cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CCR2 Gene Deletion and Pharmacologic Blockade Ameliorate a Severe Murine Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis Model of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. (P1.062)

OBJECTIVE: To deduce molecular determinants and signaling pathways responsible for leukocyte trafficking during peripheral neuroinflammation aimed towards efficacious drug discovery. BACKGROUND: Current treatments for GBS are non-specific and partly efficacious. An observational study suggested a pathogenic role for chemokine ligand/receptor CCL2/CCR2 in the AIDP variant of GBS. Chemokine receptors, being G-protein coupled, are amenable anti-inflammatory targets. DESIGN/METHODS: A severe murine experimental autoimmune neuritis (sm-EAN) model that mimics AIDP was utilized. Sm-EAN was induced in 8-12 week old female SJL CCR2 knockout (CCR2 KO), heterozygote (CCR2 HT) and wild type (CCR2 WT) mice. Daily neuromuscular severity scores were recorded. In vitro and in vivo splenocyte proliferation and cytokine expression, and sciatic nerve Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and CCL2 expression assays were performed to evaluate systemic and local innate immune activation at disease onset. Motor nerve electrophysiology and sciatic nerve histology were also performed to characterize the inflammatory neuropathy. Mimicking a drug trial, 20 mg/kg CCR2 antagonist, RS 102895 was administered daily for 5 days to female SJL CCR2 WT mice following sm-EAN disease onset, with efficacy directly compared to 400 mg/kg human IVIg. RESULTS: CCR2 KO mice were resistant to sm-EAN compared to CCR2 WT and CCR2 HT mice, associated with significantly reduced inflammatory demyelination. Partial gene deletion did not confer any protection against sm-EAN. CCR2 KO mice demonstrated similar splenocyte activation or proliferation profiles, as well as TLR2, TLR4 and CCL2 expression to CCR2 WT or CCR2 HT mice, implying a direct role for CCR2 in sm-EAN pathogenesis. CCR2 drug antagonism resulted in rapid, near complete recovery from sm-EAN following disease onset; being significantly more efficacious than IVIg. CONCLUSIONS: CCR2 mediates pathogenic monocyte trafficking into peripheral nerves, with consequential demyelination in sm-EAN. CCR2 is amenable to pharmacologic blockade, making it a plausible target for novel AIDP therapies. Study Supported by: Baylor College of Medicine New Investigator Start-Up funds and NIH/NINDS Grant R21 NS078226 Disclosure: Dr. Ubogu has nothing to disclose.
chi^2 and Linear Fits

The mathematics of linear fits is presented in covariant form. Topics include: correlated data, covariance matrices, joint fits to multiple data sets, constraints, and extension of the formalism to non-linear fits. A brief summary at the end provides a convenient crib sheet. These are somewhat amplified notes from a 90 minute lecture in a first-year graduate course. None of the results are new. They are presented here because they do not appear to be elsewhere available in compact form.
Fractional Cascading: A Data Structuring Technique with Geometric Applications

We examine the problem of searching for a given item in several sets. Let U be a linearly ordered universe and C be a finite collection of subsets of U; given an arbitrary query (x, H) with x e U and H\(\subseteq\)C, search for x in each set of H. This operation, termed iterative search, is the bottleneck of a large number of retrieval problems. To perform it efficiently, we introduce a new technique, called fractional cascading. We demonstrate its versatility by applying it to a number of different geometric problems. Among the major applications of fractional cascading, we find improved methods for answering range queries, searching in the past, computing functions on d-ranges, intersection searching, solving general extensions of classical retrieval problems, answering visibility questions in the context of ray-tracing, etc.
Fatigue-induced changes in phasic muscle activation patterns during dynamic trunk extension exercise.

ABSTRACTClark BC, Manini TM, Ploutz-Snyder LL: Fatigue-induced changes in phasic muscle activation patterns during dynamic trunk extension exercise. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:373–379.Objective:To investigate the influence of fatigue on phasic muscle-activation patterns during dynamic trunk exten
Spatial organization of the reciprocal connections between the cat dorsal and anteroventral cochlear nuclei.

Abstract We are studying the interconnections between the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) and the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Biotinylated dextran was injected into the DCN, where the best frequency of responses was also recorded. Ventrotubercular neurons in AVCN were labeled, along with cochlear nerve fibers and the axons of cells in DCN. In AVCN, a central band of labeled cochlear nerve axons and large endbulbs was labeled. Bordering this band was a `fringe' of smaller tuberculoventral axonal endings forming pericellular nests. Most AVCN neurons projecting to DCN were stellate, elongate, or giant cells, located in the posterior division of AVCN, regardless of the DCN injection site. About 75% of the labeled AVCN cells lay within the bands of labeled cochlear nerve fibers. Another 15% were in the outer fringes on either side of these bands, while 10% were outside the bands and the fringes. These findings suggest that most AVCN neurons projecting to the DCN conform to the tonotopic map. A significant portion of the ventrotubercular neurons occupy side-bands in AVCN. Reciprocally, the tuberculoventral tract forms a robust fringe of axonal endings flanking the central bands. The neuronal and axonal bands and side-bands may underlie excitatory and inhibitory signal transformations.
Phase modulated pulsed laser for WDM soliton communication systems

A 2/spl times/10 Gbit/s wavelength-division multiplexed soliton laser source based on the spectral filtering of an externally phase modulated CW laser is presented. Use of this method ensures that adjacent channels are initially delayed by half the bit period which is necessary to reduce initial collisions in long distance WDM soliton transmission.
Methanol causes posteriorization of cervical vertebrae in mice.

