cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between nonphenacetin combined analgesics and nephropathy: A review

Relationship between nonphenacetin combined analgesics and nephropathy: A review. Background The debate on the association between nonphenacetin-containing combined analgesics and renal disease has lasted for several years. Method A peer review committee of scientists, selected jointly by the regulatory authorities of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria and the pharmaceutical industry was asked to critically review data on the relationship between nonphenacetin combined analgesics and nephropathy. Results The committee regarded epidemiologic evidence on nonphenacetin combined analgesics as inconclusive because of sparse information and substantial methodological problems. The committee also noted that a diagnosis of analgesic-associated nephropathy (AAN) in clinical practice usually depends on information about exposure before or in the early stages of the disease and is seldom accompanied by specific histologic evidence. The morphologic finding of papillary calcification can arise from other conditions and is not specific for AAN. For these reasons, the identification criteria for AAN should be reappraised with scientific methods to validate the diagnostic procedure. In the limited amount of experimental pharmacological data in humans and animals, the committee found no convincing evidence to confirm or refute the hypothesis that nonphenacetin combined analgesics are more nephrotoxic than single formulations. For caffeine taken with combined analgesics, the currently available information is not sufficient to postulate a harmful toxicological effect. Conclusion The committee's two main conclusions were that sufficient evidence is absent to associate nonphenacetin combined analgesics with nephropathy and that new studies should be done to provide appropriate data for resolving the question.
Treatment of the transsexual and medicolegal issues.

Abstract The carnival, stage or masquerade ball are the only situations where a male is tolerated in assuming the female role, or vice-versa in Western Society. The transsexual, finding it impossible to maintain his or her self-esteem, is given the opportunity to resolve a profound dilemma via this new medical procedure of sex reassignment. Endocrine therapy and conversion surgery raise medicolegal issues illustrative of the difference in perspective between medicine and the law. The nonjudgmental tradition of medicine and the judgmental and prosecuting tradition of law produce attitudes difficult to reconcile in dealing with legal issues that arise in transsexual treatment. This paper deals with the legal ramifications of cross-dressing as part of treatment, transsexual surgery and its exposure to the possibility of legal prosecution, and finally documentary alterations such as birth certificate changes.
Driving large-sized OLED TVs with an amorphous-silicon backplane

— A 20-in. OLED display driven by an amorphous-silicon backplane has been demonstrated. It has been widely believed that the characteristics of amorphous-silicon TFTs are not sufficient to drive OLED display. This paper challenges this hypothesis and proves that amorphous silicon can be applied to large active-matrix-driven displays and discusses many possible approaches that lead to good front-of-screen quality. Superior-video-image-quality amorphous-silicon-driven OLEDs opens a bright future for a new generation of wall-hanging televisions.
Management of wounds involving synovial structures in horses

Wounds involving synovial structures (joints, tendon sheaths or bursae) are very common injuries in horses. Synovial structures of the distal limb (distal to and including the carpus and tarsus) are most commonly involved, although any synovial space can be affected. Acute injuries ( 6–8 hours) will often have an established synovial infection, and should be treated aggressively to minimize the complications of the secondary infection. The prognosis for horses with more chronic wounds will usually depend on the duration of the infection, the specific synovial structure involved, whether a concurrent osseous or tendon injury is present, and the intended use of the horse. The causative bacteria in synovial wounds can be variable but environmental gram negatives are highly probable, and should be considered when selecting the most appropriate antimicrobial(s) to either prevent or treat these infections. This article discusses the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of acute and chronic traumatic wounds that involve synovial structures in horses.
Covalent linkage of ribonuclease S-peptide to microinjected proteins causes their intracellular degradation to be enhanced during serum withdrawal.

