cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Wallerian degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging: underappreciated but highly relevant

The study by Numata et al. is of interest since it isbased on a large sample (n=86) of patients, focuses onterm-born patients and on one CP type (BSCP), andincludes information on severity of motor impairment andcognitive function, as well as epilepsy. However, it alsohighlights a number of issues that are common in studieson the pathophysiology of CP and associations betweenpossible underlying brain lesions, severity of motor impair-ment, and cognitive function – all of which often makeinterpretation of ﬁndings and inferring conclusions difﬁ-cult. In this study there was a large range with regards toage at diagnosis of CP, including patients who had beengiven the diagnosis of CP at an age (as young as 6mo)where one can still expect transitory neurological signs in anumber of children, making a deﬁnite diagnosis of CP dif-ﬁcult. The study mainly used information obtained retro-spectively from medical records with regards to type ofCP, severity of motor impairment, and other relevant clini-cal variables. Some patients were scanned at an age asyoung as 10 months, when myelination is still not com-plete in typical development and which can make diagnosisof a non-progressive brain lesion difﬁcult. In the light ofthe high proportion of normal MRI ﬁndings seen in thisstudy, this emphasizes the importance of adhering toguidelines such as issued by the Surveillance of CerebralPalsy in Europe Network (e.g. with regards to timing ofCP diagnosis).The study by Numata et al. also highlights that it isimportant to use advanced imaging techniques when inves-tigating neuroanatomical correlates of CP, in particular inthose cases where visual inspection of conventional MRIshows no abnormalities. Diffusion MRI is one suchmethod that increases sensitivity in detecting abnormalities.For example, Son et al.
Outcomes of Different Speech and Language Goal Attack Strategies

The purpose of this study was to assess phonological and morphosyntactic change in children with co-occurring speech and language impairments using different goal attack strategies. Participants included 47 preschoolers, ages 3;0 (years;months) to 5;11, with impairments in both speech and language: 40 children in the experimental group and 7 in a no-treatment control group. Children in the experimental group were assigned at random to each of 4 different goal attack strategies: (a) in the phonology first condition, children received a 12-week block of phonological intervention followed by 12 weeks of work on morphosyntax; (b) the morphosyntax first condition was the same as phonology first, with the order of interventions reversed; (c) the alternating condition involved intervention on phonology and morphosyntax goals that alternated domains weekly; and (d) the simultaneous condition addressed phonological and morphosyntactic goals each session. Data were collected pretreatment, after the first intervention block, and posttreatment (after 24 weeks). For the control group, data were collected at the beginning and end of a period equivalent to 1 intervention block. Change in a finite morpheme composite and target generalization phoneme composite was assessed. Results showed that morphosyntactic change was greatest for children receiving the alternating strategy after 24 weeks of intervention. No single goal attack strategy was superior in facilitating gains in phonological performance. These results provide preliminary evidence that alternating phonological and morphosyntactic goals may be preferable when children have co-occurring deficits in these domains; further research regarding cross-domain intervention outcomes is necessary.
Practical evaluation of image quality in computed radiographic (CR) imaging systems

A number of complementary metrics are available to assess the performance of digital X-ray imaging systems. However, the sensitivity of these metrics to changes in the electro-optical imaging chain is poorly understood. Some of the commonly used metrics include Contrast to Noise ratio (CNR), limiting spatial resolution, Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) and the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE). We evaluated the utility of these metrics in characterizing the imaging plate, imaging system optics and electronic components of computed radiography (CR) systems. We developed practical and easy to use test objects (phantoms) and implemented software to aid in calculating each metric. The results of this research will facilitate the characterization of differences in CR systems using the appropriate metrics.
Micro-power generators for ambient intelligence applications

Intelligent environments employ electronics unobtrusively integrated with the ambient to predict and to respond to the needs of people, enhancing many aspects of the everyday life. Wireless sensor network (WSN) are at the center of ambient intelligence applications. They consists of thousands of distributed sensing devices, that continually collect and transmit information about the surrounding environment. These sensors have to be energetically autonomous for long periods of time, which exclude battery use for providing power. However, emerging sensors have low power requirements, which can be met by scavenging ambient energy. Hence, research in micropower generation is gaining significant momentum.
Psychometric properties of the contingency management competence scale

Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based treatment, and clinicians are beginning to implement this intervention in practice. However, little research exists on methods for assuring appropriate implementation of CM. This study describes the development and psychometric properties of the 12-item CM Competence Scale (CMCS). Thirty-five therapists from nine community-based clinics participated; following a training period, a randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of CM in cocaine abusing patients. Analyses of the CMCS are based on ratings from 1613 audiotapes of therapist interactions with 78 patients enrolled in the training phase and 103 patients in the randomized phase. Inter-rater reliability from 11 raters and internal consistency of items on the CMCS was good to excellent. Items loaded onto two factors: one contained items specific to discussions of the outcomes of urine testing and reinforcement, and the other contained general items related to use of praise, communication of confidence, empathy, skillfulness, and maintaining session structure, as well as discussions of self-reports of drug use when they occurred. During the training phase in CM delivery, scores on the CMCS rose significantly between earlier and later training sessions, and during the randomized phase, CM sessions were rated more highly than non-CM sessions. Scores on the subscale assessing general items were significantly correlated with indices of the therapeutic alliance and predictive of durations of cocaine abstinence achieved. These data suggest that the CMCS is reliable and valid in assessing delivery of CM and that competence in CM delivery is associated with improved patient outcomes.
Trends in osteoporosis treatment with oral and intravenous bisphosphonates in the United States, 2002–2012

Bisphosphonates have been widely prescribed to postmenopausal women for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Given a background of reports of recent safety problems, questions about optimal duration of use, and the patent expiration of Fosamax in February 2008, we accessed data from pharmaceutical marketing research databases to describe trends in dispensed prescriptions and sales of oral bisphosphonates, characteristics of patients and prescribers, and sales of intravenous bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment. An estimated 21.3million prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates were dispensed in U.S. retail pharmacies in 2002 that increased 46% to a peak of 31.0million in 2007 and 2008, and declined by 53% in a four year-period to 14.7million in 2012. Sales data (number of packages sold in all settings of care) showed parallel trends (66% increase from 2002 through 2007 and 51% decrease from 2007 through 2012). Similarly, intravenous bisphosphonate sales for osteoporosis treatment grew 3.8-fold from 149.5 thousand packages in 2007 to 561.6 thousand in 2010, followed by a 22% decrease in 2012. Data from an ongoing monthly office-based survey indicated physicians mentioned oral bisphosphonates primarily in visits of older aged Caucasian women with lower body mass for osteoporosis. Frequencies of oral bisphosphonate mentions increased between 2002 and 2012 in visits of Asians and for osteopenia diagnoses. These data indicate a substantial decline in prescriptions and sales of oral (since 2007-2008) and intravenous (since 2010) bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment in the United States. Reasons for, and implications of, the decline should be considered for future research.
The Valency of Music Has Different Effects on the Emotional Responses of Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and a Comparison Group

Emotion perception deficits are commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Numerous studies have documented deficits in emotional recognition of social stimuli among those with ASD, such as faces and voices, while far fewer have investigated emotional recognition of nonsocial stimuli in this population. In this study, participants with ASD and a comparison group of typically developing (TD) control participants listened to song clips that varied in levels of pleasantness (valence) and arousal. Participants then rated emotions they felt or perceived in the music, using a list of eight emotion words for each song. Results showed that individuals with ASD gave significantly lower ratings of negative emotions in both the felt and perceived categories compared to TD controls, but did not show significant differences in ratings of positive emotions. These findings suggest that deficits in processing emotions in music among those with ASD may be valence specific.
Comparison of Filter Media Against Liquid and Solid Aerosols

Several filter media were evaluated by using liquid (0.3 µm DOP) and solid (approximately 0.3 µm polystyrene latex) test aerosols. Data were obtained for each medium at velocities ranging from 4 to 190 fpm. Below 100 fpm, Whatman 41 filter paper has a significantly higher efficiency when tested with solid aerosols. Below 40 fpm, IPC 1478 also has a significantly higher efficiency when tested with solid aerosols. Instrumentation limitations prevented measuring any significant differences for the high-efficiency media tested. Aerosol agglomeration and charge effects were eliminated by using an impactor and by establishing charge equilibrium for the solid aerosols. Average electron charge on latex particles was reduced to 0.7, and the test aerosol consisted of 86 to 97% single particles. The effects of filter loading on efficiency and pressure drop was also measured. Whatman 41 efficiency was significantly increased owing to loading with polystyrene latex aerosols. This did not occur with DOP.
Informing the public of transportation–land use connections

The lack of relevant information is a significant barrier when policy makers try to motivate local communities in regional transportation-land use planning. This article demonstrates a workable approach to overcoming this information gap. Large data sets and research results are preprocessed to provide the information on regional transportation-land use connections. Web-based open source geo-spatial technologies are employed to reduce the cost of information dissemination while maintaining a high level of accessibility. Maps and graphs are dynamically generated to ensure that relevant information is delivered in easy-to-understand formats. Two illustrative examples are presented in this article to show how local planners can possibly benefit from this approach when developing stories of community growth, accessibility, mobility, and transportation-land use connections in a regional context.
One-year outcomes in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients receiving an alternative dosing regimen of daclizumab