Inhalation of methanol by pregnant mice before gestation day nine (gd 9) produces fetal skeletal alterations, principally in the cervical region. The appearance of these defects suggests homeotic shifts in segment identity, patterning, or both. To explore this possibility, detailed morphological analyses of the effects of methanol on fetal skeletal development were done. Pregnant mice were gavaged with 0, 4.0, or 5.0 g/kg methanol (MeOH) split in two doses on gd 7, the most sensitive day for induction of skeletal alterations with methanol. Dams were killed on gd 18 and the fetuses were counted, weighed, and examined externally. Fetuses were double stained with alcian blue and alizarin red for examination of cartilaginous and ossified vertebral and rib characteristics, and in selected fetuses cervical vertebrae were disarticulated for more detailed analysis. Observations indicative of methanol-induced homeotic transformations were as follows: Methanol g/kg % fetuses/litter with: 0.0 4.0 5.0 Ribs on C7 0 10 28 Tuberculum anterior on C5 1 10 30 Split in C1 0 3 11 Split in C2 8 8 41 Examination of disarticulated vertebrae revealed foramina and other distinguishing characteristics on vertebrae anterior to those on which they normally appear. These results demonstrate that maternal methanol exposure can alter segment patterning in the developing mouse embryo, producing posteriorization of cervical vertebrae. Teratology 55:138–144, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
INFLUENCE DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE NORMAL LINEAR MODEL WITH CENSORED DATA

Summary Methods of detecting influential observations for the normal model for censored data are proposed. These methods include one-step deletion methods, deletion of observations and the empirical influence function. Emphasis is placed on assessing the impact that a single ohservatioii has on the estimation of coefficients of the model. Functions of tlie coeflkieiits such as tlie median lifetime are also considered. Results are coinpared when applied to two sets of data.
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in haemophiliacs: Not all joint disease is haemophilic arthropathy

Osteonecrosis (ON) is rare while arthropathy is common in persons with haemophilia. A recent case of bilateral ON of the femoral head prompted us to review our experience with hip arthroplasty. We identified nine patients with presumed end-stage haemophilic arthropathy. Four of the nine individuals had radiographic findings suggestive of ON, but without unequivocal microscopic evidence of ON. It is important to recognize ON at an early stage because there are surgical interventions which may prolong the life of the joint and improve quality of life. We suggest that ON should be included in the differential diagnosis of hip pathology in persons with haemophilia presenting with hip pain or dysfunction.
Musculoskeletal: what's different in children? Fell down the stairs two times; now limping.

This 5-year-old male was staying at his aunt's place and ran down stairs to play basketball with his friends. He tripped and fell down the last two stairs. After that he got up and seemed unharmed. He went on to play basketball with no complaints. When his turn to play was over he returned to the house and went upstairs. However, he was shortly called back to play again and then ran down the stairs and tripped again, this time over the last four stairs. Again he got up with no complaints and played basketball. Later that afternoon his mother picked him up and took him home in her car. When he got out of the vehicle he complained of some right hip pain. The mother gave him an analgesic and rubbed the area with alcohol. He then went to bed for a nap but woke up about 4 hours later and while walking to the bathroom began to limp and again complain of right hip pain. It was at this point that his mother decided to bring him to our Emergency Room (ER). On arrival to the ER he did not appear to be in any acute distress. All his systems were normal and actually he had normal range of movement of his extremities including the right leg. However when he moved it, he said it did hurt. Because of this, radiographs of this pelvis and hips were obtained (Fig. 1).
Velocity interferometry of miniature flyer plates with subnanosecond time resolution

Velocity interferomety has been used to determine velocities of miniature laser-driven flyer plates with sub-nanosecond (100 ps typical) time resolution. Since laser-driven flyer plates can have acceleration 101 0 m/s2 and attain 95 of terminal velocity within 20 nanoseconds the acceleration rate and terminal velocity cannot easily and accurately be resolved by current velocity interferometry techinques because of limitiations in temporal resolution of the interferometer and/or spatial resolution for conventional methods of recording raw data. By selecting an interferometer and recording system that is appropriate for the experiment sub-nanosecond time resolution is possible.
A Constant Temperature Wind Component Meter and its Performance Characteristics.

