cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal activation of the social brain during face perception in autism.

ASD involves a fundamental impairment in processing social-communicative information from faces. Several recent studies have challenged earlier findings that individuals with autism spec- trum disorder (ASD) have no activation of the fusiform gyrus (fusiform face area, FFA) when viewing faces. In this study, we examined activation to faces in the broader network of face-processing modules that comprise what is known as the social brain. Using 3T functional resonance imaging, we measured BOLD signal changes in 10 ASD subjects and 7 healthy controls passively viewing nonemotional faces. We replicated our original findings of significant activation of face identity-processing areas (FFA and inferior occipital gyrus, IOG) in ASD. However, in addition, we identified hypoactivation in a more widely distributed network of brain areas involved in face processing (including the right amygdala, inferior frontal cortex (IFC), superior temporal sulcus (STS), and face-related somatosensory and pre- motor cortex). In ASD, we found functional correlations between a subgroup of areas in the social brain that belong to the mirror neuron system (IFC, STS) and other face-processing areas. The severity of the social symptoms measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule was correlated with the right IFC cortical thickness and with functional activation in that area. When viewing faces, adults with ASD show atypical patterns of activation in regions forming the broader face-processing network and social brain, outside the core FFA and IOG regions. These patterns suggest that areas belonging to the mirror neuron system are involved in the face-processing disturbances in ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 28:441-449, 2007. V C 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Decomposition of Methyltrichlorosilane: Studies in A High-Temperature Flow Reactor

Experimental measurements of the decomposition of methyltrichlorosilane (MTS), a common silicon carbide precursor, in a high-temperature flow reactor are presented. The results indicate that methane and hydrogen chloride are major products of the decomposition. No chlorinated silane products were observed. Hydrogen carrier gas was found to increase the rate of MTS decomposition. The observations suggest a radical-chain mechanism for the decomposition. The implications for silicon carbide chemical vapor deposition are discussed.
13C NMR hyperfine couplings, T1 anisotropy, and Korringa relations in Rb2CsC60: Search for effects of strong correlation.

Initial considerations lead one to suspect that effects of strong correlation might be present in the alkali fulleride superconductors. We report direct measurements of $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ ${T}_{1}$ anisotropy at 80 K in ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{2}$Cs${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and compare, in the context of the Korringa relation, the inferred spin-dipolar contribution to $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$ with the widths of the measured powder pattern line shape. The results demonstrate that the Korringa relation, valid in the limit of noninteracting electrons, holds in this case. Taken together with other normal-state NMR behavior this result makes important effects of strong correlation appear unlikely.
Circular dichroism analysis of the secondary structure of Z protein and its complexes with bilirubin and other organic anions.

Abstract Circular dichroism (CD) methods were employed to study the conformation of Z protein and characterize its complexes with bilirubin and other organic anions. Z protein-bilirubin complexes exhibited a spectrum with overlapping ellipticity bands of opposite sign in the bilirubin absorption region. These results were compared with those obtained with ligandin, the other major organic anion binding protein of liver. Secondary structural differences between the two proteins were easily demonstrated since ligandin is predominantly an α-helical protein and Z features mainly β-structure. Furthermore, the optical activity pattern generated by bilirubin binding to Z was virtually a mirror image of that of the ligandin bilirubin system. CD experiments were designed to study the direct transfer of bilirubin between Z protein and ligandin, and it was shown that both proteins have almost equal affinities for bilirubin. The bilirubin on Z was readily displaced by oleic acid and displaced to a lesser extent by sulfobromophthalein.
Heterogeneous nanostructures for plasmonic interaction with luminescence and quantitative surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

NIR-to-visible up-conversion nanomaterials have been investigated in many promising applications including nextgeneration displays, solar cells, and biological labels. When doped with different trivalent lanthanide ions, NaYF4 nanoparticles can produce up-converted emission from visible to infra-red wavelengths. However, the quantum yield of this class of materials is low. Noble metals in the vicinity of the phosphor can increase the phosphorescence by local field enhancement due to plasmonic resonances, and by modification of the radiative rate of the phosphor. Most previous studies have investigated the phenomenon by placing nanophosphors onto a metal substrate, or by fabrication of nano structures with spacers such as polymers, dielectric materials (silica). By contrast, we have studied the interaction between the luminescence and the surface plasmon using a core-shell type nanostructure where a uniform shell of silver is shown to grown on doped-NaYF4 nanophosphors by Ostwald ripening. We further demonstrate the proximity effect of metal-enhanced luminescence by exciting an undoped NaYF4 shell. The result shows a significant synergistic enhancement of up-conversion luminescence due to the active shell as spacer layer. In addition, we have shown this novel nanostructure may be useful in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
CONTROLLED EXCITATION OF SELECTED REGIONS INSIDE DIELECTRIC MEDIA

