cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POSITIONING ACCURACY CHARACTERIZATION OF PRECISION MICROROBOT OVER THE INTERNET

There is a missing link between a virtual development environment (e.g., a CAD/CAM driven offline robotic programming) and production requirements of the actual robotic workcell. Simulated robot path planning and generation of pick-and-place coordinate points will not exactly coincide with the robot performance due to lack of consideration in variations in individual robot repeatability and thermal expansion of robot linkages. This is especially important when robots are controlled and programmed remotely (e.g., through Internet or Ethernet) since remote users have no physical contact with robotic systems. Using the current technology in Internet-based manufacturing that is limited to a web camera for live image transfer has been a significant challenge for the robot task performance. Consequently, the calibration and accuracy quantification of robot critical to precision assembly have to be performed on-site and the verification of robot positioning accuracy cannot be ascertained remotely. In worst case, the remote users have to assume the robot performance envelope provided by the manufacturers, which may causes a potentially serious hazard for system crash and damage to the parts and robot arms. Currently, there is no reliable methodology for remotely calibrating the robot performance. The objective of this research is, therefore, to advance the current state-of-the-art in Internet-based control and monitoring technology, with a specific aim in the accuracy calibration of micro precision robotic system for the development of a novel methodology utilizing Ethernet-based smart image sensors and other advanced precision sensory control network.
Pulp response to restorative materials.

Silicate and copper cements are injurious to the pulp. Other cements, although not so injurious, may be destructive when used close to the pulp. A calcium hydroxide liner always should be placed between cement and the dentin. Acrylic restorations are injurious to the pulp because of marginal leakage, and metal restorations because of thermal conductivity. A base should be used under metal restorations.
Effects of the orientational superlattice on the electronic and vibrational properties of CuPt ordered GaInP alloys

A brief review is given of studies on a new semiconductor superlattice—an orientational superlattice—observed recently in spontaneously ordered III–V alloys GaInP. New experimental data, including band edge optical transitions and Raman transitions, are presented to illustrate the unique and intrinsic properties of orientational superlattices. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central nervous system relapse in acute promyelocytic leukemia: Two cases and a systematic review

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an uncommon event but increasingly reported in the all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) era. No standard of care for treating these patients currently exists. We describe 2 cases and review previous reports. Review of the medical literature revealed 61 additional patients, ranging in age from 3.5 to 73 years (median, 39 years). Leukocyte count at initial diagnosis ranged from 1.3 to 307 × 109/L (median, 25.6 × 109/L). Nearly all received ATRA first-line. Only 36% of the relapses were isolated to the CNS, and 86% of patients suffered from neurologic symptoms. Patients were treated with intrathecal chemotherapy alone, radiation alone, or both. In total, 75% of patients treated achieved CNS remission. The success rate of achieving CNS remission by combining radiation and intrathecal chemotherapy was 100%, superior to either modality alone (50% and 75%, respectively). All patients treated with craniospinal radiation were alive and free of disease at 1 year. Patients with APL should be fully evaluated at onset of new neurologic symptoms. Patients with APL with CNS relapse warrant systemic workup because most will not have isolated disease.
Editorial: Richard A. Brand MD, Editor-in-Chief 2002–2012

Richard A. Brand has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® (CORR®) for the last 10 years. When he took the helm in 2002, CORR was already an internationally renowned orthopaedic journal, with a stellar half-century reputation. Under his leadership, it has become one of the most highly quoted and cited orthopaedic journals in the world with more than two-thirds of CORR article downloads occurring outside of North America. During his leadership, the editorial office has evolved from receiving typewriter-produced and postal-mailed manuscripts to a completely paperless environment with electronic submission, acceptance and production processes. His term as Editor has seen communication with authors go from telephone calls, faxes and overnight packages to email, tweets on Twitter and Facebook postings. In 2002, when Dr. Brand’s tenure began as our Editor-in-Chief, the journal’s impact factor was 1.2, and due in part to his insistence on high-quality research that measure has more than doubled to 2.5 in 2011. In 2002, the average time from submission to publication for a manuscript was 386 days and by the end of 2011, the average time from submission to publication was nearly cut by half to 186 days. Submissions to CORR have increased from 882 in 2002 to 1,600 per year. Individually these are incredible achievements in this age of the complexities and competition involved in medical publishing; considering they all occurred in such a short time span is a testament to Dr. Brand’s talent, determination and devotion to this journal. Dr. Brand has made an indelible mark on our profession and his efforts have improved patient care for musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. He has been a mentor and friend to many in our profession and his attention to detail has greatly improved our scientific writing and transformed surgeons into scientific writers—never an easy feat! Richard A. Brand has earned a place in the “hall of fame” of our profession, alongside our very best surgeons, including his predecessors as Editors-in-Chief of CORR: Anthony DePalma, Marshall Urist, and Carl Brighton. This recognition is not just for his many scientific contributions or just for his leadership in medical publishing but for his time, commitment, and personal input into every manuscript published in CORR during the last decade. He made each of us look better than we deserve! Perhaps the famous editor Betsy Lerner said it best when she noted her reaction to an editor revising her work, “It was a miracle, this transformation of my acorns into oaks” [1]. On behalf of all of us in the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®, the CORR Board of Trustees, as well as your many readers across the world, Dr. Brand you have our sincere thanks and very best wishes for your well-deserved retirement.
SPIRAL-PLUS-SADDLE ATTRACTORS AND ELEMENTARY MECHANISMS FOR CHAOS GENERATION