Abstract A constant temperature-difference, hot thermocouple anemometer and component meter have been developed from a previously existing instrument. The constant temperature-difference mode of sensing eliminates the need for correction of the effects of temperature in total wind sensing, and of wind in angle sensing. This feature also provides high sensitivity even in high wind. The new model incorporates a fast response temperature measurement circuit and is capable of determining the flux of heat and momentum near the surface. Response characteristics of the wind measuring system are those of a second order system. A setting of amplifier gain which makes damping ratio 0.7 and natural frequency 2.5 cps gives undistorted frequency and phase response up to 1 cps. Above this frequency, distortion is specified by a known transfer function of the first order in which a time constant specifies complete characteristics. For the model used in this study the time constant was 0.115 sec. The result of a field ex...
Solvent effects on protein association and protein folding

Solvent effects on the thermodynamics of two processes--folding of proteins and association between proteins--are examined in detail. A complete inventory of the multitude of solvent effects may be obtained by employing the concept of conditional solvation free energy. This theoretical tool allows for the isolation of specific side-chain effects from the entire protein and for the study of its contribution to the overall free energy change in small model compounds. Some numerical examples are presented, and ways of estimating other cases, for which no relevant experimental data are available, are suggested. Our findings lead to the conclusion that the currently used hydrophobicity scales, based on partition coefficients between water and an organic solvent, are inadequate measures of the contribution of side chains being transferred from water to the interior of the protein. We have also tentatively concluded that correlation between hydrophilic functional groups might be more important than correlations between hydrophobic side chains.
A Standing Dilemma: Autonomic Failure Preceding Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A Standing Dilemma: Autonomic Failure Preceding Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cyndya Shibao, MD, Prasuna Muppa, MBBS, Matthew W. Semler, MD, Amanda C. Peltier, MD, Italo Biaggioni, MD Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Autonomic Dysfunction Center, and Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Towards a theory of linear nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Abstract A unified and comprehensive presentation is given of a treatment suitable for the description, in terms of classical statistical mechanics, of the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium of an ensemble of systems displaced macroscopically from equilibrium. The method apes, as far as possible, the Gibbs treatment of equilibrium ensembles. The selection of thermodynamic variables that fluctuage independently, chosen so that the second derivatives of the entropy are diagonal and normalized, correspond to functions in the coordinate momentum space (gamma space) that are normalized and mutually orthogonal. A further (unitary) transformation diagonalizes the Onsager Matrix connecting thermodynamic flux and displacement forces. The probability density in phase space describing an ensemble of systems displaced by a sinusoidal unit amplitude from equilibrium along one such thermodynamic variable can be described as the equilibrium function times unity plus a displacement function. These displacement functions are normalized and mutually orthogonal. Their decay with time are independent and can be analyzed in terms of spectral functions giving the amplitudes of eigenfunctions of the Liouville operator which compose them.
Reflex Release of Gonadotropin and Increased Plasma Testosterone Concentration in Male Rabbits During Copulation

Peripheral plasma from sexually mature male New Zealand rabbits contains only 45 ± 7.7 mμg/100 ml testosterone (T) and 23 ± 5.1 mμg/100 ml androstenedione (A). These steroids were measured with double isotope derivative techniques using 35S-thiosemicarbazide as reagent and 3H-steroid indicator for calculation of recovery. In contrast to these low basal androgen levels in peripheral plasma, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or human menopausal gonadotropin caused a 25-fold and 13.8-fold rise, respectively, in plasma testosterone within 30 min after iv injection. Minimal changes in androstenedione values were noted with these preparations. The act of copulation or presence of a female resulted in a striking rise in plasma testosterone within 30 min. The change in the T/A ratio with this stimulus was similar to the changes resulting from HCG administration. These studies suggest that there is a neuroendocrine reflex in the male rabbit, analogous to reflex ovulation in the female, which probably involves vis...
K+ stimulation of ADP/ATP exchange catalyzed by the (ifNa+ + K+)-dependent ATPase

Abstract A ( if Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) preparation from rat brain catalyzed a ( if Na + -dependent ADP/ATP exchange reaction. With millimolar concentrations of ATP and ADP, successively higher concentrations of MgCl 2 inhibited the exchange reaction. Examination of this inhibition in terms of the concentrations of free Mg 2+ and Mg - nucleotide complexes indicated that inhibition resulted from either Mg 2+ or Mg · nucleotide occupying the low-affinity substrate sites of the enzyme ( K m for Mg · ATP about 0.5 mM); earlier studies assigned catalysis of the exchange reaction to the high-affinity substrate sites ( K m for Mg · ATP about 1μM). When inhibition could be attributed to occupancy of the low-affinity sites by Mg · ATP, K + stimulated ADP/ATP exchange. The sites through which K + relieved inhibition due to Mg · ATP appeared to be the moderate-affinity α-sites for K + , as indicated by the concentration dependence, the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on apparent affinity for K + , and by the inability of Li + to substitute for K + . The observation fit an erlier formulation of antagonism between K + at the α-sites and Mg · ATP at the low-affinity substrates sites. Under conditions in which inhibition of ADP/ATP exchange could be attributed instead to Mg 2+ occupying the low-affinity substrate sites, K + produced little or no stimulation, in accord with earlier studies showing that K + at the α-sites is a poor antagonist toward Mg 2+ . With micromolar concentration of ATP and ADP, K + inhibited the exchange reaction, and competition toward Na + at the Na + -sites was apparent.
Neural crest cell fate: to be or not to be prespecified.

