cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Trait Loci for Early‐ and Late‐Developing Skull Characters in Mice: A Test of the Genetic Independence Model of Morphological Integration

abstract: Quantitative genetical theory suggests that characters existing in developmentally or functionally integrated groups are expected to be genetically correlated because they share a common inheritance. The genetic independence model for the cause of this genetic integration predicts that pleiotropic effects of single genes are mostly restricted to the characters in these integrated groups. We tested this model by estimating the additive and dominance effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting early‐ (cranial vault) and late‐developing (face) skeletal characters in F2 house mice originally derived from a cross of the Large and Small inbred strains. Interval mapping procedures were used that resulted in the identification of 26 QTLs on 17 of the 19 autosomes that significantly affected these characters. Additive, but not dominance, genotypic effects of many of these QTLs predominantly affected either the cranial vault or face characters, which supports the genetic independence model. Only t...
Letter to the Editor-Finding Minimal Cost-Time Ratio Circuits

In the treatment of routing problems, other authors have used column generators to introduce, into the basis of the master problem, the solution that corresponds to a cycle in a graph with minimal cost-to-time ratio. This subproblem is of independent interest and corresponds to deterministic Markov renewal programming; this note presents an efficient method for its solution, intuitive basis for which is a search for a way to route flow so that the cost-time trade-off is optimal. This flow-circulation problem is solved parametrically by the out-of-kilter algorithm.
Protection of vascular endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidant injury by gypenosides, saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Lipid peroxidation and toxicity associated with oxygen radicals have been suggested as major causes of cancer, atherosclerosis and the aging process. Damage of endothelial cells may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Endothelial cells are susceptible to oxidant insult. In the present study, the antioxidant effect of a Chinese medicinal herb, Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (Chinese name, Jiaogulan), was investigated in vitro using vascular endothelial cells. Confluent monolayers of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) were preincubated with different concentrations of gypenosides (GP, total saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum) for 16 h, then washed and incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 4 h. Cell injury was assessed by measuring the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cell viability with tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Lipid peroxidation products of PAEC were monitored as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) with a fluorometric assay. The results showed that 62.5 μM H2O2 incubated with PAEC for 4 h increased the percentage of LDH release, decreased cell viability manifested by MTT absorbance at 620 nm, and elevated TBARS. Preincubation of GP (25–150 μg/mL) with PAEC for 16 h before H2O2 exposure significantly declined LDH release, increased cell viability, and reduced TBARS. These results demonstrate that gypenosides can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury. The data thus suggest that gypenosides may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and for retardation of the aging process.
Hemothorax in the newborn

Twenty cases of hemothorax in newborns, including 4 of our own patients, are reviewed in detail. This unusual cause of acute respiratory distress within the neonatal period was observed in 14 males and 6 females. Most of the patients were full-term newborns. As causal factors hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (vitamin K deficiency), disseminated intravascular coagulation, arteriovenous malformations and pleura/vvascular rupture are considered. The time of occurence of bleeding symptoms ranged from 1 to 28 days of life. Sixteen out of 20 patients survived without sequelae, but in 4 cases the outcome was lethal.
Comparative effects of tamoxifen and bromocriptine on prolactin and pituitary weight in estradiol-treated male rats

Male ACI rats were treated with estradiol to induce hyperprolactinemia and pituitary hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Animals received estradiol alone or with tamoxifen or bromocriptine for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Estradiol treatment resulted in time-dependent increases in pituitary wet weight and serum prolactin concentrations. Tamoxifen completely blocked the increase in both variables; bromocriptine decreased but did not prevent time-dependent increases. Animals were also treated for 8 weeks with estradiol alone, followed by 4 weeks with estradiol and tamoxifen or bromocriptine. Neither compound reversed the hyperprolactinemia, although the pituitary wet weight of animals treated with bromocriptine was slightly but significantly reduced. These findings suggest that in this model if treatment is initiated simultaneously with estrogen stimulation, tamoxifen is more effective than bromocriptine at the doses studied; and, if therapy is initiated subsequent to the establishment of estrogen-induced hyperprolactinemia and pituitary hyperplasia, bromocriptine is more effective than tamoxifen at the doses studied.
The female self engendered: Autobiographical writing and theories of selfhood

(1991). The female self engendered: Autobiographical writing and theories of selfhood. Women's Studies: Vol. 20, Women's Autobiographies, pp. 5-14.
Enhanced genetic analysis of single human bioparticles recovered by simplified micromanipulation from forensic 'touch DNA' evidence.

