cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic Marrow Transplantation for Myelodysplastic Syndrome Complicating Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation

A patient with refractory relapsed Hodgkin's disease underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant in July 1987 and achieved remission of Hodgkin's disease. He had complete hematological recovery but developed pancytopenia 3 years post bone marrow transplantation with morphological evidence of myelodysplasia. High-dose cyclophosphamide, 200 mg/kg, chemotherapy followed by an allogeneic bone marrow transplant from a HLA-matched sibling was performed in April 1991 with complete hematological recovery. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation was thus used successfully to treat a potential complication of autologous bone marrow transplantation.
Regulation of Angiotensin II–induced Neuromodulation by MARCKS in Brain Neurons

Angiotensin II (Ang II) exerts chronic stimulatory actions on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH), and the norepinephrine transporter (NET), in part, by influencing the transcription of their genes. These neuromodulatory actions of Ang II involve Ras-Raf-MAP kinase signal transduction pathways (Lu, D., H. Yang, and M.K. Raizada. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 135:1609-1617). In this study, we present evidence to demonstrate participation of another signaling pathway in these neuronal actions of Ang II. It involves activation of protein kinase C (PKC)beta subtype and phosphorylation and redistribution of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) in neurites. Ang II caused a dramatic redistribution of MARCKS from neuronal varicosities to neurites. This was accompanied by a time-dependent stimulation of its phosphorylation, that was mediated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor subtype (AT1). Incubation of neurons with PKCbeta subtype specific antisense oligonucleotide (AON) significantly attenuated both redistribution and phosphorylation of MARCKS. Furthermore, depletion of MARCKS by MARCKS-AON treatment of neurons resulted in a significant decrease in Ang II-stimulated accumulation of TH and DbetaH immunoreactivities and [3H]NE uptake activity in synaptosomes. In contrast, mRNA levels of TH, DbetaH, and NET were not influenced by MARKS-AON treatment. MARCKS pep148-165, which contains PKC phosphorylation sites, inhibited Ang II stimulation of MARCKS phosphorylation and reduced the amount of TH, DbetaH, and [3H]NE uptake in neuronal synaptosomes. These observations demonstrate that phosphorylation of MARCKS by PKCbeta and its redistribution from varicosities to neurites is important in Ang II-induced synaptic accumulation of TH, DbetaH, and NE. They suggest that a coordinated stimulation of transcription of TH, DbetaH, and NET, mediated by Ras-Raf-MAP kinase followed by their transport mediated by PKCbeta-MARCKS pathway are key in persistent stimulation of Ang II's neuromodulatory actions.
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PATTERNS IN THE DIFFUSION OF PUBLIC POLICIES

The possibility that the American states will emulate the policy adoptions of their neighbors has been suggested in the literature on policy outputs of the states. The present study compares times of adoptions for 47 policies for all pairs of neighboring states and identifies the regional leaders present. The patterns of regional leadership changed over time, becoming less pronounced from the pre-World War I era, to the period between the wars, to the post-World War II era. Still, there were distinctive patterns of regional leadership, and cuetaking among the American states is a factor in the spread of policies.
The role of the translation table in cardiac image display

No translation table is perfect. Some tables can assist in the identification of defects by highlighting contrast in the image, with either different color scales or gammas. However, this runs the risk of decreasing specificity and increasing the number of false-positive findings. Tables like this will tend to emphasize defects at certain points on the table, usually where there is a color change, and will create the perception of a change at that point, whereas changes of similar magnitude at other points will be much less apparent. A purist would make the argument that the reader, not the image display parameters, should be what determines whether a study is normal or abnormal and would argue for the use of a linear gray scale, the translation table that most faithfully reflects the uptake on different parts of the image. However, there is no one correct table to use; rather, it is more a matter of preference and familiarity. The reader must be aware that the image will appear differently on different translation tables and with color scales and should proceed cautiously when viewing an image on an unfamiliar translation table or with unfamiliar medium. These differences strongly support the case for using image quantitation, because it is the actual numbers, representing counts of radiotracer distribution, that constitute the image and are the most objective determinant as to whether a defect is real or not. If the reader is aware of this and is able to incorporate quantitation in the final interpretation, then he or she is more likely to make the correct interpretation.
The Impact of Representative Bureaucracies: Educational Systems and Public Policies

Studies of representative bureaucracies are staples of public administration research; however, because of a variety of methodological problems, too few have been able to address the basic "so what?" question. Do bureaucracies with different levels of representativeness produce different policy outputs and have different policy impacts? Our research addresses these inquiries using data from the 67 public school districts in Florida. The analysis shows that when we focus on (a) bureaucrats who exercise discretion, (b) a demographic factor with a lasting impact-race, and (c) policy measures that are clearly salient to the chosen demographic factor, we can detect the relationships between bureaucratic representation and public policy outputs and outcomes. We particularly highlight the representativeness of "street-level" bureaucrats (in this case, teachers). Thus, the issue of representation in public bureaucracies possesses more than just symbolic importance.
Quantifying the mineralization of contaminants using stable carbon isotope ratios

