cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling cooling rates with a variable vacuum in a Dewar flask.

Abstract A simple, inexpensive system to manipulate and accurately reproduce cooling rates was developed by modifying the system designed by Leibo and Mazur (5) and altered by Zeilmaker and Verhamme (12). Changing the volume of ethanol, the cooling bath medium, served to coarsely adjust the rate. Fine adjustments were made by changing the vacuum level drawn from the flask. Reducing vacuum level during phase transition increased heat flux and may have reduced cell destruction from latent heat of fusion.
Primary Structure and Function of an A Kinase Anchoring Protein Associated with Calcium Channels

Rapid, voltage-dependent potentiation of skeletal muscle L-type calcium channels requires phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) anchored via an A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP). Here we report the isolation, primary sequence determination, and functional characterization of AKAP15, a lipid-anchored protein of 81 amino acid residues with a single amphipathic helix that binds PKA. AKAP15 colocalizes with L-type calcium channels in transverse tubules and is associated with L-type calcium channels in transfected cells. A peptide fragment of AKAP15 encompassing the RII-binding domain blocks voltage-dependent potentiation. These results indicate that AKAP15 targets PKA to the calcium channel and plays a critical role in voltage-dependent potentiation and regulation of skeletal muscle contraction. The expression of AKAP15 in the brain and heart suggests that it may mediate rapid PKA regulation of L-type calcium channels in neurons and cardiac myocytes.
Chaos and `Bursting' in the Planetary Boundary Layer.

Abstract A theoretical study of the intermittent breakdowns of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) has been carried out using a one-dimensional, “flat” terrain, PBL model of the type originally developed by A.K. Blackadar. It was found that the turbulent burst effects predominate in the lowest tens of meters of the PBL where an alternation between successive regimes of laminar and turbulent flow drive either rapid cooling or rapid heating, respectively, of the near-surface air temperature under certain conditions. This rather discontinuous change of the air temperature occurs with variable amplitudes at irregular intervals depending critically on the specified surface aerodynamic roughness length, the prevailing geostrophic wind, the magnitude of the radiation cooling with respect to the soil and its thermal properties, etc. For an aerodynamic roughness length of 1 m, collapse was found to occur within only a very narrow range of geostrophic winds (between 1.5 and 3 m s−1, with a maximum response in the ai...
Single-crystal structure of Cs3HTi4O4(SiO4)3 · 4H2O, a titanosilicate pharmacosiderite analog

Abstract We report the high-temperature/high-pressure synthesis and single-crystal structure of Cs3HTi4O4(SiO4)3 · 4H2O, which is a synthetic isostructure of the mineral species pharmacosiderite. The Cs3HTi4O4(SiO4)3 · 4H2O framework is built up from TiO6 octahedra, sharing faces to form characteristic Ti4O4 cubes, and Si atoms (as SiO4 tetrahedra), linked via TiOTi and TiOSi bonds. Extraframework Cs+ species occupy sites slightly displaced from the centers of the intercage 8-ring windows, and also make Cs … OH2 bonds, to the water molecules, which occupy the spherical cages. Crystal data: Cs3HTi4O4(SiO4)3 · 4H2O, Mr = 1003.63, cubic, space group P 4 3m (no. 215), a = 7.8301 (9) A, V = 480.1 A3, Z = 1, R = 3.86%, Rw = 4.68% [211 observed reflections with I > 3σ(I)].
Live like the affuent in college, live like a student after graduation

Leigh S. Shaffer shares his concerns about premature affuence among college undergraduates; describes the serious, long-term problems it can cause; and offers suggestions for how higher education professionals of all types can support student fnancial well-being.
Interaction of the β IV-tubulin isotype with actin stress fibers in cultured rat kidney mesangial cells

Microtubules and actin filaments are two of the major components of the cytoskeleton. There is accumulating evidence for interaction between the two networks. Both the α- and β-subunits of tubulin exist as numerous isotypes, some of which have been highly conserved in evolution. In an effort to better understand the functional significance of tubulin isotypes, we used a double immunofluorescence labeling technique to investigate the interactions between the tubulin β-isotypes and the actin stress fiber network in cultured rat kidney mesangial cells, smooth-muscle-like cells from the renal glomerulus. Removal of the soluble cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic proteins by detergent extraction caused the microtubule network to disappear while the stress fiber network was still present. In these extracted cells, the βI- and βII-tubulin isotypes were no longer present in the cytoplasm while the βIV-isotype co-localized with actin stress fibers. Co-localization between βIV-tubulin and actin stress fibers was also observed when the microtubule network was disrupted by the anti-tubulin drug colchicine and also by microinjection of the βIV-tubulin antibody. Our results suggest that the βIV isotype of tubulin may be involved in interactions between microtubules and actin. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 49:200–207, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hybrid approach to solution of optimal control problems

This paper proposes a solution approach for nonlinear optimization problems that seeks to combine the desirable features of analytic methods that are based on use of simplified models and numerical methods that use piecewise elementary interpolation functions to represent the solution. The approach is illustrated by a combination of regular perturbation analysis and the method of collocation, although other combinations of model simplification and numerical solution methods can also be envisioned. A simple fourth-order nonlinear system is used to illustrate the conceptual approach for several possible levels of approximation.
Acute osteochondral shear fracture of the capitellum in a twelve-year-old patient. A case report.

