cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triplet Repeat Instability and DNA Topology: An Expansion Model Based on Statistical Mechanics

The variance of writhe, the contribution of writhe to supercoiling, and the free energies of supercoiling were calculated for (CTG·CAG) n and (CGG·CCG) n triplet repeat sequences (TRS) by statistical mechanics from the bending and torsional moduli previously determined. Expansions of these sequences are inherited by non-mendelian transmission and are linked with several hereditary neuromuscular diseases. The variance of writhe was greater for the TRS than for random B-DNA. For random B-DNA, (CGG) n, and (CTG) n, the contribution of writhe to supercoiling was 70, 78, and 79%, whereas the free energy of supercoiling at a length of 10 kilobase pairs was 1040·RT, 760·RT, and 685·RT, respectively. These data indicate that the TRS are preferential sites for the partitioning of supercoiling. Calculations of the differences in free energy of supercoiling between the TRS and random B-DNA revealed a local minimum at ∼520 base pairs. Human medical genetic studies have shown that individuals carrying up to 180–200 copies of TRS (540–600 base pairs, premutations) in the fragile X or myotonic dystrophy gene loci are usually asymptomatic, whereas large expansions (>200 repeats, full mutations), which lead to disease, are observed in their offspring. Therefore, the length corresponding to the local minimum in free energy of supercoiling correlates with the genetic breakpoint between premutation and full mutation. We propose that (a) TRS instability is mediated by DNA mispairing caused by the accumulation of supercoiling within the repeats, and (b) the expansions that take place at the premutation to full mutation threshold are associated with increased mispairing caused by the optimal partitioning of writhe within the TRS at this length.
Mother-clinician discussions in the neonatal intensive care unit: agree to disagree?

To compare mothers’ and clinicians’ understanding of an infant’s illness and perceptions of discussion quality in the neonatal intensive care unit. English-speaking mothers with an infant admitted to the intensive care unit for at least 48 h were interviewed using a semi-structured survey. The clinician whom the mother had spoken to and identified was also surveyed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. A total of 101 mother–clinician pairs were interviewed. Most mothers (89%) and clinicians (92%) felt that their discussions had gone well. Almost all mothers could identify one of their infant’s diagnoses (100%) and treatments (93.4%). Mothers and clinicians disagreed on infant illness severity 45% of the time. The majority of mothers (62.5%) who disagreed with clinician estimate of infant illness severity believed their infant to be less sick than indicated by the clinician. Mother–clinician satisfaction with communication does not ensure mother–clinician agreement about an infant’s medical status.
WEAK LOCALIZATION AND ELECTRON–ELECTRON INTERACTION EFFECTS IN THIN METAL WIRES AND FILMS

A brief and selective review of experimental studies of electrical conduction in thin metal wires and films at low temperatures is given. This review will illustrate the importance of various length scales and of dimensionality in determining the properties disordered metals. A few intriguing and still unresolved experimental findings are also mentioned.
Mass spectra of furoxans

The mass spectra of furoxans have large NO+ peaks due to the fragmentation of the ring system at C-N and N-O bonds. Cleavage of the substituents and to a smaller extent ring fission at C3-C4 account for other ion peaks. The spectra are sufficiently characteristic to serve for the identification of these compounds. The related furazans give different fragmentation patterns because carbon-carbon cleavage predominates.
The Free Electron Laser

In a free electron laser, optical radiation is made to interact with a beam of relativistic free electrons in the presence of a strong spatially periodic transverse magnetic field. This device is interesting because the operating wavelength can be set at will by variation of the electron energy and the device is potentially capable of operating at high average power.
Voltage Gating at the Selectivity Filter of the Ca2+ Release-activated Ca2+ Channel Induced by Mutation of the Orai1 Protein

The Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel is a plasma membrane (PM) channel that is uniquely activated when free Ca2+ level in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is substantially reduced. Several small interfering RNA screens identified two membrane proteins, Orai1 and STIM1, to be essential for the CRAC channel function. STIM1 appears to function in the PM and as the Ca2+ sensor in the ER. Orai1 is forming the pore of the CRAC channel. Despite the recent breakthroughs, a mechanistic understanding of the CRAC channel gating is still lacking. Here we reveal new insights on the structure-function relationship of STIM1 and Orai1. Our data suggest that the cytoplasmic coiled-coil region of STIM1 provides structural means for coupling of the ER membrane to the PM to activate the CRAC channel. We mutated two hydrophobic residues in this region to proline (L286P/L292P) to introduce a kink in the first α-helix of the coiled-coil domain. This STIM1 mutant caused a dramatic inhibition of the CRAC channel gating compared with the wild type. Structure-function analysis of the Orai1 protein revealed the presence of intrinsic voltage gating of the CRAC channel. A mutation of Orai1 (V102I) close to the selectivity filter modified CRAC channel voltage sensitivity. Expression of the Orai1V102I mutant resulted in slow voltage gating of the CRAC channel by negative potentials. The results revealed that the alteration of Val102 develops voltage gating in the CRAC channel. Our data strongly suggest the presence of a novel voltage gating mechanism at the selectivity filter of the CRAC channel.
A computer aided optimal inventory selection system for continuous quality improvement in drug product manufacture

