cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caste, gender, and “global Indian-ness”: spaces of safety in stand-up comedy in global Mumbai

This paper argues that stand-up comedy produces the places it uses in the city of Mumbai as “safe” for new middle-class women by excluding Dalit and working-class people who are deemed “dangerous.”...
Perinatal androgens organize sex differences in mast cells and attenuate anaphylaxis severity into adulthood

Mast cell (MC)-associated diseases, including allergy/anaphylaxis and neuroinflammatory pain disorders, exhibit a sex bias, with females at increase risk. While much attention has been directed toward adult sex hormones as drivers of sex differences, that female sex bias in MC-associated diseases is evident in prepubertal children, suggesting early-life origins of sex differences which have yet to be explored. Utilizing rodent models of MC-mediated anaphylaxis, our data here reveal that, 1) compared with females, males exhibit significantly reduced severity of MC-mediated anaphylactic responses that emerge prior to puberty and persist into adulthood, 2) reduced severity of MC-mediated anaphylaxis in males is linked with the naturally high level of perinatal androgens and can be recapitulated in females by perinatal exposure to testosterone proprionate, 3) perinatal androgen exposure guides bone marrow MC progenitors toward a masculinized tissue MC phenotype characterized by decreased concentration of prestored MC granule mediators (e.g., histamine, serotonin, and proteases) and reduced mediator release upon degranulation, and 4) engraftment of MC-deficient Kit W-sh/W-sh mice with adult male, female, or perinatally androgenized female MCs results in MC-mediated anaphylaxis response that reflects the MC sex and not host sex. Together, these data present evidence that sex differences in MC phenotype and resulting disease severity are established in early life by perinatal androgens. Thus, factors affecting levels of perinatal androgens could have a significant impact on MC development and MC-associated disease risk across the life span.
Behavioral sleep intervention to reduce bedsharing prior to stem cell transplant

Study Objectives:Sleep disturbance is common in young children who are otherwise healthy and even more so in children with cancer. To address sleep disturbance in early childhood, caregivers may us...
Abolishing UCHL1's hydrolase activity exacerbates TBI-induced axonal injury and neuronal death in mice.

Abstract Ubiquitin (Ub) C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a multifunctional protein that is expressed in neurons throughout brain at high levels. UCHL1 deletion is associated with axonal degeneration, progressive sensory motor ataxia, and premature death in mice. UCHL1 has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and recovery after neuronal injury. UCHL1 hydrolyzes Ub from polyubiquitinated (poly-Ub) proteins, but also may ligate Ub to select neuronal proteins, and interact with cytoskeletal proteins. These and other mechanisms have been hypothesized to underlie UCHL1's role in neurodegeneration and response to brain injury. A UCHL1 knockin mouse containing a C90A mutation (C90A) devoid of hydrolase activity was constructed. The C90A mouse did not develop the sensory and motor deficits, degeneration of the gracile nucleus and tract, or premature death as seen in UCHL1 deficient mice. C90A and wild type (WT) mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cell death, axonal injury and behavioral outcome were assessed. C90A mice exhibited decreased spared tissue volume, greater loss of CA1 hippocampal neurons and greater axonal injury as detected using anti-amyloid precursor protein (APP) antibody and anti- non-phosphorylated neurofilament H (SMI-32) antibody immunohistochemistry after CCI compared to WT controls. Poly-Ub proteins and Beclin-1 were elevated after CCI in C90A mice compared to WT controls. Vestibular motor deficits assessed using the beam balance test resolved by day 5 after CCI in WT mice but not in C90A mice. These results suggest that the hydrolase activity of UCHL1 does not account for the progressive neurodegeneration and premature death seen in mice that do not express full length UCHL1. The hydrolase activity of UCHL1 contributes to the function of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP), ameliorates activation of autophagy, and improves motor recovery after CCI. Thus, UCHL1 hydrolase activity plays an important role in acute injury response after TBI.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: insights into developmental programming and its consequences for aging

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are important consequences of adverse perinatal conditions such as fetal hypoxia and maternal malnutrition. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can produce a wealth of physiological information related to the development of the heart. This review outlines the current state of CMR technologies and describes the physiological biomarkers that can be measured. These phenotypes include impaired ventricular and atrial function, maladaptive ventricular remodeling, and the proliferation of myocardial steatosis and fibrosis. The discussion outlines the applications of CMR to understanding the developmental pathways leading to impaired cardiac function. The use of CMR, both in animal models of developmental programming and in human studies, is described. Specific examples are given in a baboon model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). CMR offers great potential as a tool for understanding the sequence of dysfunctional adaptations of developmental origin that can affect the human cardiovascular system.
Bayesian Model Averaging to Account for Model Uncertainty in Estimates of a Vaccine’s Effectiveness

Vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies are often conducted after the introduction of new vaccines to ensure they provide protection in real-world settings. Although susceptible to confounding, the test-negative case-control study design is the most efficient method to assess VE post-licensure. Control of confounding is often needed during the analyses, which is most efficiently done through multivariable modeling. When a large number of potential confounders are being considered, it can be challenging to know which variables need to be included in the final model. This paper highlights the importance of considering model uncertainty by re-analyzing a Lyme VE study using several confounder selection methods. We propose an intuitive Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) framework for this task and compare the performance of BMA to that of traditional single-best-model-selection methods. We demonstrate how BMA can be advantageous in situations when there is uncertainty about model selection by systematically considering alternative models and increasing transparency.
In vivo macromolecular crowding is differentially modulated by Aquaporin 0 in zebrafish lens: insights from a nano-environment sensor and spectral imaging.

Macromolecular crowding is crucial for cellular homeostasis. In vivo studies of macromolecular crowding and ultimately water-dynamics are needed to understand their role in cellular fates. The macromolecular crowding in the lens is essential for understanding normal optics of the lens, and moreover for understanding and prevention of cataract and presbyopia. Here we combine the use of the water nano-environmentally sensitive sensor (6-acetyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene, ACDAN) with in vivo studies of Aquaporin zero zebrafish mutants to understand the lens macromolecular crowding. Spectral phasor analysis of ACDAN fluorescence reveal the extent of water dipolar relaxation and demonstrate that the mutations in the duplicated zebrafish Aquaporin 0s, Aqp0a and Aqp0b, alter the water state and macromolecular crowding in the living zebrafish lens. Our results provide in vivo evidence that Aqp0a promotes fluid influx in the deeper lens cortex, whereas Aqp0b facilitates fluid efflux. This work opens new perspectives for in vivo studies on macromolecular crowding.
Inflammation-Related Factors Identified as Biomarkers of Dehydration and Subsequent Acute Kidney Injury in Agricultural Workers.

Globally, there is increasing recognition that agricultural workers are at risk for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu). Recurrent heat exposure, physical exertion, dehydration, muscl...
A Boost and LLC Resonant–based Three-port DC–DC Converter

A new three-port LLC resonant converter interfacing an input port, storage port, and load for a photovoltaic (PV) microinverter with high-DC bus applications is proposed. Pulse frequency modulation and pulse width modulation are adopted to regulate the power flows. On the primary side, two switches are implemented to reduce the switch count. On the secondary side, a voltage quadruple rectifier and voltage fifthfolder rectifier are employed in one structure to make the proposed converter operate close to and below the resonant frequency and to boost the voltage with a moderate transformer. The proposed converter can achieve soft-switching for MOSFETs and all rectifier diodes. Moreover, improved efficiency and narrow switching-frequency range are realized. A 300-W laboratory prototype generating 500 V from a wide voltage range of PV and battery is built and tested to verify the theoretical analysis and performance of the proposed converter.
Genuine Africans or Tertiary Immigrants? — The Genus Hydropsyche in the Afrotropical Region (Insecta, Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)

The distinctive character of the Afrotropical fauna has developed during a long period of isolation. About 30 million years ago the African and Eurasian plates collided and numerous groups migrated in and out of Africa. Successful colonizers adapted and became part of the endemic communities. Based on a biogeographic and phylogenetic analysis, the African species of the genus Hydropsyche were identified as belonging to this group of early immigrants. The genus now contains 17 afrotropical species all belonging to the propinqua-group which is endemic to Africa. The ranges of the related groups are in the Holarctic Region (angustipennis-group), and India to South East Asia (newae-group). This area contains the diversity centre of the genus. The African species are rather homogenous in their morphology, and their great similarity is indicative of a single immigration event. The species are unevenly distributed over the continent, with a concentration in the central African Rift system. A continental species colonised Madagascar, and subsequently Mauritius and Reunion. In an attempt to reconstruct the expansion routes, the phylogeography of the group is examined and briefly discussed.
Triple-helical DNA pairing intermediates formed by recA protein.