DNA profiles can be obtained from ‘touch DNA’ evidence, which comprises microscopic traces of human biological material. Current methods for the recovery of trace DNA employ cotton swabs or adhesive tape to sample an area of interest. However, such a ‘blind-swabbing’ approach will co-sample cellular material from the different individuals, even if the individuals’ cells are located in geographically distinct locations on the item. Thus, some of the DNA mixtures encountered in touch DNA samples are artificially created by the swabbing itself. In some instances, a victim’s DNA may be found in significant excess thus masking any potential perpetrator’s DNA. In order to circumvent the challenges with standard recovery and analysis methods, we have developed a lower cost, ‘smart analysis’ method that results in enhanced genetic analysis of touch DNA evidence. We describe an optimized and efficient micromanipulation recovery strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in touch DNA samples, as well as an enhanced amplification strategy involving a one-step 5 µl microvolume lysis/STR amplification to permit the recovery of STR profiles from the bio-particle donor(s). The use of individual or few (i.e., “clumps”) bioparticles results in the ability to obtain single source profiles. These procedures represent alternative enhanced techniques for the isolation and analysis of single bioparticles from forensic touch DNA evidence. While not necessary in every forensic investigation, the method could be highly beneficial for the recovery of a single source perpetrator DNA profile in cases involving physical assault (e.g., strangulation) that may not be possible using standard analysis techniques. Additionally, the strategies developed here offer an opportunity to obtain genetic information at the single cell level from a variety of other non-forensic trace biological material.
Independent-Particle Model of the Nucleus. III. The Calcium Isotopes

The isotopes of calcium of mass number 41, 42, and 43 are analyzed using the methods given in papers I and II of this series. It is found that the experimental data on ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{41}$ and ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{42}$ is sufficient to predict the low-lying odd-parity levels of ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{43}$ as well as the magnetic moment. Detailed agreement between theory and experiment is obtained for the levels of ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{43}$ of spin and parity $\frac{7}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$, $\frac{5}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$, $\frac{3}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and $\frac{9}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and the experimental Schmidt line magnetic moment deviation of 0.595 nm is in agreement with a predicted deviation of 0.60 nm. The relative importance of particle forces and surface forces due to collective motion is investigated and it is concluded that for the isotopes investigated the surface forces are so weak as to have a negligible effect on the level spacings. As a measure of the upper limit of the strength of the surface forces the magnitude of $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$ (the surfon energy) is set at \ensuremath{\gtrsim}15 Mev. An effective two-particle interaction potential is derived which differs to some extent from the two-particle scattering potential in that it has a longer range and is more shallow.
Dialectical Inquiry as an Instructional Heuristic in Organization Theory and Design

Teaching an introductory undergraduate organization theory and design (OT) course can be both challenging and frustrating, due in large part to students' lack of organizational experience as well as to the inherent complexity of the topics. This article describes a pedagogy that draws on dialectical inquiry (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) and involves students actively in classroom learning. Concepts are introduced through dichotomies as typically introduced in OT texts, and discussion elaborates the gray areas between contradictory anchors and relationships among concepts. Finally, addressing case analysis through dialectical debate provides students with an opportunity to better comprehend the often ambiguous and paradoxical nature of managing in contemporary organizations.
Preliminary assessment of extrastriatal dopamine D-2 receptor binding in the rodent and nonhuman primate brains using the high affinity radioligand, 18F-fallypride.

Abstract We have identified the value of 18 F-fallypride {( S )- N -[(1-allyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-(3-[ 18 F]fluoropropyl)-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide}, as a dopamine D-2 receptor radiotracer for the study of striatal and extrastriatal receptors. Fallypride exhibits high affinities for D-2 and D-3 subtypes and low affinity for D-4 ( 3 H-spiperone IC 50 s: D-2 = 0.05 nM [rat striata], D-3 = 0.30 nM [SF9 cell lines, rat recombinant], and D-4 = 240 nM [CHO cell lines, human recombinant]). Biodistribution in the rat brain showed localization of 18 F-fallypride in striata and extrastriatal regions such as the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. In vitro autoradiographic studies in sagittal slices of the rat brain showed localization of 18 F-fallypride in striatal and several extrastriatal regions, including the medulla. Positron emission tomography (PET) experiments with 18 F-fallypride in male rhesus monkeys were carried out in a PET VI scanner. In several PET experiments, apart from the specific binding seen in the striatum, specific binding of 18 F-fallypride was also identified in extracellular regions (in a lower brain slice, possibly the thalamus). Specific binding in the extrastriata was, however, significantly lower compared with that observed in the striata of the monkeys (extrastriata/cerebellum = 2, striata/cerebellum = 10). Postmortem analysis of the monkey brain revealed significant 18 F-fallypride binding in the striata, whereas binding was also observed in extrastriatal regions such as the thalamus, cortical areas, and brain stem.
Christian Base Communities and the Building of Democracy: Brazil and Chile*