We propose an optical scheme to control the degree of excitation of spatially localized regions inside an absorbing three-level medium using two suitably delayed laser pulses. Only selected localized regions inside the medium are changed by the pulses, the remaining medium remains unchanged in its ground state. We present an approximate but analytical theory of the coupled Liouville and Maxwell equations and propose an experimental verification of this control excitation scheme for potassium vapor.
Nitrogen Fixation by Lightning

Abstract When some of the uncertainties associated with lightning are reviewed, it becomes difficult to support a large production of fixed nitrogen from the lightning shock wave.
Cross-reactivity between coconut and hazelnut proteins in a patient with coconut anaphylaxis

Background The medical literature reports few cases of severe allergic reactions to coconut. We encountered a patient with anaphylaxis to coconut and oral symptoms to tree nuts. Objective To identify cross-reactive antibodies between coconut and other tree nuts. Methods We performed commercial radioallergosorbent tests to coconut and various tree nuts using the patient's serum. Skin prick testing was performed to fresh coconut and commercial extracts of coconut, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, pecan, walnut, and hazelnut. Proteins from fresh coconut, commercial coconut extract, and tree nuts were extracted. Immunoblot and inhibition assays were performed to evaluate for cross-reacting IgE antibodies between similar-sized allergens in coconut and hazelnut. Results Positive skin test results occurred to the coconut and multiple tree nut extracts. In vitro serum specific IgE was present for coconut, hazelnut, Brazil nut, and cashew. Immunoblots demonstrated IgE binding to 35- and 50-kDa protein bands in the coconut and hazelnut extracts. Inhibition assays using coconut demonstrated complete inhibition of hazelnut specific IgE, but inhibition assays using hazelnut showed only partial inhibition of coconut specific IgE. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the presence of cross-reactive allergens between hazelnut (a tree nut) and coconut (a distantly related palm family member). Because there are many potentially cross-reactive allergens among the tree nuts, we recommend patients with coconut hypersensitivity be investigated for further tree nut allergies.
Peptidoglycan recognition in Drosophila

Drosophila rely primarily on innate immune responses to effectively combat a wide array of microbial pathogens. The hallmark of the Drosophila humoral immune response is the rapid production of AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) by the fat body, the insect homologue of the mammalian liver. Production of these AMPs is controlled at the level of transcription by two NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) signalling pathways. The Toll pathway is activated by fungal and many Gram-positive bacterial microbes, whereas the IMD (immune deficiency) pathway responds to Gram-negative bacteria and certain Gram-positive bacilli. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in bacterial recognition, in particular the differential recognition of various types of bacterial PGN (peptidoglycan) by different members of the PGRP (PGN recognition protein) family of receptors.
Endogenous growth cycles in an open economy with fixed exchange rates

Abstract An open capitalist economy is studied, in which domestic capital expenditures, wages, and exports constitute the only source of demand for output. The money supply has an endogenous component which varies with the trade balance through fluctuations in the stock of international reserves. The liquidity effects of external imbalance give rise to a limit cycle trajectory in situations when strong accelerator effects render the steady state growth path unstable. The effects of export promotion and import substitution policies on the stability of the system are explored.
On the stability of flow-formed inter-faces, and a diffusion-gravity controlled enzyme-substrate reaction

Abstract A kind of “competitive diffusion” and the normal force of gravity can interact, leading to a microconvectional instability called “droplet sedimentation.” This type of phenomenon is demonstrated in an initially stably layered flow-system, and used to transport lysozyme rapidly into its physically separated substrate. In this manner a continuous steady state enzyme-substrate reaction is brought under the complete control of gravity and the diffusion coefficients of inert components of the system. If such a mechanism should play a role in any biological function, then in the “weightless” condition the function would be altered or removed.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and High Protein Diet Decrease Calpain-Mediated Proteolysis in Murine Muscular Dystrophy