The exact prevalence of radiocapitellar joint injuries in adolescents is unknown. The most common elbow disorders in young athletes include overuse injuries, such as osteochondritis dissecans and Panner disease. Fractures of the capitellum and radial neck can also occur in this age group as a result of direct trauma. Marion and Faysse reported only one capitellar fracture in a series of 2,000 elbow fractures in children1. Two fracture patterns of the capitellum have traditionally been described. The first type, a coronal shear fracture often referred to as the Hahn-Steinthal fracture, usually contains a large portion of cancellous bone from the lateral humeral condyle and may include the lateral crista of the trochlea as well2,3. The second type, a pure articular fracture called the Kocher-Lorenz fracture, has little or no subchondral bone attached to the fragment4,5 and is rarely seen in children6. Since the publication of the study by Marion and Faysse1, several cases of capitellar fractures have been described in older adolescents, whose bone more closely resembles that of an adult7-9; however, a pure articular fracture of the capitellum has rarely, if ever, been reported in children who were less than twelve years of age6. There have been two reports describing anterior or articular sleeve fractures of the lateral condyle10,11, and both of these injuries occurred in patients who were less than twelve years of age. Each of these injuries involved a substantial portion of the articular surface of the capitellum, although neither was a pure capitellar injury. The fracture fragment in these patients was composed mainly of the articular surface from the capitellum, in addition to nonarticular epicondylar and metaphyseal portions of the lateral condyle. The …
Propagator version of the direct siegert method

Exploratory studies of the calculation of atomic resonance states (2S of He) are reported emphasizing the discussion of several approximations such as the use of a VN-1 potential, basis set limitations, the arbitrariness of the required cut-off function, and approximations for the self-energy operator in an attempt to assess the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Agrammatic comprehension of OVS and OSV structures in Hebrew

This commentary brings further support for the trace deletion hypothesis from a new study of OVS and OSV sentences in Hebrew, which are active constructions that involve object movement but no change in morphology. The results show that the comprehension of these constructions in Brocas aphasia is impaired, and the performance is at chance level, as predicted by the TDH.
An SQL-based cost-effective inventory optimization solution

Successful implementation of an inventory, optimization solution requires significant effort and can pose certain risks to companies implementing such solutions. Depending on the complexity of the requirements, the solution may also involve a substantial IT investment. In this paper, we present a cost-effective solution for inventory optimization that can be useful for small and medium-sized businesses with limited IT budgets. This solution can be implemented on any application platform that is capable of processing basic SQLTM (Structured Query Language) commands. The solution eliminates the need to purchase additional software and has a framework in which sales data in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system are accessed, demand statistics based on this data are generated along with other key parameters, and optimal inventory policies, such as those involving safety stocks and lot sizes, are calculated and reported.
The extension of a density current model of katabatic winds to include the effects of blowing snow and sublimation

A density current model was extended for use in katabatic flow over the steep slopes of Antarctica through the inclusion of the Coriolis effect and weight flux terms corresponding to blowing snow and cooling caused by sublimation. The model was calibrated and tested against data obtained during two flights in Adelie Land, Antarctica, along a trajectory starting about 170 km inland and extending to Dumont d'Urville. The predicted trend in water vapor flux agrees with measurements of this flux, lending support to empirical formulae for both snow flux and sublimation rate. Model predictions of velocity were in good agreement with measured quantities when reasonable estimates of radiation divergence and surface heat exchange were provided as input to the model. The potential temperature gradient above the katabatic layer was found to play a major role in flow stability for high velocity and deep katabatic flows. Velocity predictions were in better agreement with the data when a locally determined value was used for the coefficient in the empirical snow flux expression.
Magnetophotoluminescence spectroscopy of excitons in individual carbon nanotubes

We have performed low-temperature micro-photoluminescence studies on individual single-walled carbon nanotubes in magnetic fields up to 5 T and directly measured the dark-bright exciton splitting magnitude through the observation of magnetic brightening.
Rejection of muon stops in telescope counters

Abstract Background arising from muons stopping in the last beam telescope counter before the target is a common problem in experiments in which muons are to be stopped in a target. A technique involving the pulse heights in the last two telescope counters before the target has been devised to permit the rejection of muon stops in the telescope counters. By relinquishing the 0.1 g/cm 2 target layer nearest the last telescope counter, approximately 99% of the muons stopping in the last telescope counter can be rejected.
Two-Photon Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Microscopy of NAD(P)H and Flavoprotein

