher treatment levels. To our knowledge, this research represents the first study of enantiospecific toxicity of chiral pharmaceutical pollutants.
Golgi Cells Operate as State-Specific Temporal Filters at the Input Stage of the Cerebellar Cortex

Cerebellar processing of incoming information begins at the synapse between mossy fibers and granule cells, a synapse that is strongly controlled through Golgi cell inhibition. Thus, Golgi cells are uniquely positioned to control the flow of information into the cerebellar cortex and understanding their responses during behavior is essential to understanding cerebellar function. Here we show, for the first time, that Golgi cells express a unique oculomotor-related signal that can be used to provide state- and time-specific filtering of granule cell activity. We used newly established criteria to identify the unique electrophysiological signature of Golgi cells and recorded these neurons in the squirrel monkey ventral paraflocculus during oculomotor behaviors. We found that they carry eye movement, but not vestibular or visual, information and that this eye movement information is only expressed within a specific range of eye positions for each neuron. In addition, simultaneous recordings of Golgi cells and nearby mossy fibers revealed that Golgi cells have the opposite directional tuning of the mossy fiber(s) that likely drive their responses, and that these responses are more sluggish than their mossy fiber counterparts. Because the mossy fiber inputs appear to convey the activity of burst-tonic neurons in the brainstem, Golgi cell responses reflect a time-filtered negative image of the motor command sent to the extraocular muscles. We suggest a role for Golgi cells in the construction of forward models of movement, commonly hypothesized as a major function of the cerebellar cortex in motor control.
Immunology of archaebacteria: Identification, antigenic relationships and immunochemistry of surface structures*

Summary Methods and antibody probes were developed for the identification of methanogens and other archaebacteria. Antigenic relationship among methanogens were disclosed by polyclonal antibody probes. To reveal the molecular nature of the relationships, the antigenic mosaics of representative species were investigated with monoclonal antibodies. Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum strain ΔH, Methanobrevibacter smithii strain PS, and Methanococcus vannielii strain SB were found to express a minimum of six antigenic determinants each. Methanosarcina barkeri strain 227 expressed at least three. (For the latter strain only three monoclonal antibodies were used, as opposed to six for the others.) Information on the partial composition of most determinants was obtained. For example, GlcNAc, GalNAc, TalNU and γ-Glu-Ala are in ΔH determinants; Gly, Lys and Orn are in one PS determinant; Lys and other amino acids are in some SB determinants, and glucose is in one of 227's. Structural analyses continue with monoclonal antibodies against these and other methanogens for which these antibodies are available (e.g. Methanogenium cariaci strain JRlc, Methanobrevibacter arboriphilus strain DHl, and Methanospirillum hungatei strain JFl) to elucidate the configurtion of antigens' and archaebacteria's surfaces and to find markers of scientific (evolutionary) and practical (biotechnologic) interest.
Simulation and analysis of a 23-mm HEI projectile hydrodynamic ram experiment

Abstract An Eulerian wavecode was used to simulate the impact, penetration, and detonation of a 23-mm high-explosive projectile into a water-filled tank. The pressure–time response is compared with results from an experiment conducted by Lundstrom and Andersen (Symp. on Shock and Wave Propagation, Fluid–Structure Interaction, and Structural Responses, 1989). Computed peak pressures and impulses compare well with the experimental values.
Adaptive phase-field computations of dendritic crystal growth

Phase-field models have been the subject of much interest in the last several years for the investigation of phase transitions with complicated morphology, such as dendritic growth. The phase-field method introduces a continuous transition between the two phases across a thin layer of finite thickness; the advantage of this approach is that the location of the interface does not have to be explicitly determined as part of the solution but is obtained from the solution of an additonal field equation representing the evolution of the phase-field variable over the entire domain. A brief overview is presented of the phase-field model development for a pure material using irreversible thermodynamics. The computational model includes four-fold anisotropy both in surface energy and interfacial kinetics. Numerical solutions are obtained using a general-purpose adaptive finite-difference algorithm. Adaptivity in space and time is found to extend somewhat the parameter regime where computations can be carried out. Good convergence to sharp-interface models is achieved for dimensionless undercoolings of 0.25, but a relatively small amount of solid phase grows before the thermal field is affected by the size of the computational domain. Further progress to smaller undercoolings will have to be aided by more sophisticated modeling.
Characteristics and behaviors of mothers who have a child with fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics and behaviors of mothers of children with FAS in the United States using population-based data from the FAS Surveillance Network (FASSNet). FASSNet used a multiple source methodology that identified FAS cases through passive reporting and active review of records from hospitals, specialty clinics, private physicians, early intervention programs, Medicaid, birth certificates and other vital records, birth defects surveillance programs, and hospital discharge data. The surveillance included children born during January 1, 1995-December 31, 1997. In the four states included in our analysis - Arizona, New York, Alaska, and Colorado - there were 257 confirmed cases and 96 probable cases for a total of 353 FAS cases. Compared to all mothers in the states where surveillance occurred, mothers of children with FAS were significantly more likely to be older, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Black, not Hispanic, unmarried, unemployed, and without prenatal care, to smoke during pregnancy, to have a lower educational level, and to have more live born children. A significant proportion of mothers (9-29%) had another child with suspected alcohol effects. Compared to all US mothers, they were also significantly more likely to be on public assistance, to be on Medicaid at their child's birth, to have received treatment for alcohol abuse, to have confirmed alcoholism, to have used marijuana or cocaine during pregnancy, to have their baby screen positive for alcohol or drugs at birth, to have had an induced abortion, to have had a history of mental illness, to have been involved in binge drinking during pregnancy, and to have drunk heavily (7 days/week) during pregnancy. These findings suggest that it is possible to identify women who are at high risk of having a child with FAS and target these women for interventions.
Effects of slow wave sleep deprivation on human growth hormone release in sleep: Preliminary study