Abstract The amino-terminal 20 amino acids are required for microinjected ribonuclease A (RNase A) to be taken up by lysosomes and degraded at an enhanced rate during serum withdrawal. We used water-soluble carbodiimides to covalently attach the RNase S-peptide (residues 1-20) to [3H]RNase S-protein (residues 21-124) at unspecified locations. We then measured catabolism of the [3H]S-protein-S-peptide conjugate after its microinjection into human diploid fibroblasts. The attached S-peptide caused the degradation of S-protein to be enhanced 2-fold in the absence of serum. Control experiments showed that degradation of [3H]RNase S-protein remained unresponsive to serum after conjugation with the inactive fragment, RNase S-peptide (residues 1-10). Covalent attachment of RNase S-peptide had a similar effect on the catabolism of two other proteins. Degradation rates of microinjected 125I-labeled lysozyme and 125I-labeled insulin A chain are normally unresponsive to serum withdrawal. However, breakdown rates of microinjected 125I-labeled lysozyme-S-peptide and 125I-labeled insulin A chain-S-peptide conjugates were increased 2-fold during serum deprivation. We suggest that RNase S-peptide acts as a "single sequence" that directs cytosolic proteins to lysosomes through a pathway that is activated by deprivation conditions.
A new method for classifying patterns of prenatal care utilization using cluster analysis.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were: to 1) define patterns of prenatal care utilization using cluster analysis, 2) describe two alternative cluster solutions and compare these groupings to the Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index (APNCU), 3) compare the cluster solutions and the APNCU with respect to maternal age and prematurity, and 4) discuss advantages and disadvantages of using cluster analysis to study prenatal care. Methods: The study sample included 3544 women in the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey for whom complete prenatal care visit data were available. Clustering was carried out in two stages, first employing nearest centroid sorting (the k means method), a nonhierarchical approach, and then using Ward's Minimum Variance Method, a hierarchical clustering technique. Results: Patterns of prenatal care defined by cluster analysis varied by timing of the first visit, total number of visits, and the rate of accumulation of visits, but this variation was different compared to that seen for the APNCU. While the cluster solutions and the APNCU identified a similar normative pattern of care, other patterns identified were quite different. In particular, the six-cluster solution differentiated among women who entered care at similar times, but accumulated visits at differing rates and experienced differing rates of preterm delivery. Conclusion: Cluster analysis is a new tool for studying prenatal care. Further studies are needed to refine the method and test whether the alternative perspective it provides will lead to new findings concerning the relationship of prenatal care and birth outcomes.
Hypermetabolic activity in patients with active retroperitoneal fibrosis on F-18 FDG PET: report of three cases

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon disease characterized by periaortic inflammation with gradual fibrosis and distortion of retroperitoneal structures such as the ureter. Several earlier case reports have documented hypermetabolic retroperitoneal activity on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) in patients with active disease, and a decrease in the activity following immunosuppressive therapy. We report FDG PET positive findings in three patients presenting with active retroperitoneal fibrosis. In two cases, enhancing periaortic soft tissue seen on computed tomography (CT) markedly diminished following immunosuppressive therapy. In one patient, repeat FDG PET was performed following immunosuppressive therapy, with complete resolution of the retroperitoneal FDG avidity. We suggest that FDG PET may play a useful adjunct to anatomic imaging and serum inflammatory markers in assessing the severity of inflammation in retroperitoneal fibrosis, and in assessing the likelihood of response to immunosuppressive therapy. FDG PET may also be used in follow-up to assess therapeutic response if CT findings are unclear.
NSTX-U Digital Coil Protection System software design

The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) currently uses a collection of analog signal processing solutions for coil protection. Part of the NSTX Upgrade (NSTX-U) entails replacing these analog systems with a software solution running on a conventional computing platform. The new Digital Coil Protection System (DCPS) will replace the old systems entirely, while also providing an extensible framework that allows adding new functionality as desired. The development of the DCPS was a multi-discipline engineering effort. The fact that long-trusted yet presently-inadequate protection mechanisms were being replaced with a first-of-a-kind system at NSTX-U has led to a carefully crafted, full-featured software design. Real-time Concurrent RedHawk Linux provides the deterministic environment in which the software runs, and the software architecture follows a UML design with industry standard patterns.
The Double Redaction of the Deuteronomistic History: The Case is Still Compelling

This article argues that the Deuteronomistic History (DH) was first composed during the reign of Josiah and then revised by the addition of limitedamounts of more pessimistic material in the early exile. The argument ofintense thematic dissonance is supported by a number of confirmatory observations. The interests of DH are pre-exilic and culminate in the reforms of Josiah. Many signals indicate a change of authorship near theend of 2 Kings. Recognizing the fact of double redaction leads to a proper understanding of the purpose and theology of DH.
A new method of magnetostrictivity and magnetostriction measurement

The magnetostrictivity (d) and magnetostriction ( lambda ) of high coupling magnetomechanical amorphous ribbons and wires are determined without the use of a direct magnetomechanical measurement. The method relies on an easily measured magnetic property (permeability) of the magnetostrictive material obtained under the conditions of constant stress and constant strain ( mu /sup c/). The magnetomechanical nature of the measurement enters through mu /sup c/. Experimental results are compared to predictions made on the basis of the single-vector magnetization rotation model. The effect of demagnetization on the magnetostrictivity and coupling factor is also calculated for long thin ribbons and wires. >
New insights into the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy.