Two-photon (2P) ratiometric redox fluorometry and microscopy of pyridine nucleotide (NAD(P)H) and flavoprotein (FP) fluorescence, at 800-nm excitation, has been demonstrated as a function of mitochondrial metabolic states in isolated adult dog cardiomyocytes. We have measured the 2P-excitation spectra of NAD(P)H, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and lipoamide dehydrogenase (LipDH) over the wavelength range of 720-1000 nm. The 2P-excitation action cross sections (sigma2P) increase rapidly at wavelengths below 800 nm, and the maximum sigma2P of LipDH is approximately 5 and 12 times larger than those of FAD and NAD(P)H, respectively. Only FAD and LipDH can be efficiently excited at wavelengths above 800 nm with a broad 2P-excitation band around 900 nm. Two autofluorescence spectral regions (i.e., approximately 410-490 nm and approximately 510-650 nm) of isolated cardiomyocytes were imaged using 2P-laser scanning microscopy. At 750-nm excitation, fluorescence of both regions is dominated by NAD(P)H emission, as indicated by fluorescence intensity changes induced by mitochondrial inhibitor NaCN and mitochondria uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl hydrazone (FCCP). In contrast, 2P-FP fluorescence dominates at 900-nm excitation, which is in agreement with the sigma2P measurements. Finally, 2P-autofluorescence emission spectra of single cardiac cells have been obtained, with results suggesting potential for substantial improvement of the proposed 2P-ratiometric technique.
X-ray Streak Crystal Spectography

We have built an x-ray streaked crystal spectrograph for making time-resolved x-ray spectral measurements. This instrument can access Bragg angles from 11/sup 0/ to 38/sup 0/ and x-ray spectra from 200 eV to greater than 10 keV. We have demonstrated resolving powers, E/..delta..E > 200 at 1 keV and time resolution less than 20 psec. A description of the instrument and an example of the data is given.
Dysfunctional Attitudes in endogenous and nonendogenous depressed inpatients

Sixty-two depressed inpatients completed the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scales (DAS) during their first week of hospitalization. They also received a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and were diagnosed melancholic or nonmelancholic according to DSM-III criteria. DAS scores were not related to the diagnosis of melancholia. Patients with abnormal results on the DST scored significantly lower on the DAS than depressives with a normal DST. The results suggest that dysfunctional attitudes are less pervasive in endogeneously depressed inpatients.
Change, Temporal Parts, and the Argument from Vagueness

The so-called ‘argument from vagueness’ is among the most powerful and innovative arguments offered in support of the view that objects are four-dimensional perdurants. The argument is defective – I submit – and in a number of ways that are worth looking into. But each ‘defect’, each gap in the argument, corresponds to a model of change that is independently problematic and that can hardly be built into the common-sense picture of the world. So once all the gaps of the argument are filled in, the three-dimensionalist is left with the burden of a response that cannot rely on a passive plea for common sense. The argument is not a threat to common sense as such; it is a threat to the three-dimensionalist faithfulness to common sense.
Choosing to Include Gay Issues in Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Coursework: One Professor’s Journey

If preservice teachers are to be capably prepared to meet the challenges of classroom and community diversity, teacher educators have a responsibility to address the full range of diversity issues in teacher preparation coursework, despite controversial or political overtones that may exist. Among these issues is that of considering and responding appropriately to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and children of LGBT parents. This article presents a narrative account of the personal and professional journey that led a heterosexual professor at a large, conservative, state university in the Midwest to integrate gay issues into undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation coursework in early childhood education (birth through Grade 3). It includes an analysis of students’ reactions to the issue of gay parents and a description of methodologies and resource materials useful in teacher preparation coursework and in early childhood and elementary classrooms, as well as a discussion of ...
fπΔΔ and the cloudy bag model

Abstract The cloudy bag model predicts f πΔΔ a factor of two greater than the experimental results deduced by Arndt et al. Possible explanations are explored.
Inhibited hatching success of marine fish eggs by power plant effluent

Abstract The hatching success of California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) was significantly reduced by a non-thermal component of the effluent from an electricity generating station. The embryos appeared to develop normally morphologically but showed reduced viability with respect to hatching.
Dynamic Analysis of the Bulk Tritium Shipping Package Subjected to Closure Torques and Sequential Impacts

This paper presents a finite-element technique to simulate the structural responses and to evaluate the cumulative damage of a radioactive material packaging requiring bolt closure-tightening torque and subjected to the scenarios of the Hypothetical Accident Conditions (HAC) defined in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 10 part 71 (10CFR71). Existing finite-element methods for modeling closure stresses from bolt pre-load are not readily adaptable to dynamic analyses. The HAC events are required to occur sequentially per 10CFR71 and thus the evaluation of the cumulative damage is desirable. Generally, each HAC event is analyzed separately and the cumulative damage is partially addressed by superposition. This results in relying on additional physical testing to comply with 10CFR71 requirements for assessment of cumulative damage. The proposed technique utilizes the combination of kinematic constraints, rigid-body motions and structural deformations to overcome some of the difficulties encountered in modeling the effect of cumulative damage. This methodology provides improved numerical solutions in compliance with the 10CFR71 requirements for sequential HAC tests. Analyses were performed for the Bulk Tritium Shipping Package (BTSP) designed by Savannah River National Laboratory to demonstrate the applications of the technique. The methodology proposed simulates the closure bolt torque preload followed by the sequential HAC events, the 30-foot drop and the 30-foot dynamic crush. The analytical results will be compared to the package test data.Copyright © 2007 by Washington Savannah River Company LLC
Enzymatic transition states: thermodynamics, dynamics and analogue design