The neural crest, the intriguing cell population that gives rise to a panoply of derivatives in the vertebrate embryo, including the mesenchymal structures in the head, melanocytes and most of the peripheral nervous system, still proves to be an important yet enigmatic developmental cell population to study with applications in stem cell biology, cancer biology and clinical medicine. Albeit our knowledge base is rich due to a strong history of experimentation, the fact that we have yet to decipher so many key aspects of neural crest cell (NCC) behavior speaks to the challenging complexity of this transient yet vital cell population. With the advent of new fluorescent tracing techniques, we have reexamined the migratory behaviors and ultimate fate of ventrally migrating avian NCCs within a late wave of emigration and identified a subpopulation of lineally restricted NCCs who migrate to the contralateral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and therein give rise to mitotically active progenitor cells that ultimately p...
When Do Movements Matter? The Politics of Contingency and the Equal Rights Amendment:

Data on the state-level ERA ratification process are used here to address leading theoretical debates about the role of social movements, public opinion, and political climate on policy outcomes, the goal being to test the claim that these factors depend on each other. Social movement organizations, public opinion, and political party support all influenced the ratification process. But the effects are modified when the interactive nature of public opinion and electoral competition, and political party support and movement organizational strength, are tested. In particular, the effect of social movement organizations on ratification was amplified in the presence of elite allies, and legislators responded most to favorable public opinion under conditions of low electoral competition. These findings are used to suggest a more integrated theory of policy outcomes that considers interactive and contingent effects of movements, public opinion, and political climate.
Factors associated with therapeutic goal attainment in patients with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia.

AbstractBackground: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, with approximately 30 million patients in the United States having these concomitant conditions. Further, the presence of high body mass index (BMI) has a negative effect on the achievement of blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. Objective: This study evaluates the demographic, diagnostic, and medication-related factors associated with BP and LDL-C goal attainment in patients with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia stratified by BMI. Methods: This retrospective study utilized the GE Centricity Electronic Medical Records database (2004–2011) of a primary care physician group. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia were included. The attainment of BP and LDL-C targets were assessed based on Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) and National Cholesterol Educati...
Optimization of 124I production via 124Te(p,n)124I reaction.

Abstract 124 I was produced, via 124 Te(p,n) 124 I reaction, in greater than 3.7 GBq (100 mCi, EOB) amount by bombarding 124 TeO 2 targets at 24 μA current for about 8 h. This was achieved by keeping the target at 37° relative to the beam during irradiation, by sweeping the beam across the target and by keeping the incident energy of the proton at 14.1 MeV. The time-averaged yield of our 8 h run was 21.1 MBq/μA h (0.57 mCi/μA h), which was 90% of the theoretical yield calculated using thick target yield data obtained from the reported excitation function for the reaction. At the end of bombardment, the level of 125 I and 126 I impurities, co-produced with 124 I, were 0.03% and 0.007%, respectively.
Dissolved zirconium and hafnium distributions across a shelf break in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Dissolved Zr and Hf distributions have been determined for five stations located across the shelf break in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean on the Celtic Approaches. For stations in deep water, the range in Zr concentrations has been found to be 70–180 pmol/kg, and the range in hafnium concentrations 0.4–1.1 pmol/kg. The distributions with depth are indicative of a nutrient-like scavenging-regeneration behavior in seawater, although the dissimilarity with silicate and nitrate for samples below the nutricline suggest that other mechanisms are also important in defining the oceanic distribution of these elements. In contrast, the concentrations of Zr and Hf at the station located closest to land are highest in surface waters and decrease with depth, although salinity does not indicate dilution of seawater with freshwater with high Zr and Hf concentrations. The ratio of dissolved Zr to Hf in seawater is higher and more variable than is found for the majority of terrestrial rocks, or predicted from thermodynamic considerations. Fractionation due to small differences in their interactions with particulate material is implicated.
Database-assisted low-dose CT image restoration.