In muscular dystrophy (MD) the imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation may be an important factor leading to muscle wasting. The three major pathways of muscle proteolysis identified in skeletal muscle are: the lysosomal cathepsin pathway, the calcium-dependent calpain pathway, and the ATP-dependent ubiquitin pathway. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and a high-protein diet (HPD) have been shown to reduce proteolysis in skeletal muscle. We examined the effect of 6 weeks of recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) alone or in combination with HPD treatment on the proteolytic pathways in skeletal muscle of 129 ReJ dystrophic (dy) mice. (A group of normal (Norm) nondystrophic (129 J) mice were included as controls). Untreated dy mice exhibited increased net proteolysis (P < 0.05), elevated net calpain activity (P < 0.01), and increased ubiquitin levels when compared to control mice (P < 0.05). Our evidence suggests that HPD and rhIGF-I decrease proteolysis in the 129 ReJ dy mouse. This effect appears attributable, at least in part, to reduced calpain-mediated myofibrillar breakdown (P < 0.05) due to decreased calpain autolysis or increased calpastatin levels. In contrast to calpain, cathepsin B activity was increased in HPD and rhIGF-I + HPD-treated dy muscle (P < 0.05) and unaltered in the rhIGF-I treated animals. Levels of free and protein-conjugated ubiquitin were also increased in rhIGF-I, and rhIGF-I + HPD treated dyanimals (P < 0.05). The amelioration of muscle wasting in the 129 ReJ dy model by HPD and/or rhIGF-I may have potential implications in the treatment of human MD.
Lower-order adaptive beam steering system in terrestrial free space point-to-point laser communication using fine tracking sensor

The Terrestrial Free Space Point to Point Laser Communication (TFSPPLC) offers an attractive alternatives for transferring high -bandwidth data. The wave propagation takes place in optically inhomogeneous atmospheric channel. Various deleterious effects of the atmospheric channel leads the optical wave to serious signal fading, misalignments of fixed position and even complete loss of signal altogether. Therefore, understanding the atmospheric behavior to the optical wave propagation with the real time experimental data collected over long duration become significant. A TFSPPLC opto-electronic architecture is established for the range of 500m and 28.5m altitude above the surface of the earth. An Adaptive Optics (AO) based steering technique is incorporated in the experimental test-bed to mitigate the lower order temporal and spatial distortions measured at the receiver aperture. The technique of incorporating 2 Dimensional - 4 Quadrant fine tracking sensor (2D-4QS) and Fast Steering Tip-Tilt Mirror (FSTTM) in the adaptive receiver in a closed loop control configuration is presented. An Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller (AFLC) is developed in the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and its performance is tested in real time with generating the control signal to drive the piezoelectric actuators of FSTTM. The method of compensating the atmospheric effects using FSTTM is described. The statistical analyses of the experimental data are also presented.
Cardiomyopathy of Insulin Resistance

For many patients diagnosed with heart failure, the underlying etiology remains elusive. Up to half of heart failure cases are not the result of coronary artery disease, and most of these are deemed ‘‘idiopathic’’ in origin. A further understanding of the cause of heart failure in these individuals could lead to great improvements in prevention and treatment of the disease. A review of insulin resistance and heart failure offers striking similarities. The two diseases are increasing in prevalence, paralleling the increase of obesity in society. Both states involve dysregulation of several neurohormonal systems – most notably the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway, nitric oxide metabolism, and the sympathetic nervous system. Both states involve harmful upregulation of inflammatory mediators. Abundant epidemiologic, clinical, and basic science evidence now supports a primary causative role for insulin resistance in many of these cases of heart failure, independent from its contribution to ischemic heart disease. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the current evidence for this link between insulin resistance and heart failure. The article is divided into three sections: the first a summary of the epidemiologic and clinical evidence for links between the two diseases, the second a review of the pathophysiologic links between these two diseases, and the third an outline of possible treatment strategies for the insulin resistance seen in heart failure.
Analysis of variance in forensic glass analysis by ICP-MS: variance within the method