The incidence of diabetes is increasing at epidemic rates. There currently are an estimated 17 million individuals with diabetes in the United States and this number is rapidly increasing [1]. The likelihood of developing diabetes is approximately 40% in persons born after the year 2000 [2] and is more prevalent among African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans [2]. The personal and national loss of productivity is immense [3]. The American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes cost the United States an estimated $132 billion in 2002, $92 billion in direct medical expenditures and $40 billion due to lost work time, disability, and premature mortality [4]. The morbidity of diabetes is due to both macrovascular and microvascular complications. A diabetic individual is 2 to 4 times more likely to have accelerated atherogenesis of large vessels leading to myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular occlusive disease [3]. These macrovascular complications can occur in individuals without diabetes, although it is clear that diabetes exacerbates and accelerates atherogenesis. In contrast, microvascular complications are more unique to the diabetic state and eventually occur in nearly all patients with diabetes. Fifteen years after diagnosis, 90% of patients have evidence of diabetic retinopathy, the cause of approximately 25,000 new cases of blindness per year in the United States [5]. Diabetes is the primary cause of renal failure and accounts for 40% of new cases requiring dialysis in the United States each year [4]. More than half of all individuals with diabetes develop neuropathy [4,6] with a lifetime risk of one or more lower extremity amputations estimated at 15% [7]. The current article will focus on this last complication, diabetic neuropathy (DN), with the goal of introducing new ideas on the pathogenesis and potential treatment of this disabling complication of diabetes. Diabetic Neuropathy (DN)
Binding specificity of a class II-restricted hepatitis B epitope by DR molecules from responder and nonresponder vaccine recipients

Abstract A small but significant proportion of people who receive the hepatitis B vaccine do not produce anti-hepatitis B antibodies, a phenomenon associated with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II haplotypes. We were interested in determining whether natural allelic differences between two HLA-DR4 molecules associated with responder versus nonresponder subtypes differed with respect to binding of an immunodominant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) peptide as measured using a resonant mirror biosensor. In contrast to our original hypothesis, we found a ten-fold difference in the affinity in favor of the nonresponder DRB1∗0401 allele, with a K D of 6.89 × 10 −8 M versus a K D of 6.71 × 10 −7 M for the responder DRB1∗0404 allele. Half-times of dissociation were 1.3 min and 7.7 min, respectively, although association rate constants for both HLA class II molecules were similar (approximately 10 4 M −1 s −1 ). Of particular interest was the observation of different on-rates during the association phase, suggesting that stoichiometry of binding was not 1:1 or that different structural forms of the HLA-peptide complex exist. Our observations indicate that whereas HBsAg peptide binding to HLA class II molecules is influenced by HLA polymorphism, the nonresponse to hepatitis B vaccine associated with this HLA-DR4 subtype is not a result of failure of processed HBsAg to bind HLA class II molecules.
Adiabatically graded plasmonic structures for “rainbow” trapping effect

Tunable plasmonic bandgaps were achieved on adiabatically graded grating structures. Light of different wavelengths is “trapped” at different positions along the grating, consistent with computer simulations, thus verifying the intriguing “rainbow” trapping effect.
Lidar study of the keystone stack plume

Abstract A lidar study of the dispersion of the effluent from the tall (245-m) stacks of Keystone Generating Station in western Pennsylvania was conducted with the aid of two field experiments in May and October 1968. The observations, which were mostly obtained during stable conditions in the morning hours, reveal in detail the important plume characteristics that must be included in a realistic diffusion model for plumes from tall stacks: 1. (1) fanning and tilting due to wind veering with height. 2. (2) fumigation, which brings high concentrations to ground level in a pattern which, because of the tilting, progresses with time from the left to the right of the plume looking downwind. 3. (3) plume trapping by elevated stable layers. A comparison between the predictions of the Briggs/ASME plume rise formula and the lidar observations for 17 cases when temperature profiles were available gave a mean absolute difference of 30 m. A secondary experiment involving two sets of lidar plume measurements when the electrostatic precipitators at the power plant were all and half in operation, furnished estimates of 86 and 97 per cent for the precipitator efficiency on two separate days, compared with the rated value of 99 per cent. To investigate the potential of lidar for making quantitative measurements, a sample attenuation-corrected cross section of absolute mass concentration was computed on the basis of Mie scattering theory and independent particle size measurements. The integrated mass per unit plume length represented by this cross section was 680 gm−1, compared to 875 g m−1 calculated from the power-plant data and wind speed.
M87 at 90 Centimeters: A Different Picture

We report new radio imaging of the large-scale radio structure of M87 with the VLA at 90 cm. These new images show the complex structure of the radio emission more clearly than previous attempts, some of which date back to the 1940s. The images suggest that the outward flow from the M87 nucleus extends well beyond the 2 kpc jet. Two "bubbles" of synchrotron emission appear to be inflated by this flow. A simple model of the emission, combined with our knowledge of the inner jet, suggest that the energy input into this region from the M87 nucleus exceeds the energy being radiated away as X-rays. This argues that the region within 40 kpc of the center of M87 is currently dominated by energy input from the M87 nucleus. The gas in the region is expanding, not flowing inward as is envisioned in the cooling flow model.
From Fire to Frying Pan: The Impact of Major-Power War Involvement on Major-Power Dispute Involvement, 1816-1975