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of two dosing regimen of daclizumab with no-antibody induction in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant (SKPT) recipients receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Methods. A total of 297 SKPT patients were enrolled into this prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label study. The patients were randomized into three groups: daclizumab 1 mg/kg/dose every 14 days for five doses (group I, n = 107), daclizumab 2 mg/kg/dose every 14 days for two doses (group II, n = 112), and no-antibody induction (group III, n = 78). Results. There were no differences in baseline characteristics among the three groups, except for a higher proportion of African-Americans in group II. The incidence of composite events (acute rejection, graft loss, or death) at 1 year was 36.4%, 32.7%, and 48.7% for groups I, II, and III, respectively (P <.05, group II vs group III). The incidence of acute rejection was highest in group III (34.6%) compared to groups I and II (22.4% and 22.1%, respectively, P <.05). The mean time to acute rejection was delayed in group II (96 days) compared to 23 days in group I and 20 days in group III (P <.05). The adverse-event profiles were comparable among the three groups, except for a higher incidence of infection and readmissions in group III. Conclusions. Daclizumab was safe and effective in reducing the incidence of acute rejection when compared to no induction. The alternative two-dose regimen of daclizumab was as effective as the conventional five-dose regimen and is logistically more desirable.
Bayesian imputation of predictive values when covariate information is available and gold standard diagnosis is unavailable.

We suggest a conceptually simple Bayesian approach to inferences about the conditional probability of a specimen being infection-free given the outcome of a diagnostic test and covariate information. The approach assumes that the infection state of a specimen is not observable but uses the outcomes of a second test in conjuction with those of the first, that is, dual testing data. Dual testing procedures are often employed in clinical laboratories to assure that positive samples are not contaminated or to increase the likelihood of correct diagnoses. Using the CD4 count and a proxy for risk behaviour as covariates, we apply the method to obtain inferences about the conditional probability of an individual being HIV-1 infection-free given the individual's covariates and a negative outcome with the standard enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay/Western blotting test for HIV-1 detection. Inferences combine data from two studies where specimens were tested with the standard and with the more sensitive polymerase chain reaction test.
The participation of growth factors in simulating the quiescent, proliferate, and differentiate stages of rat granulosa cells grown in a serum-free medium

Abstract Ovarian granulosa cells from small antral follicles from immature rats were cultured in a serum-free medium on an extracellular matrix for 10 days with growth factors in an effort to simulate the metabolic states they experience during their differentiation. During in vivo differentiation granulosa cells are initially quiescent, later proliferate and subsequently commence differentiation. With the production of androstenedione by the vascularized theca interna they produce estrogen and when the follicle reaches the preovulatory stage, granulosa cells produce both estrogen and progesterone. Culturing granulosa cells in serum-free medium plus FSH, PDGF, or FSH plus PDGF, the cells remain quiescent. The cells proliferate most consistently (as assessed by DNA quantitation) when cultured in FSH, PDGF, TGFα, TGFβ and GH, and undergo the first level of differentiation by producing estrogen (assessed by RIA) when cultured in FSH, PDGF, TGFβ, IGF-I and Δ4-A. Further differentiation is achieved in the presence of FSH, PDGF, TGFα, bFGF and Δ4-A when the cells produce both estrogen and progesterone similar to their production in preovulatory follicles. Phase contrast photomicrographs were made to monitor cellular shape changes. Electron microscopic analysis of the quiescent and proliferative cells reveal them to contain the normally occurring organelles. After 8 days in culture, cells producing estrogen, and estrogen and progesterone, contain endoplasmic reticulum of the smooth variety, an organelle which, in cooperation with mitochondria, is known to be involved in the production of steroids such as estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, with the addition of one or more growth factors and androstenedione to FSH-containing serum free medium, the simulated conditions are partially reminiscent of the follicular microenvironment, in which granulosa cells cultured on extracellular matrix can exhibit characteristics of growth and differentiation similar to folliculogenesis.
Unraveling Mechanisms Regulating Systemic Iron Homeostasis

Systemic iron balance must be tightly regulated to prevent the deleterious effects of iron deficiency and iron overload. Hepcidin, a circulating hormone that is synthesized by the liver, has emerged as a key regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. Hepcidin inhibits the absorption of dietary iron from the intestine and the release of iron derived from red blood cells from macrophages. Therefore, variation in hepcidin levels modifies the total amount of iron stored in the body and the availability of iron for erythropoiesis. The production of hepcidin by the liver is modulated by multiple physiological stimuli, including iron loading, inflammation, and erythropoietic activity. Investigation of the functions of the gene products mutated in inherited iron disorders using tissue-culture systems and animal models has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms by which these hepcidin responses are mediated. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis.
Electroencephalic audiometry by cortical conditioning.