RecA protein aligns homologous single- and double-stranded DNA molecules in three-stranded joints that can extend over thousands of base pairs. When cross-linked by 4‘-amino-4,5‘,8-trimethyl-psoralen the joint structure observed in nonuniform and divided into multiple substructures each a few hundred base pairs long. Two paired substructures are observed; at least one, and possibly both, are right-handed triple helices. Sites of homologous contact are interspersed with regions where the DNA molecules are arranged side-by-side without contact. These substructures alternate in all combinations. The length and frequency of joints is much greater when one of the DNA substrates is linear, and interwinding is unrestricted, than when there are topological restrictions between the pairing partners. The results are consistent with the idea that recA protein facilitates the formation of a right-handed triple-helical DNA pairing intermediate during strand exchange. The results further suggest that recA filaments do not promote the formation of structures that provide efficient topological compensation for right-handed interwinding of two paired DNA molecules.
Engine ECU Systems

The engine control parameters include the quantity of intake air, the amount of fuel injection, the ignition timing, and the opening and closing timing of the intake and exhaust valves. All of these parameters are controlled by the engine ECU. This chapter describes the hardware and software of the engine ECU system, as well as the fuel injection control, ignition control, and electronic throttle control as representative examples of engine controls. Keywords: engine control; engine ECU ; software; model-based; Simulink; MATLAB ; intake air; fuel injection; ignition; electronic throttle
Time Optimal Seek Trajectories for a Dual Stage Optical Disc Drive Actuator

A closed form solution for the time optimal control of a dual actuator disc drive system that takes into account the physical constraint limiting the relative motion of the fine and coarse actuator has been derived. The result is useful for determining track seeking strategies for high performance optical discs. The application of the necessary conditions to a simplified model of the compound actuator is presented and a solution derived.
Model selection in regression analysis, regression diagnostics and prior knowledge: A book review article with comments from Anthony C. Atkinson, D.R. Cox And John McDonald

Abstract Model selection of a regression model typically includes both selecting which variables to include in a model and the functional form of the relationship between the variables. In recent years regression diagnostics (a catch-all phrase that includes such topics as identifying influential observations) have been increasingly used as an aid in selecting a regression model. In evaluating the recent book Residuals and influence in regression, by Cook and Weisberg, Belsley argues that such analyses, while extremely useful, should not be used in a theoretical vacuum. Effective model building requires the analyst to make substantial use of any prior information relevant to the problem in hand. The commentators, while accepting the general thrust of Belsley's comments, are on the whole more sceptical — perhaps the prior knowledge is poor and in conflict with the data; perhaps the use of a wrong theory is more dangerous than ‘letting the data speak for themselves’.
Studies of a Flavoprotein, Salicylate Hydroxylase: I. PREPARATION, PROPERTIES, AND THE UNCOUPLING OF OXYGEN REDUCTION FROM HYDROXYLATION

Abstract A flavoprotein, salicylate hydroxylase (salicylate, DPNH: oxygen oxidoreductase (1-hydroxylation, 1-decarboxylating)), has been induced and isolated from a soil bacterium grown on salicylate as sole carbon source. In contrast to a similar enzyme studied by Yamamoto, S., Katagiri, M., Maeno, H., and Hayaishi, O. ((1965) J. Biol. Chem. 240, 3408) this enzyme is dimeric with two subunits and two FAD per 91,000 molecular weight (rather than one FAD per 57,000). When benzoate is substituted for salicylate, DPNH is oxidized with the same Vmax as with salicylate but with higher Km for both benzoate and DPNH. With salicylate, the reaction products are catechol and H2O; with benzoate, the benzoate is unchanged, but H2O2 is formed stoichiometrically with DPNH oxidized. Both salicylate and benzoate facilitate DPNH binding. Benzoate binds at the salicylate site, competitively inhibiting salicylate hydroxylation, and permitting DPNH binding and oxidation. But since benzoate, a "pseudosubstrate," cannot be hydroxylated, the oxygen utilized decomposes to H2O2, and oxygen reduction is considered as "uncoupled" from hydroxylation. A search for possible active intermediates in the reduction of O2 to H2O2 by the uncoupled reaction has failed to yield evidence for any oxygen radical species. An examination of various substituted benzoates and salicylates has revealed a range of behavior intermediate between the "substrate" (salicylate) and pseudosubstrate (benzoate) modes. These compounds are hydroxylated, (in several cases more rapidly than salicylate), but some of the oxygen utilized is diverted to H2O2. These compounds are bound to enzyme with a Km higher than the inducer, salicylate, and also facilitate DPNH binding, but less effectively than does salicylate. Other properties of this enzyme, including inhibition by some monovalent anions, are described.
The effects of infused materials upon the regeneration of newt limbs. I. Blastemal extracts in denervated limb stumps.