This paper sought to plug a gap in the literature on war, by exploring its impact on subsequent dispute involvements. The present effort was confined to an examination of the major powers, and only their major power-major power experiences were studied. This may limit the generalizeability of the results. Nevertheless, there is some tendency for major powers to decrease their dispute involvement, even though the drop may not be large, particularly over the first ten years after the war involvement. In most cases, the trend is for the major power to become involved in one less dispute over the next ten years than in the previous decade. Although it is disheartening to observe that major powers do not learn more from their war behavior (i.e., experience a quicker and more dramatic drop), and that World War II was followed by an increase in dispute involvement by the superpowers, we can also interpret these results as showing that most major power governments are not imprisoned by their past wars. That is, t...
Evaluation of quaternized and neutral muscarinic receptor ligands in normal and DES-treated rat

The localization of quaternized muscarinic receptor (mAChR) antagonists, [“C]methyl tropanyl benzilate ([“CIMTRB) and [“Clmethyl quinuclidinyl benzilate ([“CIMQNB), in rat pituitary was compared to that of [“Cltropanyl benzilate ([“CJTRB), a neutral antagonist. The quatemized ligands localize via a mAChR-mediated mechanism as shown by 60% reduction in radioactivity concentrations in the presence of QNB. [“CITRB appears to localize primarily by a non-mAChR specific mechanism. Induction of pituitary prolactinomas by diethylstilbestrol resulted in a reduction of [“C]MTRB pituitary localization compared to normals. Elevated serum prolactin levels due to prolactinoma presence had no measurable effect on myocardial [“CIMTRB uptake or on I$ values. i?,, values for myocardial mAChR were similar for controls and for DES exposure of 10 weeks. Muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) are intrinsic membrane proteins found in many tissues which elicit an array of biochemical responses from control of heart rate to neurotransmission in the brain. Imaging these receptors could yield medically useful data from both the central nervous system and peripheral organs such as the heart. Rather than synthesizing a large number of potential ligands in radioactive form, we developed a two stage assay system to preselect target hgands. The first stage consisted of a competitive in vitro binding assay designed to provide information on relative binding affinities. The second stage was an ex viva assay which provided information on both in oiuo distribution and kinetics (Otto et al., 1989). Application of this screening procedure lead to radiosynthesis and further studies of the following ligands:
THE MYC ONCOPROTEIN : A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF TRANSACTIVATION AND TARGET GENE REGULATION

Mutations which disrupt the regulation or expression level of the c-myc gene are among the most common found in human and animal cancers (reviewed in ref. Cole, 1986; Henriksson and Luscher, 1996; Marcu et al., 1992). Ectopic expression studies define numerous biological activities of the c-myc gene, including transformation, immortalization, blockage of cell differentiation and induction of apoptosis (Askew et al., 1991; Cole, 1986; Evan and Littlewood, 1993; Freytag et al., 1990; Henriksson and Luscher, 1996; Marcu et al., 1992). Furthermore, c-myc is required for efficient progression through the cell cycle (Goruppi et al., 1994; Prochownik et al., 1988; Yokoyama and Imamoto, 1987), although recent studies indicate that it is not absolutely essential (Mateyak et al., 1997). This fascinating array of biological activities makes the c-myc gene one of the most intriguing oncogenes and presents the challenging question of how a single gene can manifest so many different effects. The c-Myc protein exhibits sequence-specific DNA binding when dimerized with its partner Max, and DNA binding is mediated through the basic region, which recognizes the core sequence CACGTG (Berberich et al., 1992; Blackwell et al., 1993; Blackwood and Eisenman, 1991; Prendergast and Ziff, 1991; Prendergast et al., 1991), but exhibits somewhat higher affinity for the more extended sequence ACCACGTGGT (Berberich et al., 1992; Blackwell et al., 1993; Halazonetis and Kandil, 1991). There are three closely related Myc family proteins (c-Myc, N-Myc and L-Myc), each with documented oncogenic potential (Birrer et al., 1988; Schwab et al., 1985; Yancopoulos et al., 1985) and similar DNA binding properties (Mukherjee et al., 1992). For simplicity, we will use the term Myc to refer to all three proteins, but delineate any distinct activities where they apply. The goal of this review is to discuss Myc as a transcriptional activator and critically evaluate the evidence for the transactivation of specific target genes as direct downstream effectors. Since excellent comprehensive reviews on Myc have been published recently (Facchini and Penn, 1998; Henriksson and Luscher, 1996), we will focus on the latest observations that offer mechanistic insight into transactivation and oncogenic transformation.
Colon cancer-associated DNA polymerase β variant induces genomic instability and cellular transformation.

