cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulsed laser triggered high speed fluorescence activated microfluidic switch

We report a high speed fluorescence activated microfluidic switch capable of achieving a switching time of 50 µsec with a detection efficiency of 86.6% and a switching efficiency of 86.5% at a particle flow speed of ∼0.7 m/s. The switching mechanism is realized by exciting dynamic vapor bubbles with focused laser pulses in a microfluidic PDMS channel. The explosive bubble expansion generates fast fluid flows which are directed into a neighboring particle channel to switch the particle flow. Fluorescence activated switching of 10 micron polystyrene microspheres in a Y channel has been demonstrated. This ultrafast laser triggered switching mechanism has the potential to advance the sorting speed of the state-of-the-art microscale fluorescent activated cell sorting devices.
Three new blood groups of rhesus monkeys

Three new blood group systems, called “T,” “U,” and “V,” have been identified in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Each system consists of a single antigenic factor (blood group) detected by a monospecific alloimmune reagent that agglutinates erythrocytes. The antisera that detect these blood groups were obtained following a series of alloimmunizations and absorption fractionizations of the resulting antisera to produce operationally monospecific typing reagents. Analyses of family data indicated that each blood group was controlled by an autosomal dominant gene and that each system was independent of previously defined systems. With the addition of these new blood groups, we can identify 16 different blood group systems and well over one hundred million possible phenotypes in this species.
Gene therapy of malignant brain tumors: a rat glioma line bearing the herpes simplex virus type 1-thymidine kinase gene and wild type retrovirus kills other tumor cells.

Tumor cells infected with a retrovirus vector (VIK) containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene can be selectively killed by treatment with nucleoside analogues, such as ganciclovir. To mediate delivery of the HSV-TK gene to “recipient” tumor cells, “donor” C6 rat glioma cells infected with the VIK vector (C6VIK) were superinfected with wild type Moloney murine leukemia virus (WT Mo-MLV). These modified donor cells (C6VIKWT) produced both wild type retrovirus and the VIK vector. In culture, C6VIKWT cells were 300-fold more sensitive to the toxicity of ganciclovir than were C6VIK cells, suggesting that the presence of wild type retrovirus contributed to the toxicity. Co-culture of C6VIKWT cells with the C6 subline, C6BAG, sensitized the latter to ganciclovir treatment. Nude mice inoculated subcutaneously with a mixture of C6VIKWT and C6BAG cells showed regression of subsequent tumors when treated with ganciclovir. The observations show that tumor cells modified in culture by infection with a retrovirus bearing the HSV-TK gene and wild type retrovirus are not only sensitive to ganciclovir, but can transfer this sensitivity to neighboring “naive” tumor cells in culture and in vivo. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
For dynamic relationship marketing theory: a reply to Rese

Purpose – The authors propose to reply to the comment by Mario Rese on the article “The explanatory foundations of relationship marketing theory.”Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a critical analysis.Findings – The comment of Rese has misspecified the major problems facing those firms adopting relationship marketing‐based strategies.Practical implications – In order to find the answers as to why some relationship marketing efforts are successful and others are not, marketing managers must look at more than one research tradition.Originality/value – This paper clarifies the eight types of factors that influence relationship marketing‐based strategy success.
High-dimensional sparse MANOVA

a b s t r a c t This paper considers testing the equality of multiple high-dimensional mean vectors under dependency. We propose a test that is based on a linear transformation of the data by the precision matrix which incorporates the dependence structure of the variables. The limiting null distribution of the test statistic is derived and is shown to be the extreme value distribution of type I. The convergence to the limiting distribution is, however, slow when the number of groups is relatively large. An intermediate correction factor is introduced which significantly improves the accuracy of the test. It is shown that the test is particularly powerful against sparse alternatives and enjoys certain optimality. A simulation study is carried out to examine the numerical performance of the test and compare with other tests given in the literature. The numerical results show that the proposed test significantly outperforms those tests against sparse alternatives.
Interleukin‐1 Levels in the Supernatant of Conditioned Media of Embryos Grown in Autologous Endometrial Coculture: Correlation with Outcome After In Vitro Fertilization