Abstract Denervated and amputated newt limbs are usually unable to regenerate. When such limbs were infused with extracts from limb blastemata, however, they were able to form a blastema and thus begin the process of regeneration. After the initial establishment of a blastema, limbs rarely continued to grow and either retained the growth as a static enlargement or lost it by resorption. One limb among the many tested seemed to form a complete regenerate in the absence of nerves. At the least, however, the normal response of amputated limbs to denervation was altered and new growth began. Even when infused limbs did not regenerate as an immediate response to the infusions, they frequently began to grow several weeks later. This belated growth activity was evidently supported by a renewed supply of nerves but probably would not have occurred without the earlier infusion treatments. As a rule, denervation renders an amputated newt limb permanently nonregenerating unless the limb tip is reamputated once the nerves have regenerated. Different fractions of blastemal extracts produced different frequencies of response. The most effective fraction was prepared to contain the bulk of cellular ribonucleoproteins. After infusion with this fraction, limbs produced an early blastema in 79% of the cases. The fraction containing cellular particulate matter produced early blastemata in 44% of limbs infused. Limbs infused with buffered saline solution showed similar responses in only 11% of the cases. Since blastemata began to develop on denervated limbs infused with blastemal extracts, it appears that the extracts were able to substitute in some degree for the trophic factor that would normally have come from nerves. The fact that complete limb regeneration rarely followed the formation of blastemata suggests that nerves normally bring about regeneration by some factor which the blastemal extracts did not supply.
Experimental and Computational Modeling of Cardiac Electromechanical Coupling

Perturbations in ventricular mechanical loading can be arrhythmogenic and have been associated with sudden cardiac death in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, or ventricular volume overload (1–3). Stretch-induced changes in action potential propagation or repolarization could provide a mechanism for mechanically induced arrhythmias. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the effects of altered load on conduction velocity. The few existing reports present an unclear picture; some of the discrepancies may be due to the varying techniques used.
Esco2 regulates cx43 expression during skeletal regeneration in the zebrafish fin.

Background: Roberts syndrome (RBS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial abnormalities, limb malformation, and often severe mental retardation. RBS arises from mutations in ESCO2 that encodes an acetyltransferase and modifies the cohesin subunit SMC3. Mutations in SCC2/NIPBL (encodes a cohesin loader), SMC3 or other cohesin genes (SMC1, RAD21/MCD1) give rise to a related developmental malady termed Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). RBS and CdLS exhibit overlapping phenotypes, but RBS is thought to arise through mitotic failure and limited progenitor cell proliferation while CdLS arises through transcriptional dysregulation. Here, we use the zebrafish regenerating fin model to test the mechanism through which RBS-type phenotypes arise. Results: esco2 is up-regulated during fin regeneration and specifically within the blastema. esco2 knockdown adversely affects both tissue and bone growth in regenerating fins—consistent with a role in skeletal morphogenesis. esco2-knockdown significantly diminishes cx43/gja1 expression which encodes the gap junction connexin subunit required for cell–cell communication. cx43 mutations cause the short fin (sofb123) phenotype in zebrafish and oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) in humans. Importantly, miR-133-dependent cx43 overexpression rescues esco2-dependent growth defects. Conclusions: These results conceptually link ODDD to cohesinopathies and provide evidence that ESCO2 may play a transcriptional role critical for human development. Developmental Dynamics 245:7–21, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Extension and new Interpretation of Oscik's Equation Describing Liquid Chromatography with Mixed Mobile Phases

Abstract An extension of oscik's original approach, which was first proposed for liquid solid chromatography (LSC) with a multicomponent eluent in the normal-phase mode (Przem. Chem. 44, 1965, 129), leads to a new equation describing the dependence of the distribution coefficient upon mobile phase composition. This equation is also derived in terms of the expressions defining classical partitioning (J. Phys. Chem. 87, 1983, 1045). The above derivation provides a new view on the physical meaning of the parameters and indicates that Ośck's equation is more suitable for describing partition effects in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC).
An updated biodiversity nonuse value function for use in climate change integrated assessment models

The impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems are among the key reasons for concern about climate change. Integrated assessment models are the main tools used to estimate the global economic benefits of policies that would address climate change, but these models typically include only a partial accounting and idiosyncratic treatment of ecosystem impacts. Here, we review several recent studies of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and show that the biodiversity value function in the FUND integrated assessment model is insensitive to predicted biodiversity loss, instead depending almost entirely on temperature changes per se. We use quantitative estimates of the influence of global warming on species extinction rates to re-calibrate the biodiversity loss function in FUND, and develop a new global biodiversity nonuse value function calibrated using results from two previous studies of people's willingness to pay to prevent the loss of tropical rainforests and to protect endangered species in the U.S. In contrast to the ecosystem damages function in FUND, our biodiversity value function depends on temperature only indirectly through its influence on biodiversity loss. Finally, we highlight areas where further research is needed for developing more comprehensive and reliable forecasts of ecosystem damages related to climate change.
Void Closure Prediction in Cold Rolling Using Finite Element Analysis and Neural Network