Rapidly advancing technology has resulted in the generation of the genomic sequences of several human tumors. We have identified several mutations of the DNA polymerase β (pol β) gene in human colorectal cancer. We have demonstrated that the expression of the pol β G231D variant increased chromosomal aberrations and induced cellular transformation. The transformed phenotype persisted in the cells even once the expression of G231D was extinguished, suggesting that it resulted as a consequence of genomic instability. Biochemical analysis revealed that its catalytic rate was 140-fold slower than WT pol β, and this was a result of the decreased binding affinity of nucleotides by G231D. Residue 231 of pol β lies in close proximity to the template strand of the DNA. Molecular modeling demonstrated that the change from a small and nonpolar glycine to a negatively charged aspartate resulted in a repulsion between the template and residue 231 leading to the distortion of the dNTP binding pocket. In addition, expression of G231D was insufficient to rescue pol β-deficient cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents suggesting that these agents may be effectively used to treat tumors harboring this mutation. More importantly, this suggests that the G231D variant has impaired base excision repair. Together, these data indicate that the G231D variant plays a role in driving cancer. Background: Mutations in the POLB gene are present in 40% of human colorectal tumors. Results: The G231D variant is a slow polymerase that induces genomic instability and cellular transformation. Conclusion: The slow G231D variant induces cellular transformation due to its inability to fill in single nucleotide gaps. Significance: Slow pol β variants may drive tumorigenesis.
PersiFS: a versioned file system with an efficient representation

The availability of previous file versions is invaluable for recovering from file corruption or user errors such as accidental deletions. Versioned file systems address this need by retaining earlier versions of changed files. Many existing file systems, such as Plan 9, WAFL, AFS, and others, use a snap-shotting approach: they record and archive the state of the file system at periodic intervals. However, this fails to capture modifications that are made between snapshots. Our system, PersiFS, is continuously versioned, meaning that it stores every modification, and thus allows access to the file system state as it appeared at any specified time. To make this feasible, we use a number of efficient data structures to optimize both access time and disk space.
Can resuscitation jeopardize survival

Resuscitations are events that are often clouded by desperation and frenzy and directed by persons with limited experience, who may feel a great burden of responsibility for the circumstances preci...
Bergman commutators and norm ideals

Let P be the orthogonal projection from L2(B,dv) onto the Bergman space La2(B,dv) of the unit ball in Cn. In this paper we characterize the membership of commutators of the form [Mf,P] in the norm ideal CΦ, where the symmetric gauge function Φ is allowed to be arbitrary.
Sperm precedence, mating interval, and a novel mechanism of paternity bias in a beetle (Tenebrio molitor L.).

When females mate with more than one male, the ensuing sperm competition leads to the evolution of male mechanisms that skew paternity. Males of the yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) transfer a spermatophore to females during copulation, but sperm release and storage occur later. We investigated how the interval between two matings with different males affects sperm precedence by varying the interval between the copulations so that the second mating was either: (1) before sperm release from the first spermatophore (<5 min); (2) after sperm release but before spermatophore ejection (15–20 min); (3) after spermatophore ejection but before sperm storage (4 h), or (4) after complete sperm storage (24 h). We collected offspring over a period of 2 weeks and determined paternity by protein electrophoresis. There was second-male sperm precedence in all treatments, but when the interval was <5 min, the second male usually (86% of cases) had complete sperm precedence (i.e., P2=1). Investigations into the mechanism of second-male sperm precedence during <5-min mating intervals indicate that sperm release from the first spermatophore is inhibited, a phenomenon which has not been previously documented.
Efficient Quantum Dot-Quantum Dot and Quantum Dot-Dye Energy Transfer in Biotemplated Assemblies

CdSe semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots are assembled into nanowire-like arrays employing microtubule fibers as nanoscale molecular “scaffolds.” Spectrally and time-resolved energy-transfer analysis is used to assess the assembly of the nanoparticles into the hybrid inorganic biomolecular structure. Specifically, we demonstrate that a comprehensive study of energy transfer between quantum dot pairs on the biotemplate and, alternatively, between quantum dots and molecular dyes embedded in the microtubule scaffold comprises a powerful spectroscopic tool for evaluating the assembly process. In addition to revealing the extent to which assembly has occurred, the approach allows determination of particle-to-particle (and particle-to-dye) distances within the biomediated array. Significantly, the characterization is realized in situ, without need for further sample workup or risk of disturbing the solution-phase constructs. Furthermore, we find that the assemblies prepared in this way exhibit efficient quan...
Pathogenesis and Management of Polyomavirus Infection in Transplant Recipients

Polyomaviruses (JC virus [JCV], BK virus [BKV], and simian virus 40 [SV40]) establish subclinical and persistent infections and share the capacity for reactivation from latency in their host under immunosuppression. JCV establishes latency mainly in the kidney, and its reactivation results in the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. BKV causes infection in the kidney and the urinary tract, and its activation causes a number of disorders, including nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis. Recent studies have reported SV40 in the allografts of children who received renal transplants and in the urine, blood, and kidneys of adults with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which is a cause of end-stage renal disease and an indication for kidney transplantation. Clinical syndromes related to polyomavirus infection are summarized in the present review, and strategies for the management of patients who receive transplants are discussed.
Traditional and new simulation techniques for nanoscale optics and photonics

