cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D conformal radiotherapy in the sagittal plane for centrally located thoracic tumors

Abstract One hundred patients, recently treated at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with radiotherapy for lung and esophageal cancer, were studied. Three subsets of these patients were defined based on tumor location to test how commonly the use of three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) could improve significantly the delivery of high dosages. Comparisons were made between isodose distributions and dose volume histograms (DVHs) of patients' prior computed tomography (CT)-based treatment plans and newly generated 3D-based treatment plans. The use of beam angles outside the conventional horizontal plane did not significantly improve the dose distribution for patients if a peripheral mass was the target volume. Patients with a target volume involving the central thorax represented a subset (>40% of the patients) who would have benefited the most from the use of nonconventional beam angles. In these patients, sagittal coplanar beams (sagittal Y technique) reduced the dose to 30% of the lung volume from 30% to 5%. Doses to the spinal cord and heart were slightly higher than with conventional techniques but were within the tolerance of normal tissues. The sagittal Y technique allows an escalation in total dose to the tumor without increasing dose to normal tissues beyond their tolerance.
Self and partner perceptions of the appropriateness of emotions

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of appropriateness of emotion experience and expression by individuals and their partners and the degree to which perceptions converge or diverge across stages of relationship development. A laboratory study of 60 romantic couples was conducted. The results showed that individuals rated their emotion experiences as more appropriate than did their partners, and negative emotions were considered less appropriate to experience and express than positive emotions. A significant interaction was found between source of perception and level of relationship development on perceptions of appropriateness of emotion expression, with couples at the earliest stage showing the most divergence in perceptions. Implications are discussed.
The effects of polar and/or ionizable residues in the core and flanking regions of hydrophobic helices on transmembrane conformation and oligomerization.

To explore the influence of amino acid composition on the behavior of membrane-inserted α-helices, we examined the behavior of Lys-flanked polyleucyl (pLeu) helices containing a single polar/ionizable residue within their hydrophobic core. To evaluate the location of the helices within the membrane by fluorescence, each contained a Trp residue at the center of the sequence. When incorporated into dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) model membrane vesicles, pLeu helices with or without a single Ser, Asn, Lys, or Asp residue in the hydrophobic core maintained a transmembrane state (named the N state) at neutral and acidic pH. In this state, the central Trp exhibited highly blue-shifted fluorescence, and fluorescence quenching by nitroxide-labeled lipids showed it located at the bilayer center. A state in which Trp fluorescence red-shifted by several nanometers (named the B state) was observed above pH 10−11. B state formation appears to result from deprotonation of the flanking Lys residues. Despite the red ...
Propagation of an elite high biomass-producing genotype of Atriplex canescens by axillary enhancement

Abstract A technique for rapid in vitro multiplication and rooting of Atriplex canescens microshoots and establishment of plantlets in the soil is described. The influence of growth regulators in the multiplication medium on shoot growth, rooting, and soil establishment of in vitro-derived plants is assessed. Rapid propagation was achieved by the culture of shoot tips or lateral buds on a medium supplemented with 1 mg per liter of benzyladenine. Shoots were rooted in vitro on a medium supplemented with 1 mg per liter indolebutyric acid prior to placement in the soil. Plants were established successfully in the greenhouse through the maintenance of a high humidity environment for the first 21 days and were subsequently transferred to the greenhouse and field.
Mumps myocarditis: Case report

Summary A case of mumps in a 12-year-old boy complicated by unusual electrocardiographic changes is described. Conduction defects of a constantly changing pattern were present for a short period of time. Complete recovery ensued.
Molecular differences between type A botulinum neurotoxin and its toxoid.

Abstract B. R. Singh and B. R. DasGupta . Molecular differences between bype A botulinum neurotoxin and its toxoid. Toxicon27, 403–410, 1989.—The neurotoxins (seven serotypes, Mr ∼ 150,000) produced by Clostridium botulinum cause the neuroparalytic disease botulism. Prophylaxis, definitive diagnosis and the only effective therapy for botulism depend, at present, on chemically detoxified form(s) of the neurotoxins, i.e. toxoids (immunogens), and the antisera raised with the immunogens. And yet, the toxoids currently used for immunization of humans and animals and for raising antibody are very crude preparations (∼90% impure) of the neurotoxins. Hence, the highly heterogenous toxoids were not suitable for physicochemical studies. We have detoxified a pure (>99%) neurotoxin (serotype A) with formaldehyde. The native neurotoxin is composed of two subunit chains (Mr 53,000 and 97,000). The physicochemical properties of the toxoid (immunogenic in rabbits) were analyzed. The chemical modification produced inter- and intrasubunit covalent links at multiple sites and thus extensive aggregation of the neurotoxin. The secondary structure parameters (α-helix, β-sheet, β-turn and random coil) of the native protein were not significantly altered. Tertiary structure, as measured by exposure of tyrosine residues and fluorescence quantum yield of tryptophan residues, was considerably altered. The data imply that conformational (topographical) antigenic determinants may not contribute significantly to the serological property of the neurotoxin.
The utility of portable nerve conduction testing for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective clinical study.