Current techniques used to monitor in situ degradation of organic contaminants require time intervals of days to months to measure significant changes in concentration. In addition, these methods are unable to monitor mineralization or measure absolute degradation of complex mixed wastes. The ability to continuously and definitively monitor mineralization (conversion to CO2 and H2O) would greatly enhance the ability to study the fate of contaminants. The objectives of this study were to show that in environments with appropriate background δ13C signatures, simultaneous measurement of CO2 production and δ13C signatures of the produced CO2 will allow both the quantification and qualification of contaminant mineralization. In laboratory microcosm studies the mineralization of hexadecane was monitored by both traditional 14C radiorespirometry techniques and by measuring the δ13C ratio and total amount of produced CO2. The total mass of hexadecane mineralized determined by each technique was statistically the same. More importantly, the first order rate constants calculated from the respective mineralization curves were virtually identical. These results indicate that stable carbon isotope ratios are an appropriate means of monitoring aerobic mineralization of contaminants in environments in which differences in δ13C ratios exist between contaminant and natural organic matter.
BELT AGGREGATES IN HIGH-SPEED TEXTURING

In this paper the performance of the false twist texturing process is investigated. The analysis deals with false twisting systems employing belt aggregates. Theoretical analyses are compared with experimental values run at texturing speeds in the range of 800 m/min. The application of belt-twisting as an aggregate is analyzed and its feasibility as an efficient twisting element is discussed. The analysis shows the changes in yarn tension and twist level as a function of the B/Y ratios (belt to yarn speeds) and belt angle. Experimental results were found to agree fairly well with the predicted analysis.
Investigation of the Natural Convection Boundary Condition in Microfabricated Structures

Heat loss through surrounding air has important thermal effect on microfabricated structures. This effect is generally modeled as a natural convection boundary condition. However, how to determine the convective coefficient (h) at microscales is a debate. In this paper, a micro heater is fabricated on a suspended thin film membrane. The natural convection is investigated using the 3-omega measurements and complex analytical modeling. It is found that h seems larger than that at larger scales; however, it is also proved that the increased h is actually contributed by heat conduction instead of heat convection. A method of determining the phenomenal h that can be used for microfabricated structures is proposed by using the heat conduction shape factor.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Recognizing Potential Buprenorphine Medication Misuse: Product Packaging Does Not Degrade With Laundering.

ABSTRACTBackground: Expanded office-based buprenorphine opioid dependence treatment is associated with medication misuse and diversion consequences. Recurrent early refill requests may indicate misuse or diversion, although further research is needed on how to effectively recognize and address the issue in clinical practice. In the current study, patient report of damaged medication from laundering prompted evaluation of laundering on degradation of buprenorphine-containing product packages and contents. Methods: Four buprenorphine product packaging approaches were assessed: 3 buprenorphine/naloxone placebo demonstration products (Suboxone and Bunavail film in foil wrappers and Zubsolv tablet in a blister pack) and Rexam-manufactured Screw-Loc closure pill container filled with a chewable aspirin as a surrogate for generic buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone products. Two experimental laundering conditions, wash machine alone (W) and washer/dryer (W+D), were compared with unlaundered control (C) cond...
High-resolution liquid chromatographic analysis of methylated purine and pyrimidine bases in transfer RNA

Abstract Methylated and major purine and pyridine bases were separated and quantified by high-resolution liquid chromatography after hydrolyzing transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs). Separation was accomplished by eluting the h ydrolyzed samples from an anion-exchange column with a concentration gradient of ammonium acetate at pH 9.2. Isolated samples of tRNA were hydrolyzed to the free bases with a triluoroacetic acid-formic acid mixture at 200°. Detection limits of 100–200 ng/ml were measured for the methylated bases; analytical data are reported for ten methylated bases plus the four major bases of calf liver and rat liver tRNA.
Religiousness, Religious Orientation, and Attitudes Towards Gays and Lesbians1