Several classes of computational methods are available for computer simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering at optical frequencies: Discrete Dipole Approximation, the T-matrix - Extended Boundary Condition methods, the Multiple Multipole Method, Finite Difference (FD) and Finite Element (FE) methods in the time and frequency domain, and others. The paper briefly reviews the relative advantages and disadvantages of these simulation tools and contributes to the development of FD methods. One powerful tool - FE analysis - is applied to optimization of plasmon-enhanced AFM tips in apertureless near-field optical microscopy. Another tool is a new FD calculus of "Flexible Local Approximation MEthods" (FLAME). In this calculus, any desirable local approximations (e.g. scalar and vector spherical harmonics, Bessel functions, plane waves, etc.) are seamlessly incorporated into FD schemes. The notorious 'staircase' effect for slanted and curved boundaries on a Cartesian grid is in many cases eliminated - not because the boundary is approximated geometrically on a fine grid but because the solution is approximated algebraically by suitable basis functions. Illustrative examples include problems with plasmon nanoparticles and a photonic crystal with a waveguide bend; FLAME achieves orders of magnitude higher accuracy than the standard FD methods, and even than FEM.
Exposure to estradiol before but not during acquisition of LiCl-induced conditioned taste avoidance accelerates extinction.

Abstract Estradiol accelerates extinction of LiCl-induced conditioned taste avoidance when it is present continuously before and during acquisition. We have suggested that the effect of estradiol on extinction is due to its illness-associated, rather than learning-associated, properties. If this were the case, then one would expect estradiol to act before but not during acquisition. This expectation is based on previous work showing attenuation of learned taste avoidance when rats are given distal preexposure (greater than 24 h before conditioning) or proximal preexposure (less than 24 h before conditioning) to the illness-inducing agent LiCl before acquisition of a LiCl-induced conditioned taste avoidance. In three separate experiments, estradiol was administered during three different time periods via subcutaneous implantation of a 10-mm estradiol-filled capsule. In each experiment, the extinction of estradiol-treated females was compared to that of females implanted with empty capsules. In the first experiment, female rats were given distal exposure to estradiol before acquisition. Capsules were implanted 11 days before acquisition and were removed 2 days before acquisition. In the second experiment, female rats were given proximal exposure to estradiol before acquisition. Capsules were implanted 2.5 h before LiCl was paired with a sucrose solution and were removed 16.5 h later. In the third experiment, female rats were given exposure to estradiol during acquisition. Capsules were implanted at the same time as LiCl administration and were removed 18 h later. The only estradiol-treated females to show accelerated extinction were those given distal preexposure to estradiol in Experiment 1. These data do not support a learning-associated hypothesis and only partially support an illness-associated hypothesis. The failure to find accelerated extinction following proximal preexposure may reflect an inappropriate choice of the parameters used in the experiment or a difference in the stimulus properties of LiCl and estradiol that allow each to serve as conditioning and preexposure agents in conditioned taste avoidance paradigms. Extinction of a LiCl-induced conditioned taste avoidance is accelerated when estradiol is present before and during acquisition. In the study that demonstrated this effect, exposure to estradiol was given continuously via a subcutaneously implanted capsule during a period that started 8 days before acquisition and continued until 3 days after acquisition.
Nodal and infranodal atrioventricular conduction block: electrophysiological basis to correlate the ECG findings.

A 68-year-old woman with a history of dilated non-ischemic cardiomyopathy presented with syncope. The index ECG showed sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block. On telemetry episodes of sinus rhythm with narrower QRS complexes conduced in 2:1 pattern were noted. Invasive electrophysiological study was performed to determine cause of syncope. Normal conduction up to the AV node with an AH interval of 79 ms (normal = 55–125 ms) was observed. However, every alternate sinus beat was blocked after the inscription of His deflection (infra-Hisian block). The narrow beats conducted through the His bundle with HV intervals of 54 ms (normal = 35–55 ms). When 1:1 conduction resumed further abnormality of the His–Purkinje conduction system became evident with a QRS morphology that of an LBBB and prolongation of HV interval (HV = 96 ms). Criteria to differentiate nodal versus infranodal block based on electrophysiological properties of the nodal and infranodal system are discussed.
Beyond star inventors: The role of non-star collaborators and organizational context

Star inventors have received much research attention because they are the key contributors to knowledge creation and discoveries. While much research has focused on star inventors themselves, this ...
The No Asshole Rule Revisited: How Interdependence and Emotional Stability Buffer Team Performance

Although difficult coworkers exist in most organizations, and evidence shows that they damage important work outcomes, we know very little about how to buffer their effects in teams. To address thi...
Feedback linearizing control of switched reluctance motors