Twenty-four normal-hearing adults were conditioned to associate a flash of light (unconditioned stimulus) with a pure tone (conditioned stimulus). The contingent response was used to estimate audit...
Characterization of twenty-six polymorphic microsatellite markers for the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and their utility in gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

Twenty-six polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 11 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.037 to 0.815. Preliminary screening revealed that numerous loci also were polymorphic in other squirrel species: Sciurus carolinensis and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus. These loci should be useful tools for investigating the social structure, mating tactics and movement behavior of fox squirrels.
SU-E-J-212: Real-Time Treatment Failure Detection for Moving Tumor with Image Guidance.

Purpose: Respiratory motion can cause misalignment of the radiation beam and will greatly degrade the effectiveness of cancerradiation treatment. Failure of radiation treatment can be detected by real‐time image. The efficiency of both internal tracking and external tracking has been assessed in this. Methods: Both 3D internal fiducial marker motion and 1D external abdominal surface motion data of 11 patients were collected simultaneously. Linear and quadratic functions have been applied to correlate the internal and external motion signal. To detect tracking failure of external imaging, three approaches have been proposed: (i) correlation only: which will compare directly between the tracked and the based curve. (2) fixed baseline shift: which interferes the treatment by adjusting the baseline of tracked signal to compensate target motion for each treatment fraction. (3) dynamic baseline shift: dynamically interfere with treatment for each breathing cycle. (4) dynamic baseline with base curve update, is the third approach with base curve for each fraction. Results: Generally, the quadratic function produced better correlation results than the linear correlation. With more historical data available, the quadratic prediction gives better correlation outcomes. The tracking frequency of 30, 10, 5, 2, 1, and 0.2Hz has been evaluated. Although high imaging frequency usually results in better correlation,imaging rate of 1 Hz will results acceptable results. For the failure detection, the average Euclidean misalignment is 3.46, 2.42, 2.21, 1.80 for the above four approach. With treatment interference, the beam‐on‐time percentages are 54.03, 58.26, 63.94, and 60.48 respectively. Conclusion: High imaging frequency is not required. approaches with baseline shift and base curve update will improve the treatment efficiency and treatment accuracy. Guidance using hybrid imaging with high‐frequency of external imaging and low internal imaging is needed to compensate tumor respiratory motion.
Ethical Attitudes of Future Business Leaders: Do They Vary by Gender and Religiosity?

Corporations have multiple stakeholder groups. One stakeholder group consists of undergraduate business students, who collectively constitute the future leadership of corporations. Given the so-cal...
Growth of laser damage in fused silica: diameter to depth ratio

Growth of laser initiated damage plays a major role in determining optics lifetime in high power laser systems. Previous measurements have established that the lateral diameter grows exponentially. Knowledge of the growth of the site in the propagation direction is also important, especially so when considering techniques designed to mitigate damage growth, where it is required to reach all the subsurface damage. In this work, we present data on both the diameter and the depth of a growing exit surface damage sites in fused silica. Measured growth rates with both 351 nm illumination and with combined 351 nm and 1054 nm illumination are discussed.
Gas permeation resistance of various grades of perfluoroalkoxy–polytetrafluoroethylene copolymers

The permeation resistance of various grades of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymers was tested. Specimens were compression molded using two different cooling techniques: a faster one (ice water quench) and a slower one (press cooled). Permeability, diffusion, and solubility coefficients were measured for hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases. The slow cooled samples always showed much better permeation resistance than those cooled quickly, demonstrating that process can be as important as polymer grade in determining the ultimate permeation resistance of PFA. For a given cooling method, molecular mass (chain length) had no appreciable affect on the permeation resistance. On the other hand, PFA grades with increased comonomer content appeared to have slightly diminished permeation resistance whereas grades with PTFE filler had better permeation resistance. Differences in permeation resistance were attributed to variation in crystallinity arising from differences in molecular architecture and processing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preconditioning convection dominated convection‐diffusion problems

This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of multi‐dimensional convection dominated convection‐diffusion problems. These problems are characterized by a large parameter, K, multiplying the convection terms. The goal of this work is the development and analysis of effective preconditioners for iteratively solving the large system of linear equations arising from various finite element and finite difference discretizations with grid size h. When centered finite difference schemes and standard Galerkin finite element methods are used, h must be related to K by the stability constraint, Kh ≤ C0, where the constant C0 is sufficiently small. A class of preconditioners is developed that significantly reduces the condition number for large K and small h. Furthermore, these preconditioners are inexpensive to implement and well suited for parallel computation. It is shown that under suitable assumptions, the number of iterations remains bounded as h ↓0 with K fixed and, at worst, grows slowly as K ↓ ∞. Nu...
Supercooling and superheating of the AB transition in superfluid 3 He near the polycritical point