Abstract The multivariate interaction of the raw materials’ physical properties can be critical to the quality of the final drug product. Although an elegant solution to this problem is the establishment of multivariate specifications this becomes difficult (if not impossible) to implement when the interactions take place across materials that are sourced by different vendors. As an alternate solution, this work presents a feed-forward corollary approach to model predictive control (MPC) to improve the product quality from a lot-driven-operation; where there are no available manipulated variables (MV) in the process. In these special cases the only degree of freedom available to be used as a MV for control is the lot-to-lot variability in the raw materials. This work presents an extension to our earlier work (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2013, 52 (17), pp. 5934–5942) to consider a horizon of n lots to be manufactured. By considering this horizon of future lots (rather than just the next one) our method allows the discretionary use of all materials to ensure that the quality of all the future n lots is within specification. This paper presents a detailed discussion of the objective function used and also reports the results of implementing this method to the manufacture of a pharmaceutical drug product in a commercial manufacturing setting.
Applicability of the FASTBUS Standard to Distributed Control

The new FASTBUS standard has been designed to provide a framework for distributed processing in both experimental data acquisition and accelerator control. The features of FASTBUS which support distributed control are a priority arbitration scheme which allows intercrate as well as intracrate message flow between processors and slave devices; and a high bandwidth to permit efficient sharing of the data paths by high-speed devices. Sophisticated diagnostic aids permit system-wide error checking and/or correction. Software has been developed for large distributed systems. This consists of a system data base description, and initialization algorithms to allocate address space and establish preferred message routes. A diagnostics package is also being developed, based on an independent Ethernet-like serial link. The paper describes available hardware and software, on-going developments, and current applications.
Device Performance Trade-Offs Easily Explored Using New Software and Measurement Methodology

Trade-offs between linearity, gain, and efficiency are of paramount importance when designing linear power amplifiers for handsets and base stations employing digital modulation signals such as those used in systems employing CDMA or TDMA. Semiconductor device developers also need to understand these trade-offs to optimize device performance. Clearly device performance depends on several factors including bias, operating frequency, drive levels, and terminating impedances (load and source, fundamental and harmonic). All of these parameters varying independently create a multi-dimensional measurement and design space. A thorough search of this space must be undertaken to fully understand device trade-offs and determine peak performance. This examination of measurement space is non-trivial, due to the shear volume of data contained within. To that end, a new set of software utilities, coupled with a measurement methodology and an on-wafer load pull system have been integrated to fully map out the multi-dimensional measurement space.
Chemotherapy use and risk of bone marrow suppression in a large population-based cohort of older women with breast and ovarian cancer

We studied 65,521 women with breast cancer and 7,420 women with ovarian cancer aged ≥ 65 identified from the 16 areas of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program linked with Medicare data during 1991–2002. Bone marrow toxicity associated with chemotherapy was defined using diagnosis codes from Medicare inpatient, outpatient and physician claims. The time to event Cox regression was utilized to estimate the risk of bone marrow toxicity. Use of anthracyclines, taxanes or platinums was associated with increased risks of short- (≤3 months) and long-term (>3 months) anemia and neutropenia in patients with breast cancer. Alkylating agents or antimetabolites were additional significant predictors of anemia in women with ovarian cancer. Patients who received chemotherapy (irrespective of regimens) were twice (breast cancer) or three times (ovarian cancer) as likely to develop thrombocytopenia compared to those not receiving chemotherapy. Among women with breast cancer, patients receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil regimens (hazard ratio = 19.0, 95% CI = 11.2–32.5), platinum/taxane therapy (21.9, 11.9–40.4) or the cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and fluorouracil regimen (32.5, 19.6–53.9) were strongly associated with risk of aplastic anemia. There was a dose–response relationship between the use of taxane or platinum and the risk of bone marrow suppression, whereas the increased risk of bone marrow toxicity was consistently higher in those with use of alkylating agents or anthracycline-based regimens irrespective of the increasing number of cycles received. In conclusion, there was an association between chemotherapy use and clinical manifestations of bone marrow toxicities in a population-based setting.
Three proposals regarding a theory of chance

I argue that the theory of chance proposed by David Lewis has three problems: (i) it is time asymmetric in a manner incompatible with some of the chance theories of physics, (ii) it is incompatible with statistical mechanical chances, and (iii) the content of Lewis's Principal Principle depends on how admissibility is cashed out, but there is no agreement as to what admissible ev- idence should be. I proposes two modifications of Lewis's theory which resolve these diculties. I conclude by tentatively proposing a third modification of Lewis's theory, one which explains many of the common features shared by the chance theories of physics.
Is BCG an “Orphan” Drug Suffering from Chemotherapists’ Overkill?