Motivated by technological advances in power electronics and signal processing, and by the interest in using direct drives for robot manipulators, we investigate the control problem of high-performance drives for switched reluctance motors (SRM's). SRM's are quite simple, low cost, and reliable motors as compared to the widely used dc motors. However, the SRM presents a coupled nonlinear multivariable control structure which calls for complex nonlinear control design in order to achieve high dynamic performances. We first develop a detailed nonlinear model which matches experimental data and establish an electronic commutation strategy. Then, on the basis of recent nonlinear control techniques, we design a state feedback control algorithm which compensates for all the nonlinearities and decouples the effect of stator phase currents in the torque production. The position dependent logic of the electronic commutator assigns control authority to one phase, which controls the motion, while the remaining phase currents are forced to decay to zero. Simulations for a direct drive, single link manipulator with the SRM are reported, which show the control performance of the algorithm we propose in nominal conditions and test its robustness versus the most critical parameter uncertainties of payload mass and stator resistance.
A covariant action for the heterotic superstring with manifest spacetime supersymmetry and world-sheet superconformal invariance

Abstract By using twistor-like fields similar to those of Sorokin, Tkach, Volkov, and Zheltukhin, the covariant Green-Schwarz action for the heterotic superstring is expressed in a form that manifestly displays both spacetime supersymmetry and N= 1 2 world-sheet superconformal invariance. This new expression for the action may be useful in light-cone gauge spacetime supersymmetric calculations of heterotic superstring scattering amplitudes.
Overprinted strike-slip deformation in the southern Valley and Ridge in Pennsylvania

Abstract Two major faults, over 32 km long and 6.4 km apart, truncate or overprint most previous folds and faults as they trend more northerly than the previous N25°E to N40°E fold trends. The faults were imposed as the last event in a region undergoing sequential counter-clockwise generation of tectonic structures. The western Big Cove anticline has an early NW verging thrust fault that emplaces resistant rocks on its NW limb. A 16 km overprint by the Cove Fault is manifested as 30 small northeast striking right-lateral strike-slip faults. This suggests major left-lateral strike-slip separation on the Cove Fault, but steep, dip-slip separation also occurs. From south to north the Cove Fault passes from SE dipping beds within the Big Cove anticline, to the vertical beds of the NW limb. Then it crosses four extended, separated, Tuscarora blocks along the ridge, brings Cambro-Ordovician carbonates against Devonian beds, and initiates the zone of overprinted right-lateral faults. Finally, it deflects the Lat 40°N fault zone as it crosses to the next major anticline to the northwest. To the east, the major Path Valley Fault rotates and overprints the earlier Carrick Valley thrust. The Path Valley Fault and Cove Fault may be Mesozoic in age, based upon fault fabrics and overprinting on the east–west Lat 40°N faults.
Comparison of the responses of density gradient separated lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin and histocompatibility antigens.

Abstract Rat peripheral blood leukocytes were fractionated into 5–9 subpopulations by centrifugation on discontinuous density gradients of bovine serum albumin. Responses of the various fractions to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro were compared with their responses to alloantigens in the mixed lymphocyte interaction in vitro and in a graft versus host reaction in vivo . The results showed that: (a) Cells from each of the gradient fractions responded to alloantigens both in vitro and in vivo , (b) Only cells of intermediate density responded vigorously to PHA at a concentration which optimally stimulated unfractionated cells, (c) Low density lymphocytes could be stimulated by 3–9-fold lower concentrations of mitogen. (d) Cells from low and high density fractions, which alone responded poorly to PHA, showed enhanced responses when mixed. These findings may have a significant bearing on the use of the in vitro response to PHA for evaluating the overall function of thymus derived cells in clinically related studies.
A comparison of methods for determining neutron detector efficiencies at medium energies

Abstract We compare the “Lithium Activation” (LiA) method and the “Isospin Clebsch-Gordan Ratio” (ICGR) method for determining detection efficiencies of neutrons between 100 and 160 MeV. Each method was used to determine the efficiency by relating a measured neutron yield to a cross section measured in another way: γ-ray activation cross sections for LiA; (p, p′) cross sections from experiments at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility for ICGR. Efficiencies determined by the two methods disagree substantially. Efficiencies calculated with the Monte Carlo code of Cecil et al. agree with the ICGR results. We conclude that the Lithium Activation method is inconsistent at these energies.
Rice Sheath Blight Disease Resistance Identified in Oryza spp. Accessions

Prasad, B., and Eizenga, G. C. 2008. Rice sheath blight disease resistance identified in Oryza spp. accessions. Plant Dis. 92:1503-1509. Oryza spp., wild relatives of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), may contain novel resistance genes for sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, that could be used to enhance resistance to this important disease in commercial rice. To identify resistant sources for sheath blight disease, 73 Oryza genotypes were evaluated with three different methods conducted in the greenhouse, growth chamber, or laboratory because there are significant limitations to screening wild Oryza spp. under field conditions. For the microchamber method, 4-week-old seedlings were inoculated with a potato dextrose agar plug containing mycelia, covered with a 2-liter soft drink bottle, and rated 1 week after inoculation. A detached-leaf method involved placing a potato dextrose agar plug containing mycelia on the abaxial surface of a leaf section that was cut from a 5week-old plant and placed on moist filter paper in a petri dish under constant light, then evaluated after 72 h. For the toothpick inoculation method, toothpicks colonized with mycelia were placed in the leaf collar region of plants at the panicle initiation stage, plants were placed in a growth chamber, and disease symptoms were evaluated after 7 days. The microchamber method gave a more uniform, reproducible response, and was easier to use under greenhouse conditions. Seven Oryza spp. accessions were identified as moderately resistant with three accessions classified as O. nivara (IRGC104705, IRGC100898, and IRGC104443) and one each as O. barthii (IRGC100223), O. meridionalis (IRGC105306), O. nivara/O. sativa (IRGC100943), and O. officinalis (IRGC105979).
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Pals, Proteins Associated with mLin-7