Kinetic isotope effects and computational chemistry have defined the transition state structures for several members of the N-ribosyltransferase family. Transition state analogues designed to mimic their cognate transition state structures are among the most powerful enzyme inhibitors. In complexes of N-ribosyltransferases with their transition state analogues, the dynamic nature of the transition state is converted to an ordered, thermodynamic structure closely related to the transition state. This phenomenon is documented by peptide bond H/D exchange, crystallography and computational chemistry. Complexes with substrate, transition state and product analogues reveal reaction coordinate motion and catalytic interactions. Isotope-edited spectroscopic analysis and binding specificity of these complexes provides information about specific enzyme-transition state contacts. In combination with protein dynamic QM/MM models, it is proposed that the transition state is reached by stochastic dynamic excursions of the protein groups near the substrates in the closed conformation. Examples from fully dissociated (D(N) *A(N)), hybrid (D(N)A(N)) and symmetric nucleophilic displacement (A(N)D(N)) transition states are found in the N-ribosyltransferases. The success of transition state analogue inhibitor design based on kinetic isotope effects validates this approach to understanding enzymatic transition states.
Molecular motion of polycarbonate included in γ‐cyclodextrin

Molecular motions of single polycarbonate (PC) chains threaded into crystalline γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) channels were examined using solid-state 13C NMR and molecular dynamics simulations. The location of PC within the channels was confirmed by spin diffusion from a PC 13C label to natural-abundance 13C of the γ-CD. Rotor-encoded longitudinal magnetization (RELM) (under 7-kHz magic-angle sample-spinning conditions) was combined with multiple-pulse 1H-1H dipolar decoupling to detect large-amplitude phenyl-ring motion in both bulk PC and polycarbonate γ-cyclodextrin inclusion compound (PC-γ-CD). The RELM results indicate that the phenyl rings in PC-γ-CD undergo 180° flips faster than 10 kHz just as in bulk PC. The molecular dynamics simulations show that the frequency of the phenyl-ring flips depends on the cooperative motions of PC atoms and neighboring atoms of the γ-CD channel. The distribution of protonated aromatic-carbon laboratory and rotating-frame 13C spin-lattice relaxation rates for bulk PC and PC-γ-CD are similar but not identical. The distributions for both systems arise from site heterogeneities. For bulk PC, the heterogeneity is attributed to variations in local chain packing, and for PC-γ-CD the heterogeneity arises from variations in the location of the PC phenyl rings in the γ-CD channel. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1271–1282, 2007
Microcanonical and Hybrid Simulations of Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics with Dynamical Fermions

Lattice QCD is simulated using Microcanonical and Hybrid (Microcanonical/Langevin) methods to facilitate the inclusion of dynamical fermions (quarks). We report on simulations with 4 flavours of light dynamical quarks on a 103 × 6 lattice to study the finite temperature deconfinement/chiral transition which should be observable in relativistic heavy ion collisions, as a function of quark mass. A first order transition is observed at large mass, weakens at intermediate mass and strengthens for very small quark mass.
Intergenerational and parent of origin effects of maternal calorie restriction on Igf2 expression in the adult rat hippocampus

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) regulates development, memory and adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Calorie restriction (CR) is known to modulate non-neuronal Igf2 expression intergenerationally, but its effect has not been evaluated on brain Igf2. Here, Sprague-Dawley (S) dams underwent moderate CR between gestational days 8–21. To identify parent of origin expression pattern of the imprinted Igf2 gene, their offspring (SS F1) were mated with naive male or female Brown Norway (B) rats to obtain the second generation (BS and SB F2) progeny. CR did not affect adult hippocampal Igf2 transcript levels in SS F1 males or their BS F2 progeny, but increased it in SS F1 females and their SB F2 offspring. The preferentially maternal Igf2 expression in the SB F2 control male hippocampus relaxed to biallelic with CR, with no effect of grandmaternal diet in any other groups. Thus, allele-specific and total expression of hippocampal Igf2 is affected by maternal, grandmaternal CR in a strain and sex-specific manner.
A Hybrid Electro-Optic Switching System

This paper describes the architecture of a hybrid switching system for interconnection of high-performance processors. The switching system consists of two distinct switching planes, one an electronic crossbar and the second an all-optical crossbar. Data can be switched through any one of the planes. The electronic plane provides fast reconfiguration while the optical plane provides slower reconfiguration but higher bandwidth. Control of both planes is through a central electronic controller. Communication through the system can be performed using either message switching or circuit switching. The choice of the protocol can be made to minimize the overall transfer time.
Laboratory studies of atmospheric corrosion—I. Weight loss and electrochemical measurements