AbstractModern interest in cancer immunotherapy emerged in 1969 following the pioneer reports of George Mathe on the effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in suppressing murine cancer and apparently increasing survival of children with acute lymphatic leukemia (1). Mathe employed intensive repeated weekly multisite scarifications with BCG during both the induction and maintenance phases of the steadily improving chemotherapy in vogue in the late 1960s. His favorable but uncontrolled studies stimulated a number of “historically controlled” trials of intensive heavy weekly BCG treatment. In the last eight years, at least 60 randomized controlled trials and many other nonrandomized studies have been completed. These employ diverse immunomodulators including various formulations of BCG (2) and BCG derivatives [BCG-MER, BCG cell wall skeletons (CWS)], as well as Corynebacterium parvumlevamisole, thymosin, poly A-poly U, and other agents. A vast array of confusing fragmentary observations and generally nonsi...
Ethylene oxide neurotoxicity: A cluster of 12 nurses with peripheral and central nervous system toxicity

Ethylene oxide (EO) is commonly used to sterilize heat-sensitive products used by hospital patients and personnel. Ethylene chlorohydrin (EC), a by-product, is considered highly toxic. We report a cluster of 12 operating-room nurses and technicians who developed symptoms after a 5-month exposure to high levels of EO and EC in disposable surgical gowns. All patients reported a rash on the wrist where contact was made with the gowns, headaches, and hand numbness with weakness. Ten of 12 patients complained of memory loss. Neurologic evaluation revealed neuropathy on examination in nine of the 12 patients, elevated vibration threshold in four of nine, abnormal pressure threshold in 10 of 11, atrophy on head MRI in three of 10, and neuropathy on conduction studies in four of 10. Neuropsychological testing demonstrated mild cognitive impairment in four of six patients. Sural nerve biopsy in the most severely affected patient showed findings of axonal injury. Several patients in this group display signs of peripheral and CNS dysfunction following exposure to EO. Possible mechanisms of neurotoxicity include direct exposure of peripheral nerves through cutaneous absorption and central involvement through inhalation and vascular dissemination. The frequency of central and peripheral nervous system symptoms, supported by objective testing in these EO-exposed patients, suggests other healthcare personnel may be at similar risk.
Discussion of the 2007 British Society for Rheumatology guidelines for management of ANCA-associated vasculitis

Discussion of the 2007 British Society for Rheumatology guidelines for management of ANCA-associated vasculitis
Correlation-based associative memory and its MOS implementation

We propose an associative memory based on minimization of a free-energy function determined by the library vectors to be stored. When the library vectors are bipolar, the energy function contains minima at the library vector location. The minima can be sought by search techniques such as gradient descent. Significantly, if the correlation nonlinearity is chosen to be sufficiently strong, then convergence occurs in a single step. We demonstrate how the algorithm can be implemented using MOS circuitry.
The phenogenetics of a temperature sensitive, autosomal dominant, female sterile gene inDrosophila melanogaster

Abstract Some of the morphogenetic effects ofFs(2)D, an autosomal mutation discovered by E. H. Grell, are described. The development of heterozygous flies was found to be retarded at higher temperatures. For example, at 20°C the wing morphology was normal, but at 25°C and 30°C the wing area of both males and females was reduced. At 30°C the developmental rate of female heterozygotes was slowed, and adults eclosed in numbers amounting to less than 0.1 of those observed at 20° or 25°C. Male heterozygotes were fertile; whereas females were sterile. At 25°C the number of egg chambers per ovariole was about 0.1 of that seen in wild-type females of equivalent age. About 0.1 of the egg chambers observed contained fewer than 16 cystocytes, and the majority of such chambers lacked an oocyte. Thus the multiplication of female germ cells seems to be inhibited. At 30°C the oviducts often failed to attach to the ovaries. A hypothesis is presented which accounts for the behavior of this dominant, temperature-sensitive, female-sterility gene.
Effect of Exercise on Electrocardiograms of Patients with Low Serum Potassium

Twelve adult patients (10 hypertensive and two normotensive) with low serum potassium levels but without electrocardiographic signs diagnostic of hypokalemia were subjected to nonstrenuous exercise. Electrocardiographic signs of hypokalemia appeared following exercise in all but the two hypertensive patients receiving digitalis. The severity of the changes and the duration correlated with the degree of hypokalemia present prior to exercise. The results were similar in the normotensive and hypertensive patients and in those made chronically or acutely hypokalemic. Following potassium repletion, exercise did not produce electrocardiographic changes of hypokalemia. The frequency with which S-T segment and T-wave changes occurred following exercise during potassium depletion suggested that hypokalemia can introduce an error in interpreting results of exercise tolerance tests in patients receiving thiazide compounds, when serum potassium is at the low normal or borderline level. These results may reflect intra...
Microwave Emission from n-Type Indium Antimonide at 4.2 and 77°K