Purpose: Acquiring data for CT at low radiation doses has become a pressing goal. Unfortunately, the reduced data quality adversely affects the quality of the reconstructions, impeding their readability. In previous work, the authors showed how a prior regular-dose scan of the same patient can efficiently be used to mitigate low-dose artifacts. However, since a prior is not always available, the authors now extend the authors’ method to use a database of images of other patients. Methods: The authors’ framework first matches the low-dose (target) scan with the images in the database and then selects a set of images that contain anatomical content similar to the target. These “priors” are then registered to the target and form the set of regular-dose priors for restoration via an extended nonlocal means (NLM) filtering framework. To accommodate the larger spatial variability of the patient scans, the authors subdivide the image area into blocks and perform the filtering locally. The database itself is first preprocessed to map each image from its 2D image space to a corresponding high-D image feature space. From this encoding a visual vocabulary is learned that assists in the query of the database. Results: The authors demonstrate the authors’ framework via a lung scan example, for both streak artifacts (resulting from smaller projection sets) as well as noise artifacts (resulting from lower mA settings). The authors find that in the authors’ particular example case three priors were sufficient to restore all features faithfully. The authors also observe that the authors’ method is quite robust in that it generates good results even when the noise conditions significantly worsen (here by 20%). Finally, the authors find that the restoration quality is significantly better than with conventional NLM filtering. Conclusions: The authors image restoration algorithm successfully restores images to high quality when the registration is well performed and also when the priors match the target well. When the priors do not contain sufficient information, the affected image regions can only be restored to the quality achieved with conventional regularization. Hence, a sufficiently rich database is a key for successful artifact mitigation with this approach. Finally, the blockwise scheme demonstrates the potential of using small patches of images to form the database.
Gamma(2)-melanocyte stimulating hormone decreases food intake in chicks

The role of gamma melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma-MSH) in appetite regulation is controversial in mammals and to our knowledge unreported within the avian class. Thus, the present study was designed to determine the effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered gamma2-MSH on food intake using Cobb-500 chicks as models. In Experiment 1, chicks that received i.c.v. gamma2-MSH decreased their food intake throughout the 180 min observation period and plasma glucose concentration was not affected. Water intake was also decreased in i.c.v. gamma2-MSH-treated chicks, but only from 30 to 90 min post-injection. In Experiment 2, food pecking efficiency was decreased in i.c.v. gamma2-MSH-treated chicks and the amount of time spent sitting was increased. Other behaviors were not significantly affected by i.c.v. gamma2-MSH including distance traveled, the number of jumps, escape attempts, defecations, food pecks, exploratory pecks, and the amount of time spent standing, preening, perching, or in deep rest. These data suggest that gamma2-MSH is associated with anorexigenic effects and because of gamma-MSH's selectivity, implicates the melanocortin 3 receptor in appetite regulation.
Characteristic anomaly patterns of summer sea‐level pressure for the Northern Hemisphere

Characteristic type patterns of Northern Hemisphere sea-level pressure anomaly for summer (July–August) were identified by analyzing the pressure departure maps for the 77 summers from 1900 through 1976, using a pattern recognition algorithm based on the use of the correlation coefficient to measure similarity between map patterns. The procedure allows assessment of statistical significance of the anomaly for each data point on each type pattern. Six types were identified, and the first four of these contained over 93% of those anomalies which were significant at the 99% confidence level. Significant anomalies occurred least frequently in middle latitudes, rather than at low latitudes where the standard deviations of the actual departure values are smallest. The two most prominent type patterns have approximately the same configuration, but with opposite anomaly signs. Observed pressure anomaly patterns resembling the first type tended to occur during the period of relatively high mean annual Northern Hemisphere surface temperature, from about 1925 to 1955. Anomaly patterns resembling the second type occurred mainly before 1920, when the mean annual Northern Hemisphere temperature was lower than it has been since. The third and fourth type patterns suggest modes of covariance between the “monsoon” circulation in southeast Asia and its less dramatic counterpart in the southwestern United States. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1981.tb01768.x
Sexual behavior in developing male rats

Abstract During normal development, the onset of reproductive behavior in male rats was not preceded by any change in plasma testosterone (T) levels. Implantation of Silastic capsules containing T in 14-day-old male rats advanced the onset of all parameters of sexual behavior by 20 days. Implantation of Silastic capsules containing estradiol in 14-day-old male rats stimulated precocious mounting and intromitting, but not ejaculation. Implantation of dihydrotestosterone-filled Silastic capsules in 14-day-old male rats completely inhibited the development of sexual behavior. All hormones suppressed plasma LH levels. These findings in immature male rats are similar to previous findings in adult males. Immature male rats were behaviorally less responsive to T than adult males, and it was suggested that, during development, male rats become progressively more sensitive to the behavior-stimulating effects of circulating T. No effects of copulatory experience on plasma concentration of T or on the weights of testes, penes, or accessory sexual glands were detected.
Size Distribution of Coarse-Grained Soil by Sedimaging

AbstractAn image-based method has been developed for determination of particle-size distributions of coarse-grained soils in the 0.075–2.0 mm range. The percentage of fines is also determined. The test is referred to as sedimaging because it analyzes an image of a soil that has been rapidly sedimented through water to sort the particles by size. The sorting facilitates image analysis based on wavelet transformation. This paper details the sedimaging hardware, image analysis method, and test procedures. Parallel sedimaging and sieving tests on nine soils of different colors, gradations, and particle shapes showed nearly identical results. Sedimaging holds several advantages over sieving, including decreased testing time, lower energy consumption, less equipment maintenance, and improvement of the work environment.
Tertiary structure and function of an RNA motif required for plant vascular entry to initiate systemic trafficking