Experimental measurements of the cooling (A→B) and warming (B→A) transitions between 3 He-A and 3 He-B are presented for fields of 378 and 5 G. The relationship of these measurements to the existence in zero field of a polycritical point on the line of second-order transitions is then discussed.
Subungual metastasis from a rectal primary: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Subungual metastases from colorectal cancer are unusual and have mainly been reported in patients with lung, genitourinary, and breast cancer. OBJECTIVE We present the case of a 72-year-old man with rectal adenocarcinoma and a subungual metastasis to the left thumb 5 years later. METHODS A case report and a brief review of the literature of subungual metastases are given. RESULTS The thumb was amputated and the patient died 6 months later with extensive metastatic disease. CONCLUSION Metastatic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent subungual masses, particularly in patients with a history of cancer. The prognosis with such lesions is generally poor.
2013 Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and Recommendations

Breast cancer is the most common nonskin cancer diagnosed among women in the United States and throughout the world, and the leading cause of cancer deaths. Screening recommendations and guidelines vary depending on the organization. Screening modalities include self breast examination, clinical breast examination, mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Screening guidelines vary based on individual risk assessment and age.
The antrum can control gastric emptying of liquid meals

Abstract Electrodes and force strain gauge transducers were implanted in dogs on the anterior gastroduodenal serosa for monitoring of contractile Percentage Activity and Gastric Work patterns and burst peak-to-peak durations, while fasting and after instillation of either isotonic sodium citrate or hypertonic 10% dextrose meals. The dogs were further divided at time of implantation into three surgical models: (i) otherwise intact stomachs or controls (CON), (ii) proximal gastric vagotomy with innervated antrum (PGV), and (iii) truncal vagotomy with posterior pylorectomy (TVP). Gastric emptying of the isotonic meal did not alter the normal interdigestive motility of the gastric antrum in any model. Whether instilled in the midst of or after a normal burst cycle, the hypertonic meal promptly inhibited antral contractions and significantly prolonged the burst peak-to-peak interval in animals with a vagally innervated antrum (CON, PGV). The inhibition lasted until >80% of the meal had emptied, followed by gradual return to normal burst activity. The inhibition ceased promptly when the half-emptied residual meal was aspirated from the stomach. The meal emptied faster, and inhibition was much less apparent in the TVP model. The data document that the vagally innervated gastric antrum (CON, PGV) controls emptying of hypertonic liquids by active inhibition of contractions. Antral denervation (TVP) produces contraction discoordination and impaired inhibition.
Structure of human ACE gives new insights into inhibitor binding and design

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a primary target of drugs used for controlling hypertension. A new X-ray crystallographic structure of the key catalytic domain of ACE provides detailed information about the structure of its active site, located in a deep channel, and its interactions with an inhibitor. Such information might facilitate the rational design of ACE inhibitors that are more potent and more selective and therefore of clinical use.
Effect of data representation on cost of sparse matrix operations

This paper analyzes the effect the data representation has on the cost of the operations on sparse matrices of matrix addition, multiplication of a matrix by a non-sparse vector, and matrix multiplication. For each operation an algorithm is given for each representation. Each algorithm is analyzed to compute the number of operations and the time required. The cost of each matrix operation is reported analytically as a function of the matrix representation used, the matrix densities, and the speeds of floating point addition and multiplication relative to fixed point operations.
Column radial homogeneity in high-performance liquid chromatography

The radial distribution of analyte molecules within an elution band in HPLC was determined by local, on-column, fluorescence detection at the column outlet. Several optical fiber assemblies were implanted in the exit frit at different points over the column cross-section and the fluorescence of a laser-dye analyte was measured. The individual elements of a diode array were used as independent detectors. The distribution of the mobile phase velocity across the column was measured for a number of standard size analytical HPLC columns of different efficiencies, operated at different mobile phase linear velocities. The dependence of the column efficiency on these profiles is discussed.
Selective removal of resin and fatty acids from mechanical pulp effluents by ozone

Fresh chemithermomechanical (CTMP) mill primary clarifier (combined) effluents were treated using a system capable of accurately applying small measured charges of ozone. It was shown that the efficiency of ozone transfer into effluent was much better than into water, and that there was no residual dissolved ozone. Small ozone charges destroyed high proportions of the total resin and fatty acids (RFAs) and juvabiones (JBs) present in the effluents. This effect diminished with increasing ozone charges. Likewise, effluent toxicity, as measured in the Microtox assay, decreased rapidly with the low ozone charges. The low charges of ozone were also shown to be effective in destroying both soluble and particulate RFAs. It was shown that there was a strong positive correlation between the RFA content and the acute toxicity of an effluent sample, and that all the acute toxicity was extractable with methyl-t-butyl ether. Both Microtox and Daphnia magna acute toxicity assays correlated with effluent RFA content, but the Microtox was somewhat more sensitive. Thus, ozone may be a useful economical treatment agent for selectively removing RFAs and toxicity from mill effluent streams.
Rotational order-disorder structure of fluorescent protein FP480