Among the most significant phenomena in recent South American history are the transitions from authoritarian rule to democracy in Brazil (1985), Argentina ( 1982-1983), Uruguay (1985), Bolivia (1982), and Chile (1990). The intent of this article is to analyze the influence of Christian base communities ( or CEBs, from the Spanish comunidades eclesiales de base) on the two stages of democratic transition in Brazil and Chile: (I) the transition in political re~mes and (2) the consolidation of democracy. This article be~ns by discussing basic concepts employed by analysts of democratic transitions, and then reviews the literature that has related to religion to democracy. Drawing upon the literature concerned with the role of CEBs in democratic transition and consolidation, I then summarize how CEBs -- both as organizations andas bearers of political values ~ have fostered the development of democracy. The conclusions, based on my preliminary observation of CEB activity in Chile and on recent empirical studies, suggest that while base communities continue to encourage democratic values and practices, their future role in this area is likely to diminish. There are both religions of the oppressed.., and the kinds of religions that have been summed up in the label given to the Church of England as "the Conservative Party at prayer." The relationship of religious beliefs, let alone movements and organizations, to the established power system then varies, and is not a matter for metaphysical pronouncement disguised as sociological generalization. It requires empirical investigation to see what the case is (Peter Worsley in Levine 1992:17-18).
Cognitive Representations of Request Situations: The Relative Importance of Goal Specificity and Situation Features

According to cognitive models, the design of a request is guided by situation‐action rules that connect types of request situations to linguistic cues. The situation component of such rules contains a goal‐feature combination specifying a request goal and situation features. Two studies investigated the relative importance of goal specificity and features in judgments of the extent to which goal‐feature combinations matched a target scenario. Preferred levels of goal specificity were a borrow goal or gain assistance goal (Study 1) and a stop noise goal or stop annoyance goal (Study 2). Perceived similarity to target scenarios did not differ between (a) goal‐feature combinations that contained a more specific goal (e.g., borrow) but failed to match the target on one situation feature and (b) goal‐feature combinations that contained a more general goal (e.g., gain assistance) but matched the target on all three features. Implications for rule retrieval and communication failure are considered.
DNA bending studied by MD and 2D NMR NOESY simulations: Role of the junction sequence between the A/T tracts

We have performed all-atom constant temperature (T = 285 K) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on d(GA4T4C)2 and d(GT4A4C)2 for 200 ps using the NMR-derived structures as the starting points. The major purpose of MD simulation is to search the conformational space so that we can construct an ensemble of conformations that will reproduce the experimentally observed 2D NMR NOESY spectra. Analyses of the ensemble of duplex structures reveal that in both oligomers constituent nucleotides predominantly display BI conformations. A simple two-parameter analysis shows that the nature of the long-range collective bending motion is different in the two duplexes. The conformations obtained by use of molecular dynamics are very similar to each other for the same molecule, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) being 1.6 A for d(GA4T4C)2 and 1.1 A for d(GT4A4C)2. We have computed theoretical 2D NOESY spectra for an ensemble of a large library of 1200 structures in the MD trajectory for d(GA4T4C)2. Theoretical MD-derived 2D NOESY spectra, averaged through an automated loop computation procedure over the 1200 timewise additivity NOESY simulation spectra, are compared with the corresponding experimental spectra. The agreement between the theoretical and experimental NOESY spectra is good. The results suggest that there is no longer any need to interpret NMR data on the basis of a “nonexistent” time-average structure and that worthwhile information about the realistic composition of the ensemble of conformations that are present in solution can be obtained by interconnecting MD simulations and NMR data.
Age and magnitude of dip-slip faulting deduced from differential cooling histories: an example from the Hope Fault, northwest Montana

Determination of the age of fault motion poses a challenge in tectonics, yet rarely produces satisfactory results. We describe a new method in which the age and magnitude of dip-slip faulting are estimated from contrasting cooling histories of footwall and hanging wall rocks adjacent to the Hope fault, northwest Montana. The Hope fault has been interpreted in the past as a mostly right-slip fault. New kinematic data, $^{40}Ar/^{39}Ar$ thermochronometry, and geobarometry indicate that cooling of footwall rocks at ~40 Ma resulted from dip-slip movement. This movement caused vertical separation of about 3 to 5 km between footwall and hanging wall rocks, suggesting that a minimum dip-slip component of 4 km developed during the Late Eocene. These results indicate that the Hope fault experienced substantial normal slip in the Late Eocene, making it coeval with other normal and detachment-style faults in the northern U.S. Cordillera. The western Lewis and Clark line, which in part may share a common tectonic his...
Electrical, thermal, and photo properties of poly(phenylene vinylene) precursors. II: Microwave-induced elimination reactions in precursor polymer films

Microwave radiation (MWR) was used to induce the elimination reaction of the poly(phenylene vinylene)–polyelectrolyte precursors polymer (PPV precursor) into the fully conjugated polymer. The process was applied mainly to the unsubstituted PPV and was followed by infrared spectroscopy. The extent of the elimination process was also determined from the amount of residual sulfur in the film after the irradiation process. The microwave-induced elimination process was also attempted using PPV precursor films that had been impregnated with anionic compounds containing iron. The molecular mechanisms for the observations are discussed and comparison with the elimination reaction induced by other energy sources is also made. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of an assay for ozone-specific antioxidant capacity.