PROBLEM: To determine if interleukin (IL)-1 produced by autologous endometrial coculture (AECC) was associated with outcome in patients with a history of multiple in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. METHOD OF STUDY: The conditioned media (CM) from AECC cells exposed or non-exposed to human embryos was analyzed for IL-1. RESULTS: Embryos grown on AECC demonstrated a significant improvement in number of blastomeres and fragmentation (frag) when compared to embryos grown in conventional media without ECC (6.4 ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2 blastomeres and 14.6 ± 9.3% vs. 18.4 ± 9.8% frag; P < 0.008 and 0.003, respectively). When IL-1α and IL-1β were undetectable in the CM, the embryos grown in ECC were of improved quality as compared to the embryos grown only in conventional media. Conversely, IL-1ra levels in the CM were positively associated with embryo quality. Exposure or non-exposure to an embryo did not result in differing levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, or IL-1ra in the CM. IL-1 levels were negatively associated with clinical pregnancy outcome (3.3 pg/mL (pregnant, n = 12) vs. 27.1 pg/mL (not pregnant, n = 17); P = 0.008, Mann-Whitney U-test). IL-1α and IL-1ra levels were not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated a significant improvement in blastomere number and frag with ECC. The presence of IL-1β in the CM was negatively associated with embryonic development and clinical pregnancy. The presence of IL-1α in the CM was negatively associated with embryonic development and the presence of IL-1ra in the CM was positively associated with embryonic development. Whether IL- 1 itself interferes with successful outcome after embryo transfer or if it is a marker for undetected endometritis in the biopsy specimens remains to be determined.
A Novel Function for Lysyl Oxidase in Pluripotent Mesenchymal Cell Proliferation and Relevance to Inflammation-Associated Osteopenia

Lysyl oxidase is a multifunctional enzyme required for collagen biosynthesis. Various growth factors regulate lysyl oxidase during osteoblast differentiation, subject to modulation by cytokines such as TNF-α in inflammatory osteopenic disorders including diabetic bone disease. Canonical Wnt signaling promotes osteoblast development. Here we investigated the effect of Wnt3a and TNF-α on lysyl oxidase expression in pluripotent C3H10T1/2 cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and committed osteoblasts. Lysyl oxidase was up-regulated by a transcriptional mechanism 3-fold in C3H10T1/2 cells, and 2.5-fold in bone marrow stromal cells. A putative functional TCF/LEF element was identified in the lysyl oxidase promoter. Interestingly, lysyl oxidase was not up-regulated in committed primary rat calvarial- or MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. TNF-α down-regulated lysyl oxidase both in Wnt3a-treated and in non-treated C3H10T1/2 cells by a post-transcriptional mechanism mediated by miR203. Non-differentiated cells do not produce a collagen matrix; thus, a novel biological role for lysyl oxidase in pluripotent cells was investigated. Lysyl oxidase shRNAs effectively silenced lysyl oxidase expression, and suppressed the growth of C3H10T1/2 cells by 50%, and blocked osteoblast differentiation. We propose that interference with lysyl oxidase expression under excess inflammatory conditions such as those that occur in diabetes, osteoporosis, or rheumatoid arthritis can result in a diminished pool of pluripotent cells which ultimately contributes to osteopenia.
ACE Inhibitor–Induced Angioedema

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are commonly prescribed for blood pressure control and renal protection. ACEI angioedema is a common problem in patients who are taking ACEI, although, in most cases, the disorder is self-limited, and spontaneous episodes of apparently unprovoked angioedema stop with the discontinuation of the medication. In a subset of patients, hospitalization and even intubation are required for airway protection. The diagnosis is made clinically. There are no laboratory studies that establish the diagnosis. However, such investigations help exclude alternative diagnoses as the cause for the patient's presentation. Conventional treatment with regimens used to control allergic angioedema is ineffective in this condition. The mechanism of ACEI-induced angioedema is thought to be related to its effect on the kallikrein-kinin system. Kallikrein is a protease that converts high-molecular-weight kininogens into kinins, primarily bradykinin. Medications recently developed, primarily icatibant and ecallantide, to control hereditary angioedema, a disorder also associated with kallikrein-kinin activation, have been used to treat ACEI angioedema with some success. The efficacy of these agents and their optimal use remains to be established by randomized and placebo controlled trials.
Determining View dependencies using tableaux

A relational database models some part of the real world by a set of relations and a set of constraints. The constraints model properties of the stored information and must be maintained true at all times. For views defined over physically stored (base) relations, this is done by determining whether the view constraints are logical consequences of base relation constraints. A technique for determining such valid view constraints is presented in this paper. A generalization of the tableau chase is used. The idea of the method is to generate a tableau for the expression whose summary violates the test constraints in a “canonical” way. The chase then tries to remove this violation.It is also shown how this method has applications to schema design. Relations not in normal form or having other deficiencies can be replaced by normal form projections without losing the ability to represent all constraint information.
Toward a user's toolkit for modeling scintillator non-proportionality and light yield

We present a numerical model of scintillator nonproportionality based on rate equations including carrier and exciton transport in assumed cylindrical electron tracks, solved by finite element method. Framed in volumetric excitation density n, these coupled rate equations describe hot and thermalized carrier transport, bimolecular exciton formation, carrier capture, and nonlinear quenching processes expressed in terms of physical rate constants and transport coefficients that have been measured and/or calculated independently of scintillation measurements in the example of CsI:Tl. The set of equations is solved in the spatial non-uniformities of an electron track and in times spanning the cooling of hot carriers up through thermalized transport and capture. The solution of the rate equations is combined with GEANT4 simulation of electron tracks to model electron energy response from the SLYNCI Compton-coincidence experiment.
Impaired coronary vasodilation by magnetic resonance angiography is associated with advanced coronary artery calcification