Vascular entry is a decisive step for the initiation of long‐distance movement of infectious and endogenous RNAs, silencing signals and developmental/defense signals in plants. However, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. We used Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) as a model to investigate the direct role of the RNA itself in vascular entry. We report here the identification of an RNA motif that is required for PSTVd to traffic from nonvascular into the vascular tissue phloem to initiate systemic infection. This motif consists of nucleotides U/C that form a water‐inserted cis Watson–Crick/Watson–Crick base pair flanked by short helices that comprise canonical Watson–Crick/Watson–Crick base pairs. This tertiary structural model was inferred by comparison with X‐ray crystal structures of similar motifs in rRNAs and is supported by combined mutagenesis and covariation analyses. Hydration pattern analysis suggests that water insertion induces a widened minor groove conducive to protein and/or RNA interactions. Our model and approaches have broad implications to investigate the RNA structural motifs in other RNAs for vascular entry and to study the basic principles of RNA structure–function relationships.
Industrial robot training: A comprehensive short course

Abstract In this article a brief description of a short robotic training course is presented. The course often falls under the continuing education program and has two main objectives: (1) to give trainees an in-depth exposure to fundamentals and hands-on-experience with operation and programming of an industrial robot; (2) to provide trainees with an overview of the variety of existing applications of robots suitable for automated manufacturing environment and of general procedures for service, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The course offering is limited to a two-week period in order to be cost-effective as well as to represent one of the quickest methods to prepare personnel and practicing engineers for the rapidly expanding industry of robots and automation.
Philosophy of Science in Contemporary Psychology

The thesis is presented that behavioral scientists should ideally be principally engaged in performing inductions, in deriving deductions, and in formulating and testing hypotheses. Adopting Peircean terminology, the activities of induction, deduction, and abduction are analyzed and interrelated. It is suggested that the development of psychology might be accelerated by paying more attention to the hypothetical nature of scientific knowledge.
Phasers on stun: The case for less lethal weapons

Less lethal weapons could help reduce firearm deaths to children, other unintentional gun deaths, homicides and suicides. Language: en
School factors as barriers to and facilitators of a preventive intervention for pediatric type 2 diabetes

School-based interventions are essential to prevent pediatric obesity and type 2 diabetes. School environmental factors influence implementation of these interventions. This article examines how school factors acted as barriers to and facilitators of the HEALTHY intervention. The HEALTHY study was a cluster-randomized trial of a multicomponent intervention implemented in 21 schools. Interview data were analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators. Barriers included teacher frustration that intervention activities detracted from tested subjects, student resistance and misbehavior, classroom management problems, communication equipment problems, lack of teacher/staff engagement, high cost and limited availability of nutritious products, inadequate facility space, and large class sizes. Facilitators included teacher/staff engagement, effective classroom management, student engagement, schools with direct control over food service, support from school leaders, and adequate facilities and equipment. Contextual barriers and facilitators must be taken into account in the design and implementation of school-based health interventions.
Quantum limit on noise in a Raman amplifier

Using Caves's theory on the quantum-noise limit in an amplifier, we consider the quantum limit on noise in a Raman amplifier. We show explicitly that the full quantum equations for the Raman interaction can be transformed into the general form for a quantum amplifier. In addition, we show that in the steady-state limit the Raman amplifier becomes a phase-insensitive amplifier. At this limit we find that the output signal-to-noise ratio is unity when one photon per mode is input. Thus we conclude that the Raman amplifier, in the phase-insensitive limit, will operate at the quantum-noise limit.
Flanking Bases Influence the Nature of DNA Distortion by Platinum 1,2-Intrastrand (GG) Cross-Links.

The differences in efficacy and molecular mechanisms of platinum anti-cancer drugs cisplatin (CP) and oxaliplatin (OX) are thought to be partially due to the differences in the DNA conformations of the CP and OX adducts that form on adjacent guanines on DNA, which in turn influence the binding of damage-recognition proteins that control downstream effects of the adducts. Here we report a comprehensive comparison of the structural distortion of DNA caused by CP and OX adducts in the TGGT sequence context using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. When compared to our previous studies in other sequence contexts, these structural studies help us understand the effect of the sequence context on the conformation of Pt-GG DNA adducts. We find that both the sequence context and the type of Pt-GG DNA adduct (CP vs. OX) play an important role in the conformation and the conformational dynamics of Pt-DNA adducts, possibly explaining their influence on the ability of many damage-recognition proteins to bind to Pt-DNA adducts.
CEBAF — a high energy, high duty factor electron accelerator for nuclear physics☆