Abstract The usefulness and accuracy of a portable instrument, the electroneurometer, for measuring distal motor latencies was determined in a prospective study of 28 patients (51 hands) with carpal tunnel syndrome and 10 controls (18 hands). There was a close correlation of distal motor latencies from the electroneurometer with those from formal electrodiagnostic testing. The average distal motor latency of controls was 3.3 ± 0.4 msec, compared with a mean value of 5.2 ± 1.8 msec in symptomatic hands. The sensitivity of the neurometer test alone was 69% (9 false-negatives); when combined with quantitative sensibility testing, sensitivity increased to 84%. Specificity of the neurometer test alone was 100% (no false-positives). The portable electroneurometer is a convenient, painless, inexpensive device for screening patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Formal electrodiagnostic testing is indicated for differentiation of lesions present at different levels, for detection of subtle sensory changes, and for use in those patients in whom surface electrode usage is ineffective.
Temporal Gradient in Shear But Not Steady Shear Stress Induces PDGF-A and MCP-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells Role of NO, NFκB, and egr-1

Abstract —Three well-defined laminar flow profiles were created to distinguish the influence of a gradient in shear and steady shear on platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in human endothelial cells. The flow profiles (16 dyne/cm 2 maximum shear stress) were ramp flow (shear stress smoothly transited at flow onset), step flow (shear stress abruptly applied at flow onset), and impulse flow (shear stress abruptly applied for 3 s only). Ramp flow induced only minor expression of PDGF-A and did not increase MCP-1 expression. Step flow increased PDGF-A and MCP-1 mRNA levels 3- and 2-fold at 1.5 hours, respectively, relative to ramp flow. In contrast, impulse flow increased PDGF-A and MCP-1 expression 6- and 7-fold at 1.5 hours, and these high levels were sustained for at least 4 hours. These results indicate that a temporal gradient in shear (impulse flow and the onset of step flow) and steady shear (ramp flow and the steady component of step flow) stimulates and diminishes the expression of PDGF-A and MCP-1, respectively. NO synthase inhibitor N G -amino-l-arginine (L-NAA) was found to markedly enhance MCP-1 and PDGF-A expression induced by step flow, but decrease their expression induced by impulse flow, in a dose-dependent manner. NO donor spermine-NONOate (SPR/NO) dose-dependently reduced the MCP-1 and PDGF-A expression induced by impulse flow. Moreover, impulse flow was found to stimulate sustained (4 hours) IκB-α degradation and egr -1 mRNA induction. L-NAA prevented IκB-α degradation, whereas SPR/NO increased IκB-α resynthesis 2 hours after impulse flow. Both L-NAA and SPR/NO inhibited the impulse flow inducibility of egr -1 4 hours after the flow stimulation. The results show that both NO induced by steady shear and NO donor inhibit temporal gradient in shear-induced MCP-1 and PDGF-A expression by downregulation of their respective transcription factors NFκB and egr -1, whereas NO induced by impulse flow stimulates MCP-1 and PDGF-A expression by upregulation of the transcription factors. The above findings suggest distinct roles of temporal gradient in shear and steady shear in atherogenesis in vivo.
Asymptotic properties of unitary representations

Abstract If ϱ is a unitary representation of a locally compact group G, one is very often interested in the asymptotic behavior of the operators ϱ(g) as g tends to ∞ in G. Put another way one is interested in what operators not in ϱ(G) can be (weak) limits of the ϱ(g) as g tends to ∞. The first part of the paper deals with the question of what kinds of unitary operators can be limits of ϱ(g), and we show that for connected G the possibilities are very limited. The second part of the paper deals with the question of when one can conclude that essentially the only operator of any kind not in ϱ(G) obtained as a limit of the ϱ(g) is 0. This amounts to showing that the matrix coefficients of ϱ “vanish at ∞,” and we establish affirmative results for irreducible representations of connected algebraic groups over local fields (archimedian and non-archimedian). Such results turn out to have applications to the theory of automorphic forms and to ergodic theory.
Late presentation of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is the commonest disorder of fatty acid metabolism, with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality at presentation. We report a 16 year old girl with first presentation of MCAD deficiency following an alcoholic binge and subsequent period of starvation. Presentation was as acute encephalopathy progressing to coma. Renal, cardiac and hepatic failures were managed with intensive supportive care including mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, blood products and renal replacement therapy. Diagnosis of MCAD deficiency was confirmed on day 6. The patient was discharged from hospital on day 20 with a mild proximal myopathy, which subsequently resolved. The diagnosis of MCAD deficiency requires a high index of suspicion at all ages. Precipitating factors in later life may include alcohol.
A method for calculating current source density (CSD) analysis without resorting to recording sites outside the sampling volume

This article is part of a study on cortical microcircuitry in which flash evoked potentials (FEPs) were recorded from the anesthetized rat visual cortex. The FEPs were subjected to current source density analysis (CSD). One of the limitations of the CSD method is the need for recording sites outside the sampling volume, in order to obtain a full description of the CSD distribution. This problem is acute in the neocortex where a tissue/fluid boundary exists. A simple solution is provided based on the fact that the field potentials decay minimally under the conditions of these experiments. In the neocortex the most superficial recording site and the deepest recording site are used to provide the extra recording sites necessary to obtain a full description of the CSD distribution. This approach when tested by summing the current sinks and sources across all layers of cortex produces excellent results, with significant reduction of the residual sinks and sources.
Effect of chronic olanzapine treatment on striatal synaptic organization.