Two studies are reported that examine the relationships among religiousness, religious orientation, and prejudice toward gays and lesbians. Study 1 reports the results of a survey done for the purposes of scientific jury selection. These results suggest that Baptists, fundamentalists, and “Christians” display more antigay prejudice than do Catholics, Jews, and many Protestant denominations, but even many supporters of gay-tolerant religions show more antigay prejudice than those claiming no religious preference. Among those with a religious preference, frequency of worship is significantly related to antigay prejudice among those belonging to antigay denominations, but not among those belonging to more gay tolerant religious faiths. Study 2 reports the results of a study of college students regarding religiousness, religious orientation, and prejudice toward gays and lesbians. Results showed that self reported religiousness, frequency of worship, and Batson's internal and external scales were all positively correlated with measures of prejudice toward gays and lesbians, whereas scores on the Quest (Interactional) scale were negatively correlated. Results of both studies strongly challenge the view that those with an intrinsic religious orientation are unprejudiced. It is argued that a social influence process can account for the role played by religious practice and beliefs in creating and maintaining negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians.
The effectiveness of electronic monitoring with violent male parolees

Research on electronic monitoring (EM) has ignored its effectiveness with high-risk, violent offenders. This article examines the effectiveness of using EM as a supervision tool for violent male parolees by comparing those who were mandated to such supervision who were released in fiscal year 1996 (N = 128) to a random sample who did not receive such supervision who were released in fiscal year 1995 (N = 158). Effectiveness was assessed by examining return to prison and time to failure within four years of release. The results indicated that, after controlling for relevant demographic and criminal history variables, EM had no direct effect on the likelihood of recommitment to prison or time until failure. Parolees who reported drug problems and those with lower parole-success likelihood scores were more likely to fail and to fail more quickly. Sex offenders on EM were less likely to return to prison than those not on EM, and those on EM who eventually returned to prison remained in the community longer th...
Evaluating U.S. oil security and import reliance

Abstract We examine the literature that considers the consequences of U.S. reliance on imported oil. We take an approach that covers many ideas about the costs arising from U.S. reliance on imported oil, and we identify which of those ideas have broad support in the economics literature and which ideas have only limited support. We also quantify the costs of U.S. reliance on imported oil using two approaches. One is fairly narrow, conforms to the economics view of externalities, and yields small cost estimates. The other is relatively expansive, is favored by some policy analysts, and yields much larger cost estimates. We estimate these costs as expected U.S. economic losses over a time horizon from 2010 through 2035, while taking into account world oil market conditions, market power, probable oil supply disruptions, and the oil-market response to those supply disruptions.
Tape-reversal bounded turing machine computations

This paper studies the classification of recursive sets by the number of tape reversals required for their recognition on a two-tape Turing machine with a one-way input tape. This measure yields a rich hierarchy of tape-reversal limited complexity classes and their properties and ordering are investigated. The most striking difference between this and the previously studied complexity measures lies in the fact that the ''speed-up'' theorem does not hold for slowly growing tape-reversal complexity classes. These differences are discussed, and several relations between the different complexity measures and languages are established.
Isolation and characterization of a bile acid inducible 7α-dehydroxylating operon in Clostridium hylemonae TN271

Abstract Primary bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, conjugated to either glycine or taurine and secreted into bile. Bile salts undergo enterohepatic circulation several times each day. During this process, they are biotransformed into a variety of metabolites by gut bacteria. The major biotransformation is the 7α-dehydroxylation of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid yielding deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid, respectively. 7α-Dehydroxylation is a multi-step pathway. The genes encoding enzymes in this pathway have been identified in two species of “high” activity strains of clostridia. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a bile acid inducible (bai) operon in Clostridium hylemonae , a “low” activity 7α-dehydroxylating strain. The gene organization and sequence of the baiBCDEFGHI operon was highly conserved between C. hylemonae and “high” activity strains. Surprisingly, the baiA gene was missing from the bai operon of C. hylemonae . The baiA gene was isolated using PCR and degenerate oligonucleotide primers. The mRNA start site for the large bai operon was determined and shown to be only 11 bp from the initiation codon of the first gene. It was also discovered that allocholic acid (5α) induced the bai operon and stimulated the conversion of [24- 14 C] cholic acid to [24- 14 C] allodeoxycholic acid in cultures of C. scindens and C. hylemonae allodeoxycholic acid. Finally, it was discovered that the addition of testosterone to the growth medium markedly increased 7α-dehydroxylation of cholic acid in Clostridium scindens and C. hylemonae . We hypothesize that testosterone may be a gratuitous inducer of genes involved in the reductive arm of the bile acid 7α-dehydroxylation pathway.
Comparison of BD Surepath and ThinPrep Pap systems in the processing of mucus-rich specimens.