A method of determining the ozone-specific antioxidant capacity (OZAC) of lavage samples from the respiratory system was developed: Gaseous ozone (O3) was produced in cuvettes by irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp; aliquots of sample or of a saline control were then added and sufficient time was allowed for ozonation to reach completion; and an aliquot of indigo trisulfonate (ITS) was added to react with excess O3. Because each molecule of O3 rapidly bleaches one molecule of the deeply colored ITS, an OZAC value in concentration units was computed from the difference in light absorbance between the sample and the saline control multiplied by the extinction coefficient of ITS. Experiments in 0–40 µM antioxidant solutions indicated that the OZAC values of uric acid and ascorbic acid were close to their actual concentrations and were independent of O3 concentration. On the other hand, the OZAC of reduced glutathione and possibly human nasal lavage were nonlinearly related to antioxidant concentration and w...
Benefits of intraoperative echocardiography in the surgical management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of intraoperative echocardiography in planning the site and extent of myectomy and in ensuring adequate control of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient. Background. Although intraoperative echocardiography has been found to be beneficial in patients undergoing valve repair, its impact on surgical decisions in patients undergoing septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not been described. Methods. In 50 patients undergoing septal myectomy over a 5-year period, epicardial echocardiography was performed before cardiopulmonary bypass to establish the extent of outflow tract obstruction, locate its site and plan the myectomy. In 30 patients, transesophageal echocardiography was also used to corroborate data on outflow tract anatomy and examine the mitral valve. Results. In 40 patients (80%) the initial myectomy resulted in a reduction of the maximal outflow tract gradient from 88 ± 45 to 24 ± 11 mm Hg, measured by epicardial continuous wave Doppler echocardiography. Ten patients (20%) were shown by postbypass intraoperative echocardiography to have an unsatisfactory result, based on a persistent gradient 50 mm Hg (n = 7) or persistent mitral regurgitation of greater than moderate severity (n = 3). The postbypass two-dimensional echocardiogram was then used to direct the surgeon toward the most likely site of continued obstruction, and cardiopulmonary bypass was reinstituted to permit further myectomy (n = 9) or mitral valve repair (n = 1). After the second or subsequent period of cardiopulmonary bypass, the outflow tract gradient (26 ± 14 mm Hg) was substantially reduced and was not significantly different from the postbypass gradient (24 ± 11 mm Hg) in the group with initial surgical success. At postoperative follow-up (20 ± 37 weeks), the maximal measured outflow tract gradient (22 ± 21 mm Hg) showed no difference between patients with immediate surgical success and those requiring a second period of cardiopulmonary bypass for further resection. Conclusions. Intraoperative echocardiography proved a useful tool to guide the site and extent of septal myectomy, leading to more adequate surgical resection and to persistence of satisfactory control of the outflow tract obstruction into the early follow-up period.
Characterization of indentation size effects in epoxy

Abstract Nanoindentation tests were conducted at different indentation depths, ranging from 3000 to 30 nm, to study the characteristics of indentation size effects in epoxy. Taking the effects of tip imperfection/bluntness into account, nanoindentation tests performed with a three-sided Berkovich tip exhibited strong increases in the hardness with decreasing indentation depth. However, comparative testing with a spherical tip with a radius of 250 microns, showed no changes in the material properties with respect to the distance from the surface. Consequently, different deformation mechanisms must be present in the indentation tests with Berkovich and spherical tips, suggesting effects related to second order gradients of the displacement (such as strain or rotation gradients), which increase with a Berkovich tip but essentially stay constant with a spherical tip when indentation depth decreases.
Inguinal lymph node metastases following a Torek orchiopexy.

Abstract An unusual case of inguinal node metastases occurring thirty-five years afer a Torek orchiopexy is presented. These metastases were thought to occur secondary to viable testicular tissue remaining in the thigh, undergoing malignant change, and metastasizing to the subinguinal lymph nodes.
Prospective study of catheter replacement and other risk factors for infection of hyperalimentation catheters.