Our previous work has shown that chronic haloperidol treatment decreases striatal symmetric synapses preferentially in rats which develop oral dyskinesias (vacuous chewing movements (VCMs)). The present experiment tests the hypothesis that olanzapine, which does not cause dyskinesia in humans or rats, would not cause the ultrastructural changes produced by haloperidol. After 6 months of treatment, VCM scores for the olanzapine group (5.1 ± 4.5) were similar to those of controls (5.2 ± 3.9), whereas rats in the haloperidol group were either nondyskinetic (4.3 ± 2.2) or dyskinetic (16.9 ± 6.7). The volume of the striatum (mm3), did not differ among the groups: control, 37.5 ± 4.7; olanzapine, 36.4 ± 4.3; haloperidol, nondyskinetic, 40.5 ± 6.3; haloperidol, dyskinetic, 36.6 ± 5.9. Synaptic density (per 1 μm3), obtained from the central region of the striatum, did not differ between the olanzapine (0.699 ± 0.146) and control groups (0.652 ± 0.108). The number of asymmetric synapses in the olanzapine group (0.624 ± 0.136) was also similar to that of controls (0.550 ± 0.090). The number of symmetric synapses in the olanzapine group (0.074 ± 0.032) was not significantly different from that of controls (0.096 ± 0.043). Thus, olanzapine, in contrast to haloperidol, did not produce dyskinesias or synapse loss. These results strengthen the correlation between the expression of VCMs and striatal synaptic changes and indicate that olanzapine has fewer behavioral and anatomical side effects than does haloperidol. Synapse 39:8–15, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Infrared spectra of the CHFCl, CHFBr, and CHFI free radicals in solid argon

Abstract Lithium atom matrix reactions with CHFCl 2 , CHFBr 2 , and CHFI 2 produced new infrared absorptions due to the lithium halides LiX and the CHFX free radicals. The CHFCl assignments are supported by 13 C and D isotopic substitution, and the CHFBr and CHFI radical absorptions were also found in CH 2 FBr and CH 2 FI photolysis studies. The CHFX, CHF 2 , and CHX 2 radical fundamentals are compared.
Regularity of a minimal surface at its free boundary

In this paper we shall consider a stationary minimal surface X whose free or at least partially free boundary lies on a given supporting surface S. It is well-known that, if the supporting surface S has no boundary, then X possesses the same smoothness as S does. If, on the other hand, the boundary of S is nonvoid, one can at most expect C t, 1/2 regularity of X at its free boundary, c.f. [1], [5], [6]. This C 1" 1/2 boundary regularity was proved in the paper [6] by S. Hildebrandt and J.C.C. Nitsche and in the paper [5] by M. Griiter, S. Hildebrandt and J.C.C. Nitsche under the condition that the supporting surface is of class C 3'" for some ae(0, 1). Now combining the ideas of D. Kinderlehrer [7] and M. Giaquinta, E. Giusti [4] and modifying the argument in [6] concerning the conformality relation, we are able to show the C 1,1/2 regularity under a C2"-assumption, which, in turn, seems to be the weakest, even if the minimal surface under consideration are minima of the area. We also treat the regularity problem of general stationary surfaces under the C 1,1_condition and of minima of the Dirichlet integral under a C 1,,_condition (thus without conformality assumption).
Improved Self-Calibrated Spiral Parallel Imaging Using JSENSE

Spiral MRI has several advantages over Cartesian MRI such as faster acquisitions and reduced demand in gradient. In parallel imaging, spiral trajectories are especially of great interest due to their inherent self-calibration capabilities, which is especially useful for dynamic imaging applications such as fMRI and cardiac imaging. The existing self-calibration techniques use the central spiral data that are sampled densely in the accelerated acquisition for coil sensitivity estimation. However, the resulting sensitivities are not sufficiently accurate for SENSE reconstruction due to the data truncation. In this paper, JSENSE which has been successfully used in Cartesian trajectories is extended to spiral trajectory such that the coil sensitivities and the desired image are reconstructed jointly to improve accuracy through alternating optimization. The improved sensitivities lead to a more accurate SENSE reconstruction. The results from both phantom and in vivo data are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of JSENSE for spiral trajectory.
Electron-beam-induced current study of gallium nitride and diamond materials