Objectives This study evaluated the hypothesis that impaired nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced coronary vasodilation is associated with advanced coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic older patients. Background Atherosclerosis is associated with both structural and functional abnormalities of the vessel wall. Noninvasive functional measures of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis may help characterize high-risk subjects and guide preventive therapy. Methods A total of 236 older patients (age 60 to 72 years, 33% female) without a history of cardiovascular disease were studied. Nitroglycerin-induced coronary vasodilation was measured by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Cross-sectional images of the right coronary artery were acquired before and 5 min after 0.4-mg sublingual NTG using a gated, breath-held spiral coronary MRA sequence (0.7-mm resolution). Quantitative analysis of the increase in cross-sectional area was performed in the 90% of patients (n = 212) with adequate image quality. Quantitation of coronary artery calcification (CAC) was performed by multidetector computed tomography using the Agatston method. Results Forty patients (19%) had advanced CAC (≥400). Coronary vasodilation to NTG was significantly impaired (p = 0.02) in patients with advanced CAC (median [interquartile range] = 15.9% [4.2% to 28.0%] vs. 21.5% [9.6% to 36.6%] for CAC Conclusions Impaired NTG-induced coronary vasodilation by MRA is associated with advanced coronary atherosclerosis in a community-based cohort of older asymptomatic subjects. Coronary MRA may provide a noninvasive functional assessment of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
Factors affecting the Morphology of Leishmania tropica. The Production of Leishmania Forms in Cultures.

Leishmania forms of L. tropica were obtained in cultures. The methods and results are given and discussed.
Free Radical Chemistry of Disinfection Byproducts. 2. Rate Constants and Degradation Mechanisms of Trichloronitromethane (Chloropicrin)

Absolute rate constants for the free-radical-induced degradation of trichloronitromethane (TCNM, chloropicrin) were determined using electron pulse radiolysis and transient absorption spectroscopy. Rate constants for hydroxyl radical, *OH, and hydrated electron, e(aq)-, reactions were (4.97 +/- 0.28) x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) and (2.13 +/- 0.03) x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. It appears that the *OH adds to the nitro-group, while the e(aq)- reacts via dissociative electron attachment to give two carbon centered radicals. The mechanisms of these free radical reactions with TCNM were investigated, using 60Co gamma irradiation at various absorbed doses, measuring the disappearance of TCNM and the appearance of the product nitrate and chloride ions. The rate constants and mechanistic data were combined in a kinetic computer model that was used to describe the major free radical pathways for the destruction of TCNM in solution. These data are applicable to other advanced oxidation/reduction processes.
The behavioral assessment grid (BAG): A conceptual framework and a taxonomy

To provide organization to the field of behavioral assessment, a threedimensional system for classifying behavioral measures is proposed that combines contents (cognitive, physiological, motor), methods (interviews, self-reports, ratings by others, self-observation, direct observation), and universes of generalizability (scorer, item, time, setting, method, dimension). Various theoretic, heuristic, and practical uses of the system are described.
Purification of human renin and inhibition of its activity by pepstatin.

Several proteases from human kidney tissue were partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration chromatography. The incubations of column fractions with 14C-tetradecapeptide renin substrate indicated four major renin activity peaks between the molecular weights of 25,000 and 80,000. The highest specific activity was found in Fraction B (mol. wt 39,500). Significant renin-like activity was also found in Fraction A (mol. wt 58,000) and Fraction C (mol. wt 33,500). None of the fractions contained angiotensinase activity. Disc-gel electrophoresis indicated that Fractions B and C were heterogeneous. The conversion of 14C-tetradecapeptide renin substrate to angiotensin I by major fractions was differentially inhibited by low concentrations of pepstatin. Both the rate of substrate conversion and the sensitivity to pepstatin were influenced by pH. Generally, the proteases were more sensitive to pepstatin at physiological pH. Regardless of pH, all of the kidney proteases were completely inhibited by 10−3 M pepstatin. The conversion of human substrate by human plasma proteases was found to be even more sensitive to pepstatin. The concentration of 10−5 M pepstatin essentially eliminated plasma renin activity. These results indicate that pepstatin can serve as an efficient inhibitor of both human kidney and plasma renin proteases and as such will be useful in the study of the kinetics of these systems in both research and clinical situations.
Computed tomography for evaluation of arterial disease in the popliteal fossa.

