cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ipsilateral arcuate foramen and high-riding vertebral artery: implication on C1–C2 instrumentation

Abstract Background context Several methods for C1–C2 stabilization have been described in the literature. These include C1–C2 transarticular and C1 lateral mass screws. In patients with aberrant anatomy such as a high-riding vertebral artery (VA) or the presence of an arcuate foramen at C1, there exists a higher risk of VA injury. This may lead to excessive bleeding, stroke, and possibly death. There have been several studies determining the incidence of arcuate foramen and high-riding VA occurring individually in the general population, but none have determined their occurrence simultaneously. Purpose To determine the prevalence of ponticulus posticus and high-riding VA occurring simultaneously in the general population. Study design Radiological study. Methods One hundred consecutive computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine were reviewed. Scans that contained an arcuate foramen were identified, and it was indicated whether the foramen was right sided, left sided, or bilateral. In the same group, the thickness of the isthmus and the internal height of the lateral mass of C2 were measured. The VA was considered high riding if the isthmus thickness was less than 5 mm or the isthmus internal height was less than 2 mm. Results Fourteen out of one hundred (14%) patients had a fully formed arcuate foramen. Of these, six were left sided, three were right sided, and five were bilateral. In addition, there were 24 (24%) patients with partially formed ponticulus posticus. Thirty-two (32%) patients were identified to have a high-riding VA. Of these, 13 were left sided, 9 were right sided, and 10 were bilateral. Five (5%) had an ipsilateral arcuate foramen and high-riding VA. Conclusions The arcuate foramen and high-riding VA are common anomalies that are often not recognized. Although ipsilateral high-riding VA and arcuate foramen rarely occur in the general population, proper identification of these anomalies on preoperative CT scan facilitates planning the safest technique for C1–C2 instrumentation.
An overview of tested and analyzed NTP concepts

If we buy into the goals of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) and accept that they are worthy of the hefty investment of our tax dollars, then we must begin to evaluate the technologies which enable their attainment. The main driving technology is the propulsion systems; for interplanetary missions, the safest and most affordable is a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system. An overview is presented of the NTP systems which received detailed conceptual design and, for several, testing.
The pricing of adjustable rate mortgage contracts

This article analyzes the structure of ARM contracts and the pricing of their component features, based on the view of ARMs as a complex “bundle.” Unlike previous studies, which have generally relied on option-based simulation techniques, our analysis specifies a microeconomic model of the lender as a profit-maximizer which is then tested using firm-specific data. The empirical results, which are consistent with the microeconomic model, indicate that the lender acts as a profit-maximizing firm in pricing the features of the ARM contract. Furthermore, the results suggest that while the interest-rate cap parameters dominate in the pricing of ARMs, other features are also important. Thus, theoretical and empirical ARM pricing models should embrace other features of the contract besides the cap parameters.
Functional role of anion channels in cardiac diseases

In comparison to cation (K+, Na+, and Ca2+) channels, much less is currently known about the functional role of anion (Cl-) channels in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Over the past 15 years, various types of Cl- currents have been recorded in cardiac cells from different species including humans. All cardiac Cl- channels described to date may be encoded by five different Cl- channel genes: the PKA- and PKC-activated cystic fibrosis tansmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the volume-regulated ClC-2 and ClC-3, and the Ca2+-activated CLCA or Bestrophin. Recent studies using multiple approaches to examine the functional role of Cl- channels in the context of health and disease have demonstrated that Cl- channels might contribute to: 1) arrhythmogenesis in myocardial injury; 2) cardiac ischemic preconditioning; and 3) the adaptive remodeling of the heart during myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. Therefore, anion channels represent very attractive novel targets for therapeutic approaches to the treatment of heart diseases. Recent evidence suggests that Cl- channels, like cation channels, might function as a multiprotein complex or functional module. In the post-genome era, the emergence of functional proteomics has necessitated a new paradigm shift to the structural and functional assessment of integrated Cl- channel multiprotein complexes in the heart, which could provide new insight into our understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for heart disease and protection.
Correlations of auroral and magnetic activity at Little America, First Byrd Antarctic Expedition

Relationship between the aurorae and magnetic disturbances has been the subject of much study arid investigation. Whether there is a real auroral effect on magnetic values is a question about which there has been much discussion as well as skepticism. In this paper is presented a brief resume of the results obtained from an analysis—a purely statistical analysis—of concurrent magnetic and auroral values obtained at Little America by the First Byrd Antarctic Expedition.
DISEASE MAPPING AND EARLY THEORIES OF YELLOW FEVER

For more than two hundred years yellow fever epidemics periodically raged in some of the largest cities of the United States. Physicians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries were ignorant of the source, mode of tranmission, and method of cure. Debate centered upon the issues of foreign vs. local origin, and the contagious vs. noncontagious nature of the disease. Several disease maps were produced in attempts to support these theories. The maps purported to demonstrate the relationship between miasma and yellow fever. Three early maps that were used for deriving and supporting theories of local origin and noncontagion are presented here.
Mass flux and partial pressures of ZnSe by physical vapor transport