The continual need for microelectronic devices that operate under severe electronic and environmental conditions (high temperature, high frequency, high power, and radiation tolerance) has sustained research in wide bandgap semiconductor materials. The properties suggest these wide bandgap semiconductor materials have tremendous potential for military and commercial applications. High frequency bipolar transistors and field effect transistors, diodes, and short wavelength optical devices have been proposed using these materials. Although research efforts involving the study of transport properties in GaN and diamond have made significant advances, much work is still needed to improve the material quality so that the electrophysical behavior of device structures can be further understood and exploited. Electron beam induced current (EBIC) measurements can provide a method of understanding the transport properties in GaN and diamond. This technique basically consists of measuring the current or voltage transient response to the drift and diffusion of carriers created by a short-duration pulse of radiation. This method differs from other experiemental techniques because it is based on a fast transient electron beam created from a high- speed, laser-pulsed photoemission system.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Basis-set superposition errors in tightly bound systems

Abstract Basis-set superposition corrections to properties of tightly bound systems have been studied. The effects are demonstrated for two different properties: the dissociation energy of N2 and the geometrical conformation of C4. The definition of these corrections is somewhat ambiguous, since the constituent fragments are not always as well defined as in weakly bound systems. The energy effect of these corrections is significant, and usually amounts to several kcal/mol even with large basis sets.
A many-universe theory of the cosmological constant or warm universe in the googolplexus

Abstract We reexamine the discouraging conclusion of Fischler, Klebanov, Polchinski and Susskind that second quantization of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation leads to the production of only cold and empty universes with vanishing cosmological constant Λ. We argue that if gravity is coupled to a scalar field with a suitable inflationary potential, the number of created universes which have at least one warm, inhabitable region by late times is exponentially peaked at Λ = 0. This appears to be a viable solution to the cosmological constant problem, invoking the weak anthropic principle in a natural way.
Comparing Biweight Measures of Location in the Two-Sample Problem

Kafadar proposed a method of comparing biweight measures of location corresponding to two independent groups. Motivated by results under the assumption that distributions are symmetric, her method approximates the null distribution of the test statistic with a Student's t distribution having degrees of freedom are the number of observations randomly sampled from the respective groups. A minor goal in this paper is to illustrate that this approximation can be unsatisfactory when distributions have different levels of skewness. Four alternative procedures are considered, each based on the bootstrap. Three of these procedures provide satisfactory probability coverage when sample sizes are equal, while one provides good probability coverage in all situations that were considered.
Polymerization of higher aldehydes. V. End‐capped crystalline isotactic polyaldehydes: Characterization and properties

End-capped, isotactic polyaldehydes were characterized by the determination of the solution viscosities, melting points, the gel points and solubilities in a number of solvents. Relative endgroup molecular weights were estimated from infrared spectra. The stability of end-capped polyaldehydes is discussed.
Recent advances in protoplast culture of horticultural crops: conifers

Abstract This review discusses current established methods for isolating and culturing protoplasts of conifer forest trees. The nature of the starting materials from which conifer protoplasts are isolated, isolation techniques and culture procedures are reviewed. The potential roles of protoplasts in the establishing new procedures in tree breeding and forest biotechnology are discussed.
Protamine-precipitated estrogen receptor: a solid-phase ligand exchange assay.

Abstract Cytoplasmic estrogen receptor can exist either free (R) or bound to estradiol-17β (RE). Both forms can be precipitated from cytosols by protamine sulfate. After protamine precipitation R binds 3H-estradiol-17β quantitatively at either 0° or 30°, while precipitated RE binds 3H-estradiol-17β only at 30° by exchanging with previously bound hormone. Using these observations, we have developed a method for separate determination of both cytoplasmic R and RE. This method should also be applicable for assay of other steroid receptors, especially in cases where interfering components are present in the whole cytosol.
Analysis of electrocardiograms for subcutaneous monitors.

Abstract We are developing a subcutaneous cardiac arrest monitor and alarm with electrodes that have spacing of a few centimeters. We hypothesize that closely spaced bipolar electrodes that provide QRS amplitudes of a millivolt or more in sinus rhythm (SR) will not provide similar amplitudes during ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT/VF), and that an orthogonal set of electrode pairs in diagonal is necessary to produce signals of sufficient amplitude in order to distinguish these rhythms. Methods: Forty patients were studied during ICD implantation in the clinical electrophysiology laboratory. A square array of 9 electrodes with 4- to 10-cm spacing between adjacent electrodes was placed on the patient’s anterior chest over the left heart. The center electrode in the left most column is located in the 5th intercostal space at the left sternal border. Eight-channel recordings were made in SR and during induced VT/VF from the 8 peripheral electrodes referenced to the central member of the array. From these recordings all 20 bipolar ECGs of adjacent (including diagonally adjacent) electrodes were constructed algebraically. QRS peak-peak amplitudes in SR and VT/VF were measured in each bipolar lead and in the spatial vector formed by summing the squares of each adjacent and orthogonal pair of these leads. Results: Electrode pairs that yielded optimal ECG amplitudes in SR were not always the pairs that yielded optimal amplitudes in VT/VF. But in every patient two orthogonal pairs could be found whose QRS vector amplitude is sufficient in both SR and VT/VF to separate the rhythms. Conclusions: A patient-defined set of bipolar electrode pairs is suitable for automatic separation of SR and VT/VF by rate in subcutaneous ambulatory monitoring.
Observations on luminescence in sea pens (Pennatulacea)