To determine risk factors for infection of hyperalimentation catheters, we prospectively studied 169 catheter systems (88 patients) by using a semiquantitative culture technique. Infection occurred in 24 (14Vo) catheters (16 patients), was inversely proportional to the number of previous catheters inserted by the operator (P < .02), and was proportional to the interval between admission and catheter insertion (P < .0005). Catheter replacement over a guidewire was no more likely to be associated with infection than was a de novo percutaneous insertion at another site (P = .6). Using a proportional hazards model, we estimated the risk of infection per day to be 1.3 times greater for a catheter if the patient had been hospitalized 50 days instead of seven days, and 3.8 times greater if the patient had a Swan-Ganz catheter at the time of insertion.
Mental Representations of Attachment Figures Facilitate Recovery Following Upsetting Autobiographical Memory Recall

A growing literature shows that even the symbolic presence of an attachment figure facilitates the regulation of negative affect triggered by external stressors. Yet, in daily life, pernicious stressors are often internally generated—recalling an upsetting experience reliably increases negative affect, rumination, and susceptibility to physical and psychological health problems. The present research provides the first systematic examination of whether activating the mental representation of an attachment figure enhances the regulation of affect triggered by thinking about upsetting memories. Using 2 different techniques for priming attachment figure representations and 2 types of negative affect measures (explicit and implicit), activating the mental representation of an attachment figure (vs. an acquaintance or stranger) after recalling an upsetting memory enhanced recovery—eliminating the negative effects of the memory recall (Studies 1–3). In contrast, activating the mental representation of an attachment figure before recalling an upsetting memory had no such effect (Studies 1 and 2). Furthermore, activating the mental representation of an attachment figure after thinking about upsetting memories reduced negative thinking in a stream of consciousness task, and the magnitude of the attachment-induced affective recovery effects as assessed with explicit affect measures predicted mental and physical health in daily life (Study 3). Finally, a meta-analysis of the 3 studies (Study 4) showed that the regulatory benefits conferred by the mental representation of an attachment figure were weaker for individuals high on attachment avoidance. The implications of these findings for attachment, emotion regulation, and mental and physical health are discussed.
On the computation of reference signal constraints for guaranteed tracking performance

Abstract This paper concerns the problem of determining constraints on reference signals for tracking systems such that the tracking performance can be guaranteed within a specified tolerance for any reference signal satisfying the constraints. We first consider the problem of computing derivative constraints, which are linear constraints on the (vector-valued) reference signal and its time derivatives, and present an off-line algorithm for computing inner approximations to supremal derivative constraint sets based on the hyperplane method for generating inner and outer approximations to the reachable set of states for the controlled system. No simulation is required. We then consider planning problems in which a finite number of parameters are selected to generate the reference signal. The derivative constraints are mapped into this parameter space. The simplicial approximation method is proposed as a method for computing an approximation to the set of admissible parameters. The resulting (linear) parameter constraints characterize a class of reference signals which can be successfully executed by the tracking system, thereby permitting supervisory planning and control to be carried out in the reference signal parameter space without simulating detailed models of the underlying system dynamics. We illustrate the computational algorithm and the application of derivative and parameter constraints for the problem of generating trajectories for a two-axis computer numerical control (CNC) cutting tool.
Intramolecular Behaviors of Anthryldicarbenic Systems: Dibenzo[b,f]pentalene and 1H,5H-Dicyclobuta[de,kl]anthracene

9,10-Bis[methoxy(trimethylsilyl)methyl]anthracenes (24), synthesized from 9,10-dilithioanthracene (26) and bromomethoxytrimethylsilylmethane (27, 2 equiv), decompose (550−650 °C/10-3 mmHg) carbenically to dibenzo[b,f]pentalene (28, >48%). 9,10-Anthryldicarbenes 39 or their equivalents convert to pentalene 28 rather than di-peri-cyclobutanthracenes 30 and 31, benzobiphenylene 32, or extended rearrangement products 33−38. Formation of 28 from 24 raises questions with respect to the behavior of 1,3,4,6-cycloheptatetraenyl-1-carbenes 49, 2,4,5,7-cyclooctatetraenylidene 51, 2,5,7-cyclooctatriene-1,4-diylidene 52, 1,2,4,5,7-cyclooctapentaene 53, and bicyclo[4.1.0]heptatrienyl-1-carbenes 54 and to carbon-skeleton and hydrogen rearrangements of anthryldicarbenes 39 and/or their equivalents at various temperatures. 1,5-Bis[methoxy(trimethylsilyl)methyl]anthracenes (25), prepared from 1,5-diiodoanthracene (63) and methoxytrimethylsilylmethylzinc bromide (57, 2 equiv) as catalyzed by PdCl2(PPh3)2, yield the di-peri-...
Comparative performance of two-, three-, and four-mode gravitational radiation detectors.