Rossler's spiral-plus-saddle (SPS) mechanism for chaotic attractors is systematically implemented. The method is based on the works of Rossler [1976, 1979] and Deng [1994]. Some more complex chaotic structures are also investigated experimentally when the SPS, branching, and relaxation-folding mechanisms for chaos generation are combined.
The direct perception of universals: A theory of knowledge acquisition

A theory is presented which proposes that knowledge acquisition involves direct perception of schematic information in the form of structural and transformational invariances. Individual components with salient verbal descriptions are considered conscious place-holders for non-conscious invariant schemes. It is speculated that theories positing mental construction have three related causes: The first is a lack of consciousness of the schema processing capacities of the right hemisphere; the second is the paucity of adequate words to express schematic relationships; and the last involves the dominance of verbal processes in consciousness. Philosophical theories are reviewed and schematic data relevant to biological survival is offered. Applications to education are suggested.
Differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents.

From 1936 to 1990, 89 children and adolescents (72 girls and 17 boys) were treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma at the University of Michigan Medical Center; 58 of these patients were first reported in 1971. Thirty (34%) patients had previously received external irradiation to the head and neck, although only 1 (3%) patient of the last 33 patients seen had this history. Patients first presenting from 1971 to 1990 had less advanced disease than those seen earlier. Also, during this time period, the rate of initial palpable cervical adenopathy fell from 63% to 36%, local infiltration of primary cancer from 31% to 6%, and initial pulmonary metastases from 19% to 6%. The incidence of cervical nodal metastases has remained 88% for 54 years. Papillary or the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma was found in 93% of all patients. Seventy-nine (89%) patients had total or completion total thyroidectomy. Surgical management of lymphatic metastases varied from regional excision of nodes to radical neck dissection. The overall rate of permanent accidental recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism was 4.5%, although neither has occurred in a child or adolescent undergoing surgery at the center in the past 25 years. The most recent 33 patients had a low rate of local/regional persistence or recurrence. Cervical nodal persistence occurred in 21%; there were no thyroid recurrences. Eighty-two percent of patients received131I. The long-term mortality rate was 2.2%. We continue to advocate total thyroidectomy, cervical lymph node dissection, and postoperative131I therapy as the most conservative treatment regimen for children with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Time delay in formation of a γ-phase electron-hole drop in germanium

Abstract An explanation is given for the long time delay in the formation of gamma phase EHD in germanium. The Cerenkov radiation of phonons by moving alpha drops at velocity mach 0.2–0.3 is calculated to be the controlling process in the time delay.
Characterization of P1-deficient isogenic mutant of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius associated with Brazilian purpuric fever.

Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius (formerly H. aegyptius) is the etiologic agent of Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF). A surface-exposed epitope on the outer membrane protein P1 is present on most strains of H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius associated with BPF but is absent in almost all non-disease associated strains. The role of the outer membrane protein P1 in the pathogenesis of this disease was evaluated by utilizing an isogenic P1-deficient mutant. We compared the ability of the wild type and P1 isogenic mutant to grow under various conditions. The P1-deficient strain grew at a similar rate to the wild type in both complex and chemically defined medium. The P1-deficient mutant also had a similar growth rate to the wild type under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic growth, however, resulted in up-regulation of the P1 protein in the wild type strain. Three assays were used to examine the pathophysiologic role of the P1 protein in BPF: 1) serum resistance; 2) sustained bacteremia in the infant rat model; and 3) the human microvascular endothelial cell (HMEC) cytotoxicity assay. Both the mutant and wild-type strains were resistant to killing in 95% normal human serum. The P1-deficient strain was also as virulent as the wild type in both the infant rat model of bacteremia and in the HMEC-1 tissue culture model. These results demonstrate that serum resistance, sustained bacteremia in the infant rat, and cytotoxicity of HMEC cells occur in the absence of P1. The P1 protein is not essential for the pathogenic potential identified by these assays. However, these results demonstrate that an anaerobic environment is a potent physiologic regulator of P1 protein expression. The impact of anaerobiosis on protein expression and pathogenesis will require further investigations.
Exercise and immunology.