Electrochemical studies have been performed with the atmospheric corrosion monitor (ACM) under thin layers of electrolyte which were drying out at R.H. < 100%. Galvanic couples (Cu/steel, Cu/zinc) and one-metal (steel, zinc) ACMs were used. Measurements were carried out as a function of R.H. and Na2SO4 concentration. In addition, weight loss data were collected under identical conditions in thin layer experiments for steel and zinc in 0.01N solutions of NaCl, Na2SO4, HCl, H2SO4 and distilled H2O in air, air + 1 ppm SO2, argon and argon + 1 ppm SO2. The data obtained in air and air + SO2 were compared to weight loss results in bulk solutions. The electrochemical technique makes it possible to follow the changes of corrosion rates with time. As observed in outdoor exposure, a large increase of corrosion rates occurs when the electrolyte layers become very thin, shortly before the surface dries out. These findings explain the results of the weight loss data which show for most environments a much larger corrosion rate than in the bulk electrolyte. An accelerating effect of SO2 was observed for steel at higher R.H. values, while for zinc, no effect occurred in NaCl, Na2SO4 and H2SO4, but an inhibiting effect was measured in HCl and in distilled H2O. Since weight loss and electrochemical data were recorded under identical conditions, it is possible to determine how accurately the ACM data reflect the true corrosion rate. It was found for Cu/steel ACMs that the electrochemical data follow the same trends as the weight loss data, but account for only about 20% of the corrosion rate. Due to larger scatter in the weight loss data, a similar efficiency factor could not be determined for Cu/zinc. For steel and zinc ACMs, the true Tafel slopes are not known, which makes a calculation of corrosion rates doubtful. The low cell efficiency is considered to be due to local corrosion of single cell plates and to i.r.-drop effects. Despite the fact that exact corrosion rates cannot, at present, be obtained from ACM data, the technique appears very valuable for following the changes of atmospheric corrosion behaviour and for time-of-wetness measurements.
Atypical Presentation of Oligodendroglioma Masquerading as a Primary CNS Lymphoma (P03.141)

Objective: To present and discuss a case of right frontal oligodendroglioma showing clinical response to steroid therapy. Background Oligodendrogliomas are primary glial brain tumors that constitute 2-5% of all primary CNS neoplasms. They usually present as a solitary brain tumor in adults and can, at times, be confused with a primary CNS lymphoma at presentation. Design/Methods: Case Report. Results: A 52-year-old female presented with partial complex seizures. MRI of the brain revealed a medial right frontal lesion, mild falcine herniation and a significant T2 abnormality with faint heterogeneous enhancement. She underwent a repeat imaging following a few weeks of treatment with steroids and an antiepileptic drug. An interval decrease in enhancement of the lesion and a reduction in the mass effect was seen. After six months, the patient discontinued steroids due to intolerable side effects. There was a recurrence of seizures on discontinuation of steroids and a repeat imaging revealed an infiltrating mass lesion within the right anterior medial frontal lobe, an extension into the uncus of temporal lobe and involvement of genu of the corpus callosum. The patient underwent a stereotactic serial biopsy that showed grade 2-3 oligodendroglioma. Real time PCR, performed for markers on chromosomes 1p and 19q, showed a loss at both chromosomal arms. She was started on procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy along with radiation and adjuvant temozolamide, and achieved a clinical remission. She stays in clinical remission and is seizure free 8 years after initial presentation. Conclusions: Steroid responsiveness has not been described in primary oligodendrogliomas. Though the patient had contrast enhancement and seizures at presentation, both indicators of poor prognosis with this tumor; she achieved and maintained clinical remission. It is possible that in addition to combined 1p/19q loss, steroid responsiveness may be a marker of favorable prognosis in this case. Disclosure: Dr. Anand has nothing to disclose. Dr. Conrad has nothing to disclose.
Integrin and extracellular matrix interactions regulate engraftment of transplanted hepatocytes in the rat liver.

Background & Aims: Recognition and circumvention of the hepatic endothelial barrier is critical in the engraftment of transplanted cells. We examined whether interactions between integrin and extracellular matrix component receptors could be manipulated for improving transplanted cell engraftment and liver repopulation. Methods: Fischer 344 rat hepatocytes were transplanted into syngeneic dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats. Coating of cells or of liver sinusoids with natural collagen, natural laminin, or an engineered fibronectin-like polymer was studied with analysis of cell engraftment and liver repopulation using histologic and molecular assays. Focal adhesion complexes were identified by vinculin immunostaining. The role of integrin receptors in cell engraftment was analyzed with RGD peptide inhibition assays. Results: Coating of cells with extracellular matrix components before transplantation did not enhance cell engraftment. In contrast, intraportal infusion of collagen or fibronectin-like polymer in recipients prior to cell transplantation increased cell engraftment. Adherence of transplanted cells to the hepatic endothelium resulted in rapid activation of vinculin-containing focal adhesion complexes. Superior cell engraftment in animals treated with fibronectin-like polymer was RGD sensitive, verifying the integrin-dependent nature of this process. Moreover, studies in the retrorsine-partial hepatectomy rat model showed that intraportal infusion of the fibronectin-like polymer before cell transplantation significantly accelerated liver repopulation. Conclusions: Integrin-extracellular matrix component interactions can be manipulated for enhancing cell engraftment in the liver. Such mechanisms will be relevant for engraftment of other cell types and for strategies concerning liver-directed cell therapy.
Gasless laparoscopy in infants: The rabbit model☆