An analysis of the rotational order–disorder structure of fluorescent protein FP480 is presented. In the last decade, advances in instrumentation and software development have made crystallography a powerful tool in structural biology. Using this method, structural information can now be acquired from pathological crystals that would have been abandoned in earlier times. In this paper, the order–disorder (OD) structure of fluorescent protein FP480 is discussed. The structure is composed of tetramers with 222 symmetry incorporated into the lattice in two different ways, namely rotated 90° with respect to each other around the crystal c axis, with tetramer axes coincident with crystallographic twofold axes. The random distribution of alternatively oriented tetramers in the crystal creates a rotational OD structure with statistically averaged I422 symmetry, although the presence of very weak and diffuse additional reflections suggests that the randomness is only approximate.
Serfdom, Emancipation, and Off-farm Labour Mobility in Tsarist Russia

ABSTRACT Serfdom is the most well known institutional feature of Russia under the Tsars, but its empirical implications for growth and development have rarely been explored. This paper investigates whether the legacy of serfdom affected labour mobility in the Russian countryside after Emancipation in 1861. I detail the structure of the reforms that ended serfdom and transferred property to the former serfs, and show that these measures did result in smaller land endowments, higher obligation levels, and possibly stronger communal restrictions than other groups of peasants faced in the post-Emancipation period. Drawing on a unique panel dataset of representative villages in Moscow province, I show how these differences were related to the scope of mobility out of agriculture between former serf and non-serf villages after 1861. Although the results suggest some persistence of constraints on labour mobility among former serfs, the observable differences in off-farm labour market activity largely disappear b...
Recovery of tactile placing after visual cortex ablation in cat: a behavioral and metabolic study of diaschisis.

After bilateral visual cortex ablation, cats show a transient deficit in tactile placing and a permanent deficit in visual placing of both forelimbs. Amphetamine administration (four doses, 5 mg/kg, i.p., spaced at 4-day intervals beginning 10 days after surgery) accelerated the rate of recovery of tactile placing compared with saline controls whereas visual placing was not affected. The catecholamine antagonist, haloperidol (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.), blocked the amphetamine-enhanced recovery of tactile placing. Additionally, the visual cortex lesions produced a depression of oxidative metabolism, measured by cytochrome oxidase histochemistry, in subcortical regions remote from the injury. Animals treated with amphetamine exhibited an alleviation of this metabolic depression in the superior colliculus but not in other regions.
A longitudinal analysis of supplier involvement in buyers’ new product development: working relations, inter-dependence, co-innovation, and performance outcomes

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study develops a longitudinal theoretical framework of supplier participation in buyers’ new product development (NPD) activities. The study focuses on the longitudinal temporal dynamics of supplier involvement in buyers’ new product development and postulates that working relations and inter-dependence impact suppliers’ attitudes toward co-innovation and suppliers’ co-innovation behaviors. Applying this framework to a 10-year longitudinal dataset from the North American automotive industry, the drivers of the escalation of supplier involvement in buyers’ NPD over time and the effect of this involvement on innovation performance, buyer sales performance, and supplier sales performance are identified. The results indicate that buyer–supplier communication, suppliers’ anticipated long-term returns, suppliers’ trust of a buyer, and supplier–buyer inter-dependence all play a significant role in changing supplier attitudes toward co-innovation and supplier involvement in a buyer’s NPD. Further, the study also shows that supplier involvement in buyer new product development is mutually beneficial for both the buyer and the supplier as it increases performance of both parties. Performance returns are actually greater for suppliers than for buyers. As such, this study contributes to both relationship management and new product development literature streams, as well as providing practical direction to manufacturers as to how they can increase suppliers’ involvement in their NPD to benefit both parties.
EGF receptors on TEA3A1 endocrine thymic epithelial cells.

Abstract Thymic endocrine epithelial cell line TEA3A1 can be maintained and passaged in a serum-free WAJC404A medium supplemented with insulin, transferrin, dexamethasone and EGF. EGF not only promotes the growth of these cells but also regulates the activation of phospholipase A2 enzyme activity. The binding of [125I]EGF to the TEA3A1 cells is temperature and time dependent, saturable and can be blocked by excess unlabelled EGF. Two classes of EGF receptors are found on these cells. One with Kd of 5 × 10−11M (∼3000 sites/cell) and the other with Kd of 5 × 10−9M (∼30,000 sites/cell). The resynthesis of EGF receptor in TEA3A1 cells after down-regulation requires about 24 hrs and can be blocked by both actinomycin D and cycloheximide.
Whole body radiography for bone survey screening of cancer and myeloma patients.