Abstract The clinical details, arteriograms, and computerized tomographic (CT) scans of 28 patients with popliteal arteriopathies were reviewed retrospectively to determine the usefulness of CT for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Arteriography diagnosed 70% and CT diagnosed 98% of the 45 popliteal disorders. Popliteal aneurysms were not detected by arteriography because of occlusion in seven (20%) patients and intraaneurysmal thrombus that produced no luminal compromise in two. Thrombus was identified by CT in 22 of 24 patient aneurysms and suspected as the source of digital embolization in 7. Graft aneurysms were identified by CT in two cases, but one was not detected by arteriography because of graft occlusion. Two mycotic aneurysms were identified, one by arteriography and not by CT because of misinterpretation of a periarterial hematoma. Popliteal entrapment was diagnosed by CT in three cases, and in two cases occlusion precluded diagnosis of entrapment by arteriography. Adventitial cystic disease was diagnosed accurately by CT in three cases, and in two there were no characteristic arteriographic abnormalities. In cases of entrapment and cystic disease, the CT findings allow the surgeon to plan his approach through a posterior incision, which in these two instances facilitates surgical technique. CT provides detail of the arterial wall, intraarterial contents, and surrounding musculoskeletal anatomy, all of which are useful for accurate evaluation of arterial disorders of the popliteal fossa. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:112-9.)
Colored dissolved organic matter in the northern Gulf of Mexico using ocean color: seasonal trends in 2005

The optical properties of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were studied for the northern Gulf of Mexico coastal and oceanic waters influenced by the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river system. CDOM absorption determined from field measurements in March, May, July and August of 2005 at a station off the Atchafalaya river indicated influences related to river discharge while the CDOM spectral slope S indicated effects of CDOM photooxidation in a sample acquired in late summer. A previously derived CDOM algorithm using the reflectance band ratios of Rrs(510)/Rrs(555) were used to derive estimates of surface CDOM absorption distribution at 412 nm from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) imagery. Spatial and temporal CDOM absorption distributions from satellite for the northern Gulf of Mexico in the year 2005 indicated strong seasonal influence associated with discharge from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river system. A seasonal increase in storms and hurricanes allowed an assessment of the effects of hurricane Rita in September 2005. SeaWiFS estimates of CDOM revealed a decrease in nearshore CDOM absorption due to the transport of low CDOM offshore waters towards the coast following hurricane Rita. Using conservative CDOM-salinity relationship for the region, SeaWiFS surface salinity derived from CDOM absorption also indicated an increase in nearshore salinity east of the hurricane track. However, an increase in CDOM and a decrease in salinity were observed in coastal waters near the location of hurricane landfall likely associated with coastal runoff following extensive coastal flooding.
Recovery of Aboveground Plant Biomass and Productivity After Fire in Mesic and Dry Black Spruce Forests of Interior Alaska

Plant biomass accumulation and productivity are important determinants of ecosystem carbon (C) balance during post-fire succession. In boreal black spruce (Picea mariana) forests near Delta Junction, Alaska, we quantified aboveground plant biomass and net primary productivity (ANPP) for 4 years after a 1999 wildfire in a well-drained (dry) site, and also across a dry and a moderately well-drained (mesic) chronosequence of sites that varied in time since fire (2 to ∼116 years). Four years after fire, total biomass at the 1999 burn site had increased exponentially to 160 ± 21 g m−2 (mean ± 1SE) and vascular ANPP had recovered to 138 ± 32 g m−2 y−1, which was not different than that of a nearby unburned stand (160 ± 48 g m−2 y−1) that had similar pre-fire stand structure and understory composition. Production in the young site was dominated by re-sprouting graminoids, whereas production in the unburned site was dominated by black spruce. On the dry and mesic chronosequences, total biomass pools, including overstory and understory vascular and non-vascular plants, and lichens, increased logarithmically (dry) or linearly (mesic) with increasing site age, reaching a maximum of 2469 ± 180 (dry) and 4008 ± 233 g m−2 (mesic) in mature stands. Biomass differences were primarily due to higher tree density in the mesic sites because mass per tree was similar between sites. ANPP of vascular and non-vascular plants increased linearly over time in the mesic chronosequence to 335 ± 68 g m−2 y−1 in the mature site, but in the dry chronosequence it peaked at 410 ± 43 g m−2 y−1 in a 15-year-old stand dominated by deciduous trees and shrubs. Key factors regulating biomass accumulation and production in these ecosystems appear to be the abundance and composition of re-sprouting species early in succession, the abundance of deciduous trees and shrubs in intermediate aged stands, and the density of black spruce across all stand ages. A better understanding of the controls over these factors will help predict how changes in climate and fire regime will affect the carbon balance of Interior Alaska.
Upper-Ocean Response to Hurricane Frances (2004) Observed by Profiling EM-APEX Floats*

AbstractThree autonomous profiling Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling Explorer (EM-APEX) floats were air deployed one day in advance of the passage of Hurricane Frances (2004) as part of the Coupled Boundary Layer Air–Sea Transfer (CBLAST)-High field experiment. The floats were deliberately deployed at locations on the hurricane track, 55 km to the right of the track, and 110 km to the right of the track. These floats provided profile measurements between 30 and 200 m of in situ temperature, salinity, and horizontal velocity every half hour during the hurricane passage and for several weeks afterward. Some aspects of the observed response were similar at the three locations—the dominance of near-inertial horizontal currents and the phase of these currents—whereas other aspects were different. The largest-amplitude inertial currents were observed at the 55-km site, where SST cooled the most, by about 2.2°C, as the surface mixed layer deepened by about 80 m. Based on the time–depth evolution of the Richar...
Empirically Supported Treatments for Specific Phobia in Children: Do Efficacious Treatments Address the Components of a Phobic Response?