Abstract Laparoscopic operations can be performed in neonates and infants, but carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum may be more dangerous than in adults. Therefore the concept of gasless laparoscopy is especially attractive for small children. The authors have developed an animal training model of gasless infant laparoscopy using the rabbit. Eleven New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight, 2.2 kg) were premedicated with fentanyl (10 μg intramuscularly) and maintained under inhalation anesthesia by mask, with halothane (1.0 to 2.5%) in oxygen and nitrous oxide (1:1). The animals were neither intubated nor mechanically ventilated. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored by pulse oximetry. A supraumbilical incision was made through the peritoneum, and an abdominal wall elevator was inserted. A 4-mm-diameter 30° endoscope was introduced at the same site, allowing excellent visualization of the abdominal cavity. Three additional 5-mm cannulas were placed, and a standard Nissen fundoplication was performed in all 11 animals. In seven of these, a left nephrectomy was also performed. Five-millimeter pediatric instruments and 1.7- and 2.7-mm laryngoscopic instruments were used. The rabbit can serve as a training model for laparoscopy in the infant. Gasless laparoscopy, using abdominal wall elevation, may be particularly useful in very small patients.
Optimized assay for purine nucleoside phosphorylase by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The reversed-phase mode of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to assay purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase E.C. 2.42.1) in human erythrocytes. The reaction conditions were optimized with respect to pH, concentration of enzyme, concentration of substrate and time. In this method, a sample of erythrocytes was incubated with substrate and necessary cofactors. After termination of the reaction, both the decrease in substrate and the increase in product were measured. HPlC is highly suitable for PNPase as both the forward and reverse reactions can be monitored. The complete separation of products from reactants allows the determination of any competing or side reactions.
The impact of bias and unexpectedness on message response

Behavioural research has produced mixed results as to the various effects perceived bias can produce on message response. Though bias and unexpectedly unbiased messages have not been much researched in an advertising framework, perceived bias in advertising messages is an inherent problem. This study presents the results of an experiment designed to test the effect of bias and unexpectedness on message response in an advertising context. The results suggest bias may be more of a problem with advertisements using a comparative format. Unexpectedness, while less effective in comparative approaches, performed well in a non-comparative format. Unexpected messages appeared to produce greater attention to message content, suggesting that this tactic may result in lower advertising exposure levels producing response.
DOPAMINERGIC INHIBITION OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE-STIMULATED TESTICULAR MATURATION IN THE FIDDLER CRAB, UCA PUGILATOR

The in vivo effects of dopamine (DA), a dopaminergic antagonist (spiperone), and a dopaminergic agonist (ADTN) on maturation of the testes in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, were determined. DA inhibited testicular maturation dose-dependently. ADTN also inhibited maturation of the testes whereas spiperone induced testicular maturation. These results provide the first evidence for dopaminergic inhibition of testicular maturation in a crustacean. This DA-induced inhibition may have been due to: (a) inhibition of release of the gonad-stimulating hormone, (b) stimulation of release of the gonad-inhibiting hormone or (c) both (a) and (b).
The Patient Chose to Die: Why?

The elderly patient's choice to die may only appear to be independent of the family's choices. Behind the patient's choice often lie implicit interpersonal as well as overt personal reasons. These must be understood in order to provide optimal care for the patient and family. Case examples of undeliberate and deliberate clarification are offered.
Metrology for adhesive layer of temporary bonding wafers using IR interferometry

We have demonstrated a full-field IR wavelength scanning interferometry system for the adhesive thickness measurement which in between the temporary bonded wafer and a carrier wafer. The illumination wavelength can be varied and selected by tilting the angle of interference filter along the main optical axis. The varying wavelength was calibrated by a commercial spectrometer. By combining the phase-shifting technique and the spectrum curve fitting method, the total thickness variation (TTV) of the adhesive layer and the adhesive thickness distribution map can be obtained. The experimental results showed that the TTV of the adhesive is 3.76 μm within the area of 110 mm diameter. The thickness variation is in a range from 16.47 μm to 20.23μm.
Major depression or uncomplicated bereavement? A follow-up of youth exposed to suicide