Cold rolling is used to eliminate void defects in cast materials thus improving the material performance during service. A comprehensive procedure is developed using finite element analysis and neural network to predict the degree of void closure. A three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic finite element model was used to study the mechanism of void deformation. Experiments were conducted to investigate void closure during the cold flat rolling process. Experimental results are compared to the three-dimensional finite element predictions to validate the model. The void reduction predictions from finite element analysis are in good agreement with experimental findings. Plastic strain, principal stress distribution around the void and void reduction ratio are presented for various case studies. As finite element simulation is time-consuming, a back-propagation neural network model is also developed to predict void closure behavior. Based on the correlation analysis, the reduction in sheet thickness, the dimension of the void and the size of the rollers were selected as the inputs for the neural network. The neural network model was trained based on results obtained from finite element analysis for various simulation cases. The trained neural network model provides an accurate and efficient procedure to predict void closure behavior in cold rolling.
The Failed Promise of User Fees: Empirical Evidence from the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Despite the proliferation of user-fee financing structures of governmental agencies, little research has been conducted on the possible influence of such structures on agency decision-making. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the context of the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). We first suggest that the PTO’s historical fee schedule and its reliance on patent grantees to subsidize patent applicants exposes the Agency to a risk that its obligatory costs will fall out of balance with its incoming fee collections. Second, we theorize the steps that the PTO may take in such instances in order to restore financial balance while allowing it to satisfy as many of its examination obligations as it can. In broad terms, we contend that a budget constrained PTO will distort its examination practices in an effort to increase the average fee income generated per application reviewed and/or to decrease the average examination costs incurred per application processed. We hypothesize that the PTO achieves these goals through the extension of preferential examination treatment — i.e., higher granting propensities and/or shorter wait times — to some technologies over others. Building on Frakes and Wasserman (2013), which had explored the PTO’s inflationary granting response, this paper draws on novel patent-processing data and presents evidence suggesting that the PTO will attempt to maintain as much aggregate application throughput as it can during times of financial strain by prioritizing the examination of applications within those technologies that cost the PTO the least to review.
Study of microseismic activity associated with a longwall coal mining operation using a near-surface array

Abstract Microseismic studies associated with a longwall coal mining operation are described. The mine under study was located some 600 ft. below surface. Seismic events associated with controlled roof failure, and with stress development in both the roof and adjacent pillars were monitored by a seven-station near-surface array. The studies were carried out over a 6-month period during which the longwall face moved horizontally some 800 ft. below the area defined by the seismic array. Brief details are presented of the mobile monitoring system and the analysis techniques employed. Typical results obtained during the study are discussed along with suggestions for improving future studies of this type.
On Knockdown Arguments

Nathan Ballantyne (Erkenntnis 79, 2014) argues that the knockdown status of certain non-philosophical arguments can be transferred to arguments for substantive philosophical conclusions. Thus, if there are knockdown non-philosophical arguments, there are knockdown philosophical arguments. I show that Ballantyne’s argument is unsound, since arguments that are knockdown in non-philosophical contexts may become question-begging when used to argue for philosophical conclusions.
Analysis of Heat and Moisture Transfer Beneath Freezer Foundations—Part I

This paper provides a numerical solution for simultaneous heat and moisture transfer within frozen soil beneath slab foundations of refrigerated warehouses. The developed solution is validated using data from experimental tests. A parametric analysis is then performed to determine the impact of slab insulation levels and to estimate the time required to reach steady-state ground-coupled heat transfer conditions. Finally, the solution is utilized to determine an effective soil thermal conductivity that could be used in a purely heat conduction model for ground-coupled heat transfer beneath freezers.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a child with nephrotic syndrome

A 5-year-old African-American male was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Because of concomitant leukopenia, bone marrow aspiration was performed, which did not demonstrate a hematological malignancy. The patient received standard daily steroid therapy for treatment of NS. Steroid resistance at 5 weeks of therapy led to a renal biopsy, which documented focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). He was begun on cyclosporin A (CsA) and later switched to tacrolimus because of side-effects of CsA. Seven months after the initial diagnosis of NS, the patient was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient is in complete remission of ALL and partial remission of NS with continued nephrotic-range proteinuria. Review of the literature shows four other cases of pediatric ALL after NS. No particular immunosuppressive agent seemed to be causative in the evolution of ALL. Although the exact mechanism for development of ALL after NS is unknown, the incidence of leukemia may be increased after immunosuppressive therapy when used in this context.
Comment on “Toward General Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems Based on zSlices”

Wagner and Hagras introduced a novel defuzzification formula in their recent paper and showed that it works very well within the framework of their general type-2 fuzzy logic systems based on zSlices ( α-plane representation). This letter aims to point out the hidden connection between the standard centroid defuzzification formula and Wagner and Hagras' new defuzzification formula, which leads to the proof of complete equivalence of the two.
Physico-chemical integrity of nanofiltration/reverse osmosis membranes during characterization by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry

Abstract The suitability of using RBS for the characterization of polymeric composite RO/NF membranes was investigated with the specific goal of determining helium ion fluence thresholds resulting in measurable changes in membrane elemental composition and the thickness/roughness of membrane active layers. Two commercial membranes with polyamide (PA) and sulfonated-polyethersulfone (SPES) active layers on PSf support, and the PSf support without active layer were investigated. Changes in physico-chemical properties of the polymers were assessed by model fitting of the RBS spectra, and analyses with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Oxygen was found to be the most unstable element in all three materials investigated (PSf, PA, SPES) thus setting the helium ion fluence thresholds at 3 × 1014 He+/cm2 for PSf, 5 × 1014 He+/cm2 for PA, and 9 × 1014 He+/cm2 for SPES for accurate determination of elemental composition of both the active and support layers. If RBS is used to determine only the thickness and roughness of the membrane active layer, then the helium ion beam fluence could be set below higher thresholds of 2 × 1015 and 4 × 1015 He+/cm2 for membranes with PA and SPES active layers, respectively.
Antigen recognized by monoclonal antibodies to mesencephalic neural crest and to ciliary ganglion neurons is involved in the high affinity choline uptake mechanism in these cells.

High-affinity choline uptake mechanisms are among the characteristics of cholinergic neurons such as the ciliary and choroid subpopulations in the ciliary ganglion (Barald and Berg, 1979). We have produced three monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), two of which were made to 8-day embryonic chick ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons (CG-1, CG-4) (Barald, 1982) and one of which was made to cultured mesencephalic neural crest (NC) cells (CG-14) removed from the embryo 31 hr after incubation. We have shown that all three Mabs label a common 75 kD antigen present on the cell surface of both CG neurons and NC cells (Barald, 1988). Here we report that the CG-1 and CG-4 antibodies, used in the same ratios in which they are synergistically cytotoxic for both the CG and NC cells (Barald, 1988), and Mab CG-14 alone, have specific effects on the high-affinity choline uptake mechanism (HACU) of CG neurons and isolated antigen-positive NC cells in the absence of complement. CG-1 and CG-4 in ratios of 8/1 (the same ratios that are used to kill the CG and the NC subpopulation), but neither singly, inhibit the HACU of CG neurons by 40% and that of isolated antigen-positive NC cells by 75%. However, CG-14 alone, at 1 μg/ml, inhibits the HACU of both CG neurons and isolated NC cells by 95%. None of the antibodies had an effect on numbers of ouabain binding sites (a measure of the Na+/K+ ATPase) or cell surface acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of CG neurons or NC cells isolated by “no-flow” fluorescence cytometry with a Meridian Instruments ACAS470 cytometer. CG or NC cells grown in the presence of the antibodies without complement grow and remain healthy for many weeks. They exhibit no difference in morphology, protein content, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), or division time from untreated sister cultures. Therefore, the antigen recognized by all three Mabs may be involved in a high-affinity choline uptake mechanism, a common characteristic of cholinergic neurons. The Mabs themselves may possibly label some element of the high-affinity transporter or a proximal membrane component. This implies that such a high-affinity uptake mechanism is present in the subpopulation of NC cells at early times in development. If these cells in fact are destined to contribute to the avian CG, these characteristics are present in the subpopulation before the NC cells take on a neuronal morphology.
Biomarkers of incident radiographic knee osteoarthritis: do they vary by chronic knee symptoms?

Objective To explore the ability of osteoarthritis (OA)–related biomarkers to predict incident radiographic knee OA in a large sample of African American and Caucasian men and women. Methods Baseline levels of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), hyaluronan (HA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and keratan sulfate (KS) and baseline and followup radiographs were available for 353 knees without baseline osteophyte formation and for 446 knees without baseline joint space narrowing (JSN). Cox models estimated the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for incident knee OA for a 1-unit increase in the ln of each biomarker, with adjustment for age, race, sex, body mass index, and knee OA of the contralateral limb. Report of chronic knee symptoms was explored as a modifier of the association. Results The hazard of incident knee osteophytes (HR 2.16 [95% CI 1.39–3.37]) and incident JSN (HR 1.82 [95% CI 1.15–2.89]) increased with higher baseline ln(COMP) levels. The hazard of incident knee JSN increased with higher ln(HA) levels (HR 1.46 [95% CI 1.14–1.87]). Baseline ln(hsCRP) and ln(KS) did not predict incident knee outcomes. HRs per unit increase in ln(COMP), ln(HA), and ln(KS) were higher among knees with chronic symptoms than among those without symptoms. Conclusion Higher baseline ln(COMP) and ln(HA) levels were associated with incident knee OA over an average followup period of 6.3 years. These results represent detection of a molecular stage of OA prior to radiographic manifestations. Further exploration is needed to determine how chronic knee symptoms modify the biomarker–incident knee OA association.
Directional radiometric temperature profiles within a grass canopy