Indium antimonide emits microwave noise when it is subjected simultaneously to parallel dc electric and magnetic fields whose values exceed certain thresholds. Comparison of the emission characteristics at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K with those at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K shows two major differences: (a) The threshold magnetic field at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is approximately half that at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. (b) With increasing magnetic field the emission at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is comprised of a background continuum upon which are superposed equally spaced resonant spikes; at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K the background continuum only is observed.
The island pedicle flap

Background. Surgical defects following the extirpation of cutaneous neoplasia may present challenges to the dermatologic surgeon. There are many repair options for an individual defect, including second-intention healing, primary closure, skin graft, and skin flap closure. The island pedicle flap is a random pattern advancement flap well suited to reconstruct a variety of small- to intermediate-sized soft tissue wounds. Objective. To review the utility of the island pedicle flap in reconstructive dermatologic surgery and to detail the operative technique to achieve reproducible functional and esthetic results. Methods. The method of flap reconstruction is presented. A variety of defects repaired with this technique are reviewed. Results. The subcutaneous island pedicle flap yielded excellent functional and cosmetic repair of the presented defects with minimal operative morbidity. Secondary to a well-preserved central vascular pedicle, complications are infrequent. Conclusions. The random pattern island pedicle flap is a versatile and robust flap used to repair a variety of soft tissue wounds in a single-stage procedure with reproducible operative outcomes.
Turkey Leucocytozoon Infection. 2. Cryobiologic Preservation of Leucocytozoon Smithi Sporozoites

Abstract Five different cryoprotective agents at various concentrations were evaluated for their effectiveness in preserving the infectivity of Leucocytozoon smithi sporozoites at low temperatures for an indefinite period of time as determined by the degree of parasitemia in inoculated turkey poults. Glycerol at concentrations of 10 and 5 percent, DMSO at 10 percent ethylene and trimethylene glycols at 2.5 percent, and propylene glycol at five percent when dissolved in medium 199 plus 10 percent fetal bovine serum yielded excellent sporozoite survival at a temperature of −196° C. When dissolved in medium 199 supplemented with 10 percent turkey serum, cryoprotection by those chemicals was less effective. In the absence of animal sera, sporozoite survival to freezing was very poor. Regardless of suspending media, all sporozoites frozen by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen lost their infectivity. No differences were observed in the parasite’s prepatent period, time of maximum gametocyte density, nor RBC count pattern between turkey poults infected with frozen, stored sporozoites and those infected with fresh unfrozen sporozoites from the same original stock.
Role of Sulfide Inclusions on Localized Corrosion of Ni200 in NaCl Solutions

Early stages of pitting corrosion in the vicinity of sulfide inclusions on Ni200 were observed by several techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, microelectrochemical cell, and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). These data provide information on the evolution of shape during early stages of dissolution along with elemental distribution over the surface, potentiodynamic behavior associated with individual inclusion sites, and the spatial/temporal distribution of local solution composition. It was found that pits were most likely to form near sulfur-rich inclusions, that a sulfurcontaining layer was formed on the walls of pits grown around such inclusions, and that the spatial distribution of the sulfur containing layer was dependent on fluid flow. The pitting potential exhibited a dependence upon the concentration of chloride and thiosulfate, as well as upon the presence of fluid flow, SECM data demonstrated that dissolved sulfur-containing species accumulated locally near sulfide inclusions before pitting began as well as during pit growth In the presence of fluid flow, sulfide inclusions exhibited sulfur-containing region (tail) on the downstream side, As flow rate increased, the pit tail became slimmer and longer, Pits with diameters less than about 5 μm did not exhibit a pit tail.
Scheduling and labour-assignment policies for a dual-constrained repair shop†

SUMMARY Priority-scheduling rules and labour-assignment policies are presented for a repair shop which supports a multiple-item repairable-inventory system with a hierarchical product structure. Results from earlier research are extended to machine- and labour-limited environments. Several scheduling rules, combined with two labour-assignment policies and two levels of labour-transfer control, are evaluated using a simulation model. The results indicate that the better priority scheduling rules in the machine-limited situation are also good in the dual-constrained situation. In addition, the better labour-assignment policy is shown to be a function of how often workers are available for reassignment.
A one-step model predictive control for modular multilevel converters

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) are two switching methods for Modular Mutlilevel Converter (MMC) presented in the literature [1], [2]. PWM switching cannot mitigate circulating currents in the converter bridges. An MPC method proposed in [2] compares all switching sequences and finds the optimal one to minimize the objective function (a weighted sum of the absolute values of the ac current deviation, capacitor voltage deviation, and the circulating current of the next time step). The computation effort is significant when the numbers of submodules increase. In this paper, a one-step model predictive control with minimum computing effort has been proposed to control the ac currents, keep the capacitor voltages nominal, and mitigate the circulating currents. The algorithm determines the ideal values of the lower-level and upper-level voltages on each phase based on the current state. The algorithm also determines which submodules to be switched on/off for the next time step according to the corresponding upper/lower current. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated via simulation in Matlab SimPowerSystems. The PWM and the proposed MPC are compared for their control effort and performance.
Microstructure and magnetic properties of CO2 laser surface melted Nd-Fe-B magnets