Empirically supported treatments for childhood specific phobias are reviewed and critiqued using bioinf ormational theory (Lang, 1979). Treatments in these trials have been based on different underlying principles of change and have placed different priorities on altering the tri-partite components of the pathological fear response (i.e., physiology, behavior, cognition) as well as the overall subjective experience of fear. Some studies place greater emphasis on altering behavior, others on cognition, and still others on physiology. However, these priorities have not always been attended to in guiding the evaluation of treatment outcome. It is suggested that future studies incorporate, in addition to individuals’ subjective fear, a theoretically based multimethod approach to assessment. Research is needed to examine the purported principles of change associated with treatment outcome and to determine the clinical utility of such an approach.
Variation of Surface Charge Density in Monoclonal Bacterial Populations: Implications for Transport through Porous Media

The forced convection of a monodisperse, monoclonal suspension of bacteria through a uniform, saturated porous medium has been investigated. Bench-scale column studies were carried out to measure the removal of microorganisms from suspension due to attachment to the surfaces of the solid phase. The columns were packed with 40-μm borosilicate glass beads, and bacterial sorption was measured as a function of depth in the column using a leucine radiolabel assay. The strains A1264 and CD1 were examined separately. Colloid filtration theory was used to interpret the data, and the average, or effective, affinity of the bacteria for the glass beads was found to decrease with distance traveled through the column. It is postulated that, under these circumstances, the cell/collector affinity (that is, the collision efficiency α) varied due to intrapopulational differences in bacterial surface characteristics. A simple bimodal probability density function, consisting of two Dirac delta functions, was found to satisf...
Modeling and characterization of a chemomechanical actuator using protein transporter

Abstract Plants and animal cells are naturally occurring actuators that exhibit force and motion driven by fluid transport through the cell membrane. The protein transporters embedded in the cell membrane serve as the selective gateway for ion and fluid transport. The actuator presented in this work generates force and motion from mass transport through an artificial membrane with protein transporters extracted from plant cell membranes. The artificial membrane is formed from purified 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-[Phospho- l -Serine] (Sodium Salt) (POPS), 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine (POPE) lipids and supported on a porous substrate. The protein transporter used in the actuator membrane is a proton–sucrose cotransporter, SUT4, extracted from yeast cells genetically modified to grow the cotransporter in their cell membranes. The SUT4 transporter conducts proton and sucrose from the side of the membrane with higher concentration and carries water molecules across the membrane. It is observed from transport characterization experiments that fluid flux through the membrane varies with the applied sucrose concentration and hence is chosen as the control stimulus in the actuator. A modified four-state facilitated diffusion model is applied to the transport characterization data to compute the two characteristic parameters for fluid transport, saturation concentration and translocation rate, through the membrane. The flux rate through the membrane is observed to increase with the concentration until a particular value and saturates at a higher concentration. The saturation concentration for the actuator is experimentally found to be 6 ± 0.6 mM sucrose on the side with lower pH. The corresponding maximum translocation rate is found to be 8.5 ± 1.2 nl/ μ g cm2 min. The maximum steady state deformation measured on the actuator is 60 μ m for 30 mM sucrose that corresponds to a force of 0.89 mN.
DPAGT1 myasthenia and myopathy: Genetic, phenotypic, and expression studies

Objective: To investigate patients with DPAGT1 (UDP- N -acetylglucosamine-dolichyl-phosphate N -acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase 1)-associated myasthenic syndrome. Methods: We performed exome and Sanger sequencing, determined glycoprotein expression in patient muscles, assessed pathogenicity of the mutant proteins by examining their expression and enzymatic activity in transfected cells, evaluated structural changes in muscle and the neuromuscular junction, and examined electrophysiologic aspects of neuromuscular transmission in vitro. Results: Patients 1 and 2, 16 and 14 years of age, had progressive fatigable weakness since infancy and are intellectually disabled. Patient 3, a less severely affected brother of patient 1, also has autistic features. Each patient harbors 2 novel heteroallelic mutations in DPAGT1 , an enzyme subserving protein N -glycosylation. Patients 1 and 3 harbor Met1Leu, which reduces protein expression, and His375Tyr, which decreases enzyme activity. Patient 2 carries Val264Met, which abolishes enzyme activity, and a synonymous Leu120Leu mutation that markedly augments exon skipping, resulting in some skipped and infrequent nonskipped alleles. Therefore, the nonskipped allele rescues the phenotype. Intracellular microelectrode studies indicate combined pre- and postsynaptic defects of neuromuscular transmission with evidence for somatic mosaicism in patient 2. Structural studies reveal hypoplastic endplates, fiber-type disproportion, tubular aggregates, and degeneration of muscle fiber organelles resulting in autophagocytosis. Conclusions: DPAGT1 myasthenia affects multiple parameters of neuromuscular transmission, causes fiber-type disproportion and an autophagic myopathy, and can be associated with intellectual disability. We speculate that hypoglycosylation of synapse-specific proteins causes defects in central as well as motor synapses.
Reproducibility of the densitometric analysis of fluorescein angiograms