Abstract Objective To determine whether the depressive reactions experienced by youth exposed to suicide were uncomplicated bereavement or major depression by examining the longitudinal risk of recurrent major depression. Method The 121 friends and acquaintances of 26 adolescent suicide victims were followed up 1 to 18 months after an initial interview that took place around 6 months after the death of the suicide victim. A demographically similar group of 138 unexposed controls was also followed up. Results The median duration of depression in the 37 subjects who became depressed after exposure was 8 months. The exposed group, compared with controls, had a higher rate of incident depression (RR = 1.7, 95% CI=1.0–2.8) during the follow-up period, even after adjustment for previous history of depression and other risk factors for depression. Within the group of exposed subjects, the rate of depression on follow-up was highest in those who developed a depressive disorder before exposure to suicide, intermediate in those who developed depression after exposure, and lowest in those who were not depressed at the first interview after exposure. There was no evidence of an increased incidence of suicide attempts in the exposed group relative to the unexposed controls on follow-up. Conclusions The depressive reactions observed in youth exposed to suicide are most consistent with major depressive episodes on the basis of course and risk of recurrence. Exposure to suicide was associated with an increased risk of recurrent depression but not with an increased long-term risk of suicidal behavior.
Spacial harmonic analysis of transient optical grating

Abstract A novel modification of the forced Rayleigh scattering method for determining the translational diffusion coefficient and lifetime of photochromic moieties is effected through imposition of a non-sinusoidal transient optical grating (TOG) to a condensed medium sample. A multiple-order diffraction pattern is observed and subsequent analysis of the exponential decays of higher-order diffraction spots reveals that they originate from the higher-order spacial Fourier components of TOG.
Gene Expression Profiling and Shared Promoter Motif for Cell Wall Modifying Proteins Expressed in Soybean Cyst Nematode Infected Roots

We hypothesized that soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) co-opts part or all of one or more innate developmental process in soybean (Glycine max) to establish its feeding structure, syncytium, in soybean roots. The syncytium is formed within the vascular bundle by partial degradation of cell walls and membranes between adjacent parenchyma cells. A mature syncytium incorporates as many as 200 cells into one large multinucleated cell. Gene expression patterns for several cell wall-modifying proteins were compared in multiple tissues undergoing major shifts in cell wall integrity. These included SCN-colonized roots, root tips where vascular differentiation occurs, flooded roots (aerenchyma), adventitious rooting in hypocotyls, and leaf abscission zones. A search in the 5′ upstream promoters of these genes identified a motif (SCNbox1: WGCATGTG) common to several genes that were up-regulated in several different tissues. The polygalacturonase 11 promoters (GmPG11a/b) include the SCNbox1 motif. The expression pattern for GmPG11a was examined further in transgenic soybean containing a PG11a promoter fused to a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. GUS expression was highest in cells undergoing radial expansion in the stele and/or cell wall dissolution. GUS staining was not observed in cortical cells where a lateral root tip or a growing nematode emerged through the root cortex.
A nondivided intercostal muscle flap further reduces pain of thoracotomy: a prospective randomized trial.

Background The pain of thoracotomy may be related to trauma to the intercostal nerves. Methods This was a prospective randomized study of 160 patients. All patients had a functioning epidural, similar type and size thoracotomy, an intercostal muscle flap (ICM) harvested before rib spreading, inferior rib drilling, and postoperative pain management. In one group, the ICM was left intact distally and it dangled (D group); the ICM in the other was cut distally (C group). Pain was assessed using multiple pain scores. Outcomes assessed were qualitative and quantitative pain scores, number of ribs broken, spirometric values, analgesic use, and return to baseline activity for postoperative days 1 to 5 and weeks 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12. Results The D group had 85 patients and the C group, 75. The groups had similar demographics, types of procedures, and histology. Intrahospital pain scores were similar; however, at postoperative weeks 3, 4, 8, and 12, the D group had significantly lower mean numeric pain scores and was using fewer analgesics (p Conclusions An ICM flap reduces pain. Harvesting and then leaving the ICM flap intact instead of cutting it before rib spreading further reduced thoracotomy pain. This technique, when added to rib drilling, leads to reduced pain on postoperative weeks 3 to 12, to quicker return to baseline activity, and lessens the need for analgesics.
Probing Mechanisms of Aryl–Aryl Bond Cleavages under Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis Conditions

Several biaryls have been subjected to flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) at 1100°C and 0.8–0.9 hPa. Product compositions are reported for the FVP of 9-phenylanthracene (1), 2-bromobiphenyl (5), biphenyl (8), 1,10-diphenylanthracene (12), 9-(2-naphthyl)anthracene (17), and 9,9′-bianthracenyl (20). The experimental results have been used to evaluate four possible mechanistic pathways for the cleavage of aryl–aryl bonds under these conditions: (1) the ‘explosion’ of substituted phenyl radicals; (2) hydrogen atom attachment to an ipso-carbon atom of the biaryl followed by C–C bond cleavage; (3) direct homolysis; and (4) loss of a fragment as an aryne. None of these mechanisms by itself successfully accommodates all of the experimental facts. The data suggest that aryl–aryl bond cleavages under FVP conditions involve at least two different mechanistic pathways and that the relative contributions of the competing pathways probably vary from one biaryl to the next.
Learning based thumbnail cropping