Abstract The near-surface microstructure and magnetic properties of permanent magnets produced from hot-pressed melt-spun ribbons of a Nd 0.13 Fe 0.81 B 0.06 alloy were modified by CO 2 laser beam melting. Self-quenching of the molten surface layer at an average cooling rate of ≈10 4 K/s resulted in a stratified structure consisting of a zone of large columnar grains between thinner layers of equiaxed grains. The resolidified material was comprised mostly of the magnetically hard Nd 2 Fe 14 B phase dispersed interdendritically among primary α-Fe dendrites. A small volume fraction of a fcc Nd-rich phase was also present. A solidification texture in the columnar zone resulted in alignment of the c -axis of the Nd 2 Fe 14 B phase, the direction of easiest magnetization, parallel to the surface of the sample. The magnetic properties of the resolidified layer were anisotropic. The magnetization was oriented parallel to the surface, in accordance with the preferred orientation of the Nd 2 Fe 14 B phase. Low coercivity in all directions (≈140Oe) was attributed to the relatively large grain size of the Nd 2 Fe 14 B phase and also to the amount of ferrite present.
Systematics of the North American desert species of Abronia and Tripterocalyx (Nyctaginaceae)

Differences in inflorescence maturation patterns, in the scar at the apex of the anthocarp after abscission of the upper portion of the perianth, and between receptacles give additional support for the recognition ofAbronia andTripterocalyx as separate genera. Keys, descriptions, and distribution of 11 species ofAbronia and three species ofTripterocalyx are given.
Structure of the Acetylene-Magnesium Binary Complex from Infrared Laser Spectroscopy in Helium Nanodroplets †

High-resolution infrared laser spectroscopy is used to study acetylene-magnesium complexes formed in helium nanodroplets. The rotational fine structure observed in the spectrum of the binary complex is well described by a gas-phase Hamiltonian and is used to determine that the structure is T-shaped, with the magnesium binding weakly to the triple bond of the acetylene. The binary complex has a dipole moment of 0.39 ( 5, as measured by Stark spectroscopy. Difference electron density maps reported herein reveal that this dipole moment arises from a strong polarization of the magnesium charge cloud by the quadrupole moment of the acetylene. Preliminary spectra are also reported for acetylene -Mgn (n ) 2, 3). Although these are not fully rotationally resolved, comparisons with ab initio calculations reported here provide some insights into the nature of these complexes.
Heap bio-oxidation and gold recovery at newmont mining: First-year results

Newmont Mining Corporation began commercial gold production using whole-ore bio-oxidation from Carlin Trend ores in 2000. Commercialization of the bio-oxidation process culminates a 12-year R&D project designed to recover gold from low-grade siliceous sulfidic refractory ores and low-grade sulfidic carbonaceous refractory. This paper outlines Newmont’s biomilling process and reviews data from the first year of commercial operation.
1709 SURFACTANT CHOLESTEROL AS RELATED TO RESPIRATORY DISTRESS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

The role of cholesterol in surfactant is poorly understood, but it is known to decrease lung surface-tension reducing properties in vitro. We studied lipid components of 24 tracheal aspirates from 16 mechanically ventilated infants, 29-36 wk gestation with respiratory distress (preterm A) and pharyngeal aspirates from 5 normal newborns. Mean airway pressure (Paw) was used as an index of noncompliant lung disease. Cholesterol (Chol) and phospholipids were quantified by thin-layer chromatography and reflectance densitometry. Surfactant of preterm A and normal infants was not significantly different except for diminished phosphatidylglycerol (PG). However, a subgroup of preterm A (preterm B; n=7) had mature lecithin:sphingomyelin ratios (L:S), but reversed lecithin:chol ratios (L:C). The data (±SEM) are as follows: Preterm B infants required 17.3% greater Paw than preterm A infants (9.63 ± 1.6 SEM vs 7.96 ± .6 SEM). Despite a mature L:S, some preterm infants had added lung disease requiring increased Paw when the relationship of Lec to Chol was reversed.
Centrifugal innervation of goldfish retina from ganglion cells of the nervus terminalis

Cobaltous-lysine was applied to one optic nerve of normal goldfish in order to determine the source of the centrifugal innervation of the retina. Cobalt-filled cells were not observed in the optic tectum, pretectum, thal-amus, or hypothalamus. However, filled cells were observed outside the central nervous system either interspersed between the olfactory nerve fibers orrostrally along the ventromedial aspect of the olfactory bulbs. These cells appear to correspond to the ganglion cells of the nervus terminalis. The cells were located bilaterally and had dendrites that branched in close proximity to the cell body and axons that coursed caudally through the medial olfactory tract. The axons traveled in the ventral forebrain and entered the optic tracts. The axons also gave off fine branches that appeared to terminate in the vicinity of the anterior commissure and in the preoptic region. Application of cobaltous-lysine to a cut olfactory tract resulted in cobalt-filled fibers in the optic tracts, retinal optic fiber layer, and retinal ganglion cell layer. However, the precise terminations of these fibers within the retina could not be readily established. The results are discussed with respect to the plethora of sources of retinopetal cells observed by others in fish and with respect to the innervation of the retina by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone axons.
Factor Rb activity in human plasma.