Abstract Computer-aided operator-interactive densitometry was applied to assess the reproducibility or retinal fluorescein angiograms. To achieve this, the fundus camera images of glass tubings of various diameter filled with fluorescein of varying concentrations were subjected to densitometric analysis. These studies were carried out repeatedly at 9-μm and 29-μm scanning resolutions by three observers and thus the inter- and intra-operator errors could be estimated. The scanned data were analyzed as both optical densities and intensities for some of the measurements. In both analyzing modes good linearity was obtained when the densitometric response was plotted against tubing diameter for various concentrations. To determine the reproducibility of transit time and retinal circulation time analyses, a randomly selected patient's angiogram was repeatedly analyzed by three observers and compared. From these data the inter- and intra-operator errors were also determined for successive frames and the reproducibility of the area under the dye dilution curves for both arteries and veins was computed. The overall densitometric reproducibility was found to be good; however, practical usefulness of the retinal circulation time remains to be established.
Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis Matched-Pair Analysis of 188 Hips With Long-Term Follow-Up

A matched comparison was made between total hip arthroplasties done for osteonecrosis and those done for osteoarthritis. Patients were matched for age, sex, surgical approach, prosthesis, and surgeon. All received cemented Charnley replacements and had minimal follow-up of 10 years. There were 118 women and 70 men with a mean age of 58 years. Thirty-five patients were younger than 50. The mean follow-up was 17.8 years (range, 10 to 25.4 years). Revision rates for osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis were 18% and 19% (not significant). The mechanical failure rate (revision for loosening plus radiographic loosening) was greater, but not significantly so, in the osteonecrosis group. In patients younger than 50 years, the revision rate in osteonecrosis (50%) was significantly higher than that in any other group. Similarly, the mechanical failure rate in osteonecrosis was significantly greater in the patients younger than 50. Radiographic femoral loosening was greater in osteonecrosis at all follow-up intervals, and dislocations occurred more frequently in the osteonecrosis group than in the osteoarthritis group. Results of arthroplasty in both groups were comparable in patients over 50 years of age, although patients with osteonecrosis had an increased rate of dislocation. Patients with osteonecrosis who are younger than 50 years have a significantly higher rate of mechanical failure than those with osteoarthritis who are younger than 50 years. Cemented total hip arthroplasty should be recommended in this group with caution if at all.
An Examination of the Behavior of Thermodynamic Properties in the Compressed Liquid Region

Most thermodynamic textbooks state that the specific volume, specific internal energy, and the entropy of fluids in the compressed liquid region are independent of pressure and vary only with temperatures. Therefore in the compressed liquid region, these properties at given pressures and temperatures are approximated by their saturated liquid properties at the given temperatures. Examination of property values in the compressed liquid region verifies that these assumptions are valid at low temperatures close to the triple point of the fluids. However, the data show that, with increasing temperature, the internal energy and entropy of fluids exhibit higher dependencies on pressure in the compressed liquid region. In a similar fashion, in most applications, it is assumed that the values of constant pressure specific heat (cp ) and constant volume specific heat (cv ) are approximately the same in the compressed liquid region. Again, examination of these properties in the compressed liquid region validates this assumption for water at low temperatures. However, with increasing temperatures away from the triple point, the deviations between the two specific heat values increase. For fluids other than water the values of cp and cv in the compressed liquid region are not very close, even at temperatures close the triple point. Thermodynamic property behavior of several common fluids in the compressed liquid region is examined in this paper. The paper presents data on the behavior of v, u, h, cp and cv in the compressed liquid region and establishes the range of pressures and temperatures in this region where it is valid to assume that the v, u, h, and s are functions of temperature only and the ranges for which the values of cp and cv can be assumed to be nearly the same.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
ALABC 2000 — the way ahead

Abstract Many battery energy-storage applications are currently undergoing a progressive change away from the traditional flooded lead–acid battery to a valve-regulated design which offers convenience both in operation (spill-proof, able to be rapidly recharged) and in reduced maintenance. At the same time, there are large changes in prospect in the applications themselves. In the transport sector, it appears that at least part of the largest of all present markets, the 12/14 V starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery, will be replaced by a 36/42 V system. Also, there may be some substitution of electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles for vehicles that employ internal combustion engines alone. There is also, currently, rapid growth in the use of valve-regulated lead–acid batteries for telecommunications and there is enormous potential for future growth in remote-area power supplies (RAPSs). The present paper reviews some of the salient aspects of the research and development programs that are being carried out in order to meet these challenges.
Definite quadratic forms over Fq[x]