BACKGROUND: Excessive mucus, as well as blood and inflammation, can be problematic in the processing and screening of liquid-based cervical Pap preparations by interfering in the process of cell retrieval onto specimen filters or slides. This study compares the capacity of the BD SurePath and ThinPrep liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) tests to handle mucus-laden specimens. METHODS: A 100 μL volume of pooled cervical epithelial cells was added to BD SurePath and ThinPrep liquid Pap test vials. Aliquots of cervical mucus that had been collected and pooled from previously processed mucus-rich Pap specimens were added to each series of test vials in amounts of 250 μL, 500 μL, 1000 μL, and 2000 μL. The vials were then routinely processed on their respective instruments and the test slides evaluated for cellularity of the squamous cell component. RESULTS: The BD SurePath test specimens showed no reduction of the squamous cell component resulting from the addition of any of the aliquots of mucus. The ThinPrep test specimens showed a marked loss of cellularity upon the addition of the first aliquot of mucus, with large areas of the filters showing nearly complete absence of squamous cells. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive mucus remains a potentially limiting factor in the ThinPrep Pap system. This appears to be the result of direct obstruction of the filtration membrane causing a markedly diminished retrieval of squamous epithelial cells and potentially impacting disease detection. The BD SurePath system, conversely, manages mucus by a cell enrichment process, which results in undiminished cell recovery as observed in this study's test conditions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
There is no such thing as leadership, revisited

Purpose – This essay reflects a profound sense of frustration with the concept of leadership and the enormous and every increasing body of research and pontification about it. Given the ongoing failure to define leadership as a coherent construct, it aims to argue that continuing along this omni‐directional path is not likely to produce anything truly useful for those who study, teach about or work in organizations; rather, abandoning the concept altogether and emphasizing a focus on improving decision making in organizations may prove more fruitful.Design/methodology/approach – Looks at different concepts of leadership and the enormous and ever‐increasing body of research and pontification about it.Findings – In the end, however, the author believes that we are mostly left with endless discussions and perspectives of a word that simply sounds better. We seem to remain intent on calling almost everything leadership – but, if everything is leadership, then logically nothing is leadership.Originality/value ...
Furcula, a major component of the hymenopterous venom apparatus ☆

Abstract This report represents observations from a 15 yr investigation of the furcula in hymenopterous insects. Significance of the furcula as one of the major sclerites in sting manipulation is emphasized. Support for the origin of the furcula from the base of gonapophyses from sternite 9 is based chiefly on the muscular associations present in the Symphyta, ectoparasitic and endoparasitic Terebrantia and aculeates. Loss of the furcula has occurred along with a modification of the defensive system in a number of aculeates. However, a structure representing the old furcula persists in social hymenopterans that Have phyletically lost their ability to sting. Even with significant reduction of venom apparatus sclerites, the furcula is represented in remnant form and retains its association with at least part of the musculature present in the most primitive forms of Hymenoptera.
A numerical investigation of diffuse images for effective defect detection

Numerical simulation is a flexible, practical tool for efficiently investigating machine vision hardware/software configurations for myriad industrial applications and can significantly reduce the engineering time necessary to design and implement a system. In this paper, physically accurate image synthesis is used to investigate the ability of diffuse angle images to detect topographical defects reliably in smooth, highly specular coatings; a specular-plus-diffuse reflectance model provides the scientific underpinning for this hypothesis. The specific results presented in this study show that diffuse images of topographical defects yield high-contrast grey-scale images compared with diffuse images of similar coatings without topographical defects, facilitating effective defect detection and providing a foundation for characterizing the severity of defects present in a given region.
Inorganic–organic fiber sizings for enhanced energy absorption in glass fiber-reinforced composites intended for structural applications

Abstract Achieving high impact energy absorption without loss of structural performance in a glass fiber-reinforced composite can be obtained through a “materials by design” approach of the fiber matrix interphase through modification of current commercially formulated silane-based fiber sizing packages. In this paper, we document our attempt to balance the structural and impact performance of glass-reinforced composites produced using a fiber-sizing package composed of mixed silane coupling agents to vary the reactivity of the fiber with the matrix phase. Additionally, enhancement of post-failure energy absorption through increased frictional dissipation during fiber–matrix pull-out was explored through control of the surface roughness of the glass fibers. A unique inorganic–organic hybrid fiber sizing formulation was successfully applied at a commercial E-glass manufacturing facility to produce rovings as well as woven fabric reinforcements. Composite materials were manufactured using these specialized fabrics and the preliminary structural and impact energy responses of these materials have been measured.
The early cellular pathology of Huntington's disease.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects about one in 10,000 individuals in North America. The genetic defect responsible for the disease is an expansion of a CAG repeat that encodes a polyglutamine tract in the expressed protein, huntingtin. The disease is characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive impairment, and emotional disturbance. Despite the widespread expression of huntingtin, the brains of HD patients show selective neuronal loss in the striatum and the deep layers of the cerebral cortex. Recent studies have shown that polyglutamine expansion causes huntingtin to aggregate, to accumulate in the nucleus, and to interact abnormally with other proteins. Several cellular and animal models for HD have revealed that intranuclear accumulation of mutant huntingtin and the formation of neuropil aggregates precede neurological symptoms and neurodegeneration. Intranuclear huntingtin may affect nuclear function and the expression of genes important for neuronal function, whereas neuropil aggregates may interfere with neuritic transport and function. These early pathological events, which occur in the absence of neurodegeneration, may contribute to the neurological symptoms of HD and ultimately lead to neuronal cell death.
Intercalation of oxygen and water molecules in pentacene crystals: First-principles calculations