Thumbnail cropping helps improve thumbnail readability by cropping images before shrinking them. In this paper we propose a learning based method for automatic thumbnail cropping. To this end, we use a support vector machine to learn a discriminative model that simultaneously captures the saliency distribution and spatial priors. The model is then used to determine the best cropping rectangle. The proposed approach improves traditional saliency based cropping techniques by introducing the spatial priors, which is automatically learned through learning process. The new method is tested on images from the PASCAL08 dataset, where it outperforms previous saliency based cropping.
Elastic Surface Waves Guided by Thin Films: Gold on Fused Quartz

To study some of the properties of acoustic waves guided by thin films, experiments on dispersion and transverse tightness of binding were performed in the frequency range 5 MHz to 14 MHz. The movable wedge technique of launching and receiving surface wave signals was utilized. The guidance structure consisted of thin gold films deposited on fused quartz. High resolution experimental results were obtained by modifying the wedges to have a very narrow active region. The data were compared to results predicted by a simplified theoretical model which we have developed. This model is complementary to that of Tiersten in that we match both components of the vector potential while in Tiersten's model one matches a single vector potential component and its normal derivative. Curves calculated by our approach appear to be virtually identical with those of Tiersten for the (width/thickness) ratios treated experimentally, but are much easier to obtain numerically for any particular value of the ratio. For smaller values of the (width/thickness) ratio, our model and that of Tiersten differ slightly. Data for dispersion and mode tightness of binding were found to be in substantial agreement with our theoretical predictions. In addition, the theoretical model predicts features such as location of low-frequency cutoffs and tightness of binding of the antisymmetric modes which have not been completely investigated experimentally.
"To Resolve the Ukrainian Question Once and for All": The Ethnic Cleansing of Ukrainians in Poland, 1943-1947

The complicated and violent interactions between Ukrainians and Poles during and after World War II have been the subject of competing Ukrainian and Polish historical interpretations. This article sifts through the historical evidence to determine why Ukrainian and Polish memories of that period are so much at odds. The fate of the contested territories of Eastern Galicia and Volhynia was decided ultimately by the Soviet Union, which imposed new borders on Poland. Once those borders had been established, the transfer of Poles from the newly enlarged Soviet Ukraine and the forced removal of Ukrainians from eastern Poland consolidated an “ethnically cleansed” post-war order.
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infection following Solid Organ Transplantation

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an emerging pathogen with a devastating impact on organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Data describing urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to CRKP, compared to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and susceptible K. pneumoniae, are lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing OTRs with a first episode of UTI due to CRKP, ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, or susceptible K. pneumoniae. We identified 108 individuals; 22 (20%) had UTIs due to CRKP, 22 (20%) due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, and 64 (60%) due to susceptible K. pneumoniae. Compared to susceptible K. pneumoniae (27%), patients with UTIs due to CRKP or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were more likely to have a ≥ 24-hour stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) before or after development of the UTI (64% and 77%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among 105/108 hospitalized patients (97%), the median lengths of stay prior to UTI with CRKP or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (7 and 8 days, respectively) were significantly longer than that for susceptible K. pneumoniae (1 day; P < 0.001). Clinical failure was observed for 8 patients (36%) with CRKP, 4 (18%) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, and 9 (14%) with susceptible K. pneumoniae (P = 0.073). Microbiological failure was seen for 10 patients (45%) with CRKP, compared with 2 (9%) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and 2 (3%) with susceptible K. pneumoniae (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, CRKP was associated with greater odds of microbiological failure (versus ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae: odds ratio [OR], 9.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94 to 72.1; versus susceptible K. pneumoniae: OR, 31.4, 95% CI, 5.91 to 264). In conclusion, CRKP is associated with ICU admission, long length of stay, and microbiological failure among OTRs with UTIs. Greater numbers are needed to determine risk factors for infection and differences in meaningful endpoints associated with carbapenem resistance.
Output control of da Vinci surgical system's surgical graspers.

Abstract Introduction The number of robot-assisted surgeries performed with the da Vinci surgical system has increased significantly over the past decade. The articulating movements of the robotic surgical grasper are controlled by grip controls at the master console. The user interface has been implicated as one contributing factor in surgical grasping errors. The goal of our study was to characterize and evaluate the user interface of the da Vinci surgical system in controlling surgical graspers. Materials and methods An angular manipulator with force sensors was used to increment the grip control angle as grasper output angles were measured. Input force at the grip control was simultaneously measured throughout the range of motion. Pressure film was used to assess the maximum grasping force achievable with the endoscopic grasping tool. Results The da Vinci robot's grip control angular input has a nonproportional relationship with the grasper instrument output. The grip control mechanism presents an intrinsic resistant force to the surgeon's fingertips and provides no haptic feedback. The da Vinci Maryland graspers are capable of applying up to 5.1 MPa of local pressure. Conclusions The angular and force input at the grip control of the da Vinci robot's surgical graspers is nonproportional to the grasper instrument's output. Understanding the true relationship of the grip control input to grasper instrument output may help surgeons understand how to better control the surgical graspers and promote fewer grasping errors.