Abstract Let R be a principal ideal domain with quotient field F . An R - lattice is a free R -module of finite rank spanning an inner product space over F . The classification problem asks for a reasonably effective set of criteria to determine when two given R -lattices are isometric; that is, when there is an inner-product preserving isomorphism carrying one lattice onto the other. In this paper R is the polynomial ring F q [x] , where F q is a finite field of odd order q . For F q [x] -lattices as for Z -lattices the theory splits into “definite” and “indefinite” cases, and this paper settles the classification problem in the definite case.
Sex Ratio Meiotic Drive as a Plausible Evolutionary Mechanism for Hybrid Male Sterility

Biological diversity on Earth depends on the multiplication of species or speciation, which is the evolution of reproductive isolation such as hybrid sterility between two new species. An unsolved puzzle is the exact mechanism(s) that causes two genomes to diverge from their common ancestor so that some divergent genes no longer function properly in the hybrids. Here we report genetic analyses of divergent genes controlling male fertility and sex ratio in two very young fruitfly species, Drosophila albomicans and D. nasuta. A majority of the genetic divergence for both traits is mapped to the same regions by quantitative trait loci mappings. With introgressions, six major loci are found to contribute to both traits. This genetic colocalization implicates that genes for hybrid male sterility have evolved primarily for controlling sex ratio. We propose that genetic conflicts over sex ratio may operate as a perpetual dynamo for genome divergence. This particular evolutionary mechanism may largely contribute to the rapid evolution of hybrid male sterility and the disproportionate enrichment of its underlying genes on the X chromosome – two patterns widely observed across animals.
Design and Control of a Real-Time Variable Modulus Vibration Isolator:

A magnetorheological elastomer (MRE-based semi-active (SA) vibration isolator is developed and tested in real-time with a SA controller, illustrating the feasibility of MRE-based isolators. While several researchers have applied MREs to tunable vibration absorbers (TVAs), little work has been done using MREs in primary isolation systems. Further, in cases where TVAs were developed, few SA controllers were implemented in proof of concept experiments. This article presents a magnetically biased MRE-based vibration isolator, which enables the device to have a fail-safe operation in the event of a power failure. To test the effectiveness of the MRE isolator, a SA controller is developed to minimize the payload velocity. A comparison by simulation of variable modulus and damping systems is also presented. Finally, experimental results are given, showing that the MRE isolator and SA controller system reduce resonances and payload velocities by 16-30% when compared to passive systems.
Does Politics Stop at the Water's Edge? Domestic Political Factors and Foreign Policy Restructuring in the Cases of Great Britain, France, and West Germany

Few scholars have attempted to uncover the constraints and stimuli underlying the ability of nations to engage in fundamental changes to the direction of their foreign policies. In this effort, we probe the dynamics of the elections and other domestic stimuli involved with the political calculus in democracies which may likely motivate foreign policymakers to engage in fundamental foreign policy restructurings in democratic polities. We apply the theoretical framework to 20 years of foreign policy direction in West Germany, France, and Great Britain. Eight other western European democracies are also examined to illustrate the difference between the capabilities of "small" versus "large" states in effectuating changes to their foreign policy directions.
Human navigation ability: Tests of the encoding-errormodel of path integration

This paper tests the generality and implications of an ’’encoding-error‘‘ model (Fujita et al. 1993) of humans‘ ability to keep track of their position in space in the absence of visual cues (i.e., by nonvisual path integration). The model proposes that when people undergo nonvisually guided travel, they encode the distances and turns that they experience, and their errors reflect systematic inaccuracies in the encoding process. Thus when people try to return to the origin of travel, they base their response on mis-encoded values of the outbound distances and turns. The two experiments reported here addressed three issues related to the model: (i) whether path integration is context-dependent and if so, how rapidly it adapts to recently experienced distances and turns; (ii) whether effects of experience can be specifically attributed to changes in the encoding process, and if so, what changes; and (iii) whether the encoding process represents distances and turns in the individual paths without considering their spatial relationship to one another (i.e., an object-centered representation). Testing these issues allows us to evaluate and develop the model. Subjects who were blindfolded or had restricted vision were led through two legs of a triangle and the turn between, then tried to return to the origin. Paths varied in whether experienced legs and turns were small or large (Experiment 1) and in variability of return and outbound course (Experiment 2). Response turn, distance and course were determined. The assumption of immutable encoding functions was not supported; encoding processes were context dependent, although they did not adapt within a block of trials. Although effects of experience could be accounted for by the model, the affected parameters were not always as predicted, and in some cases additional parameters were necessary. Results of manipulating variability in return course were consistent with the model‘s assumption of object-centered representation.
Gender Differences in Video Game Characters’ Roles, Appearances, and Attire as Portrayed in Video Game Magazines