FACTOR Rb is a protein-like, heat-labile requirement of the nematode Rhabditis briggsae Dougherty and Nigon, 1949, for growth and reproduction under axenic conditions1,2; chick embryo and mammalian liver have been shown to be good sources of it, and some activity has previously been noted in human whole blood and plasma2.
HELICOPTER NOISE PREDICTIONS USING KIRCHHOFF METHODS

This paper presents two methods for predicting the noise from helicopter rotors in forward flight. Aerodynamic and acoustic solutions in the near field are computed with a finite-difference solver for the Euler equations. Two different Kirchhoff acoustics methods are then used to propagate the acoustic signals to the far field in a computationally-efficient manner. One of the methods uses a Kirchhoff surface that rotates with the rotor blades. The other uses a nonrotating Kirchhoff surface. Results from both methods are compared to experimental data for both high-speed impulsive noise and blade-vortex interaction noise. Agreement between experimental data and computational results is excellent for both cases. The rotating and nonrotating Kirchhoff methods are also compared for accuracy and efficiency. Both offer high accuracy with reasonable computer resource requirements. The Kirchhoff integrations efficiently extend the near-field finite-difference results to predict the far field helicopter noise.
Hierarchical Bayesian models for inverse problems in heat conduction

Stochastic inverse problems in heat conduction with consideration of uncertainties in the measured temperature data, temperature sensor locations and thermophysical properties are addressed using a Bayesian statistical inference method. Both parameter estimation and thermal history reconstruction problems, including boundary heat flux and heat source reconstruction, are studied. Probabilistic specification of the unknown variables is deduced from temperature measurements. Hierarchical Bayesian models are adopted to relax the prior assumptions on the unknowns. The use of a hierarchical Bayesian method for automatic selection of the regularization parameter in the function estimation inverse problem is discussed. In addition, the method explores the length scales in the estimation of thermal variables varying in space and time. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation is conducted to explore the high dimensional posterior state space. The methodologies presented are general and applicable to a number of data-driven engineering inverse problems.
The measurement of interfacial area and surface‐renewal rate in a bubble‐cap plate

It is shown how interfacial area and surface-renewal rate in a bubble-cap plate can be determined from absorption-rate measurements of CO2 into carbonate-bicarbonate solutions in which the pseudo-first-order rate constant is varied by catalysis. A method of measuring the rate of constants of the experimental solutions is also described. On demontre comment on peut determiner la surface interfaciale et la vitesse de renouvellement de la surface dans un plateau perfore en mesurant la vitesse d'absorption de l'anhydride carbonique dans des solutions de carbonate et bicarbonate ou l'on fait varier, par catalyse, la constante de vitesse de pseudo-premier ordre. On decrit aussi une methode pour mesurer les constantes de vitesse des solutions experimentales.
On the assessment of corporate productivity changes and their impact on financial performance

Abstract This paper explores desirable characteristics of a corporate productivity measure (CPM). Such a measure is defined and offered as an alternative to approaches presented in the literature. In addition, the accuracy of several productivity measures is explored and the CPM developed here is observed to be most precise. This finding is utilized to assess the dependency of profitability on productivity. For the sample firms a surprisingly low impact is observed, which demonstrates that productivity changes generally do not influence profitability to a high degree.
Enzymic degradation of fucoidan by enzymes from the hepatopancreas of abalone, Haliotus species

Abstract An α- l -fucosidase was partially purified from the hepatopancreas of abalone ( Haliotus sp.). This enzyme hydrolyzed the algal polymer fucoidan (α-1,2-fucoside 4-sulfate) but was incapable of degrading α- p -nitrophenyl- l -fucoside or blood group substance. The preparation was low in sulfatase activity toward fucoidan or fucose sulfate oligosaccharides, but did contain an active sulfatase for hydrolysis of p -nitrophenyl-sulfate. Our data indicate that this fucoidanase hydrolyzed fucoidan without desulfation to form oligosaccharides ranging from 10 to 2 fucose units plus the monosaccharide, fucose. Fucose could not be detected until late in the hydrolysis period, and sulfate release was not detectable during the first 4 hours of fucoidanase action. Properties of abalone fucoidanase such as pH, heat stability, pH profile, and enzyme and substrate concentration are reported.
Identification and quantitation of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) in human urine by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Application to five cases of intoxication

Identification of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) in five cases of intoxication using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of human urine is reported. A new water suppression technique PURGE (Presaturation Utilizing Relaxation Gradients and Echoes) was used. A calibration curve was obtained using spiked samples. The method gave a linear response (correlation coefficient of 0.992) over the range 0.01-1mg/mL. Subsequently, quantitation of the amount of MDMA present in the samples was performed. The benefit and reliability of NMR investigations of human urine for cases of intoxication with MDMA are discussed.
Association of elementary neurosecretory granules with the Golgi complex.