Purpose: To determine the utility of a rapid, low dose whole body radiographic system (Statscan) for the detection of focal metastatic deposits in cancer patients and multifocal disease in myeloma patients. Materials and Methods: After IRB approval, 30 consecutive patients had a frontal and lateral whole body radiography done with the Statscan system as a substitute for conventional radiographic skeletal survey. Both whole body images were obtained in less than five minutes. Images were retrospectively reviewed, independently, by three musculoskeletal radiologists. Findings were compared to information from all other available imaging studies. Final determinations were by consensus. Results: Of the 30 patients in the study group, there were 18 men and 12 women with an age range from 37 to 88 years, average 60 years. Diagnoses were MGUS/multiple myeloma in 18 cases, lymphoma/leukemia in two cases, and cancer in 11 cases. Eleven of the Statscan exams were interpreted by all three radiologists as normal. The...
The Acinetobacter regulatory UmuDAb protein cleaves in response to DNA damage with chimeric LexA/UmuD characteristics

In the DNA damage response of most bacteria, UmuD forms part of the error-prone (UmuD′2)C polymerase V and is activated for this function by self-cleavage after DNA damage. However, the umuD homolog ( umuDAb ) present throughout the Acinetobacter genus encodes an extra N-terminal region, and in Acinetobacter baylyi , regulates transcription of DNA damage–induced genes. UmuDAb expressed in cells was correspondingly larger (24 kDa) than the Escherichia coli UmuD (15 kDa). DNA damage from mitomycin C or UV exposure caused UmuDAb cleavage in both E. coli wild-type and ΔumuD cells on a timescale resembling UmuD, but did not require UmuD. Like the self-cleaving serine proteases LexA and UmuD, UmuDAb required RecA for cleavage. This cleavage produced a UmuDAb′ fragment of a size consistent with the predicted cleavage site of Ala83–Gly84. Site-directed mutations at Ala83 abolished cleavage, as did mutations at either the Ser119 or Lys156 predicted enzymatic residues. Co-expression of the cleavage site mutant and an enzymatic mutant did not allow cleavage, demonstrating a strictly intramolecular mechanism of cleavage that more closely resembles the LexA-type repressors than UmuD. These data show that UmuDAb undergoes a post-translational, LexA-like cleavage event after DNA damage, possibly to achieve its regulatory action.
Development of a temperature scale below 0.5 K

Abstract We summarize our most recent results on the development of an absolute temperature scale below 0.5 K. It is the most recent of several experiments at our laboratory and represents both our best effort and the one in which all available thermometers were simultaneously and fully operational. Implications of our results for other work will be discussed.
Groundwater model of the Blue River basin, Nebraska—Twenty years later

Abstract Groundwater flow models have become almost a routine tool of the practicing hydrologist. Yet, surprisingly little attention has been given to true verification analysis of studies using these models. This paper examines predictions for 1982 of water-level declines and streamflow depletions that were made in 1965 using an electric analog groundwater model of the Blue River basin in southeastern Nebraska. Analysis of the model's predictions suggests that the analog model used too low an estimate of net groundwater withdrawals, yet overestimated water-level declines. The model predicted that almost all of the net groundwater pumpage would come from storage in the Pleistocene aquifer within the Blue River basin. It appears likely that the model underestimated the contributions of other sources of water to the pumpage, and that the aquifer storage coefficients used in the model were too low. There is some evidence that groundwater pumpage has had a greater than predicted effect on streamflow. Considerable uncertainty about the basic conceptualization of the hydrology of the Blue River basin greatly limits the reliability of groundwater models developed for the basin. The paper concludes with general perspectives on groundwater modeling gained from this post-audit analysis.
Increased hyaluronic acid is associated with dermal delayed-type hypersensitivity

Rabbits sensitized subcutaneously with heat-killed bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and challenged intradermally with heat-killed BCG or purified protein derivative (PPD) demonstrated classical dermal delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions which peaked two days postchallenge. Animals challenged with BCG developed dermal granulomas as measured by induration and gross observation. Challenge with either PPD or BCG resulted in increased levels of dermal hyaluronic acid (HA) by two days postchallenge. Dermal HA returned to normal levels by seven days postchallenge regardless of the challenge antigen. These results indicated that increased HA is associated with dermal delayed-type sensitivity, but increased HA is not associated with dermal granulomatous hypersensitivity. These results are in contrast to previously reported work which indicates that increased HA is associated with both pulmonary delayed hypersensitivity and pulmonary granulomatous hypersensitivity.
alpha1-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SUBTYPES IN HUMAN DETRUSOR

AbstractPurpose: To identify and quantitate alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1 AR) subtype expression in human detrusor.Materials and Methods: Initial studies to determine alpha1 AR expression in human detrusor were performed using saturation binding with [(125) I]HEAT. Once the presence of alpha1 ARs was documented, subtype (alpha1a, alpha1b, alpha1d) expression at the mRNA level (and comparison with rat) was determined with RNase protection assays (human detrusor) and RT-PCR (human detrusor, rat whole bladder). Competition binding analysis with the alpha1d AR-selective ligand BMY7378 was used to measure alpha1 AR subtype expression at a protein level in human detrusor.Results: alpha1 AR expression in human detrusor was low but reproducible (6.3 +/- 1.0 fmol./mg. total protein). RNase protection assays performed on total RNA extracted from human detrusor revealed the following alpha1 AR subtype expression: alpha1d (66%) > alpha1a (34%), and no alpha1b. RT-PCR confirmed alpha1 AR subtype mRNA distribution...
Solute transport in solution conduits exhibiting multi-peaked breakthrough curves