The luminescent responses of sea pens ( Leioptilus gurneyi ) have been studied by visual observation and photo-electric recording. Light is emitted by the polyps (autozooids and siphonozooids) when the animal is excited. Gentle mechanical stimulation and electrical stimulation (condenser shocks) evoke luminescent waves which pass over the rachis at a velocity of 26·4 cm/s (20·5°C). The first luminescent wave appears after 1 to 3 shocks, depending on the condition of the animal. Subsequently, waves arise at the rate of 1/shock, and increase progressively in intensity owing to neuroeffector facilitation. On recording from re-­stricted loci (width 2 cm), the following data for temporal characteristics of flashes (from auto ­zooids) were obtained: latent period, 0·18s; total duration of flash, 1 to 1·2s; maximal intensity from first deflexion, 0·2 s; time to half-maximum, 0·1 s. Strong mechanical and prolonged electrical stimulation produce a refractory state in which the animal contracts and no longer produces luminescent waves. Slow progressive spread of luminescence can then be induced by maintained repetitive stimulation. This effect is ascribed to intemuncial facilitation overcoming fatigue in the nerve net. Certain lines of evidence indicate that light may temporarily inhibit luminescence, apparently by affecting the excitatory system. The results are related to observations made on the luminescent responses of other sea pens.
Determination of Mercury Content in a Shallow Firn Core from Greenland by Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The total mercury Hg content was determined in 6 cm sections of a near-surface 7 m firn core and in surrounding surface snow from Summit, Greenland (elevation: 3238 m, 72.58 N, 38.53 W) in May 2001 by isotope dilution cold-vapor inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-CV-ICP-MS). The focus of this research was to evaluate the capability of the ID-CV-ICPMS technique for measuring trace levels of Hg typical of polar snow and firn. Highly enriched Hg-201 isotopic spike is added to approximately 10 ml melted core and thoroughly mixed. The Hg(+2) in the sample is reduced on line with tin (II) chloride (SnCl2) and the elemental Hg (Hg(0)) vapor pre-concentrated on to gold gauze using a commercial amalgam system. The Hg is then thermally desorbed and introduced into a quadrupole ICP-MS. The blank corrected Hg concentrations determined for all samples ranged from 0.25 ng/L to 1.74 ng/L (ppt) (average 0.59 ng/L plus or minus 0.28 ng/L) and fall within the range of those previously determined by Boutron et al., 1998 (less than or equal to 0.05 ng/L to 2.0 ng/L) for the Summit site. The average blank value was 0.19 ng/L plus or minus 0.045 ng/L (n=6). The Hg values specifically for the firn core range from 0.25 ng/L to 0.87 ng/L (average 0.51 ng/L plus or minus 0.13 ng/L) and show both values declining with time and larger variability in concentration in the top 1.8 m.
Mls allo-determinants are recognized in an MHC class II antigen-dependent but unrestricted fashion by a discrete set of T cells.

SUMMARY Blocking studies carried out with anti-H-2 class II antigen antibodies show that H-2 class II molecules are intimately involved in the recognition of Mlsa determinants by unprimed, specifically responsive T cells. The blocking of the anti-Mlsa response by these antibodies was not due to inhibition of IL-1 production by H-2 class II antigen positive macrophages. A strain analysis indicates that the response to Mlsa is regulated by H-2-linked genes and that this effect is exerted at the level of the stimulator cells; however, the response to Mls epitopes does not appear to be H-2 restricted. Finally, the ability of spleen cells from Mls-incompatible mice to induce a state of Mls-specific, clonal deletion type tolerance by neonatal injection, shows that Mls determinants exist in qualitatively allelic forms and suggests that these determinants are recognized by specific clones of T cells.
A Paraprosthetic-Enteric Fistula Associated with a Duodenal Tumor

An unusual etiology and presentation of a paraprosthetic-enteric fistula is reported involving a duodenal tumor. Review of the possible mechanisms of graft-enteric fistula formation and diagnostic evaluation is presented. Initial insertion of an extraanatomic bypass followed by graft excision was performed in the present case and is encouraged in hemodynamically stable patients. Additionally, resection of the eroded duodenum with end-to-end anastomosis was performed in order to restore intestinal continuity.
Very short-term conceptual memory

Short-term memory for conceptual information is largely missing from current models of short-term memory. Several phenomena are discussed that give evidence for very brief conceptual representations of stimuli. Although these fleeting representations do not surface readily with many of the standard methods for studying and testing short-term memory, I argue that they are fundamental to cognitive processing and to the form that long-term memory takes.
PUVA downregulates whn expression in primary mouse keratinocytes