The sensitivity of two-, three-, and four-mode resonant gravitational radiation detectors is calculated. We employ a detailed noise model and we show how to parametrize multimode detectors so that their performances can be directly compared. Numerical results are presented for several cases which assume experimentally realistic values for losses in the detector system. We determine the optimal configurations which minimize the noise temperature for each detector. The dependences of their noise temperatures due to variations from their optimal conditions are explored. The signal-to-noise ratios for optimally configured detectors are plotted to show their effective bandwidths
Floc breakage in agitated suspensions: Theory and data processing strategy

Abstract Flow visualization of chemical flocs in a simple extensional flow field reveals two distinct mechanisms for their breakage: splitting into a relatively small number of daughter fragments whose sizes are comparable to the parent flocs, along with continual disintegration by erosion to produce extremely fine particles from the extremities of the parent floc along the axis of extension. In turbulent flow, these two mechanisms still occur, although the kinematics of flow are more complex. This work presents a formulation of the population balance equation that governs the floc size distribution in turbulent flow, incorporating both the splitting and erosion mechanisms discussed above. Experiments were conducted in which floc size distributions of dilute suspensions are measured by a combination of techniques, including computerized optical scanning of photographs and pulse height analysis of signals from a light blockage transducer. The experimentally determined size distributions are then fit to those computed from the population balance equation, using constrained nonlinear least squares. This yields best values of certain coefficients that appear in the governing equation, providing a strategy to obtain a data base to promote deeper theoretical analysis. The method is demonstrated by analyzing data for kaolin-Fe(OH)3 flocs in aqueous suspensions.
Postnatal PPARδ Activation and Myostatin Inhibition Exert Distinct yet Complimentary Effects on the Metabolic Profile of Obese Insulin-Resistant Mice

Background Interventions for T2DM have in part aimed to mimic exercise. Here, we have compared the independent and combined effects of a PPARdelta agonist and endurance training mimetic (GW501516) and a myostatin antibody and resistance training mimetic (PF-879) on metabolic and performance outcomes in obese insulin resistant mice. Methodology/principal findings Male ob/ob mice were treated for 6 weeks with vehicle, GW501516, PF-879, or GW501516 in combination with PF-879. The effects of the interventions on body composition, glucose homeostasis, glucose tolerance, energy expenditure, exercise capacity and metabolic gene expression were compared at the end of study. GW501516 attenuated body weight and fat mass accumulation and increased the expression of genes of oxidative metabolism. In contrast, PF-879 increased body weight by driving muscle growth and altered the expression of genes involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Despite their differences, both interventions alone improved glucose homeostasis. Moreover, GW501516 more effectively improved serum lipids, and PF-879 uniquely increased energy expenditure, exercise capacity and adiponectin levels. When combined the robust effects of GW501516 and/or PF-879 on body weight, adiposity, muscle mass, glycemia, serum lipids, energy expenditure and exercise capacity were highly conserved. Conclusions/significance The data, for the first time, demonstrate postnatal inhibition of myostatin not only promotes gains in muscle mass similar to resistance training,but improves metabolic homeostasis. In several instances, these effects were either distinct from or complimentary to those of GW501516. The data further suggest that strategies to increase muscle mass, and not necessarily oxidative capacity, may effectively counter insulin resistance and T2DM.
Electroinitiated polymerization coatings through packed and fluidized bed electrodes

Our previous studies on electroinitiated polymerization for formation of coatings on metal surfaces have all been in stationary cell systems. The feasibility of using either a packed bed or a fluidized bed cell in electroinitiated polymerization is now demonstrated, the objective being to form polymeric coatings on metallic and metal-coated nonmetallic particles. The metallic particles that have been used are aluminum and stainless steel and the monomer-electrolyte system used is DAA-sulfuric acid. A comparison of current densities under various cathode potentials for the packed and fluidized bed systems is presented. The coatings obtained are analyzed through IR to establish the polymer functional groups. Additionally, both elemental analyses and thermal neutron activation analyses have been carried out to establish the compositions of the polymer coatings.
Computing the B1 field of the toroidal MRI coil.

Abstract We present an analytic solution for the B1 field produced in a gapped toroidal cavity resonator designed as a probe for high field MRI. This resonator supports standing TEM waves, so its electric and magnetic fields are identical to those produced by a stationary planar current source with the same (constant) cross-section multiplied by a complex exponential propagation factor. An explicit expression for the field may therefore be found by solving Laplace’s equation for the static potential, which is accomplished with a two-dimensional logarithmic conformal transformation algorithm. The equipotential curves are also the contours of the field strength B, and the B (vector) field at any point is directed along the contour passing through that point. With this information, we construct the solution by computing the angle made by the equipotential curve with the horizontal axis at each point, using this angle to analyze the B field into its x and y components, and adding the contributions from the current sources to obtain the magnitude and direction of B at each point in the region of interest. Some proposed extensions of this algorithm are also discussed.
Long-Term Benefit Sustained after Bilateral Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Refractory Tardive Dystonia