Abstract The Nuclear Science Advisory Committee has recommended the construction of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) as proposed by the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA), a consortium of more than thirty institutions in the southeastern United States. The accelerator will be capable of delivering intense ( I ave > 100 μ A), quasi-continuous (duty Factor > 90%) beams of electrons with energies up to 4.8 GeV. Short (1.2 μs), intense ( I pk = 200 mA) pulses of electrons will be accelerated by passing twice through a conventional pulsed linac. The pulses then will be injected into and stored in a pulse stretcher ring, the circumference of which is close to the length of the electron pulse. During the period between pulses (1ms) the stored electrons will be extracted to yield a high duty factor beam. Delivery of arbitrarily polarized beams will be possible. Experimental facilities will include three end stations. Two will be used for experiments utilizing the primary electron beam; the third will serve as a tagged photon facility.
The annealing behavior of sputter-deposited Al–Mn and Al–Mn–Si films

The annealing behavior of amorphous and icosahedral Al–17Mn and Al–20Mn–4Si films, prepared by sputter deposition, have been studied. Both hot stage transmission electron microscopy of thin (20–200 nm) films and furnace annealing plus x-ray diffration of thicker (1–10μm) films were utilized to study the various transformations resulting from elevated temperature exposures. The results are presented and correlated with the reactions anticipated from the phase diagrams and the results reported in previous studies.
Insecticidal Fatty Acids and Triglycerides from Dirca palustris

Five compounds, 1-5, were isolated from the seed hexane extract of Dirca palustris. Compounds 1-3 were triglycerides, and 4 and 5 were linoleic and oleic acids, respectively. Compounds 1-3 were not biologically active; however, 4 (linoleic acid) and 5 (oleic acid) were insecticidal against fourth instar Aedes aegyptii larvae and exhibited potent feeding deterrent activity against neonate larvae of Helicoverpa zea, Lymantria dispar, Orgyia leucostigma, and Malacosoma disstria.
730-6 Histopathologic Findings in Ostial Coronary Lesions Treated with Directional Atherectomy

Conventional balloon angioplasty has had limited success in treating patients with ostial coronary stenoses. Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) has been used in this setting with improved results. We hypothesized that this difference in device outcome is the result of differences in ostial lesion histopathology. Accordingly, we compared quantitative histopathology on tissue obtained from DCA in pts with ostial (n = 21) and non-ostial (n = 160) coronary stenoses. The % area occupied by adventitia, media, fibrocellular, sclerotic, and atheromatous tissue and new or old thrombus was calculated using computerized planimetry of appropriately stained specimens. Pts with ostial lesions were less likely to be hypertensive (29% vs 56%, p l 0.05) and tended more often to be female (43% vs 26%, p = 0.09). In addition, pts with ostial lesions were less likely to have angiographic evidence of thrombus (0% vs 20%, p l 0.05) or plaque ulceration (5% vs 29%, p l 0.05). Reference segment diameter was similar in both groups. All pts with ostial lesions had successful DCA procedures. The histopathology (% total specimen area) is shown: Ostial Non-Ostial P Value Adventitia 1.7 ± 2.8 0.3 ± 1.2 l0.001 Media 8.0 ± 15.6 2.3 ± 5.5 l0.01 Fibrocellular 50± 33 34 ± 25 l0.01 Sclerotic 49 ± 34 62 ± 25 l0.05 Atheromatous 15 ± 24 29 ± 25 l0.05 New thrombus 8 ± 16 13 ± 19 NS Old thrombus 11 ± 19 9 ± 18 NS Thus, DCA of ostial lesions more commonly yields deep tissue elements compared to non-ostial lesions. In addition, ostial lesions are more cellular with a reduced content of sclerotic and atheromatous plaque. Given the high success rate of DCA in this group, it is possible that ostial plaque composition is ideally suited to DCA. These findings suggest that ostial lesions have a different histopathology which may be relevant to device selection.
A Sensitivity Comparison of Three Transistorized DC Current-Feedback Electrometers

The theoretical equations for transistorized current-feedback dc electrometers have been developed and utilized for the design and evaluation of three electrometers containing (1) a bipolar transistor, (2) a junction field-effect transistor (JFET), and (3) a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) in the input stage. Each electrometer was evaluated in terms of input and output impedance, gain-bandwidth, drift characteristics, and output noise power spectra. For the experimental amplifiers, the measured minimum amplifiable dc input current was approximately 8 × 10-14 amp for the bipolar transistor electrometer, 4 × 10-15 amp for the JFET electrometer, and 5 × 10-16 amp for the MOSFET electrometer. Consultant, Dept. of Elec. Engr., Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.
Superconductivity in the Indium-Tin System