Defect formation processes in semiconductors play an important role in controlling structural, electronic and transport properties. Here, we report the results of first-principles calculations of defect formation by oxygen and water molecules in a pentacene (Pn) molecular crystal, a prototypical system in organic electronics. We find that for both species, it is energetically favorable to enter Pn. The most stable defect structures resulting from ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ intercalation and dissociation are either O complexes or single-O configurations. A special case is an intermolecular O bridge with levels in the energy gap of Pn, $0.33--0.40\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ above the valence-band maximum. In contrast to ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ molecules stay preferably intact between layers.
Genetic detection and quantification of Nosema apis and N. ceranae in the honey bee.

The incidence of nosemosis has increased in recent years due to an emerging infestation of Nosema ceranae in managed honey bee populations in much of the world. A real-time PCR assay was developed to facilitate detection and quantification of both Nosema apis and N. ceranae in both single bee and pooled samples. The assay is a multiplexed reaction in which both species are detected and quantified in a single reaction. The assay is highly sensitive and can detect single copies of the target sequence. Real-time PCR results were calibrated to spore counts generated by standard microscopy procedures. The assay was used to assess bees from commercial apiaries sampled in November 2008 and March 2009. Bees from each colony were pooled. A large amount of variation among colonies was evident, signifying the need to examine large numbers of colonies. Due to sampling constraints, a subset of colonies (from five apiaries) was sampled in both seasons. In November, N. apis levels were 1212 ± 148 spores/bee and N. ceranae levels were 51,073 ± 31,155 spores/bee. In March, no N. apis was detected, N. ceranae levels were 11,824 ± 6304 spores/bee. Changes in N. ceranae levels were evident among apiaries, some increasing and other decreasing. This demonstrates the need for thorough sampling of apiaries and the need for a rapid test for both detection and quantification of both Nosema spp. This assay provides the opportunity for detailed study of disease resistance, infection kinetics, and improvement of disease management practices for honey bees.
Thirty Years of ROPPA: Past Trends and Future Prospects

In the fall of 1980, the inaugural issue of the Review of Public Personnel Administration was published. This symposium celebrates the 30-year anniversary of ROPPA. The articles in the symposium look back and forward to take stock of the current state of the public human resource management (HRM) field. This introduction reviews publishing trends in the journal over the past 30 years, including the contributions of editors and authors, the subject matter of articles published in the journal, the most frequent contributors, and the Review of Public Personnel Administration’s impact. The introduction concludes with highlights from the five articles appearing in this symposium and their focus on critical issues in the field, including a strategic research agenda for HRM, workforce diversity, performance-based pay, labor—management relations, and public HRM education.
Cooperation between PKC-α and PKC-ε in the regulation of JNK activation in human lung cancer cells ☆

Abstract Phorbol esters can induce activation of two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Unlike ERK activation, JNK activation by phorbol esters is somehow cell-specific. However, the mechanism(s) that contribute to the cell-specific JNK activation remain elusive. In this study, we found that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced JNK activation only in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, but not in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, whereas ERK activation was detected in both cell types. In NSCLC cells, PMA induced JNK activation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. JNK activation was attenuated by protein kinase C (PKC) down-regulation through prolonged pre-treatment with PMA and significantly inhibited by PKC inhibitors Go6976 and GF109203X. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that PMA induced translocation of PKC-α, -βII, and -e isoforms, but not PKC-δ, from the cytosol to the membrane. Analysis of various PKC isoforms revealed that PKC-e was exclusively absent in the SCLC cell lines tested. Ectopic expression of PKC-e in SCLC cells restored PMA activation of JNK signaling only in the presence of PKC-α, suggesting that PKC-α and PKC-e act cooperatively in regulating JNK activation in response to PMA. Furthermore, using dominant negative mutants and pharmacological inhibitors, we define that a putative Rac1/Cdc42/PKC-α pathway is convergent with the PKC-e/MEK1/2 pathway in terms of the activation of JNK by PMA.
Regulation of thick ascending limb transport: role of nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. In the kidney, NO reduces renal vascular resistance, increases glomerular filtration rate, alters renin releas...
Update on shaken baby syndrome: ophthalmology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Shaken baby syndrome is a common problem with a high morbidity and mortality. Ophthalmologists help manage this condition and therefore must keep abreast of current advances. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical updates include the discovery that retinal folds and traumatic retinoschisis can very rarely occur after crush head injury, but remain specific for shaken baby syndrome in other scenarios. Pathology updates include new studies on orbital histology and woodpecker anatomy that suggest the retinal and optic nerve hemorrhages in shaken baby syndrome are caused by shaking itself rather than secondary to intracranial pathology. Regarding this shaking injury, some primary prevention strategies have proven surprisingly effective. In the near future, serum biomarkers may be used as a screening tool for inflicted neurotrauma. Animal models such as the neonatal pig and computer models using finite element analysis are promising experimental techniques for studying shaken baby syndrome. Finally, child abuse recently became an accredited subspecialty of pediatrics, which will lead to further advances in patient care, education, research and prevention. SUMMARY: Ophthalmologists play a key role in the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. In addition, they are in a unique position to study ophthalmic aspects of the syndrome, which in turn furthers the overall understanding of this devastating condition. Language: en
Permutation modules over table algebras and applications to association schemes