Abstract Mass fluxes of ZnSe by physical vapor transport (PVT) were measured in the temperature range of 1050–1140°C using an in situ dynamic technique. The starting materials were heat treated by a hydrogen reduction process followed by the dynamic bake-out method. The amount and composition of the residual gas inside the experimental ampoules were measured after the transport experiments using a total-pressure gauge. The total residual gas pressures measured were about one order of magnitude lower than the values reported on similar processed ZnSe ampoules which were not treated with a hydrogen reduction process. As a result of the reduction in the residual gas pressure, the measured fluxes were 3–7 times higher than previously reported and correspond to a growth rate higher than 10 mm/day at 1120°C. The simultaneous measurements of partial pressures of transport species and the mass fluxes were also performed on a ZnSe optical ampoule. The partial pressures of Zn and Se 2 were obtained by measuring the optical densities of the vapor at the wavelengths of 2138, 3405, 3508, 3613, and 3792 A. For the first time, the experimentally obtained mass fluxes were compared with those calculated, without any adjustable parameters, from a one-dimensional diffusion model which uses all the measured parameters (thermal field, partial pressures of transport species, and residual gas) as inputs, and good agreement was observed.
Developments in dynamic MR elastography for in vitro biomechanical assessment of hyaline cartilage under high-frequency cyclical shear.

The design, construction, and evaluation of a customized dynamic magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) technique for biomechanical assessment of hyaline cartilage in vitro are described. For quantification of the dynamic shear properties of hyaline cartilage by dynamic MRE, mechanical excitation and motion sensitization were performed at frequencies in the kilohertz range. A custom electromechanical actuator and a z-axis gradient coil were used to generate and image shear waves throughout cartilage at 1000–10,000 Hz. A radiofrequency (RF) coil was also constructed for high-resolution imaging. The technique was validated at 4000 and 6000 Hz by quantifying differences in shear stiffness between soft (∼200 kPa) and stiff (∼300 kPa) layers of 5-mm-thick bilayered phantoms. The technique was then used to quantify the dynamic shear properties of bovine and shark hyaline cartilage samples at frequencies up to 9000 Hz. The results demonstrate that one can obtain high-resolution shear stiffness measurements of hyaline cartilage and small, stiff, multilayered phantoms at high frequencies by generating robust mechanical excitations and using large magnetic field gradients. Dynamic MRE can potentially be used to directly quantify the dynamic shear properties of hyaline and articular cartilage, as well as other cartilaginous materials and engineered constructs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CD8+ T-Cell Priming against a Nonsecreted Listeria monocytogenes Antigen Is Independent of the Antimicrobial Activities of Gamma Interferon

Sublethal infection of mice with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing a model epitope in either secreted or nonsecreted form results in similar CD8(+) T-cell priming. Since nonsecreted bacterial proteins have no obvious access to the endogenous major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation pathway, presentation of these antigens requires destruction of the bacterium to reveal the nonsecreted molecules to an exogenous MHC class I presentation pathway. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), a cytokine made by multiple cell types in response to L. monocytogenes infection, could be required for exogenous presentation of nonsecreted bacterial antigens via its capacity to upregulate the expression of molecules involved in antigen presentation, its capacity to activate macrophages to kill bacteria to expose nonsecreted molecules or both. IFN-gamma knockout (KO) mice were used to address the requirement for IFN-gamma in CD8(+) T-cell priming against (i) a model exogenous antigen and (ii) secreted and nonsecreted L. monocytogenes antigens. We demonstrate that IFN-gamma KO mice are capable of cross-presenting the model exogenous antigen ovalbumin to prime CD8(+) T-cell responses that are only slightly weaker than that in wild-type (WT) mice. Despite their extreme susceptibility to primary L. monocytogenes infection, previously immunized and naive IFN-gamma KO mice were able to generate CD8(+) T-cell responses against both secreted and nonsecreted L. monocytogenes antigens which were similar to responses of WT mice. Interestingly, IFN-gamma KO mice were as capable as WT mice in mediating the characteristic drop in bacterial load in the liver at 4 h postinfection, although the IFN-gamma KO mice have exacerbated bacterial loads as early as 24 h postinfection. These results demonstrate that the regulatory functions of IFN-gamma are not required for priming of CD8(+) T cells by cross-presentation of a model exogenous antigen or in response to a nonsecreted L. monocytogenes antigen. In addition, the capacity of IFN-gamma to activate the microbicidal activities of macrophages is not required for the very early innate immune response to L. monocytogenes or priming of CD8(+) T cells against a nonsecreted bacterial antigen.
A simple, sensitive radiomicroassay for 5′-nucleotidase☆