ABSTRACT The documented effects of physical activity on host defense date to the early 1990s, although the influences of exercise on infectious and neoplastic disease susceptibility in healthy persons have long been subject to widespread disagreement. Even less is known of the effecis of exereise in reducing illness predilection for persons already susceptible to, or afflicted by, immune disease or dysfunction. Recently, however, reports suggest that exercise may reduce the incidence and severity of infection. These reports have been bolstered by well-conducted epidemiologic and laboratory studies demonstrating a link between moderate exercise and either heightened immune function or reduced disease incidence, a relationship that is reversed in instances of immoderate exercise, This symposium will present current information addressing beneficial and detrimental influences of exercise on immune function and disease susceptibility. The authors will emphasize direct effects of acute exercise and physical training on immune cells and their neuroendocrine/ immune modulators. The relationship among exercise, infection susceptibility, and immune system function will be highlighted, as well as exercise-induced activation of, and illness/disease regulation by, natural killer cells. Consequences of exercise on immune function and disease advancement will be addressed for persons with neoplasia, autonomic dysfunction, aging-related immunosenesenesence, and AIDS.
Transanal irrigation or conservative bowel management for patients with spinal-cord injury?

Transanal irrigation or conservative bowel management for patients with spinal-cord injury?
A computerized system for determining secondary ion energy spectra

Abstract A computer program and computer-directed high-voltage sample potential controller which allow a rapid determination of the energy spectrum of an ion species in a secondary ion mass spectrometer are presented. An electrostatic sector energy analyzer on the mass spectrometer provides high energy resolution. The spectra are obtained by stepping the sample accelerating potential by small voltage steps and determining the detector pulse count rate at each energy. The computer program controls the sample potential, collects the data, makes corrections for ion optical and geometric effects, calculates several important parameters of the energy distribution, and outputs the corrected and uncorrected results to line printer and a plotter. The system is fast, accurate, and very easy to operate. It should be necessary only to change the ion optical correction procedure in order to use the system with other mass spectrometers.
Primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: The influence of postchemotherapy pathology on long-term survival after surgery

Abstract Objectives: The treatment of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors with cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by aggressive surgical resection of residual disease is one of the most successful models for multimodality cancer therapy. We reviewed the case histories of 91 patients treated at our institution from 1981 to 1998 with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors to evaluate variables that may influence survival after surgery. Methods: Twelve of the 91 patients did not undergo postchemotherapy resection because of progressive disease. Seventy-nine of them underwent 82 thoracic surgical procedures and are the basis of this review. The majority (71/75) had elevated serum tumor markers, 75% (n = 50) of which returned to normal levels after first- or second-line chemotherapy. Results: There were 3 operative deaths and 1 late death, attributed to pulmonary complications. Twenty-four patients died of recurrent disease and 3 of leukemia, for an overall survival of 61% after an average follow-up of 48 months. The pathologic findings of complete tumor necrosis (n = 19) and benign teratoma (n = 28) in the surgical specimen predicted excellent and good long-term survival, respectively, which was statistically better than that of patients having persistent nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (n = 24) or carcinomatous/sarcomatous degeneration (n = 8). Conclusions: Primary nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the mediastinum can be cured with a multimodality therapy, particularly in the subset of patients with postchemotherapy pathologic findings of tumor necrosis and teratoma. Survival is poor but possible in patients with unfavorable pathologic findings after chemotherapy, currently justifying an aggressive surgical approach in patients with otherwise operable disease. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:692-701)
Localization and detection of visual stimuli in monkeys with pulvinar lesions

Since the pulvinar receives a major ascending projection of the superior colliculus, pulvinar lesions might produce behavioral impairments resembling those that follow colliculus lesions. To test this possibility, we examined the effect of pulvinar lesions in monkeys on the localization and detection of brief light flashes, a task in which monkeys with colliculus lesions are severely impaired. Some of the pulvinar-lesioned monkeys showed localization impairments similar to those in monkeys with colliculus lesions. However, histological analyses of the lesions suggested that these deficits were related not to the pulvinar damage per se, but rather to interruption of corticotectal fibers that pass through the pulvinar. We conclude that the pulvinar is not critical for the ability to locate and detect brief visual stimuli.
Influence of cardiac pacing mode on the long-term development of atrial fibrillation

Abstract The maintenance of sinus rhythm and atrioventricular (AV) synchrony is important to ensure optimal cardiac performance, reduce the potential for systemic thromboembolism and minimize cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 1 Several studies have shown that the use of dual-chamber pacemakers that maintain AV synchrony has resulted in definite hemodynamic and clinical benefits for selected patients, when compared to single-chamber pacemakers. 2–8 The maintenance of AV synchrony may also have an impact on the future development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cardiac pacemakers. 9 This study determined the effect of cardiac pacing mode (DDD/DDI vs VVI) on the long-term development of AF in patients who were in sinus rhythm at the time they received cardiac pacemakers. In addition, we attempted to identify clinical variables that were potentially contributory to the development of AF in these patients.
Partial molal volume calculations for the dissolution of aged amorphous silica in salt water and seawater at 0–2°C