Background/Aims: Tardive dystonia (TD) can be a highly disabling, permanent condition related to the use of dopamine-receptor-blocking medications. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term effect of bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) for TD. Methods: Five consecutive patients with disabling TD who underwent stereotactic placement of bilateral globus pallidus internus DBS leads were included. All patients had a history of mood disorder or schizophrenia previously treated with neuroleptic medication, with a mean duration of motor symptoms of 10.2 years. Dystonia severity was measured using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) movement score by a blinded neurologist reviewing pre- and postoperative videotaped examinations. Results: The mean baseline movement BFMDRS score was 49.7 (range 20–88). Overall, we observed a mean reduction of 62% in the BFMDRS movement score within the first year after surgery. Persistent improvement in dystonia (71%) was seen at the last follow-up ranging from 2 to 8 years after surgery. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that pallidal DBS can be an effective therapy with long-term benefits for patients with TD.
Evaluation of 68Ga- and 177Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A for VLA-4-Targeted PET Imaging and Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer, and the incidence of this disease is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. Despite advances in the treatment of melanoma, patients with metastatic disease still have a poor prognosis and low survival rate. New strategies, including targeted radiotherapy, would provide options for patients who become resistant to therapies such as BRAF inhibitors. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) is expressed on melanoma tumor cells in higher levels in more aggressive and metastatic disease and may provide an ideal target for drug delivery and targeted radiotherapy. In this study, we evaluated 177Lu- and 68Ga-labeled DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A as a VLA-4-targeted radiotherapeutic with a companion PET agent for diagnosis and monitoring metastatic melanoma treatment. DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis. The affinity of 177Lu- and 68Ga-labeled DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A to VLA-4 was determined in B16F10 melanoma cells by saturation binding and competitive binding assays, respectively. Biodistribution of the LLP2A conjugates was determined in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F10 subcutaneous tumors, while PET/CT imaging was performed in subcutaneous and metastatic models. 177Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high affinity to VLA-4 with a Kd of 4.1 ± 1.5 nM and demonstrated significant accumulation in the B16F10 melanoma tumor after 4 h (31.5 ± 7.8%ID/g). The tumor/blood ratio of 177Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A was highest at 24 h (185 ± 26). PET imaging of metastatic melanoma with 68Ga-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high uptake in sites of metastases and correlated with bioluminescence imaging of the tumors. These data demonstrate that 177Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A has potential as a targeted therapeutic for treating melanoma as well as other VLA-4-expressing tumors. In addition, 68Ga-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A is a readily translatable companion PET tracer for imaging of metastatic melanoma.
1H Magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies at 3 T: feasibility and first results.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and potential use of quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for determining metabolite concentrations in patients with suspected inflammatory myopathies.Materials and MethodsIn this institutional review board–approv
Anniversary paper: Activities of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine 1999-2008.

1999 Geoffrey Ibbott 2000 Kenneth Hogstrom 2001 Charles Coffey 2002 Robert Gould 2003 Martin Weinhous 2004 G. Donald Frey 2005 Howard Amols 2006 E. Russell Ritenour 2007 Mary Martel 2008 Gerald White
Using an Interactive Avatar's Facial Expressiveness to Increase Persuasiveness and Socialness

Research indicates that the facial expressions of animated characters and agents can influence people's perceptions and interactions with these entities. We designed an experiment to examine how an interactive animated avatar's facial expressiveness influences dyadic conversations between adults and the avatar. We animated the avatar in realtime using the tracked facial motion of a confederate. To adjust facial expressiveness, we damped and exaggerated the avatar's facial motion. We found that ratings of the avatar's extroversion were positively related to its expressiveness. However, impressions of the avatar's realism and naturalness worsened with increased expressiveness. We also found that the confederate was more influential when she appeared as the damped or exaggerated avatar. Adjusting the expressiveness of interactive animated avatars may be a simple way to influence people's social judgments and willingness to collaborate with animated avatars. These results have implications for using avatar facial expressiveness to improve the effectiveness of avatars in various contexts. Adjusting the expressiveness of interactive animated avatars may be a simple way to influence people's social judgments and willingness to collaborate with animated avatars.
Pitfalls in imaging for renal artery stenosis.

Vasbinder and colleagues' study of noninvasive tests for diagnosing renal artery stenosis reminds us that vascular imaging methods are fallible. While clinicians must know what they can reasonably ...
Attenuation by magnesium of the electrophysiologic effects of hyperkalemia on human and canine heart cells

Abstract Because magnesium (Mg++) has been shown to promote maintenance of a negative resting potential it might oppose the depolarizing effect of potassium (K+) in cardiac cells. To test this hypothesis the electrocar diographic changes that occur during hyperkalemia were prospectively studied in 11 patients, 4 of whom had hypermagnesemia. Action potential studies were carried out in single atrial and ventricular cells isolated from 11 canine hearts using similar extracellular concentrations of Mg++° and K+° to elucidate further the relative effects of these cations. Hyperkalemia was associated with a marked reduction in P wave amplitude and marked prolongation of the QRS complex. However, normal P waves and normal QRS durations were recorded in hyperkalemic patients with excess Mg++ (2.5 mEq/liter or more). Mg++ also antagonized some effects of K+ in the isolated atrial and ventricular tissues. With elevated levels of [Mg++] the K+-induced depolarization of the resting potential was less than half as much as when [Mg++]was normal (9 versus 21 mV in ventricular cells and 18 versus 40 mV in atrial cells). Furthermore, the fall in linear conduction velocity that accompanied elevated [K+]levels in ventricular cells failed to occur when the level of [Mg++]was high. Mg++-K+ antagonism helps to explain the preservation of a normal P wave because the onset of K+ effects in isolated atrial cells was delayed when [Mg++]was high and action potential amplitude was improved. It is concluded that the heart cells of patients with high serum levels of [Mg++]were less sensitive to an increase in [K+]than were those of patients with lower [Mg++]and, accordingly, that Mg++ attenuated the electrophysiologic response to elevated [K+].
Computer Intuition: Guiding Scientific Research in Imaging and Oral Implantology