Abstract A sensitive assay for 5′-nucleotidase activity is described. The method involves incubation with radiolabeled [3H]adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) and thinlayer chromatography on polyethyleneimine-coated plastic to achieve separation of substrate (AMP) from product (adenosine). The resulting spots can be excised and counted in a scintillation counter to give a quantitative determination of 5′-nucleotidase activity. The method allows detection of less than 1.5 × 10−5 units of enzyme.
Detached eddy simulation of turbulent flow and heat transfer in a two-pass internal cooling duct

Abstract Numerical predictions of a hydrodynamic and thermally developed turbulent flow are presented for a stationary duct with square ribs aligned normal to the main flow direction. The rib height to channel hydraulic diameter ( e / D h ) is 0.1, the rib pitch to rib height ( P / e ) is 10 and the calculations have been carried out for a bulk Reynolds number of 20,000. The capability of the detached eddy simulation (DES) version of the 1988 k – ω model has been validated in predicting the turbulent flow field and the heat transfer in a complete two pass channel. Results of mean flow quantities, secondary flows, friction and heat transfer are compared to experiments and large-eddy simulations (LES). It is concluded that in spite of shortcomings in predicting transition correctly at the entrance to the duct, DES surpasses the base capability of the underlying RANS model and predicts flow and heat transfer with good accuracy in a flow which is dominated by separation and reattachment of shear layers, unsteady vortex induced secondary motions, and strong streamline curvature. In all aspects it reproduces the correct physics and shows good quantitative comparisons with LES and experiments while reducing the computational complexity by nearly an order of magnitude.
Replication of EBV in epithelial cells during infectious mononucleosis

INFECTIOUS mononucleosis is caused by primary infection with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)1,2. This virus is generally held to be trophic for B lymphocytes3–6, but only latently infected cells expressing a nuclear antigen (EBNA)7 have been found among circulating lymphocytes during infectious mononucleosis8. In spite of this, EBV is present in the orophoryngeal secretions of most patients with infectious mononucleosis, and virus continues to be shed in many normal persons for extended periods9,10. The source of this virus, a cell type which freely permits replication of EBV, has never been identified. An intriguing link has recently been advanced between EBV and the malignant epithelial cells of undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Patients with this malignancy maintain high titres of antibodies to the virus11. The tumour itself, which consists of malignant epithelial cells with many infiltrating lymphocytes, contains the EBV genome12. The EBV genetic material is in the malignant epithelial cells13,14, however, and not in the infiltrating lymphocytes which are predominantly T cells. Although superinfection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with EBV leads to the expression of specific early viral antigens15, these cells, like B lymphocytes, are only latently infected in vivo. The primary cell type infected by EBV probably occupies a pivotal position in the pathogenesis of both infectious mononucleosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We report here evidence directly from human material that EBV replicates in epithelial cells of the oropharynx.
Comparison of Two Traps Used for Capturing Wild Crayfish

ABSTRACT We compared two passive wire traps for trapping wild crayfish—a trap designed specifically for capturing crayfish and a minnow trap commonly adapted for this purpose. We investigated crayfish capture efficiency, retention of captured crayfish, and capture of non-target finfishes for both trap types in mesocosm and field experiments. The crayfish traps captured more crayfish than the minnow traps in both settings. The minnow traps better retained captured crayfish; however, they also captured significantly more non-target finfishes. We conclude that the crayfish trap performed better than minnow traps for the capture of wild crayfish.
Relative potencies of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxin, dibenzofuran, and biphenyl congeners to induce cytochrome P4501A mRNA in a zebrafish liver cell line

Induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) mRNA by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was measured in a zebrafish liver (ZF-L) cell line. The ZF-L cells were far less sensitive to PCDD, PCDF, and PCB congeners than were other fish cell lines. The 2,3,7,8-PCDDs, 2,3,7,8-PCDFs, and PCB 126 caused dose-related induction. All other PCBs tested, including other coplanar as well as ortho-substituted congeners, were ineffective at inducing CYP1A. The potency of each congener that gave a response, relative to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, was determined. The ZF-L cell-derived relative potency values (REPs) are similar to other in vitro REPs in that the ZF-L cell-derived REPs are generally higher than those derived from in vivo models. Furthermore, the ZF-L cell-derived REPs are generally within fivefold of REPs determined in a variety of rainbow trout systems when the same endpoint in the same tissue are compared. Analysis of these data indicates that REPs based on molecular and biochemical responses in sensitive and insensitive species are similar, but overestimate relative in vivo toxicity in the rainbow trout. The ZF-L cell-derived REPs expand the database of REPs, providing additional information that will be useful in quantifying the uncertainty associated with applying consensus fish-specific toxic equivalency factors in ecological risk assessment.
Duplex opening by primosome protein PriA for replisome assembly on a recombination intermediate