Abstract Measurement of solubility as a function of pressure allows calculation of ‡ V 1 . Using this experimental approach, the best estimate of ‡ V 1 for the dissolution of aged amorphous silica in salt water or seawater at 0–2°C is −9.9 cm 3 mol −1 (standard error = 0.4 cm 3 mol −1 ). This gives V Si(OH) 4 (aq) = 55 ± 5 cm 3 mol −1 , which compares well with other published values of V Si(OH) 4 (aq) .
Review Essay: Bodies in Motion: Adjudicating and Materializing Normality in Cairo

Informed by nineteen years of field research in the same Cairo neighborhood, anthropologist Farha Ghannam's Live and Die Like a Man offers readers an incredibly well-rounded and dynamic portrait of...
ORGANELLE PRESERVATION AND PROTOPLAST PARTITIONING IN FOSSIL ANGIOSPERM LEAF TISSUES

Analyses of the ultrastructural states of preservation seen in fossil angiosperm mesophyll cells indicate that plastids are more commonly found in portions of protoplasts (= microprotoplasts) lacking nuclei than in microprotoplasts containing nuclei. Of the 4,498 cells examined in serial thick sections, less than 1.8% had continuous protoplasts, while the remaining 98.2% had from 2 to 3 microprotoplasts or lacked any discemable internal structure. Where nuclei and plastids were found in the same cell (21.3%), only 29.5% had these two organelles in the same microprotoplast, while 70.5% had nucleate microprotoplasts lacking plastids and enucleate microprotoplasts with well preserved plastids. Over 64% of all the cells sampled lacked nuclei but had well preserved plastids. Neobotanical studies indicate nuclei are more stable than plastids, but during microprotoplast formation plastids are more stable in enucleate protoplasts than in those containing nuclei. Senescence and necrosis are triggered by the nuclear genome. The preferential preservation of plastids in fossil angiosperm tissues is interpreted to be the result of the isolation of part of the plastid population from nuclear control due to microprotoplast formation. This hypothesis also may explain the apparent longevity of nuclei over plastids in other fossil cells (spores, pollen, algal tissues) where protoplasmic partitioning may be less frequent.
Morphology Considerations in Heterogeneous Latexes for Impact Polymers

Recent developments in our laboratories have led to major advances in elucidating the factors controlling latex particle morphology in styrene-polystyrene systems. This paper discusses the relevance of these advances to the preparation of impact polymers from heterogeneous latexes. The results of some studies on the dynamic mechanical behavior of heterogeneous latexes is also reviewed. A thorough understanding and complete correlation of the influence of syntesis variables on impact behavior remains to be established.
Compliance and the use of threats and promises after a power reversal

Compliance and the effects of a power reversal in a dyad were examined using the modified prisoner's dilemma game. A total of 60 subjects were first the targets of a simulated source's coercive or reward power employed with resolutely accommodative, irresolutely accommodative, or resolutely exploitative intent. Sex of subject made up the final factor in the 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Midway through the experiment, subjects were given the opportunity to exercise reward and coercive power. Compliance fitted the cost-gains model. Although the resolutely exploitative use of power conveyed the impression of the greatest degree of potency, it did not elicit overall the greatest degree of compliance. After the power reversal, when subjects decided to use their coercive power exploitatively, they punished the simulated target's defiance most when they had previously faced the resolute sources, and least when they interacted with the irresolute source. During power irrelevant interactions, subjects, in both the weak and strong power positions, reciprocated the degree of accommodative intent with which the source had used power.
Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone precipitated withdrawal in subjects maintained on 100 mg of daily methadone