Abstract Psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA) is one of the most efficient treatment regimens for psoriasis and other skin diseases. In order to evaluate keratinocyte-specific PUVA effects, we investigated the impact of clinically relevant PUVA doses on whn , the ‘nude’ gene. This transcription factor plays an important role in epidermal homeostasis, and epidermal whn over-expression results in a psoriasis-like phenotype. We demonstrated a persistent down-regulation of whn mRNA 48–72 h after PUVA treatment but not after UVA alone. Using transgenic animals, we also demonstrated dose-dependent down-regulation of whn promoter activity. Finally, whn -null (‘nude’) keratinocytes were more resistant to PUVA-induced suppression of DNA synthesis than wild-type cells. Our results suggest that whn suppression may be involved in mediating the anti-proliferative effect of PUVA on keratinocytes.
Of mice and rats: Key species variations in the sexual differentiation of brain and behavior

Mice and rats are important mammalian models in biomedical research. In contrast to other biomedical fields, work on sexual differentiation of brain and behavior has traditionally utilized comparative animal models. As mice are gaining in popularity, it is essential to acknowledge the differences between these two rodents. Here we review neural and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in rats and mice, which highlight species differences and experimental gaps in the literature, that are needed for direct species comparisons. Moving forward, investigators must answer fundamental questions about their chosen organism, and attend to both species and strain differences as they select the optimal animal models for their research questions.
Photoelectron spectromicroscopy: present and future

Abstract The fundamentals, the present state and the future prospects of photoelectron spectromicroscopy, microspectroscopy and microdiffraction in parallel imaging immersion lens/cathode lens electron microscopes are reviewed. The emphasis is on the instrumental aspects and on the experimental possibilities and limitations that are illustrated by some application examples. Special attention is given to the combination with nonspectroscopic imaging methods such as low energy electron microscopy and mirror microscopy that are possible with appropriately configured systems. Such multi-method instruments are expected to play a major role in the future.
Micromechanics of fracture initiation in highly oriented polymers

Abstract Several analytical techniques have recently been used to investigate molecular bond rupture in materials. These are compared and discussed in terms of suggested molecular models of fracture in highly orientated polymer fibers and films.
Automation and yield of micron-scale self-assembly processes

We present the use of self-assembly to integrate a large number of free-standing microcomponents onto unconventional substrates. The microcomponents are batch fabricated separately from different semiconductor materials in potentially incompatible microfabrication processes and integrated onto unconventional substrates such as glass and plastic. These substrates offer a number of unique attributes as compared with silicon such as transparency, flexibility, and lower cost. Here, we provide an overview of the self-assembly process, describe how microcomponents that can participate in the self-assembly process can be mass-produced, and discuss initial self-assembly experimental results. Our results indicate that even with a very simple set-up, self-assembly yields as high as 97% for components as small as 100 mum are achievable, making the self-assembly technique immediately comparable with (or better than) the state-of-the-art robotic pick-and-place systems. We discuss various parameters that affect the yield of the self-assembly process and a possible automation scheme.
Continuity clinic preceptors and ACGME competencies.

(2005). Continuity clinic preceptors and ACGME competencies. Medical Teacher: Vol. 27, No. 5, pp. 463-467.
Variation on Frugivory: The Diet of Venezuelan White-Faced Sakis

White-faced sakis (Pithecia pithecia) are Neotropical seed predators that ingest a mixed diet of fruit, leaves, and insects. We report timed feeding data for a 12-mo period on a group of 8 white-faced sakis occupying an island—a portion of their original home range—in Lago Guri, Venezuela. We collected fruit and leaf samples, dried them in the field, and analyzed them to measure nutrient content—free simple sugars (FSS), crude protein (CP), lipids, and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC)—and the presence of antifeedants: total tannins, condensed tannins and dietary fiber. We weighted nutrients and antifeedants by timed feeding samples to estimate actual intake. Then we compared intake among months and seasons. Compared with other frugivores, the average monthly intake of lipids was extremely high (16.1% by dry matter estimate(DM)), attributed to ingestion of young seeds and other plant parts that were relatively high in lipids, e.g., seed arils. Intake of FSS and CP were relatively low: 3.4% DM and 6.5% DM, respectively. The average intake of total cell wall or neutral detergent fiber (NDF = 38.4% DM) was only slightly lower than the range reported for colobines. Average intake of tannins was within the range reported for cercopithecines: condensed tannins of 3.3% Quebracho units standard (QU). We suggest that white-faced sakis accept a trade-off for food items that are fibrous or astringent if they are also rich in lipids. White-faced sakis expand the typical definition of primate fruit-eater in their high lipid-relatively high NDF-low FSS diet.
Endolithic Algae and Micrite Envelope Formation in Bahamian Oölites as Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Examination of Holocene Bahamian ooelites by scanning electron and light microscopy has revealed the morphology and orientation of aragonite crystals in the lamellar ooelitic envelope, and their modification by the boring activities of endolithic algae. The voids produced by these algae are found in progressive stages of being lined and filled with precipitated microcrystalline aragonite, which is similar to the process of micrite envelope formation in molluscan and other skeletal carbonate grains.
Challenges for Creating Highly Dependable Service Based Systems