Abstract Inspired by the notion of an action of a finite hypergroup on a finite set we introduce the more general concept of a permutation module over a table algebra. It is easy to see that each permutation module over a table algebra is a direct sum of transitive permutation modules. Among the transitive permutation modules the w-maximal and the maximal permutation modules are the most interesting ones. We give various characterizations of these modules, and we shall see that a standard table algebra admits a maximal transitive permutation module if and only if it arises from a finite association scheme. We also show that the regular module of a standard table algebra is isomorphic to a direct summand of each w-maximal transitive permutation module. As a consequence, one obtains χ ( 1 ) ⩽ m χ for any irreducible character χ of the Bose–Mesner algebra of a finite association scheme and its multiplicity m χ .
Experimental Infections with Group A Streptococci in Humans

Experimental inoculation of 7 strains of Group A streptococci failed to result in either colonization or infection of normal intact skin of human volunteers. All strains rapidly died on normal skin; suppression of the resident microflora did not affect survival and no difference in survival was seen between inoculation on lipid-rich and lipid-poor body areas. Inoculation on skin damaged by superficial scarification resulted in localized infections when 1 × 10 4 or more organisms were inoculated into the wound by rubbing and covered with an impermeable plastic film. Intradermal inoculation resulted in localized cellulitis, regional lymphadenopathy, and fever. All strains were equally effective in producing localized infections in scarified skin.
Broadband microstrip-to-CPS and microstrip-to-CPW transitions using composite right/left-handed metamaterial transmission lines

A broadband microstrip-to-coplanar strip (CPS) and a microstrip-to-coplanar waveguide (CPW) transition, both employing composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission line (TL) technology are presented. These metamaterial lines are known to possess unique ‘backward wave’ characteristics. The transition design concept is based on taking advantage of controlling the phase slope and offset of the CRLH-TL. The pairing of a microstrip delay line and the CRLH-TL has a broadband out-of-phase characteristic, thus enabling the broadband transition between microstrip and CPS. A 3 dB insertion loss bandwidth of 85% was achieved for a back-to-back microstrip-to-CPS transition. A broadband microstrip-to-CPW transition is implemented by adding one microstrip delay line at both sides parallel to a CRLH-TL. A 3 dB insertion loss bandwidth of 95% was obtained experimentally. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed microstrip-to-CPS transition, a modified quasi-Yagi antenna is built and tested. An impedance bandwidth of 65% was obtained, showing a 15% bandwidth enhancement over the original antenna.
Development of One-Dimensional Band Structure in Artificial Gold Chains

The ability of a scanning tunneling microscope to manipulate single atoms is used to build well-defined gold chains on NiAl(110). The electronic properties of the one-dimensional chains are dominated by an unoccupied electron band, gradually developing from a single atomic orbital present in a gold atom. Spatially resolved conductance measurements along a 20-atom chain provide the dispersion relation, effective mass, and density of states of the free electron-like band. These experiments demonstrate a strategy for probing the interrelation between geometric structure, elemental composition, and electronic properties in metallic nanostructures.
Prioritising purchasing development in small and medium sized enterprises

The purposes of this study are to obtain information about the current status of purchasing development in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to examine the relationship between the level of purchasing development and the purchasing performance, and to determine which purchasing development components are more related to their purchasing performance. This study found that the level of purchasing development is related to the purchasing performance of SMEs. Beyond that, certain components of purchasing development are identified as being more relevant than others to this relationship.
Cholesterol efflux from bovine sperm. I. Induction of the acrosome reaction with lysophosphatidylcholine after reducing sperm cholesterol