Abstract Rationale Acute doses of buprenorphine can precipitate withdrawal in opioid dependent persons. The likelihood of this withdrawal increases as a function of the level of physical dependence. Objectives To test the acute effects of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone tablets in volunteers with a higher level of physical dependence. The goal was to identify a dose that would precipitate withdrawal (Phase 1), then determine if withdrawal could be attenuated by splitting this dose (Phase 2). Methods Residential laboratory study; subjects (N = 16) maintained on 100 mg per day of methadone. Phase 1: randomized, double blind, triple dummy, within subject study. Conditions were sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone (4/1, 8/2, 16/4, 32 mg/8 mg), intramuscular naloxone (0.2 mg), oral methadone (100 mg), or placebo. Medication conditions were randomized, but buprenorphine/naloxone doses were ascending within the randomization. Phase 2: Conditions were methadone, placebo, naloxone, 100% of the buprenorphine/naloxone dose that precipitated withdrawal in Phase 1 (full dose), and 50% of this dose administered twice in a session (split dose). Analyses covaried by trough methadone serum levels. Results Six subjects did not complete the study. Of the 10 who completed, 3 tolerated up to 32 mg/8 mg of buprenorphine/naloxone without evidence of precipitated withdrawal. For the seven completing both phases, split doses generally produced less precipitated withdrawal compared to full doses. Conclusions There is considerable between subject variability in sensitivity to buprenorphine's antagonist effects. Low, repeated doses of buprenorphine/naloxone (e.g., 2 mg/0.5 mg) may be an effective mechanism for safely dosing this medication in persons with higher levels of physical dependence.
Linear maps which preserve a balanced nonsingular inertia class

Abstract Let n be an even integer such that n ⩾ 4. Let T be an invertible linear map on the space of n × n real symmetric matrices which maps the set of matrices having inertia( n 2 , n 2 , 0) into itself. Then there exist a nonsingular matrix S and ϵ = ± 1 such that T(A) = ϵStAS. This is an analogue of a result obtained for Hermitian matrices by Pierce and Rodman.
Anhydro sugar and linkage contributions to circular dichroism of agarose and carrageenan, with conformational implications.

Abstract The geometry-dependent linkage contributions to the circular dichroism (CD) of agarose and carrageenan were determined by subtracting the monomeric CD from the CD of the polymers. For this purpose, the CD of methyl 3,6-anhydro-α- d -galactopyranoside, and of other anhydro sugars, was measured. Application of empirical quadrant rules indicates the observed CD to be that expected for the helical conformations of agarose and carrageenan as derived from diffraction data and modeling calculations. The difference in CD sign in the two polymers arises from a translocation of the β- d -galactose O-2 atom from one quadrant to the neighboring quadrant of the C-5-O-5-C-1 ether chromophore of the preceding anhydro sugar residue, demonstrating the unusually high spatial resolution of conformational analysis that can be achieved with CD under favorable circumstances. A conformational analysis based on circular dichroism is presented for agarose, → 3)-β- d -Gal p-(1 → 4)-3,6-anhydro-α- l -Gal p(1 → and for carrageenan → 3)-β- d -Galp-4-OSO−3-(1 → 4)-3,6- anhydro-α- d -Gal p-(1 →
Precision powder metering utilizing fundamental powder flow characteristics

A proof of concept prototype has been constructed to test the capabilities of using vibration frequencies determined from rotating drum powder flow characterization to reproducibly fill small unit doses of pharmaceutical powders. A lactose excipient was characterized in the rotating drum and a multiperiodic vibration signal determined. Doses ranging from 1.5 to 16 mg were metered from the system. The prototype used vibrational fluidization to meter powders under the influence of gravity. Vibration frequencies calculated from physical characterization of the powders had a significant influence on the reproducibility of metering with relative standard deviations around the mean as low as 2% and no greater than 5%. Future work will address limitations to the system that introduced systematic errors and will address additional formulation variables.
Interlibrary Loan: Integral Component of Global Resource Sharing

In an environment of limited budgets, increased Internet access, and ceaseless demand for information, academic libraries must continue to rely upon resource sharing to be successful. Further, because of interdisciplinary research and the scholar's need for resources from around the world, the demand for international interlibrary loan has intensified in the past decade. This paper makes the case for the use of global interlibrary lending to meet the needs of today's scholar and student. It outlines the benefits and advantages of international interlibrary loan, discusses barriers to its success, gives examples of successful endeavors, and outlines needs and recommendations for the future.
Radioimmunoguided surgery system improves survival for patients with recurrent colorectal cancer

Background. Advanced colorectal cancer is fatal. No systemic therapies have resulted in increased patient survival. Methods. One hundred thirty-one patients with recurrent colorectal cancer enrolled in two prospective nonrandomized studies using Radioimmunoguided Surgery (RIGS) system from May 1986 to April 1992 have been analyzed. Eighty-six patients were injected with the anti-tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG) antibody B72.3, and 45 patients were injected with the second-generation anti-TAG monoclonal antibody CC49. Both monoclonal antibodies were radiolabeled with iodine 125. Both traditional and RIGS explorations were used to determine resectability. Follow-up was a minimum of 28 months. Results. Forty-nine (37.4%) of the 131 patients underwent a curative resection. Twenty-seven of the patients (55%) are alive 2 to 8 years after operation. The cancers of the remaining 82 patients were unresectable, and only two patients (2%) are alive. In this unresectable group alternative intraoperative therapeutic methods (intraoperative radiation therapy, intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion, hepatic lines, and brachytherapy) were tried in 11 patients with two survivors. There were no survivors in 18 patients whose cancers were found to be traditionally resectable but unresectable with RIGS or in the 53 patients whose cancers were clearly unresectable by traditional exploration. Patients selected for curative resection had significantly increased survival (p Conclusions. As an intraoperative tool RIGS significantly improves the selection of patients for curative resection.
The human and mouse sex-determining SRY genes repress the Rspol/β-catenin signaling