Electron microscope observations have been made on neurosecretory cells from the supraesophageal ganglion of the leech Theromyzon rude, from the pars intercerebralis of the cockroach Periplaneta americana, and from the preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus of the frog Rana pipiens. A consistent association was noted between Golgi membranes and elementary neurosecretory granules. The Golgi apparatus was generally more prominent in the invertebrate neurons than in the amphibian neurons.
Glomerular Effects of Pregnancy in a Model of Glomerulonephritis in the Rat

These studies were designed to investigate the functional and morphologic glomerular effects of pregnancy in a model of experimentally induced glomerulonephritis (GN) in the Munich-Wistar rat. Virgin and midterm (day 12) pregnant rats were studied during the autologous phase of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody GN and were compared with normal control virgin and pregnant rats. In this model of moderately intense GN, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and single-nephron GFR were not different from normal controls; however, glomerular micropuncture revealed that glomerular capillary blood pressure was elevated and the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient, K f was reduced in rats with GN compared with normal rats. In addition a substantial proteinuria was present, and there was morphologic evidence of a moderate and fairly uniform GN. The superimposition of pregnancy to midterm (11 to 13 days) had no effects on the proteinuria or glomerular morphology In rats with GN. Also, pregnancy did not further alter the increased glomerular blood pressure or reduced K f that occur in this model of GN. Despite the presence of an underlying glomerular disease, the maternal kidney was able to increase renal plasma flow. When underlying mild GN is present, 11 to 13 days of pregnancy does not appear to worsen the disease In the short term. Other studies are needed to determine the long-term renal effects of repeated pregnancy when underlying GN is present.
Teacher Identity: A Key to Increased Collaboration

Abstract Recognizing teacher collaboration as an important component of effective teacher leadership, the study reported on in this article examines three aspects of teacher identity-representation, preparation and dedication–as barriers to increased collaboration. Conducted using oral history interviews with eight recently retired public school teachers, the study reveals how teacher interpretations of their professional identity rest on underlying assumptions and normative beliefs broadly shaped by biography. Further, when these assumptions and beliefs are not shared or acknowledged by colleagues, they lead to critical attitudes which limit trust and prohibit meaningful collaboration.
Knemidokoptes mutans (Acari: Knemidocoptidae) in a Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

A routine examination of a captive juvenile great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus) revealed bilateral proliferative papillary hyperkeratosis on the feet. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings produced numerous mites identified as Knemidokoptes mutans. This is the first record of this parasite in a great-horned owl. A single dose of ivermectin (200 μg/kg) was effective in treatment of this infection.
BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF SURVIVING PARATHYROIDECTOMIZED DOGS

Although considerable attention has been attached to the treatment of tetany which occurs in the parathyroidectomized dog a few days after complete extirpation of these glands, very little work has been done on the factors which are responsible for the subsiding and gradual disappearance of this symptom complex. We felt that some attention should be paid to a study of the inorganic constituents of the blood of animals that had completely recovered from this tetany complex. Further, in connection with the more specific problem of the causes of lenticular cataract development in parathyroidectomized dogs, it was thought that analyses for blood sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chlorides should be made on these dogs which had survived the temporary period (30–60 days) after parathyroidectomy. Having in mind Jacque Loeb's classical experiments on the antagonism of salts, we were led to suspect that we would find in the blood of surviving parathyroidectomed animals in which the serum calci...
Introducing Agile Project Management Strategies in Technical and Professional Communication Courses

Technical and professional communicators spend a good deal of time managing teams and documentation projects, and their organizations are increasingly introducing new project management practices. ...
Pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: Report of two cases

Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased frequency of invasive aspergillosis. We report two cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients infected with HIV. Patients had less than 10 CD4 (helper cell) cells/mm3 (2/2), presented with fever (2/2), dyspnea (1/2), and abnormal chest radiograph (2/2). Diagnosis was established by transbronchial biopsy (1/2) and autopsy (1/2). Patients died in spite of treatment with intravenous deoxycholate amphotericin B. Prognosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among patients infected with HIV remains dismal, even with aggressive antifungal treatment.
A Legal Semiotics Vocabulary

The following are some of the most predominant concepts that can be found in a vocabulary of legal semiotics in practice. Semioticians debate the meaning and definition of these concepts inspired by linguistics, medicine, social sciences, politics and law. Notice, that those of them who focus on law and legal discourse do in the overwhelming majority of cases not practice law. Practitioners of law do in general not participate in this type of reflection.
Effects of Coaching on Teachers’ Use of Function-Based Interventions for Students With Severe Disabilities

This study used a delayed multiple-baseline across-participants design to analyze the effects of coaching on special education teachers’ implementation of function-based interventions with students...
Synthesis and characterization of uniformly dispersed Fe3O4/Fe nanocomposite on porous carbon: application for rechargeable Li–O2 batteries