Abstract PriA and other primosome assembly proteins of Escherichia coli recruit the major replicative helicase DnaB for replisome assembly during bacteriophage Mu transposition and replication. MuA transposase catalyzes the transfer of Mu ends to target DNA, forming a potential replication fork that provides the assembly site for the replisome. However, this fork lacks the single-stranded DNA needed to load DnaB. Although no pre-existing primosome assembly sites that bind PriA were found within the Mu end sequences, PriA was able to bind to the forked DNA structure created by MuA. The helicase activity of PriA could then open the duplex to create the DnaB binding site. In a tightly coupled reaction on synthetic forked substrates, PriA promoted both the unwinding of the lagging strand arm and preprimosome assembly to load DnaB onto the lagging strand template. PriA apparently translocated 3′ to 5′ along the lagging strand template until sufficient single-stranded DNA was exposed for binding of DnaB, which then translocated 5′ to 3′ in the opposite direction. Mutant PriA lacking helicase activity was unable to promote this process, and loss of PriA helicase impaired Mu DNA replication in vivo and in vitro. This suggests that the opening of the duplex by PriA helicase is a critical step in the initiation of Mu DNA replication. Concerted helicase and primosome assembly functions would allow PriA to act as initiator on recombination intermediates and stalled replication forks. As part of the replisome, PriA may act as a mobile initiator that minimizes interruptions in chromosomal replication.
Rh(I)-Catalyzed Cyclocarbonylation of Enynes with Glyceraldehyde: An Available Carbonyl Source Derived from Sugar Alcohols.

Optically active glyceraldehyde acetonide (II) is employed for the Rh-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation of various enynes to produce bicyclic cyclopentenone derivatives.
Design and analysis of a beryllium three-mirror anastigmat telescope for the Japanese Advanced Meteorological Imager (JAMI)

Raytheon's Santa Barbara Remote Sensing facility in Goleta, California designed and built an advanced meteorological imager for the Japanese Ministry of Transport between March, 2000 and July, 2002 for MTSAT-1R. One of the most stressing requirements is visible band image quality near local midnight. The 30 month program schedule forced the design team to make key decisions about the telescope design based on very preliminary analyses. Subsequent detailed analyses revealed that thermal distortions in the beryllium three-mirror anastigmat telescope would cause unacceptable performance degradation during much of the orbit. Through careful thermal, structural, and optical (STOP) analysis, the design team was able to optimize the designs of the telescope and thermal control system while meeting the challenging procurement schedule for the telescope.
Determining Optimal Order Amount for End-of-Life Parts Acquisition with Possibility of Contract Extension

Manufacturers often encounter difficulties in supplying an adequate number of spare parts for a product in its postproduction phase. As a result, manufacturers will sometimes make one final order of a model of spare part that is used to satisfy any demand for the spare part going forward. The problem is compounded when a customer may request an extension to the maintenance or supply contract for which the part is supplied. We present two possible approaches for dealing with the problem: one involves the use of a continuous-time dynamic program that allows for the possibility of salvage, and the other makes use of a two-stage stochastic algorithm that does not consider salvage.
Skeletal development of Macrochelys temminckii (Reptilia: Testudines: Chelydridae).

Few descriptions of the development and sequence of chondrification and ossification of the entire skeleton of turtles exist, particularly compared to other groups of reptiles. In this study, the embryonic skeleton and its ontogenesis are described for the Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii (Chelydridae). Morphological descriptions utilize cleared and double-stained embryonic specimens and form the basis of comparison of the ontogenesis of the skeleton between this species and its extant sister taxon, Chelydra serpentina. The embryonic chondrocranium, as well as the sequences of formation and ossification of the entire skeleton, are compared between these closely related species, and afford a unique opportunity to examine differences in their patterns of skeletal formation. In M. temminckii, the first elements to ossify (Stage 17) are associated with the dermatocranium and upper jaw, followed by elements of the palate, lower jaw, and long bones of the limbs. In both species the majority of endochondral braincase elements (prootic, opisthotic, supraoccipital, and exoccipital) ossify after the majority of dermal elements of the skull. The sequences of formation of the chondral primordia of the limb elements, as well as ossification of autopodial elements, are generally congruent between these species. J. Morphol. 263:71–106, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estimating Water-Table Altitudes for Regional Ground-Water Flow Modeling, U.S. Gulf Coast

Water-table altitude, a controlling factor for ground- water flow, was estimated from detailed topographic data by subtracting the estimated depth-to-water. Land-surface altitude of the Coastal Plain in the south-central United States varies from 0 to more than 800 feet above sea level. Predevelopment depth-to-water in 6,825 wells less than 150 feet deep averages 25.7 feet (standard deviation, 19.5 feet). Most water-table-altitude variation is due to variation in land-surface altitude and not due to variation in depth-to- water. Digital topographic data, from 1:250,000 scale maps for every 30 seconds of latitude and longitude are available for the continental United States. About 90 altitudes were averaged for each 25-square-mile block of a rectangular grid used for ground-water flow modeling. Multiple linear regressions of predevelopment water-level data and topographic data were used to derive empirical equations relating water-table altitude to topography. The regression method was more consistent, efficient, and accurate than manually digitizing values from manually contoured water-table maps. Water-table maps usually are prepared from few data that are concentrated in topographically flat areas. Manually digitizing water-table maps on a regional scale introduces additional error. About 35 percent of the water-table altitudes obtained manually were greater than average land-surface altitudes from topographic data. The mean difference between water-table altitudes from the two methods was less than 10 feet, which indicates no systematic error was incorporated in the regression method.
Effects of water and electric field on atomic oxygen adsorption on Pt-Co alloys