Abstract The sex-determining region Y (SRY) is the gene on the Y chromosome responsible for switching on male sex determination during mammalian embryogenesis. In its absence, ovaries develop in the embryo. Hence, ovarian determination and differentiation is considered to be a default, or passive, developmental pathway. Recently this classical paradigm of sex determination has been challenged with the discovery of the R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) as an active ovarian determinant. Mutations of RSPO1 cause a female-to-male sex reversal. RSPO1 synergizes with WNT4 in activating an ovarian development in the bipotential gonad via the canonical Wnt signaling. Early studies showed that SRY represses such Wnt signaling, but also generated discrepancies on whether only mouse Sry is capable of inhibiting such Wnt signaling and whether both human and mouse SRY proteins are able to interact with β-catenin, the intracellular messenger responsible for executing the Wnt signals. Our studies show that both human SRY and mouse Sry are capable of repressing the Rspo1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, the repression activities vary among different SRY/Sry proteins and paradoxically related to the presence and/or size of an acidic/glutamine-rich domain. The HMG box of human SRY could bind directly to β-catenin while the mouse Sry binds to β-catenin via its HMG box and glutamine-rich domain. The results clarify some of the initial discrepancies, and raise the possibility that SRY interacts with β-catenin in the nucleus and represses the transcriptional activation of the Rspo1/Wnt target genes involved in ovarian determination, thereby switching on testis determination.
Integration and fragmentation of the self

Analyse de la notion d'identification qui entre en contact avec la determination de la personne et du soi. Rejetant la these d'une harmonie entre les emotions et le jugement, l'A. montre qu'il existe deux sources de l'identite , les emotions et les desirs d'une part, les jugements et la volonte d'autre part. L'A. defend donc la these de la possibilite d'une fragmentation et d'une integration de l'integrite de la personne
Give the Receptor a Brake: Slowing Gastric Emptying by GLP-1

The conventional view of endocrinologists is that glucose regulation after a meal depends on the interplay of insulin and glucagon secretion, hepatic glucose production, and glucose disposal. However, in recent years the role of gastric motility and its effect on glucose appearance from the gut have been revived as a determinant of glucose tolerance (1,2). This is due in great part to the availability of diabetes therapeutics that act, in part, by delaying gastric emptying (GE). Yet it is important to note that much of the variance in oral glucose tolerance is accounted for by differences in GE rate, an observation made over two decades ago (1). Even a minor perturbation in GE carries a substantial impact on postprandial glycemia in healthy individuals (1) and those with diabetes (3), such that more rapid GE results in a greater initial glycemic response and slower gastric delivery of meal contents to the intestine leads to smaller glucose excursion (4). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) normalizes glycemia by promoting glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion in the fasting state (5). A deceleration of GE is also characteristic of GLP-1 action and occurs both in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy individuals (6–8). In fact, glucose lowering by GLP-1 was significantly attenuated when the actions on GE were overridden by treatment with erythromycin (9). This has led to questions as to whether islet or gastrointestinal effects of GLP-1 predominate in its effects on glycemia (10). Long-acting GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, recently developed and now commonly used in the treatment of T2D, stimulate insulin secretion and reduce GE (5), but the relative impact of these two physiologic actions on acute and chronic control of blood glucose is not clear. Recent studies have raised the …
AN EVALUATION OF SEQUENCING RULES FOR AN ASSEMBLY SHOP

Research relating to sequencing rules in simple job shops has proliferated, but there has not been a corresponding proliferation of research evaluating similar sequencing rules in more complex assembly job shops. In a simple job shop, all operations are performed serially; but an assembly shop encompasses both serial and parallel operations. As a result of the increased complexity of assembly shops, the results associated with the performance of sequencing rules in simple job shops cannot be expected for an assembly shop. In this paper, 11 sequencing rules (some of which are common to simple job shops and some decigned specifically for assembly shops) are evaluated using a simulation analysis of a hypothetical assembly shop. The simulation results are analyzed using an ANOVA procedure that identifies significant differences in the results of several performance measures. Sensitivity analysis also is performed to determine the effect of job structure on the performance of the sequencing rules.
Reasoning about indistinguishable locations