Methods were developed to quantitatively reduce the cholesterol (Chol)/phospholipid (PL) ratio of bovine sperm and to determine the effectiveness of this treatment in capacitating sperm. Washed sperm (2 x 10(8)) were incubated in 1.0 ml of modified Tyrode's solution (TS) containing unilamellar liposomes of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and [14C]-Chol (35:35:30 molar ratio, 300 nmol total PL). [3H]-triolein was included as a nonexchangeable marker. After 90 min at 39 degrees C, a 13% net exchange of [14C]-Chol from liposomes to sperm was observed (n = 4), and sperm motility was 80%. Sperm were then washed and 50 x 10(6) sperm were incubated as before with PC/PE liposomes containing no Chol. After 90 min, sperm were separated from liposomes by centrifugation. Measurement of [14C]-Chol in the liposomes (supernatant) and parallel gas chromatographic analysis of extracted, saponified liposomes (n = 4) indicated that 30% of sperm Chol was removed by this procedure. Chol efflux decreased percent motile sperm by less than 10% but reduced sperm velocity by more than 50%. Sperm incubated with no liposomes (control), with liposomes containing Chol (+Chol), and with Chol-free liposomes (-Chol) were washed and resuspended in TS with 0.2% BSA and 30 micrograms lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)/mg bovine serum albumin (BSA). Percent sperm undergoing the acrosome reaction (AR) upon incubation with LPC-BSA was used as a measure of sperm capacitation. After 60 min of exposure to LPC-BSA at 39 degrees C, the mean (+/- SE) percent motile sperm for control, +Chol, and -Chol treatments was 57.0 +/- 4.9, 60.0 +/- 4.7, and 57.0 +/- 6.8, respectively. Corresponding values for percent AR were 14.0 +/- 3.4, 20.3 +/- 4.4, and 39.7 +/- 1.2. These results suggest that loss of Chol from bovine sperm may be an early step in sperm capacitation in this species.
Polarized spin and valley transport across ferromagnetic silicene junctions

We study ballistic transport of Dirac fermions through silicene barriers, of width d, with an exchange field M and metallic gates above them that provide tunable potentials of height U. Away from the Dirac point (DP), the spin- and valley-resolved conductances, as functions of U, exhibit resonances and close to it a pronounced dip that becomes a transport gap when an appropriate electric field Ez is applied. The charge conductance gc of such a junction changes from oscillatory to a monotonically decreasing function of d beyond a critical Ez. This change of gc can be used to realize electric-field-controlled switching. The field M splits each resonance of gc in two spin-resolved peaks. The spin ps and valley pv polarizations of the current near the DP increase with Ez or M and become nearly perfect above certain of their values. We also show that ps and pv can be inverted either by reversing the polarity of U or the direction of M. For two barriers, there is no splitting in gc when the fields M are in oppo...
Agnostic particle tracking for three-dimensional motion of cellular granules and membrane-tethered bead dynamics.

The ability to detect biological events at the single-molecule level provides unique biophysical insights. Back-focal-plane laser interferometry is a promising technique for nanoscale three-dimensional position measurements at rates far beyond the capability of standard video. We report an in situ calibration technique for back-focal-plane, low-power (nontrapping) laser interferometry. The technique does not rely on any a priori model or calibration knowledge, hence the name “agnostic”. We apply the technique to track long-range (up to 100 μm) motion of a variety of particles, including magnetic beads, in three-dimensions with high spatiotemporal resolution (∼2 nm, 100 μs). Our tracking of individual unlabeled vesicles revealed a previously unreported grouping of mean-squared displacement curves at short timescales (<10 ms). Also, tracking functionalized magnetic beads attached to a live cell membrane revealed an anchorage-dependent nonlinear response of the membrane. The software-based technique involves injecting small perturbations into the probe position by driving a precalibrated specimen-mounting stage while recording the quadrant photodetector signals. The perturbations and corresponding quadrant photodetector signals are analyzed to extract the calibration parameters. The technique is sufficiently fast and noninvasive that the calibration can be performed on-the-fly without interrupting or compromising high-bandwidth, long-range tracking of a particle.
The rainbow skip graph: a fault-tolerant constant-degree distributed data structure

We present a distributed data structure, which we call the rainbow skip graph. To our knowledge, this is the first peer-to-peer data structure that simultaneously achieves high fault-tolerance, constant-sized nodes, and fast update and query times for ordered data. It is a non-trivial adaptation of the SkipNet/skip-graph structures of Harvey et al. and Aspnes and Shah, so as to provide fault-tolerance as these structures do, but to do so using constant-sized nodes, as in the family tree structure of Zatloukal and Harvey. It supports successor queries on a set of n items using O(log n) messages with high probability, an improvement over the expected O(log n) messages of the family tree. Our structure achieves these results by using the following new constructs:• Rainbow connections: parallel sets of pointers between related components of nodes, so as to achieve good connectivity between "adjacent" components, using constant-sized nodes.• Hydra components: highly-connected, highly fault-tolerant components of constant-sized nodes, which will contain relatively large connected subcomponents even under the failure of a constant fraction of the nodes in the component.We further augment the hydra components in the rainbow skip graph by using erasure-resilient codes to ensure that any large subcomponent of nodes in a hydra component is sufficient to reconstruct all the data stored in that component. By carefully maintaining the size of related components and hydra components to be O(log n), we are able to achieve fast times for updates and queries in the rainbow skip graph. In addition, we show how to make the communication complexity for updates and queries be worst case, at the expense of more conceptual complexity and a slight degradation in the node congestion of the data structure.
Jacob Boehme and Paul Tillich: a reassessment of the mystical philosopher and systematic theologian