An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric analyses of glass fragments to identify the source and magnitude of variation in elemental concentration determinations. Accuracy in the multielement analysis was also evaluated. ANOVA was performed on 68 isotopes representing 57 elements in NIST SRM 612 Trace Elements in Glass (nominal concentration 50 mg L−1). The analysis apportioned variance into components of time (day-to-day), dissolution (sample-to-sample), calibration and instrumental (internal) variance. Elements were classified into four categories defined by the combination of precision and accuracy. Those not falling into the classification of both good precision (RSD < 10% or s ≤ 3 µg g−1) and accuracy (|bias| < 5 µg g−1 and |%bias| ≤ 10%) were critically examined before inclusion in a list of potentially discriminating elements to be used for the development of an elemental concentration database for float glasses. The final list consists of 59 isotopes, representing 46 elements.
Thermoelectric module cooling for photosynthesis chambers in plant nutrition studies 1

Abstract The water cooled system for controlling air temperature in photosynthesis assimilation chamber is cumbersome and requires a water tight system consisting of a double‐jacketed chamber. Mani...
Sensitivity of thermal inertia calculations to variations in environmental factors

The sensitivity of thermal inertia (TI) calculations to errors in the measurement or parameterization of a number of environmental factors is considered here. The factors include effects of radiative transfer in the atmosphere, surface albedo and emissivity, variations in surface turbulent heat flux density, cloud cover, vegetative cover, and topography. The error analysis is based upon data from the Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) satellite for July 1978 at three separate test sites in the deserts of the western United States. Results show that typical errors in atmospheric radiative transfer, cloud cover, and vegetative cover can individually cause root-mean-square (RMS) errors of about 10 percent (with atmospheric effects sometimes as large as 30-40 percent) in HCMM-derived thermal inertia images of 20,000-200,000 pixels.
A composite heat transfer correlation for saturated flow boiling in small channels

Abstract Recent reviews of flow boiling heat transfer in small tubes and channels have highlighted the need for predictive correlations that are applicable over a wide range of parameters and across different studies. A composite correlation is developed in the present work which includes nucleate boiling and convective heat transfer terms while accounting for the effect of bubble confinement in small channels. The correlation is developed from a database of 3899 data points from 14 studies in the literature covering 12 different wetting and non-wetting fluids, hydraulic diameters ranging from 0.16 to 2.92 mm, and confinement numbers from 0.3 to 4.0. The mass fluxes included in the database range from 20 to 3000 kg m −2 s −1 , the heat fluxes from 0.4 to 115 W cm −2 , the vapor qualities from 0 to 1, and the saturation temperatures from −194 to 97 °C. While some of the data sets show opposing trends with respect to some parameters, a mean absolute error of less than 30% is achieved with the proposed correlation.
Esophageal reconstruction for benign disease: early morbidity, mortality, and functional results

Abstract Background . Esophagectomy for benign disease is performed infrequently. We reviewed the Mayo Clinic's experience with patients who required esophageal reconstruction for benign esophageal disease. Methods . From March 1956 to October 1997, all patients who required resection and reconstruction for a benign condition of the esophagus were reviewed. Results . There were 255 patients (141 male, 114 female). Median age was 55 years (range, 2 to 100). The original diagnosis was an esophageal stricture in 108 patients (42%), primary motility disorder in 84 (33%), perforation in 36 (14%), hiatal hernia in 18 (7%), and other in 9 (4.0%). Reconstruction was with stomach in 168 patients (66%), colon in 70 (27%), and small bowel in 17 (7%). The anastomosis was intrathoracic in 144 patients (57%) and cervical in 111 (43%). There were 13 postoperative deaths (mortality 5%); 142 patients (56%) had at least one complication. Median hospitalization was 14 days (range, 6–95 days). Follow-up was complete in 226 patients (88.6%) for a median of 52 months (range, 1 month to 29 years). A total of 175 patients (77.4%) were improved. Functional results were classified as excellent in 72 patients (31.8%), good in 23 (10.2%), fair in 80 (35.4%), and poor in 51 (22.6%). Conclusions . Esophageal reconstruction for benign disease resulted in functional improvement in a majority of patients. It can be done with low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Early morbidity is adversely affected by the diagnosis of perforation and the route through which the conduit is placed. Late functional outcome is adversely affected by the diagnosis of paraesophageal hernia and a cervical anastomosis.
PP153. Noninvasive assessment of maternal hemodynamic function by electrical impedance cardiography (EIC) and correlation with uterine and umbilical vascular resistance in mid-pregnancy.