The paradigm shift from traditional on-premise software to a service based model has gained significant momentum in the past decade. One such concept, Software as a Service (SaaS), delivers the functionality of traditional on-premise software as a service over the web. While a defect or a malfunction in a traditional on-premise application may affect a single user, the affected user base in a SaaS application may span the entire group of customers serviced by the provider. The physical disconnect between end users and the SaaS applications puts onus on service providers to deliver highly dependable systems that are available and reliable at all times. In this paper, we explore the general challenges faced in delivering and analyzing highly dependable service based systems. We quantify the challenges of dependability assessment utilizing a commercial case study. Furthermore, we explore one facet of dependability assessment related to log entries not necessarily related to dependability. We provide a novel approach to log filtering and show that the removal of benign log entries leads to more realistic system dependability analysis. We also show the need to merge multiple types of SaaS logs to support effective analysis.
Automated monitoring and analysis of social behavior in Drosophila

We introduce a method based on machine vision for automatically measuring aggression and courtship in Drosophila melanogaster. The genetic and neural circuit bases of these innate social behaviors are poorly understood. High-throughput behavioral screening in this genetically tractable model organism is a potentially powerful approach, but it is currently very laborious. Our system monitors interacting pairs of flies and computes their location, orientation and wing posture. These features are used for detecting behaviors exhibited during aggression and courtship. Among these, wing threat, lunging and tussling are specific to aggression; circling, wing extension (courtship 'song') and copulation are specific to courtship; locomotion and chasing are common to both. Ethograms may be constructed automatically from these measurements, saving considerable time and effort. This technology should enable large-scale screens for genes and neural circuits controlling courtship and aggression.
A Statistical Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Intensity

Abstract Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of tropical cyclone wind speeds are calculated using best track data from the North Atlantic and western North Pacific basins. Wind speeds are normalized by theoretical potential wind speeds derived from reanalysis datasets, and the individual storms are classified according to whether their maximum intensities were limited by landfall, passage over cold water, or other factors. For each classification, CDFs were calculated and the evolution of the storm wind speed was composited relative to the time at which each storm achieved its lifetime maximum wind speed. For storms of hurricane strength whose maximum intensity is not limited by declining potential intensity (landfall or passage over cold water), the normalized CDFs of storm lifetime maximum wind speed are nearly linear, in contrast to the lognormal distributions found with many other geophysical phenomena, such as earthquakes. Thus there is a roughly equal likelihood that any given tropical cyclone ...
Diethylstilbestrol for Hemostasis in Functional Uterine Hemorrhage 1

Awidespread and, not infrequently, uncritical usage of the non-hormonal estrogen, diethyl-stilbestrol, has followed its release into commerce by the Food and Drug Administration in the early Fall of 1941. Recently, diethylstilbestrol has been accepted by the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry of the American Medical Association for inclusion in New and Nonofficial Remedies.2 The practical value of diethylstilbestrol is enhanced by a), its low cost, b), the fact that it is active by mouth and c), its powerful estrogenic activity. These same factors can render it a harmful therapeutic agent if uncritically employed. Recently our group reported (1, 2) that moderately small daily doses of diethylstilbestrol, when administered orally during the first half of the menstrual cycle, depressed corpus luteum function. No undesirable remote effects followed the moderate dosages employed by us. However, potentially unfavorable results from large doses, or from prolonged therapy, were envisioned.
Craniofacial alterations following electrolytic lesions of the trigeminal motor nucleus in actively growing rats.

The objective of this study was to define further the role of the trigeminal motor nucleus (TMNu) in the postnatal ontogeny of the mammalian craniofacial skeleton. To that end, 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent stereotaxic surgery at 40 days of age; 21 received small electrolytic lesions to their left-side TMNu (lesioned group) while 21 had TMNu stimulation with no actual electrolytic lesion produced (sham group). Seven rats from each group were killed at 28, 56, and 84 days postoperative to analyze trigeminal motoneuron (TMNe) count, masticatory muscle weight, and osteological growth vector data. At all three time periods, lesioned animals showed significant differences (1) between the surgery and nonsurgery sides, and (2) from sham animals. However, sham animals also demonstrated significant between-side differences for medial pterygoid muscle weight (56 days), mandibular height (28 and 56 days), and mandibular length data (84 days); these data suggested that even relatively slight damage to TMNe can create morphological changes within the craniofacial complex. Snout deviation in a lesioned rat towards the opposite side from all other lesioned animals was correlated with unique damage to its pontine reticular formation; this suggested that the observed morphological alterations of the craniofacial complex may have been due not only to TMNu damage, but also to changed expressions of the masticatory central pattern generator (CPG). Morphological alterations of the craniofacial skeleton resulting from lesions to the TMNu were likely due to changed neuromuscular activity patterns of the masticatory muscles and their biomechanical effects upon bone.
A model for 1/f noise in diffusion current based on surface recombination velocity fluctuations and insulator trapping