Jacob Boehme, the seventeenth-century mystical philosopher, had a significant influence upon Paul Tillich. In this article I offer a reassessment of the relationship between these two thinkers by arguing for an orthodox interpretation of Boehme's doctrine of God that links him more closely with Tillich than recent commentators have suggested. Specifically, I show how Boehme and Tillich stand united against the heterodox Hegel in their presentation of a dynamic process of divinity's self-differentiation and reconciliation that completes itself apart from history rather than within history. This move, I conclude, keeps Boehme and Tillich squarely within the realm of Christian orthodoxy.
Differential changes in signal and background firing of accumbal neurons during cocaine self-administration.

Learning theories of drug addiction propose that the disorder is, at least in part, attributable to drug effects on accumbal mechanisms that are normally involved in reward-related learning. The ne...
Timing and Chemistry of Igneous Events Associated with the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen

Abstract Igneous activity in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen of North America was concentrated in the early rifting stages of aulacogen development. The time span over which liquids rose may not have exceeded 50 m.y. and certainly terminated before the Upper Cambrian. Igneous activity began with three basaltic liquids, stratigraphically identifiable but perhaps not all distinct genetically. This was followed by one large rhyolitic-granitic episode of A-type character. One final basaltic event ended the activity. All the basaltic types seem to be tholeiitic showing more kinship with either the older, Proterozoic North American Midcontinental Rift or the northern part of the Cenozoic Rio Grande Rift, than the Cenozoic East African Rift. Two major uplifts occurred: one between the earlier basalts and the rhyolite, and one much later, after all igneous activity was over, in the Pennsylvanian.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Giardia-specific IgA in mouse intestinal secretions

We describe an ELISA for trophozoite-specific IgA in the intestinal secretions of mice infected with Giardia muris. Using this method, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Such antibody was undetectable in the intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected athymic (nude) mice. Immunocompetent BALB/c mice are able to clear G. muris infection whereas nude mice are not. The study provides evidence that the chronicity of G. muris infection in nude mice results from lack of intestinal trophozoite-specific IgA in these animals. By means of the ELISA, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions from immunocompetent mice in the absence of protease inhibitors.
Modulated superconductivity due to vacancy and magnetic order in A y Fe 2 − x / 2 Se 2 [ A = Cs , K, (Tl,Rb), (Tl,K)] iron-selenide superconductors

We present a calculation of a 'modulated' superconducting state in iron-selenide superconductors. The zero-momentum $d-$wave pairing breaks the translational symmetry of the conventional BaFe$_2$Se$_2$-like crystal of $I4/mmm$ space group. This pairing state becomes compatible when the Fe vacancies form an ordered state and the crystal symmetry changes to a low-temperature $I4/m$ one. For the specific case of an incommensurate vacancy order at $Q_v=(1/5, 3/5)$ in K$_{0.82(2)}$Fe$_{1.626(3)}$Se$_2$, we find that it induces a block checkerboard antiferromagnetic phase at wavevector ${\bf Q}_m=4{\bf Q}_v$. The coexistence of vacancy order and magnetic order leads to a reconstructed ground state which naturally couples to the $d-$wave superconductivity in a uniform phase in what we propose will be a general coupling for all iron-selenide superconductors. Our results agree with numerous experimental data available to date. We thus suggest that the incommensurability leads to uniform coexistence of multiple phases as a viable alternative to a nanoscale phase separation in high-$T_c$ superconductors and play an important role in the enhancement of superconductivity.
Absolute calibration of the 130Te2 reference line for positronium 1 3S1-2 3S1 spectroscopy.

We report on an interferometric frequency measurement of the $^{130}\mathrm{Te}_{2}$ absorption line which has been used as a reference in Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy of the positronium $1^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}2^{3}S_{1}$ transition. The measurement relies on a comparison with a nearby, previously calibrated line of $^{130}\mathrm{Te}_{2}$. The result, 616803 545.98(71) MHz, lowers the observed value of the positronium $1^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}2^{3}S_{1}$ interval to 1233607 142.9(10.7) and lessens the agreement between theory and experiment.