Abstract Density functional theory is used to study the effect of atomic oxygen adsorption at various coverages with and without the presence of water on ordered and Pt-segregated PtCo surfaces. The strength of O adsorption, as well as surface reconstruction effects due to the adsorbate are strongly influenced by the presence of the oxygen-philic transition metal on the surface or subsurface. At high O coverage, buckling of the Co atom on PtCo surfaces is much smaller than that of Pt on Pt(1 1 1) surfaces, and buckling of Pt atoms on Pt-skin surfaces is negligible. Also, the effect of an electric field perpendicular to the surface on adsorbed water and atomic oxygen is investigated. Spontaneous water dissociation is not found on the ordered and segregated alloy surfaces within the entire applied electric field range (−0.51 to 0.51 V/A). Water changes orientation under strong negative fields, switching from a metal–O to a metal–H interaction, and the effect is much more pronounced in the low-coordination sites of cluster models.
Performance Measurement Approach to Contracting and Delivering Design Services

In a recent survey of clients and buyers of construction, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) found that over 50% of design efforts finish behind or significantly behind schedule. Furthermore, it found that 70% of clients have seen the quality of design documents decrease over the past 10 years with 97% of clients agreeing that designers should be held more accountable for the quality of the designs that are delivered. This paper presents the research results of applying a new approach to contracting design professionals that enforces accountability and minimizes risk. The new approach theorizes that the inefficiencies in the design industry are because of the selection and contract management system used by most clients. The first 39 design project test results are presented, along with the evolution of the design delivery model. Key findings include the threat of political risk to change, the inability of most design professionals to address specific project risk, and the lack of p...
Electron attachment cross sections and negative ion states of SF6

Abstract A comprehensive and critical assessment of published data on the total, dissociative and nondissociative electron attachment cross sections for SF 6 allowed us to recommend or suggest room temperature values for these cross sections over an energy range from 0.0001 eV to 15 eV. The total electron attachment cross section is dominated by the formation of SF 6 − below ∼0.2 eV, by the formation of SF 5 − between ∼0.3 eV and 1.5 eV, and by the formation of F − beyond ∼2.0 eV. This work, along with electron scattering and theoretical data, allowed us also to identify the energies and symmetry assignments of the negative ion states of SF 6 below ∼15 eV.
Observed rotational enhancement of nonlinear optical vortices

The propagation dynamics of an optical vortex pair is experimentally confirmed to experience enhanced rotation in a self-defocusing medium. We measured this effect to be 3.5 times larger than in linear media. The enhancement is attributed to nonlinear refraction within the dark vortex cores, permitting the vortices to propagate as vortex filaments.
The Effect of Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment on the Rate of Proximal Humerus Fractures

references: 1. McClung MR et. Al. Effect of Risedronate on the Risk of Hip Fracture in Elderly Women. Michael R. N Engl J Med (2001) 344:333-340. 2. Kelsey JL, Browner WS, Seeley DG, Nevitt MC, Cummings SR and for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group. Risk Factors for Fractures of the Distal Forearm and Proximal Humerus. Am. J. Epidemiol. (1992) 135 (5): 477-489. 3. Nguyen TV, Center JR, Sambrook PN, and Eisman JA. Risk Factors for Proximal Humerus, Forearm, and Wrist Fractures in Elderly Men and Women: The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study. Am. J. Epidemiol. (2001) 153 (6): 587-595. please address all quesTions and commenTs To: Ronald Navrro, MD • Department of Orthopedics • Kaiser Permanente South Bay 25825, Harbor City, CA 90710 • Ronald.A.Navarro@kp.org Anshu Singh, MD • Richard Dell, MD • Tadashi Funahashi, MD • Annette Adams, PhD • Ronald Navarro, MD • Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Southern California
Current trends in computer graphics

Abstract A look at the trends in computer graphics is given by analyzing important areas that affect the progress of graphics like hardware, input and output devices for graphics, programming languages, systems developments and advances in techniques and algorithms for computer graphics. Then attention is given to new and expanded application areas for the future, as well as some problems that will persistently confront people working in graphics.
Glandular hair densities in three perennial Medicago species