Release of human growth hormone (HGH) has been shown to occur during normal undisturbed sleep.1,2,3 We have also demonstrated in our laboratory that this release is related to the physiologic state of sleep itself and is not dependent of an inherent circadian rhythm.4 Finally, we have demonstrated that release of HGH is correlated with that portion of sleep cycles showing slow, synchronized electroencephalographic activity.4 We now report results of an attempt to deprive subjects of EEG stages 3 and 4,5 referred to as slow wave sleep (SWS), to test the effect of this deprivation on release of HGH in sleep. The data suggest that deprivation of SWS results in diminished and delayed secretion of HGH in sleep.
Fine structure of antennal sensilla of the adult mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae)

Abstract The types, numbers and distributions of the antennal sensilla of the adult mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The types of sensilla include a sexually dimorphic bristle (sensillum chaeticum), a hair organ (sensillum trichodeum), and thin-walled, thick-walled, grooved, flat-tipped, and smooth-surfaced peg organs (sensilla basiconica). Hair organs and smooth-surfaced pegs are common on all 11 antennal segments. The other sensilla are, generally, most numerous on the distal segment, and progressively decrease in numbers on the distal inner and outer sensory fields of segments 10 through 4. Thick-, thin-walled and grooved pegs have pore systems typical of olfactory sensilla. Sensilla chaetica and thick-walled, grooved, flat-tipped, and smooth-surfaced pegs bear an apical pore suggestive of a gustatory function. Smooth-surfaced pegs, hairs, and bristles have a tubular body normally associated with mechanoreception.
trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid isomer exhibits stronger oxyradical scavenging capacity than cis-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid isomer.

Although studies have been performed to test whether conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) acts as an antioxidant, the results were not conclusive. In addition, the CLA widely used in previous research contains 43% cis-9,trans-11 isomer, 45% trans-10,cis-12 isomer, and 10 other minor isomers. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of cis-9,trans-11- and trans-10,cis-12-CLA isomers using high-purity CLA isomers (>98%) by total oxyradical scavenging capacity assay (Winston, G. W.; Regoli, F.; Dugas, Jr., A. J.; Fong, J. H.; Blanchard, K. A. Free Radical Biol. Med. 1998, 24, 480−493). At all concentrations (2−200 μM), t10,c12-CLA performed as an antioxidant with a 15-min lag phase, which was more effective than c9,t11-CLA and α-tocopherol at lower concentrations (2 and 20 μM). On the other hand, c9,t11-CLA possessed weak antioxidant activity at 2 and 20 μM, whereas at 200 μM it acted as a strong pro-oxidant, which suggests that discrepancies of the results of the previous studies on...
Chromatography on adsorbent layers impregnated with silver nitrate

Abstract Adsorbent layers can be expediently impregnated with silver nitrate by placing freshly coated and briefly air-dried chromatoplates on edge in an aqueous silver nitrate solution which is allowed to ascend the height of the plates. Applications of two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on partially impregnated layers are described.
Leucocyte Glycogen Response in Inflammatory Exudates

Summary. Leucocyte glycogen responses in inflammatory exudates were studied in guinea-pigs. Inflammatory exudates were produced by sterile casein injection intraperitoneally. Glycogen content, incorporation of [14C]glucose into glycogen, and activity of glycogen synthetase and glycogen phosphorylase were studied in both exudate leucocytes and blood leucocytes of the same animals. Glycogen content rises dramatically in exudate leucocytes and remains above control blood values for at least 5 days. Glycogen content of circulating blood leucocytes also rises to less extreme but significant levels during inflammation. Fasting had no effect on the ability of the animals to sustain the glycogen-loading response in the leucocytes over a 3-day period. Incorporation of [14C]glucose into glycogen was low in exudate leucocytes and high in blood leucocytes. An inverse correlation between glycogen content and glucose incorporation into leucocyte glycogen was demonstrated for exudate leucocytes. Glycogen synthetase activity was found significantly higher in exudate leucocytes than blood leucocytes, the increase being primarily in the glucose-6-phosphate-dependent (D) form of the enzyme. Glycogen phosphorylase activity was no different in blood and exudate leucocytes. The striking rise in glycogen content of inflammatory leucocytes is probably part of a normal physiologic response, and can be accounted for by a relative increase in glycogen synthesis (synthetase activity) while glycogen degradation in these constantly turning-over molecules remains constant.