In this paper we present a new model for low frequency 1/f noise in semiconductor diodes. The model describes noise in diffusion current due to fluctuations in surface recombination velocity. The fluctuations in surface recombination velocity are in turn caused by insulator trapping. We examine the model's predictions for 1/f noise and its dependence on device geometry, temperature, surface potential, majority carrier concentration, and trap energy. Example calculations are performed for narrow band gap HgCdTe (E/sub G/=0.125 eV at 77 K), for which this mechanism should be relevant. >
The Lateral Notch Sign Associated With Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Disruption

We prospectively studied all of the patients with anterior cruciate ligament disruptions who sought treatment at the senior author's office during a 36-month period. Plain radiographs identified depressions measuring 2 mm or more in the lateral femoral condyle (lateral notch sign) in 9 of 120 knees (7.5%) with acute anterior cruciate ligament disruption and in 2 of 44 knees (4.5%) with chronic pivot shift instability. The depression ranged from 2 to 6 mm deep and from 20 to 25 mm long. The mean age for acutely injured patients with lateral notch signs was 17.2 years, 6 years younger than the mean age of the group with acutely injured anterior cruciate ligaments as a whole. Ten of the 11 patients (91%) with lateral notch signs were men, and all 6 patients with depressions shallower than prior descriptions of the notch sign were men. In contrast, 67% (N = 110) of the entire group of patients who had anterior cruciate ligament disruption were men. Ten of the 11 patients (91%) with the lateral notch signs and 4 of the 6 patients (66%) with minimal depressions also had lateral meniscus tears, while 58 of 147 patients (39%) without lateral femoral condyle depression had lateral meniscus tears. Previous reports that the lateral notch is a sign of chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency with recurrent pivot shifts are not supported by the number of prospectively recognized acute lateral femoral notch signs in this series. We found the presence of radiographic changes in the lateral femoral condyle to have statistically significant correlations with young age, male sex, lateral meniscus tears in general and anterior-horn lateral meniscus tears specifically, and lateral femoral chondral lesions.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Feasibility of Training Community Health Advisors to Use the Internet for Health Outreach

We assessed the feasibility of "bridging the digital divide" by training community health advisors (CHAs) from low-income communities to use high-quality Internet-based health information in the context of health outreach activities to low-income, low-literacy African-American populations in the deep south of the United States. CHAs were trained how to 1) use the Internet, 2) search for health information, and 3) evaluate online health information quality. An easy-to-use graphic interface website was developed for use in training and as a resource for future CHA outreach activities. After completing training, knowledge scores uniformly increased (p < 0.05). Attitudes toward computers also improved. CHAs found the CHA website easy to use and valuable for training. After 12-months of follow-up, we found that CHAs had infrequently used the Internet in their outreach activities. Despite their improved knowledge, in focus groups, CHAs reported that limited Internet access points, and lack of portability were still barriers.
A THEORY OF INJURY AND RECOVERY : II. EXPERIMENTS WITH MIXTURES.

1. The equations which serve to predict the injury of tissue in 0.52 M NaCl and in 0.278 M CaCl(2) and its subsequent recovery (when it is replaced in sea water) also enable us to predict the behavior of tissue in mixtures of these solutions, as well as its recovery in sea water after exposure to mixtures. 2. The reactions which are assumed in order to account for the behavior of the tissue proceed as if they were inhibited by a salt compound formed by the union of NaCl and CaCl(2) with some constituent of the protoplasm (certain of these reactions are accelerated by CaCl(2)). 3. In this and preceding papers a quantitative theory is developed in order to explain: (a) the toxicity of NaCl and CaCl(2); (b) the antagonism between these substances; (c) the fact that recovery (in sea water) may be partial or complete, depending on the length of exposure to the toxic solution.
Effect of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on Growth and on beta-Glucan Synthetases of Peroxyacetyl Nitrate Pretreated Avena Coleoptile Sections

Coleoptile sections from Avena sativa L. were exposed to non-lethal concentrations of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). The sections were then incubated in solutions of 50 mM glucose plus 2.5 mM potassium phosphate with various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Growth after 4 hours was measured. A corresponding series of experiments was carried out and the effect of the 2,4-D treatments on enzymes utilizing uridine diphosphate glucose (14C-glucose) to form glucolipid and β-glucans including cellulose was determined. Growth in the PAN-treated sections was inhibited less at optimal and superoptimal auxin levels than at low auxin levels. Glucolipid synthetase activity was only slightly inhibited by PAN pretreatment and was reduced by increasing levels of auxin. Responses of alkali-soluble glucan and cellulose synthetases were similar to growth in both control and PAN treated tissues. It was concluded that the earlier reported response of cell wall metabolism in vivo probably is due to effects on these enzyme levels.