In Caenorhabditis elegans, three PDZ domain proteins, Lin-2, Lin-7, and Lin-10, are necessary for the proper targeting of the Let-23 growth factor receptor to the basolateral surface of epithelial cells. It has been demonstrated that homologues of Lin-2, Lin-7, and Lin-10 form a heterotrimeric complex in mammalian brain. Using Far Western overlay assay, we have identified additional proteins that can bind to the amino terminus of mLin-7 and cloned the genes encoding these proteins using bacterial expression cloning. We call these proteins Pals, for proteins associated with Lin-7. These proteins, which include mammalian Lin-2, contain a conserved mLin-7 binding domain in addition to guanylate kinase, PDZ (postsynaptic density 95/discs large/zona occludens-1), and Src homology 3 domains. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified the conserved residues among these proteins crucial for mLin-7 binding. Two of these proteins, Pals1 and Pals2, are newly described. Pals1 consists of 675 amino acids and maps to mouse chromosome 12. Pals2 was found to exist in two splice forms of 539 and 553 amino acids and maps to mouse chromosome 6. Like mLin-2, Pals1 and Pals2 localize to the lateral membrane in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Pals proteins represent a new subfamily of membrane-associated guanylate kinases that allow for multiple targeting complexes containing mLin-7.
How to Undermine Underdetermination

The underdetermination thesis poses a threat to rational choice of scientific theories. We discuss two arguments for the thesis. One draws its strength from deductivism together with the existence thesis, and the other is defended on the basis of the failure of a reliable inductive method. We adopt a partially subjective/objective pragmatic Bayesian epistemology of science framework, and reject both arguments for the thesis. Thus, in science we are able to reinstate rational choice called into question by the underdetermination thesis.
PET system calibrations and corrections for quantitative and spatially accurate images

Detector efficiency normalization and spatial distortion corrections are considered for PET (positron emission tomography) systems. A technique is developed for correcting positioning errors. To correct for nonuniform detector efficiencies, it is necessary to normalize individual detector efficiencies with a PET equivalent of a flood field correction. The frequency distributions of the percent deviations of the processed low-count normalizations and cylinder normalizations indicate that the assumptions of the calculations entail errors that mimic 3-5% standard deviations in the final values of the normalization factors. In normal operation of the UCLA PET center, a full high-count normalization is performed, and the normalization sinogram uses the measured values in the central portion to and extends the FOV (field of view) by the method described. >
Structural analysis of heparin by raman spectroscopy.

The Raman spectra of commercially available heparin disaccharide standards exhibit bands associated with the N-sulfate and the 6-O-sulfate groups of the glucosamine and the 2-O-sulfate of the iduronic acid. The N-sulfate has a strong band at 1039 cm–1. The 6-O-sulfate and the 2-O-sulfate exhibit bands at 1055 and 1065 cm–1, respectively. The pattern of these modes, which are assigned to the symmetric SO3 vibrations, was supported by semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations. The above bands were identified in the Raman spectrum of a commercial preparation of porcine mucosal heparin and were used to determine the relative proportion of the N-sulfate, 6-O-sulfate, and 2-O-sulfate groups in the heparin molecule. This information, which is complementary to that obtained by NMR spectroscopy, is of particular importance in relation to biological activity. This study also extends the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy to include structural details required for the quality assurance of pharmaceutical preparations of heparin.
Assessing the effectiveness of a “wheel of food” game on the nutrition knowledge of 4th and 5th graders.

Abstract Middle childhood is a period of growing independence in food selection. Application of healthy eating guidelines may not stand up to appealing foods advertized on television. Nutrition concerns in this age group include obesity, body image, and accurate nutrition knowledge for preventative health care. An educational game entitled "Wheel of Food" was developed to use at a local medical center health fair for fourth and fifth grade students. The game was similar to the well known "Wheel of Fortune" game except nutrition related clues were provided to help the children spell the food related words. Nutrition hand-outs were also distributed at the health fair. Two weeks prior to playing the game, a 10 question pre-test covering material presented in the game was sent to teachers of the 4th/5th graders and administered. The same test questions were administered to the classes of children the week following the health fair. The questions were piloted tested on pediatric health care providers at the Medical Center for clarity. Overall, 193 students participated in the study. We found the children's active participation in the "Wheel of Food" signaled real interest and learning. There was a significant improvement in post-test scores following the "Wheel of Food" game (p