Because a number of insect pests periodically reduce the yields and/or quality of alfalfa, control measures are often required to prevent or limit losses. Physical characteristics such as glandular hairs have been associated with resistance to alfalfa insect pests. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and relationships of glandular hair density on three perennial Medicago species that can be crossed with alfalfa, M. sativa L. Glandular hairs were visually counted on the stem, leaflet margin, abaxial leaflet surface, leaf midrib, and petiole of M. glandulosa David, M. glutinosa Marshall Von Bieberstein, and M. prostrata Jacquin. Environmental and genotypic correlations were obtained to estimate the relationships between hair densities on different structures of each Medicago species. Erect glandular hairs were present on all the vegetative structures of the plants, but density and distribution varied within species. Mean hair density was relatively high and uniform on stems, petioles, leaflet margins, midribs, and abaxial leaflet surfaces of M. prostrata.
Effect of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibition on epinephrine levels in the brain

Abstract The effects of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) inhibition on the epinephrine content in specific regions of the brain were studied. SKF 64139, a potent PNMT inhibitor, is effective in lowering brain epinephrine levels. The time course of PNMT inhibition by SKF 64139 parallels the lowering of epinephrine levels in the brain. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a potent inhibitor of DβH, is effective in lowering norepinephrine and epinephrine levels and in elevating dopamine levels in the analyzed regions of the brain. The epinephrine levels in the brain appear to be under similar biosynthetic control as in the adrenal glands.
Metabolism of opioid peptides by cerebral microvascular aminopeptidase M.

Aminopeptidase M (EC 3.4.11.2), which can degrade low molecular weight opioid peptides, has been reported in both peripheral vasculature and in the CNS. Thus, we have studied the metabolism of opioid peptides by membrane-bound aminopeptidase M derived from cerebral microvessels of hog and rabbit. Both hog and rabbit microvessels were found to contain membrane-bound aminopeptidase M. At neutral pH, microvessels preferentially degraded low molecular weight opioid peptides by hydrolysis of the N-terminal Tyr1-Gly2 bond. Degradation was inhibited by amastatin (I50 = 0.2 microM) and bestatin (10 microM), but not by a number of other peptidase inhibitors including captopril and phosphoramidon. Rates of degradation were highest for the shorter peptides (Met5- and Leu5-enkephalin) whereas beta-endorphin was nearly completely resistant to N-terminal hydrolysis. Km values for the microvascular aminopeptidase also decreased significantly with increasing peptide length (Km = 91.3 +/- 4.9 and 28.9 +/- 3.5 microM for Met5-enkephalin and Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7, respectively). Peptides known to be present within or in close proximity to cerebral vessels (e.g., neurotensin and substance P) competitively inhibited enkephalin degradation (Ki = 20.4 +/- 2.5 and 7.9 +/- 1.6 microM, respectively). These data suggest that cerebral microvascular aminopeptidase M may play a role in vivo in modulating peptide-mediated local cerebral blood flow, and in preventing circulating enkephalins from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Videotape Versus Live Model Presentations in Teacher Preparation

Objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of live model versus videotape model presentations of the demonstration and laboratory teaching strategies in home eco nomics education relative to student achievement and performance; and to contrast practice against no practice of each teaching strategy on student achievement and performance. Home economics education majors were randomly assigned to four groups: model live, no practice; model live, practice; model videotape, no practice; model videotape, practice. Instructional lessons of fifty minutes were planned and taught by the researcher with content held constant for each group. Dependent variable data were collected by an achievement test and an observational rating scale. Analysis of the correlations between test scores, ratings, and cumulative point averages showed no significant relationships for either teacher strategy. For the demonstration teaching strategy, a significant difference in student performance beyond the 05 level was found between live versus videotape model with the latter being superior. Demonstration achieve ment was not affected by presentation or practice. For the laboratory teaching strategy, no significant differences were found among the dependent variables and the presentation method or practice. The findings support the feasibility of videotape model presentations for the acquisition of knowledge and performance of the demonstration and laboratory teaching strategies in a similar preservice teacher education setting. Although practice of the teaching strategy did not seem to have any effect on achievement and performance, further investigation needs to be completed before practice is omitted from teacher preparation programs.
Distribution and properties of the mannose-resistant hemagglutinin produced by Salmonella species

Presence or absence of mannose-resistant hemagglutination (MRHA) or sheep erythrocytes by Salmonella species was found to be consistent within most serotypes tested and did not correlate with O-antigen. Broad-host-range serotypes including S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis produced MRHA while host-specific serotypes including S. typhi, S. dublin, and S. gallinarum were MRHA-negative. MRHA produced by S. typhimurium was soluble, heat-stable, and not inhibited by any of eleven carbohydrates tested. Further investigation of MRHA may provide insight into mechanisms of Salmonella pathogenesis.
Sheepdog: learning procedures for technical support

Technical support procedures are typically very complex. Users often have trouble following printed instructions describing how to perform these procedures, and these instructions are difficult for support personnel to author clearly. Our goal is to learn these procedures by demonstration, watching multiple experts performing the same procedure across different operating conditions, and produce an executable procedure that runs interactively on the user's desktop. Most previous programming by demonstration systems have focused on simple programs with regular structure, such as loops with fixed-length bodies. In contrast, our system induces complex procedure structure by aligning multiple execution traces covering different paths through the procedure. This paper presents a solution to this alignment problem using Input/Output Hidden Markov Models. We describe the results of a user study that examines how users follow printed directions. We present Sheepdog, an implemented system for capturing, learning, and playing back technical support procedures on the Windows desktop. Finally, we empirically evalute our system using traces gathered from the user study and show that we are able to achieve 73% accuracy on a network configuration task using a procedure trained by non-experts.
The Relationship Between Student Evaluation of Instruction Scores and Faculty Formal Educational Coursework