Abstract The scalar roughness for sensible heat flux, z 0h , which appears in Monin and Obukhov similarity theory has been shown to exhibit substantial variability. Brutsaert and Sugita (cf. W. Brutsaert and M. Sugita, J. Atmos. Sci. 53 (1996) 209–16) derived an expression for z 0h to account for variability in z 0h as a result anisothermal vegetation skin temperature, which assumes an exponential profile of canopy skin temperature. We examined this assumption through directional radiometric measurements of temperature profiles in a relatively uniform grass canopy. The temperature gradient steepened monotonely throughout the morning and was modeled successfully with an exponential profile. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) between measured and modeled profiles was small and ranged between 0.038°C and 0.530°C. One of the most significant findings of this research is that the decay coefficient, b , of the exponential profile model was approximately constant with time for this canopy. This may provide a useful simplification in applying Brutsaert and Sugita's (loc. cit.) parameterization for z 0h .
MR imaging of the spine in nonaccidental trauma

An 8-week-old boy arrived intubated and was found to have a traumatic head injury, a coccygeal wound and multiple bruises. CT of the head showed a left parietal skull fracture with underlying subacute and chronic subdural hematomas. Ophthalmologic exam showed bilateral retinal hemorrhages. The hospital advocacy team suspected nonaccidental trauma after reviewing the history, physical exam and imaging findings. MRI of the brain showed bilateral frontal parietal cytotoxic edema and subdural subacute, chronic and subgaleal hematomas (not shown). MRI of the spine reveals a posterior intrathecal hematoma (probably subdural) with a fluid-fluid level consistent with blood product deposition (Fig. 1, arrows). Note also the diffuse swelling and hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissues (Fig. 1, arrowheads) and ribs fracture with bone remodeling (Fig. 1, asterisk). The identification of the anatomic landmarks represented by the extradural fat (Fig. 2, arrow) and dura mater (Fig. 2, arrowheads) confirmed the intrathecal nature of the hematoma. The child was discharged home to protective care with the mother. Fig. 1 MRI spine. T2-W axial image
Digital image editing using PowerPoint: part 1, introduction to the image-manipulation commands.

OBJECTIVE. This article, the first in a two-part series, reviews the manipulation commands of PowerPoint and briefly describes their advantages and limitations.CONCLUSION. The 2002 version of PowerPoint has many useful image-manipulation features. The second article will discuss some practical applications of these features.
Pulmonary function tests: a brief guide

Abstract Breathing tests are used: •to screen for the presence of respiratory impairment •to measure its magnitude •in epidemiological research, to study the effects of genetic and environmental variation on health. •in clinical practice, to look for diagnostic patterns of abnormality as part of the investigation of respiratory symptoms, principally breathlessness. Good laboratory practice is essential. Many breathing tests require patient cooperation. Only about 5% of ambulant patients are unable to cooperate; for most, the process provides a helpful insight into their condition. Reference values are available for most populations; this contribution deals only with investigation in adults at sea level.
Systemic and central nervous system vasculitides

The vasculitides are a collection of diseases sharing the central feature of tissue injury due to inflammation of blood vessels. Although some occur frequently, many are encountered uncommonly or rarely. Nonetheless, because peripheral or central nervous system abnormalities may be a prominent part of these disorders, neurologists should know or be able to refer to studies on the classification, pathophysiology, treatments, and long-term complications of vasculitis. Two central issues that confront us now are 1) improving the accuracy of diagnosis, including identifying any underlying infectious causes, and 2) limiting the long-term damage from both the disease and its therapies.
Crystal and molecular structure of 5-[1-(2′-deoxy-α-d-ribofuranosyl)uracilyl] disulfide

Abstract The molecular structure of 5-[1-(2′-deoxy-α- d -ribofuranosyl) uracilyl] disulfide (I) has been determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The molecule crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with the following cell dimensions: a = 9.492 A., b = 14.061 A., c = 16.328 A. The valence state about the S-S linkage appears to be markedly different from that observed in other disulfide structures. The torsional angle about this bond is 49° and the S-S bond length was found to be 2.108 a. The configurations of both the uracil and the deoxyribosyl residues are different in the two nucleoside units of the molecule. The crystal is bound together by hydrogen bonds.
The versatile air abrasive blaster

The air-abrasive blaster has become an indispensable tool in the prosthodontic laboratory. New uses are discovered daily. A number of them are described in this article.
Genetics of caffeine consumption and responses to caffeine

Rationale Caffeine is widely consumed in foods and beverages and is also used for a variety of medical purposes. Despite its widespread use, relatively little is understood regarding how genetics affects consumption, acute response, or the long-term effects of caffeine.
A conditioning reinterpretation of cognitive events in alcohol and drug cue exposure.