Summary Solute transport in karst aquifers is primarily constrained to solution conduits where transport is rapid, turbulent, and relatively unrestrictive. Breakthrough curves generated from tracer tests are typically positively-skewed and may exhibit multiple peaks. In order to understand the circumstances under which multi-peaked positively skewed breakthrough curves occur, physical experiments utilizing single- and multiple-flow channels were conducted. Experiments also included waterfalls, short-term solute detention in pools, and flow obstructions. Results demonstrated that breakthrough curve skewness nearly always occurs to some degree but is magnified as immobile-flow regions are encountered. Multi-peaked breakthrough curves occurred when flow in the main channel became partially occluded from blockage in the main channel that forced divergence of solute into auxiliary channels and when waterfalls and detention in pools occurred. Currently, multi-peaked breakthrough curves are fitted by a multi-dispersion model in which a series of curves generated by the advection–dispersion equation are fitted to each measured peak by superimposing the measured breakthrough curve to obtain a combined model fit with a consequent set of estimated velocities and dispersions. In this paper, a dual-advection dispersion equation with first-order mass transfer between conduits was derived. The dual-advection dispersion equation was then applied to the multi-peaked breakthrough curves obtained from the physical experiments in order to obtain some insight into the operative solute-transport processes through the acquisition of a consequent set of velocities, dispersions, and related parameters. Successful application of the dual-advection, dispersion equation to a tracer test that exhibited dual peaks for a karst aquifer known to consist of two connected but mostly separate conduits confirmed the appropriateness of using a multi-dispersion type model when conditions warrant.
The general theory of relativity: The first thirty years

Abstract In this paper the author presents his impression of the principal landmarks in the development of general relativity (exclusive of cosmology) during the first 30 years after its founding from his vantage point of the present: it is a personal statement.
Broken-Symmetry States in Doubly Gated Suspended Bilayer Graphene

The single-particle energy spectra of graphene and its bilayer counterpart exhibit multiple degeneracies that arise through inherent symmetries. Interactions among charge carriers should spontaneously break these symmetries and lead to ordered states that exhibit energy gaps. In the quantum Hall regime, these states are predicted to be ferromagnetic in nature, whereby the system becomes spin polarized, layer polarized, or both. The parabolic dispersion of bilayer graphene makes it susceptible to interaction-induced symmetry breaking even at zero magnetic field. We investigated the underlying order of the various broken-symmetry states in bilayer graphene suspended between top and bottom gate electrodes. We deduced the order parameter of the various quantum Hall ferromagnetic states by controllably breaking the spin and sublattice symmetries. At small carrier density, we identified three distinct broken-symmetry states, one of which is consistent with either spontaneously broken time-reversal symmetry or spontaneously broken rotational symmetry.
Vitamin D receptor and enzyme expression in dorsal root ganglia of adult female rats: Modulation by ovarian hormones

Vitamin D insufficiency impacts sensory processes including pain and proprioception, but little is known regarding vitamin D signaling in adult sensory neurons. We analyzed female rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for vitamin receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24. Western blots and immunofluorescence revealed the presence of these proteins in sensory neurons. Nuclear VDR immunoreactivity was present within nearly all neurons, while cytoplasmic VDR was found preferentially in unmyelinated calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive neurons, colocalizing with CYP27B1 and CYP24. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 may affect sensory neurons through nuclear or extranuclear signaling pathways. In addition, local vitamin D metabolite concentrations in unmyelinated sensory neurons may be controlled through expression of CYP27B1 and CYP24. Because vitamin D deficiency appears to exacerbate some peri-menopausal pain syndromes, we assessed the effect of ovariectomy on vitamin D-related proteins. Two weeks following ovariectomy, total VDR expression in DRG dropped significantly, owing to a slight decrease in the percentage of total neurons expressing nuclear VDR and a large drop in unmyelinated CGRP-positive neurons expressing cytoplasmic VDR. Total CYP27B1 expression dropped significantly, predominantly due to decreased expression within unmyelinated CGRP-positive neurons. CYP24 expression remained unchanged. Therefore, unmyelinated CGRP-positive neurons appear to have a distinct vitamin D phenotype with hormonally-regulated ligand and receptor levels. These findings imply that vitamin D signaling may play a specialized role in a neural cell population that is primarily nociceptive.