Context: Emphasis is placed on athletic training educators' content area expertise and not on their formal training in educational concepts. Objective: The purposes of this study were to identify the amount of educational coursework completed by ATEP faculty and investigate the relationship between ATEP instructors' student evaluation of instruction scores and their formal educational coursework completed. Design: Survey design that included demographic and questionnaire components. Setting: Self-administered questionnaires Participants: The population for the study was athletic trainers working as full-time faculty in Florida ATEPs (n = 19; mean age 39.2 ± 8.03; mean teaching experience 8.84 ± 5.79 years). Data Collection: Faculty participants completed a demographic questionnaire. Students in a non-laboratory based and non-clinical education course taught by the faculty member completed the Students' Evaluation of Educational Quality questionnaire. Analysis: Correlations and independent samples t-tests ...
Contemporary Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint

This article discusses imaging techniques for visualization of the temporomandibular joint. Conventional plain film modalities are discussed briefly, with an emphasis on the more contemporary modalities, such as CT with cone-beam technology, MRI, and nuclear imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed. As advancements in this area continue, our understanding of this complex joint and its pathology will follow, which will lead to more defined imaging indications and ultimately, to improved treatment outcomes.
Drug-eluting stents in animals and patients: where do we stand today?

Four legs good, two legs better. — —George Orwell, Animal Farm, 1945 Since the earliest use of coronary stents for treating symptomatic coronary stenosis, maintaining patent arteries after treatment has remained an elusive goal. Although the first bare metal stents opened stenotic arteries, they injured the arterial wall. The buildup of intimal scar tissue caused restenosis, a frustrating problem for prevention or treatment. After a dozen years of research, however, drug-eluting stents were developed; armed with polymer coating and paclitaxel or sirolimus, they prevented restenosis and were hailed as a major therapeutic breakthrough. Article see p 141 Not long afterward, however, questions about the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents surfaced as reports of late stent thrombosis began to appear.1,2 Cardiologists wondered if prevention of restenosis was always a good thing. If no protective cellular layer formed over the struts of the drug-eluting stent—even months or years after implantation—would thrombus develop on the exposed metal scaffolding or other damaged or inflamed areas on the blood vessel wall? Over months or years, would progressive inflammation or late “catchup” tissue growth cause drug-eluting stents to lose their early advantage over bare metal stents? The pendulum in this debate has swung back and forth as clinical trials first raised concern about increased thrombosis and then later quelled our fears as our understanding of how drug-eluting stents work in real life has matured. An important issue has been the increased use of stents in patients with more complex coronary and other disorders, raising the question of whether the established standards of safety and efficacy still apply. Answers for these challenging questions have come from 2 worlds: clinical studies of patients with stents …
SELECTIVE ALLELE LOSS IN MIXED INFECTIONS WITH T4 BACTERIOPHAGE

ABSTRACT Evidence is presented that when E. coli B is mixedly infected with T4D wild type and r II deletion mutants, the excess DNA of the wild type allele is lost. No loss is seen in mixed infections with r II point mutants and wild type. In similar experiments with lysozyme addition mutants, the mutant allele is lost. We believe these results demonstrate a repair system which removes "loops" in heteroduplex DNA molecules. A number of phage and host functions have been tested for involvement in the repair of the excess DNA, and T4 genes x and v have been implicated in this process.
PROC QTL—A SAS Procedure for Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci

Statistical analysis system (SAS) is the most comprehensive statistical analysis software package in the world. It offers data analysis for almost all experiments under various statistical models. Each analysis is performed using a particular subroutine, called a procedure (PROC). For example, PROC ANOVA performs analysis of variances. PROC QTL is a user-defined SAS procedure for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL). It allows users to perform QTL mapping for continuous and discrete traits within the SAS platform. Users of PROC QTL are able to take advantage of all existing features offered by the general SAS software, for example, data management and graphical treatment. The current version of PROC QTL can perform QTL mapping for all line crossing experiments using maximum likelihood (ML), least square (LS), iteratively reweighted least square (IRLS), Fisher scoring (FISHER), Bayesian (BAYES), and empirical Bayes (EBAYES) methods.
Flooding constraints on tree (Taxodium distichum) and herb growth responses to elevated CO2