Cue exposure treatments of alcohol and substance abuse disorders are based on a classical conditioning model of drug use and relapse. Recently, social learning theory has been utilized to explain the relationship of cognitive constructs (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations) to measures of cue reactivity. However, social learning theory has not provided clear and testable mechanisms by which cognitions influence behavior. This paper proposes a mechanism, based on principles of classical conditioning, whereby cognitions may influence reactivity to alcohol and drug cues. This view of cognitions within a conditioning framework has several important implications for cue exposure research and treatment.
All-optical image sharpness sensor for propagation and imaging

Undesirable turbulence effects present during propagation and imaging through the atmosphere are often reduced using adaptive optics. Many current adaptive optics systems use the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor requiring measurement and reconstruction of the incoming wavefront at the pupil plane. Indirect wavefront sensing methods, such as image sharpening, are based on data obtained from the image plane. We are developing an image sharpness sensor based on the Fourier spectrum of an image. High spatial frequencies contain information about the edges and fine detail of the image. Our premise is the maximizing of the high spatial frequencies will sharpen the image. In our setup the Fourier transform of the image is generated optically (and essentially instantaneously) and then various spatial-frequency bands are filtered with an opaque mask. The remaining Fourier spectrum is integrated optically and a sharpness signal is measured with a single photodetector. The collected sharpness value is used in a closed-loop to control the deformable mirror until the sharpness is maximized. We have constructed both a simulation and a laboratory experiment to study the sensor and its performance in an adaptive optics system.
Enhancing Student Performance Using Tablet Computers

Tablet PCs have the potential to change the dynamics of classroom interaction through wireless communication coupled with pen-based computing technology that is suited for analyzing and solving engineering problems. This study focuses on how tablet PCs and wireless technology can be used during classroom instruction to create an Interactive Learning Network (ILN) that is designed to enhance the instructor's ability to solicit active participation from all students during lectures, to conduct immediate and meaningful assessment of student learning, and to provide needed real-time feedback and assistance to maximize student learning. This interactive classroom environment is created using wireless tablet PCs and a software application, NetSupport School. Results from two separate controlled studies of the implementation of this model of teaching and learning in a sophomore-level Introductory Circuit Analysis course show a statistically significant positive impact on student performance. Additionally, result...
Freshening of the Ross Sea During the Late 20th Century

Ocean measurements in the Ross Sea over the past four decades, one of the longest records near Antarctica, reveal marked decreases in shelf water salinity and the surface salinity within the Ross Gyre. These changes have been accompanied by atmospheric warming on Ross Island, ocean warming at depths of ∼300 meters north of the continental shelf, a more negative Southern Oscillation Index, and thinning of southeast Pacific ice shelves. The freshening appears to have resulted from a combination of factors, including increased precipitation, reduced sea ice production, and increased melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Frac-seq reveals isoform-specific recruitment to polyribosomes

Pre-mRNA splicing is required for the accurate expression of virtually all human protein coding genes. However, splicing also plays important roles in coordinating subsequent steps of pre-mRNA processing such as polyadenylation and mRNA export. Here, we test the hypothesis that nuclear pre-mRNA processing influences the polyribosome association of alternative mRNA isoforms. By comparing isoform ratios in cytoplasmic and polyribosomal extracts, we determined that the alternative products of ∼30% (597/1954) of mRNA processing events are differentially partitioned between these subcellular fractions. Many of the events exhibiting isoform-specific polyribosome association are highly conserved across mammalian genomes, underscoring their possible biological importance. We find that differences in polyribosome association may be explained, at least in part by the observation that alternative splicing alters the cis-regulatory landscape of mRNAs isoforms. For example, inclusion or exclusion of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in the 5'UTR as well as Alu-elements and microRNA target sites in the 3'UTR have a strong influence on polyribosome association of alternative mRNA isoforms. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time the potential link between alternative splicing and translational control of the resultant mRNA isoforms.
Optimum indices of calcium carbonate dissolution, in deep-sea sediments

Various parameters of deep-sea sediments from the western Gulf of Mexico which are generally accepted as indicators of calcium carbonate dissolution were subjected to a multivariate statistical analysis in order to determine the amount of variance in each parameter down core attributable to dissolution. Benthonic foraminiferal abundance and foramini-feral test fragmentation proved to be most indicative of dissolution during the late Quaternary. In contrast to earlier studies, calcium carbonate concentration proved to be the least reliable variable. Ecologic and dynamic processes, such as productivity and lateral transport, also have a significant effect on each of the parameters.