Uniformly dispersed core-shelled Fe/Fe3O4 nanocomposite on porous carbon was synthesized via a wet-chemistry approach, which was tested as a cathode material in rechargeable Li–O2 battery, showing highly active catalytic effect towards the electrochemical reactions, of particular, oxygen reduction reaction. XPS data showed the oxygen reduction reaction took place on the surface of the catalyst during discharge of the cell. Both XRD and XPS data demonstrated that lithium peroxide partook in the reversible reactions in the Li–O2 cell with a TEGDME-based electrolyte.
Feminist Self-Fashioning Christine de Pizan and The Treasure of the City of Ladies

The idea of self-fashioning that Stephen Greenblatt presents in his book Renaissance Self-Fashioning can be very useful in an effort to understand Christine de Pizan's work. Specifically, a reading of The Treasure of the City of Ladies or The Book of the Three Virtues (1405) in the light of self-fashioning may help explain the book's intent. In writing The Treasure, Christine is often criticized for what appears to be a departure from her vigorous defense of women presented in The City of Ladies. The article argues, however, that quite the contrary is the case in the later book. Christine uses self-fashioning in The Treasure as a strategy of survival for herself and other women. For example, she frames an argument in which she casts the male literary establishment as well as the misogynistic texts produced by that establishment as Other. Consequently, what appears to be submission in The Treasure is really a textual strategy, a subversion which is aimed at giving women an identity and protecting them agai...
Genome-level evolution of resistance genes in Arabidopsis thaliana

Pathogen resistance genes represent some of the most abundant and diverse gene families found within plant genomes. However, evolutionary mechanisms generating resistance gene diversity at the genome level are not well understood. We used the complete Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequence to show that most duplication of individual NBS-LRR sequences occurs at close physical proximity to the parent sequence and generates clusters of closely related NBS-LRR sequences. Deploying the statistical strength of phylogeographic approaches and using chromosomal location as a proxy for spatial location, we show that apparent duplication of NBS-LRR genes to ectopic chromosomal locations is largely the consequence of segmental chromosome duplication and rearrangement, rather than the independent duplication of individual sequences. Although accounting for a smaller fraction of NBS-LRR gene duplications, segmental chromosome duplication and rearrangement events have a large impact on the evolution of this multigene family. Intergenic exchange is dramatically lower between NBS-LRR sequences located in different chromosome regions as compared to exchange between sequences within the same chromosome region. Consequently, once translocated to new chromosome locations, NBS-LRR gene copies have a greater likelihood of escaping intergenic exchange and adopting new functions than do gene copies located within the same chromosomal region. We propose an evolutionary model that relates processes of genome evolution to mechanisms of evolution for the large, diverse, NBS-LRR gene family.
Trombo aórtico debido a trombocitosis esencial: estrategias de tratamiento médico y quirúrgico

La trombocitosis esencial (TE) sigue siendo una causa excepcional de enfermedad tromboembolica aortica. Las opciones de tratamiento varian en funcion del estado fisiologico de la presentacion clinica (desde observacion y tratamiento medico hasta una intervencion quirurgica inmediata). Describimos un caso de TE que causo un “trash foot” (sindrome del dedo azul, microembolizacion masiva) a partir de un trombo aortico. Administramos al paciente un tratamiento citorreductor apropiado y, en ultimo termino, se sometio a la implantacion de un injerto de interposicion aortica. Se describen las diversas estrategias de tratamiento.
Carl Couch: Bridging Sociology and Communication

The article documents how Carl Couch used a sociological approach to conceptualize, analyze, and interpret the communication phenomena studied. It is argued that Couch’s analyses offered a thorough sociological discussion and comprehensive understanding of communication issues by relating them to the study of social relationships. One major contribution of Couch’s works in communication is his analyses of information technologies. Couch demonstrated the reciprocal relationships between information technologies and social structures. He corrected the technological deterministic flaw in Harold Innis’ and Marshall McLuhan’s work to demonstrate the interface between information technologies and social structures. To further illustrate the insights of Couch’s theses, a study of the experiences of college students with Walkman listening and another study of the Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers’ Club are considered.
Early growth response protein 1 binds to the luteinizing hormone-beta promoter and mediates gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated gene expression.

The hypothalamic neuropeptide, GnRH, regulates the synthesis and secretion of LH from pituitary gonadotropes. Furthermore, it has been shown that the LH b-subunit gene is regulated by the transcription factors steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) in vitro and in vivo. The present study investigated the roles played by Egr1 and SF-1 in regulating activity of the equine LHb-subunit promoter in the gonadotrope cell line, aT3‐1, and the importance of these factors and cis-acting elements in regulation of the promoter by GnRH. All four members of the Egr family were found to induce activity of the equine promoter. The region responsible for induction by Egr was localized to the proximal 185 bp of the promoter, which contained two Egr response elements. Coexpression of Egr1 and SF-1 led to a synergistic activation of the equine (e)LHb promoter. Mutation of any of the Egr or SF-1 response elements attenuated this synergism. Endogenous expression of Egr1 in aT3‐1 cells was not detect