Abstract Elevated CO2 generally stimulates C3-type photosynthesis, but it is unclear how an increase in CO2 assimilation will interact with other factors that influence plant growth. In wetlands, the response of plants to elevated CO2 will interact with soil saturation, particularly in forested wetlands where soil saturation is a strong regulator of plant productivity. We performed a four-month experiment to determine whether elevated CO2 and flooding interact to influence the growth of a flood-tolerant tree (Taxodium distichum) and a flood-tolerant herbaceous emergent macrophyte (Orontium aquaticum). Seedlings were grown in glasshouses at two CO2 levels (350 and 700 μL L−1) crossed with two water depths (5 cm above and ≥5 cm below the soil surface). We hypothesized that elevated CO2 would increase photosynthesis regardless of water depth and species; however, we also expected flooding to prevent elevated CO2 from increasing the growth of the tree species due to O2 limitation or other physiological stress...
Quality Changes in Fresh‐cut Peach and Nectarine Slices as Affected by Cultivar, Storage Atmosphere and Chemical Treatments

The shelf-life of slices from 13 cultivars of peaches and 8 cultivars of nectarines, varied (between 2 and 12 days at 0 C). Controlled atmospheres of 0.25 kPa O 2 and/or 10 kPa or 20 kPa CO 2 extended the shelf-life at 10 C of ‘O’Henry’ or ‘Elegant Lady’ peach slices by 1-2 days beyond the air control. Low (0.25 kPa) O 2 acted synergistically with CO 2 levels of 10 and 20 kPa to induce fermentative metabolism as indicated by ethanol and acetaldehyde production. A 2% (w/v) ascorbic acid 1% (w/v) calcium lactate postcutting dip resulted in limited reduction of cut surface browning and tissue softening in ‘Carnival’ peach slices.
Relevance of Molecular Forms of Brain Natriuretic Peptide for Natriuretic Peptide Research

The focus on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) as a biomarker, the elevation of which is associated with adverse outcomes in persons with heart failure, has obscured recognition of the myriad beneficial and compensatory biological actions provided by this small peptide hormone. Both atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes synthesize and release both atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and BNP in response to volume or pressure overload, most specifically, an increase in myocardial transmural distending pressure. These peptide hormones activate the natriuretic peptide receptor type A, which contains a guanylate–cyclase domain, and this leads to the production of cGMP and the activation of downstream signaling cascades. The resulting biological actions in target tissue include the following actions that are universally beneficial in the setting of hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, and heart failure: venous and arterial vasodilation, maintenance of appropriate intravascular volume by promoting natriuresis, opposing activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, reduced secretion of endothelin, and attenuation of central and peripheral sympathetic activity.1 In addition, the natriuretic peptide system (NPS) functions as an autocrine/paracrine system that opposes the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy via pressure-independent mechanisms.2 BNP is produced as prohormone that undergoes further processing (Figure). After removal of the 26 amino acid signal peptide from the prepro-BNP molecule, pro-BNP (1-108) is secreted from cardiomyocytes and interacts with an enzyme called corin, a transmembrane serine protease produced in cardiomyocytes, resulting in the production of a 76 amino acid amino terminal fragment (NT-BNP 1-76) and the biologically active 32 amino acid carboxyl fragment (BNP 77-108 or BNP-32).3 It is believed that the site of natriuretic peptide processing is the extracellular region of cardiomyocytes and possibly cardiac fibroblasts. Although corin appears to be unique in this capacity, other yet undiscovered enzymes may contribute to natriuretic peptide processing. BNP processing. BNP is produced as …
Reflecting on Reconnecting Males to Higher Education.

This chapter summarizes the recommendations from a Morehouse College symposium on higher education's shifting gender balance, Men on Our Campuses: Reconnecting Males to Liberal Education.
Variation in Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Measurement as a Function of Age, Sex, Size, and Patellar Instability

Background:The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) measurement was developed to quantify morphologic abnormalities about the knee associated with patellar instability and to help guide surgical decision making.Purpose:To assess variations in TT-TG as a function of patient age and size in a population of patients with patellar instability compared with those with no instability.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:All patients younger than 20 years who underwent surgery for patellar instability from 2010 to 2012 were included in this retrospective study. A total of 180 patients with no history of patellar instability or patellofemoral complaints were used as a control group. The TT-TG was measured on magnetic resonance axial images using the centers of the tibial tubercle and the trochlear groove. Data were normalized based on patient height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and femur width. Alpha was set at P < .05 to declare significance.Results:The average age of the 45 pa...
Dynamic Firm R&D Games: Manufacturing Costs and Reliability Paths

Consider a dynamic intra-industry trade model with two goods, two firms, and two countries in which product "reliability" is determined by R&D paths. This paper focuses on how a change in competitive conditions in terms of manufacturing costs affects the firms' decision about optimal reliability. Briefly, the main result of the paper is that when the manufacturing costs are similar and closely track each other, a lower manufacturing cost prompts both firms to increase their R&D and product reliability. But when the manufacturing costs are not similar, either before or after the change, the results are quite different. A profit maximizing firm will sometimes take advantage of a reduction in its own manufacturing cost by actually doing less R&D—and thus producing a less reliable product.