As the costs associated with clinical research and new drug development increase, it is incumbent upon us to develop alternative research methodologies. A new Computer Intuition (CI) program identifies literature-based evidence with the potential to generate a hypothesis that is most likely to be clinically confirmed regarding the cause of a disease or the questions being posed. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether computer intuition can be used to guide scientific research in solving important biomedical questions. The establishment of CI as an alternative research methodology has the potential to accelerate the translation of basic science findings into clinical practice. The specific aim of this study was to develop a CI-driven hypothesis related to the controversial issue debating which radiographic imaging technology is most suitable for diagnostic purposes prior to the placement of oral implants. This hypothesis was then compared, in retrospect, with a known opinion established following a recent literature review on this issue. In his review of the literature, Frederiksen (1995) suggests that multiplanar reformatted computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic imaging modality of choice prior to implant placement. To compare the CI hypothesis with Frederiksen's (1995) opinion, we subjected 34 relevant papers to CI analysis. The output consisted of clusters of important statements, phrases, and thought processes from the given dataset rated with the greatest potential to generate testable hypotheses. Both CI's output and Frederiksen (1995) indicated that CT scanning is the diagnostic imaging modality of choice prior to implant placement. Although the ultimate utility of CI is dependent on the successful testing of its derived hypothesis, this preliminary retrospective study suggests that CI might be useful in guiding scientific research.
Measuring activity in the ubiquitin-proteasome system: from large scale discoveries to single cells analysis.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the primary pathway responsible for the recognition and degradation of misfolded, damaged, or tightly regulated proteins in addition to performing essential roles in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, cell migration, and the immune response. While traditional biochemical techniques have proven useful in the identification of key proteins involved in this pathway, the implementation of novel reporters responsible for measuring enzymatic activity of the UPS has provided valuable insight into the effectiveness of therapeutics and role of the UPS in various human diseases such as multiple myeloma and Huntington’s disease. These reporters, usually consisting of a recognition sequence fused to an analytical handle, are designed to specifically evaluate enzymatic activity of certain members of the UPS including the proteasome, E3 ubiquitin ligases, and deubiquitinating enzymes. This review highlights the more commonly used reporters employed in a variety of scenarios ranging from high-throughput screening of novel inhibitors to single cell microscopy techniques measuring E3 ligase or proteasome activity. Finally, a recent study is presented highlighting the development of a novel degron-based substrate designed to overcome the limitations of current reporting techniques in measuring E3 ligase and proteasome activity in patient samples.
Chromaffin granule and PC12 cell chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and their relation to chromogranin A

Abstract Two major proteoglycans, which appear to be structurally closely related, were isolated from bovine chromaffin granule matrix proteins by ion-exchange chromatography. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis they have apparent average molecular sizes of 35–40 kDa (range of 23–75 kDa) and generate a 14-kDa core glycoprotein after chondroitinase treatment. Previous studies demonstrated that these two major chromaffin granule proteoglycans are very similar in terms of their peptide mapping patterns and carbohydrate composition (having a high proportion of tri- and tetraantennary N-glycosidic oligosaccharides, and O-glycosidic oligosaccharides consisting predominantly of disialyl derivatives of galactosyl(β1–3)N-acetylgalactosamine), and that they differed in these respects from the chromogranins. By using antisera to five synthetic peptide fragments of chromogranin A to stain immunoblots of purified chromaffin granule proteoglycans before and after chondroitinase treatment, we have now shown that these major proteoglycans are not immunochemically related to chromogranin A. However, it has recently been reported that some chromogranin A-immunoreactive material disappears after chondroitinase treatment, and our studies demonstrate that approximately 1–2% of the chromogranin A occurs in the form of a 110-kDa proteoglycan, which is converted to a 95-kDa core glycoprotein after chondroitinase treatment. Similar chromogranin A proteoglycans could be detected in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, where they have a molecular size of 115–145 kDa and yield a 105-kDa core protein after chondroitinase treatment. Studies using antibodies to synthetic peptide fragments of chromogranin B (secretogranin I) did not provide any evidence that this related protein occurs in a proteoglycan form.