Transition temperatures as a function of composition have been measured throughout the In-Sn binary system. Samples `quenched' from the liquid state had higher transition temperatures than well-annealed samples, confirming the effect reported earlier for Hg-In compositions. The enhancement in ${T}_{c}$ was 2-3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the most favorable compositions. It is argued that the effect arises from internal strains in the samples and not from short-range disorder. The equilibrium ${T}_{c}$ values vary from 3.4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K (near pure In) to 6.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K ($\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase, 33.5 at.% Sn). Transition temperature within any particular phase is a strong function of valence electron concentration, but not a function of the type found in transition metal superconductors. In all phases ${T}_{c}$ increases with increasing valence electron concentration. The data in the In terminal solid solution are compared with the BCS formula, and with the theory of Morel and Anderson. A substantial variation of the electron-phonon interaction parameter with alloying is required if the data are to be described with the BCS formula. The variation in this parameter computed from the theory of Morel and Anderson is very much less than the observed variation in our case. In the tetragonal In phase a discontinuity in $\frac{d{T}_{c}}{\mathrm{dx}}$ is found at $x=8$ at.% Sn. A crystallographic phase change at this composition in unlikely, and the discontinuity is thought to be an electronic effect. An apparatus for rapid and convenient measurement of transition temperatures is described.
The limits to tree height

Trees grow tall where resources are abundant, stresses are minor, and competition for light places a premium on height growth. The height to which trees can grow and the biophysical determinants of maximum height are poorly understood. Some models predict heights of up to 120 m in the absence of mechanical damage, but there are historical accounts of taller trees. Current hypotheses of height limitation focus on increasing water transport constraints in taller trees and the resulting reductions in leaf photosynthesis. We studied redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), including the tallest known tree on Earth (112.7 m), in wet temperate forests of northern California. Our regression analyses of height gradients in leaf functional characteristics estimate a maximum tree height of 122-130 m barring mechanical damage, similar to the tallest recorded trees of the past. As trees grow taller, increasing leaf water stress due to gravity and path length resistance may ultimately limit leaf expansion and photosynthesis for further height growth, even with ample soil moisture.
Convergence of Classical Cardinal Series and Band Limited Special Functions

We consider the behavior of symmetric partial sums of the classical cardinal series. Necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence are recorded and a bound on the asymptotic behavior of the limiting function is established. Questions concerning sampling, uniqueness, and the effect of index shifts are also addressed. Examples of certain band limited special functions that can be expressed as limits of symmetric partial sums of classical cardinal series are included.
Non-invasive imaging of prostate cancer progression in nude mice using iRFP gene reporter

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in US men. Metastasis is the final step of tumor progression and remains the primary cause of PCa death. Hence preclinical, orthotopic models of PCa metastasis are necessary to develop new therapeutics against metastatic disease. Yet unlike irrelevant subcutaneous tumor models, the deployment of orthotopic models of cancer metastasis in drug research and development is limited by the inability to longitudinally monitor cancer progression/regression in response to administration of experimental pharmaceuticals. Recently, a nearinfrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) was created for deeper imaging [1]. Imaging prostate tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in nude mice therefore becomes possible using this new fluorescent gene reporter. In this study, we first developed an intensified CCD (ICCD)-based iRFP fluorescence imaging device. Then human PCa PC3 cell lines expressing iRFP gene reporter were orthotopically implanted in male Nu/Nu mice at 8-10 weeks old. After 6-10 weeks, in vivo , in situ and ex vivo fluorescence imaging was performed. In vivo iRFP fluorescence imaging showed that the detected fluorescence concentrated at the prostate and became stronger over time, indicating the growth of implanted PCa. Fluorescence was non-invasively detected at locations of prostate-draining lymph nodes as early as 5 weeks post implantation, indicating the metastasis to lymph nodes. In situ and ex vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated that the detected signals from PCa and lymph nodes were correlated with cancer positive status of tissues as assessed through standard pathology.
Technoscientific Infrastructures and Emergent Forms of Life: A Commentary

New forms of life, ethical plateaus, and civic political contests arise through the creation of new technoscientific infrastructures in which market, law, code, and norms compete for hegemonic control over the rules of play. A review of a panel of four articles interrogates agendas for ethnographies of the locally diverse peopling of such new infrastructures, including the continuing renegotiation of historical and emergent modalities of ethical and political reason.
Functionally graded cathodes fabricated by sol-gel/slurry coating for honeycomb SOFCs

Abstract Functionally graded cathodes for honeycomb solid oxide fuel cells are prepared using sol-gel/slurry coating techniques. The compositions of the cathodes are gradually changed from a material that is active for oxygen reduction and more compatible with the electrolyte (e.g., LSM for YSZ) to another material that is more conductive for current collection. The microstructure and electrochemical properties of the electrodes are systematically characterized using electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cathodic interfacial polarization resistances for a graded cathode fired at 900 °C are 0.21 and 0.10 Ω cm2 at 700 and 800 °C, respectively. The impedance spectra indicate that at least two separate processes contribute to the overall polarization resistances. The effects of cathode fabrication temperature and oxygen partial pressure on the high- and low-frequency impedance responses are studied in detail.