Video game characters have the potential to shape players’ perceptions of gender roles. Through social comparison processes, players learn societal expectations of appearances, behaviors and roles. Forty-nine articles were coded from current U.S. gaming magazines, resulting in 115 coded characters. This content analysis of video game magazine articles investigated how characters are portrayed, focusing on gender differences. Males were more likely to be heroes and main characters, use more weapons, have more abilities, and were more muscular and powerful. Females were more often supplemental characters, more attractive, sexy, and innocent, and also wore more revealing clothing. Understanding these video game messages is an important first step in understanding the effects games and magazines may have on behavior and attitudes.
Gut Microbiota, Immunity, and Disease: A Complex Relationship

Our immune system has evolved to recognize and eradicate pathogenic microbes. However, we have a symbiotic relationship with multiple species of bacteria that occupy the gut and comprise the natural commensal flora or microbiota. The microbiota is critically important for the breakdown of nutrients, and also assists in preventing colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the gut commensal bacteria appear to be critical for the development of an optimally functioning immune system. Various studies have shown that individual species of the microbiota can induce very different types of immune cells (e.g., Th17 cells, Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells) and responses, suggesting that the composition of the microbiota can have an important influence on the immune response. Although the microbiota resides in the gut, it appears to have a significant impact on the systemic immune response. Indeed, specific gut commensal bacteria have been shown to affect disease development in organs other than the gut, and depending on the species, have been found to have a wide range of effects on diseases from induction and exacerbation to inhibition and protection. In this review, we will focus on the role that the gut microbiota plays in the development and progression of inflammatory/autoimmune disease, and we will also touch upon its role in allergy and cancer.
Effect of crystal orientation on conductivity and electron mobility in single-crystal alumina

The electrical conductivity of high-purity, single-crystal alumina is determined parallel to and perpendicular to the c-axis. The mean conductivity of four samples of each orientation is a factor 3.3 higher parallel to the c-axis than perpendicular to it. The conductivity as a function of temperature is attributed to extrinsic electron conduction at temperatures from 400 to 900 C, and intrinsic semiconduction at temperatures from 900 to 1300 C. In the high-temperature regime, the slope on all eight specimens is 4.7 +/- 0.1 eV. Hence, the thermal bandgap at O K is 9.4 +/- 0.2 eV.
Plasmodesmata and the cell-to-cell transport of proteins and nucleoprotein complexes

Plasmodesmata serve an important role in establishing cytoplasmic continuity between neighbouring cells within plant tissues and organs. In this symplasmic system, the microchannels formed within the plasmodesmal cytoplasmic annulus function to allow the exchange of small metabolites and ions. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasmodesmata also have the capacity to mediate the cell-to-cell transport of proteins and nucleic acids. Initial insight into this unique function was gained through studies on plant viruses. Numerous viruses have been shown to encode a non-structural protein(s), termed the movement protein, that functions in the transport of viral infectious material through plasmodesmata. These findings led to the discovery that plant proteins, including transcription factors, are also able to use this plasmodesmal highway to traffic through cells of a particular tissue. Similar to viral movement proteins, a number of these endogenous proteins also have the capacity to mediate the cell-to-cell transport of their own mRNA. This special property of plasmodesmata provided the basis for the hypothesis that higher plants function as supracellular organisms, in contrast to the multicellular mode adopted by animals. Current experiments are aimed at identifying the cellular components involved in both mediating and regulating this cell-to-cell transport of macromolecules. Such regulation may account, in part, for the division of the symplasm into developmental and physiological domains.
Experimental Bronchography by Tantalum Insufflation

Experimental bronchography with heavy metal tantalum was performed in ten greyhound dogs. The method is simple, produces excellent bronchographic pictures and does not produce pathologic changes.
Tree-structured nonlinear filters in digital mammography

A new class of nonlinear filters with more robust characteristics for noise suppression and detail preservation is proposed for processing digital mammographic images. The new algorithm consists of two major filtering blocks: (a) a multistage tree-structured filter for image enhancement that uses central weighted median filters as basic sub-filtering blocks and (b) a dispersion edge detector. The design of the algorithm also included the use of linear and curved windows to determine whether variable shape windowing could improve detail preservation. First, the noise-suppressing properties of the tree-structured filter were compared to single filters, namely the median and the central weighted median with conventional square and variable shape adaptive windows; simulated images were used for this purpose. Second, the edge detection properties of the tree-structured filter cascaded with the dispersion edge detector were compared to the performance of the dispersion edge detector alone, the Sobel operator, and the single median filter cascaded with the dispersion edge detector. Selected mammographic images with representative biopsy-proven malignancies were processed with all methods and the results were visually evaluated by an expert mammographer. In all applications, the proposed filter suggested better detail preservation, noise suppression, and edge detection than all other approaches and it may prove to be a useful tool for computer-assisted diagnosis in digital mammography. >