We are interested in designing autonomous mobile robots for industrial applications. Building useful robots for real-world tasks will require developing efficient methods for representing and reasoning about space. Pervasive among spatial representation schemes suggested to date is the assumption that the robot has some built-in mechanism that allows it to uniquely identify different locations in the world. This paper extends one such rep-resentation, developed by Smith and Cheeseman [8], to account for uncertainty in the identification of locations. We will begin with a brief account of Smith and Cheeseman's model.
Altered Metabolism of Carotenoids During Aflatoxicosis in Young Chickens

Abstract Young chickens were fed from hatching until 3 weeks of age with a white corn-soy diet (containing 1.36 μg total carotenoids per gram of diet) amended with a commercial preparation of lutein, a dihydroxycarotenoid, to supply 25 μg free lutein per gram diet. The diet which also contained 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 μg aflatoxin per gram of diet was fed to four groups of ten chickens per aflatoxin treatment until they were 3 weeks old. Aflatoxin had no effect on the partial acylation of free lutein to lutein monoester that occurs in the jejunal contents of normal birds but it decreased significantly (P
Acute tobacco smoke exposure alters the profile of metabolites produced from benzo[a]pyrene by the isolated perfused rabbit lung

The influence of whole tobacco smoke or the gas phase from smoke on the metabolism of [14C]benzo[alpha]pyrene was examined using the isolated perfused rabbit lung model. Fresh whole tobacco smoke mixed with the air ventilating the perfused lung produces an immediate and dose related decrease in the metabolism of [14C]benzo[alpha]pyrene. The metabolites of [14C]benzo[alpha]pyrene, diols, quinones, phenols and polar compounds are generally decreased in quantity. At the lowest level of smoke administered the percentage of BP-7,8-diol produced is increased dramatically. The results indicate that one of the factors contributing to the carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke may be its ability to produce an immediate alteration in the pulmonary metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Engines of Second Creation Stories About Nanotechnology

We are in a position today to appreciate the ambiguity of technologies: that they are good, and bad, and neutral and present challenges in different ways. Reading U.S. national nanotechnology documents and histories of nanotechnology, one finds that rhetoric idealizing progress without serious consideration of negative side-effects remains unfortunately fixed within stories constructed about technology. Though we should be better aware of the potential for unintended consequences and negative social effects (and, if anything, we should expect these things), the narratives about nanotechnology today still center on unlimited power over nature, much like technological narratives of eras past. David Nye, in America as Second Creation: Technology and Narratives of New Beginnings, explains how American narratives during the 19th century focused on technology as both transformative and stabilizing. In this time, it seemed as if nature was ready and waiting to be transformed and made useful for the new Americans...
Salinity Effects on Four Sunflower Hybrids

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is becoming an increasingly important source of edible vegetable oil throughout the world because of its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content and no cholesterol. The increasing demand for this oil may promote increased hectarage of sunflower in the western USA, where some soils are saline or have the potential to become so. Since there is little information concerning the response of sunflower grown under saline conditions, a 2-yr field plot study was conducted. Six salinity treatments were imposed on a Holtville silty clay (clayey over loamy, montmorillonitic [calcareous], hyperthermic Typic Torrifluvent) by irrigating with Colorado River water artificially salinized with NaCl and CaCl2 (1:l by weight). Electrical conductivities of the irrigation waters both years were 1.4 (control), 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 80 dS m-‘. Seed yield and oil content of the seed were measured. Relative seed yield of four hybrids was unaffected by soil salinity up to 4.8 dS m-’ (electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, EC,). Each unit increase in salinity above 48 dS m-t reduced yield by 5.0%. These results indicate that sunflower is appropriately classified as moderately tolerant to salinity. Yield reduction was attributed primarily to a reduction in seeds per head. Oil concentration in the seed was relatively unaffected by increased soil salinity up to 10.2 dS m-‘. Sunflower appears to be well adapted for growth under moderately saline soil conditions. S UNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.), a New World plant, has been developed into a valuable source of edible oil and meal. In 1992, world production of sunflower oil was about 7.8 million tonnes. As an edible vegetable oil, only soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and rapeseedcanola (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) oil production exceeded that of sunflower (USDA, 1993). In the USA, about 839000 ha of sunflower were harvested in 1992, with oilseed hybrids constituting about 88% of the harvest and nonoilseed hybrids making up the remaining 12%. Most production in the USA is in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Kansas (USDA, 1993). However, with the increasing popularity of edible vegetable oils that, like sunflower, contain high percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol, the potential
Researches on Virtual Machining Simulation of Flexible Manufacturing Cell Based on KUKA Robot

Flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) was the extension of the CNC machining center,which consisted of three portions , a CNC machining center , an industrial robot and unified by a the background computer programmable control. In order to guarantee the rationality and feasibility of the automatic operation loading and unloading workpieces , the simulation object was based on the KUKA robot of flexible manufacturing cell in this paper, which based on MATLAB/GUI and combinated of VRML language and information transmission method development between MATLAB and the simulation system of flexible manufacturing unit. According to the set up parameters and angles, the model was implemented. Through the control panel and the robot's real-time interactive simulation, 3d visualization window can be real-time display of the robot simulation, and validated the path planning. According to the simulation results of the model , it could provide reference to the actual movement of the KUKA robot trajectory planning, provided the better fully automated feasibility analysis of flexible manufacturing cell, and proved the improvement of flexible manufacturing unit operation scientifically and reasonably.
The Tricarballylate utilization (tcuRABC) genes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2.

The genes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 encoding functions needed for the utilization of tricarballylate as a carbon and energy source were identified and their locations in the chromosome were established. Three of the tricarballylate utilization (tcu) genes, tcuABC, are organized as an operon; a fourth gene, tcuR, is located immediately 5′ to the tcuABC operon. The tcuABC operon and tcuR gene share the same direction of transcription but are independently transcribed. The tcuRABC genes are missing in the Escherichia coli K-12 chromosome. The tcuR gene is proposed to encode a regulatory protein needed for the expression of tcuABC. The tcuC gene is proposed to encode an integral membrane protein whose role is to transport tricarballylate across the cell membrane. tcuC function was sufficient to allow E. coli K-12 to grow on citrate (a tricarballylate analog) but not to allow growth of this bacterium on tricarballylate. E. coli K-12 carrying a plasmid with wild-type alleles of tcuABC grew on tricarballylate, suggesting that the functions of the TcuABC proteins were the only ones unique to S. enterica needed to catabolize tricarballylate. Analyses of the predicted amino acid sequences of the TcuAB proteins suggest that TcuA is a flavoprotein, and TcuB is likely anchored to the cell membrane and probably contains one or more Fe-S centers. The TcuB protein is proposed to work in concert with TcuA to oxidize tricarballylate to cis-aconitate, which is further catabolized via the Krebs cycle. The glyoxylate shunt is not required for growth of S. enterica on tricarballylate. A model for tricarballylate catabolism in S. enterica is proposed.
The boundary between play and nonplay in black verbal dueling

William Labov formulated rules for sounding (black verbal dueling) that saw ritual insults, but not personal insults, as properly falling within the framework of black verbal play. Other researchers interested in contrasting play and fact-oriented dispute genres within more general discussions of keying have used Labov's analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions as to where play ends and the serious begins within this activity. However, Labov's decision to place personal insults outside the framework of the game of sounding is incorrect. Consequently, so too is the boundary line established by these other researchers to distinguish play from nonplay within the context of black verbal dueling. The present paper proposes to establish the correct black cultural perspective on the role and function of personal insults in sounding and the boundary between play and nonplay within the context of that activity. It also considers the different cultural consequences that would stem from regarding personal insults to be part of verbal play or not. Finally, it shows similarities in the structure and function of two speech actions - accusations and denials - that are used in both play and nonplay disputes to demonstrate more closely the nature of reciprocal influence of play and nonplay interactions. (Black verbal dueling, keying, discourse analysis, play and nonplay dispute genres, interethnic communication)
Operational definition of normal sinus heart rate.

Abstract Heart rate (HR) is an accurately measurable descriptor of patients' status immediately available to physicians without special instrumentation. Accepted limits of HR have long been set at 60 and 100 beats/min for normal sinus rhythm. Experience suggests that both these traditional limits are too high, except under undue autonomie activation, an imposed abnormality. In practice, this translates into suspicion of abnormality when a patient has a resting HR between 90 and 100 beats/min, rather than a rigidly classified "tachycardia" at ≥100 beats/min. Furthermore, with the current emphasis on fitness we are not unduly concerned with the asymptomatic patient with a resting HR between 50 and 60 beats/ min. Whereas 1 distinguished investigator reported the traditional limits of 60 and 100 beats/min as "generally agreed" 1 (and they are indeed long-established New York Heart Association recommendations), 2 a search of previous publications revealed no investigations that systematically define sinus tachycardia and bradycardia for clinical application. We reexamined the question of operational definitions for sinus bradycardia and tachycardia. Our investigation was designed to determine if a clinically normal population suggested other limits, compare them with the literature and, if comparable, redefine sinus tachycardia and bradycardia.
Role of antibiotics for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the data regarding the use of antibiotic therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular events.DATA SOURCES:Pertinent literature was identified through a MEDLINE search (1966–September 2001) and through other secondary literature databases and/or bibliographies of pertinent articles.DATA SYNTHESIS:Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among the general population, with well-defined risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, genetic predisposition). Clinical data evaluating the association between the aforementioned risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease are substantial; however, these risk factors may only partially explain the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae within atherosclerotic lesions has been documented and may be an additional risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.CONCLUSIONS:The r...