Introduction Maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy involves the coordinated augmentation of both systemic and uteroplacental circulations, with the concomitant development of a new fetoplacental circuit. Disturbances of maternal hemodynamic adaptation in early pregnancy are often associated with compromise in the other circulations, although the assessment of maternal vascular function by conventional means is cumbersome and expensive. Objectives We sought to assess maternal hemodynamic function with a noninvasive cardiographic monitor, and to correlate the findings to both uteroplacental and fetoplacental vascular resistance. Methods We measured cardiac output and index (CO, CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and an index of contractility (ICON) with a novel electrical impedance cardiograph (Aesculon EIC System, Cardiotronic, USA) that provides a volume independent estimate of cyclical blood flow velocity. We enrolled high-risk subjects between 22 and 25 weeks who were referred for assessment of fetal growth and uterine artery Dopplers due to abnormalities of serum screening analytes or other risk factors for preeclampsia. Doppler measurements of blood flow in the uterine arteries (pulsatility index, PI) and umbilical artery (systolic: diastolic ratio, S/D) were obtained by ultrasound (Voluson E8, GE Healthcare, Inc.), along with the fetal weight percentile (FW%). Data were expressed as medians (+/− range), and analyzed with Spearman’s correlation coefficient, R. Statistical significance was set to p = 0.05. Results Electrical impedance cardiography (EIC) data was collected from seventeen subjects. There were no measurement failures. The median gestational age was 24.3 weeks and the BMI was 26.4 (21–47). The median PI, S/D and FW% were 0.96 (0.47–2.1), 3.3 (2.6–7.1), and 53% (6–82%). EIC results and their relationship to uterine and umbilical Dopplers and fetal growth are shown in Table 1. There were no significant correlations between maternal systemic hemodynamic parameters and uterine artery PI. On the other hand, maternal cardiac function was strongly related to the umbilical artery S/D ratio, and SVR was uniquely related to the FW%. EIC Hemodynamic Parameter Median (range) Correlation with Dopplers and growth (Spearman R; ∗ = p Uterine PI Umbilical S/D FW% CO 7.5 (4.0–0.1) −0.29 −0.72 ∗ 0.24 CI 4.4 (2.3–5.2) −0.46 −0.69 ∗ 0.21 SVR 823 (469–2028) 0.34 0.89 ∗ −0.57 ∗ MAP 78 (10–109) 0.36 0.53 ∗ −0.77 ∗ ICON 66 (22–100) −0.32 −0.54 ∗ 0.16 Conclusion Maternal systemic hemodynamics can be conveniently acquired by EIC at the same time as routine obstetrical imaging. Our data suggest that maternal cardiovascular adaptation more closely reflects the fetoplacental circulation than the uteroplacental circulation in women at moderate risk of preeclampsia. EIC may be a useful adjunct in assessing risk of fetal compromise
RIVER: A reliable inter-vehicular routing protocol for vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs), an emerging technology, would allow vehicles on roads to form a self-organized network without the aid of a permanent infrastructure. As a prerequisite to communication in VANETs, an efficient route between communicating nodes in the network must be established, and the routing protocol must adapt to the rapidly changing topology of vehicles in motion. This is one of the goals of VANET routing protocols. In this paper, we present an efficient routing protocol for VANETs, called the Reliable Inter-VEhicular Routing (RIVER) protocol. RIVER utilizes an undirected graph that represents the surrounding street layout where the vertices of the graph are points at which streets curve or intersect, and the graph edges represent the street segments between those vertices. Unlike existing protocols, RIVER performs real-time, active traffic monitoring and uses these data and other data gathered through passive mechanisms to assign a reliability rating to each street edge. The protocol then uses these reliability ratings to select the most reliable route. Control messages are used to identify a node's neighbors, determine the reliability of street edges, and to share street edge reliability information with other nodes.
The MR Imaging Features and Clinical Correlates in Low Back Pain–Related Syndromes

Several distinct clinical syndromes can accompany low back pain in patients with lumbar spine abnormality. Developmental factors and any superimposed degenerative changes determine the size and configuration of the spinal canal, lateral recess, and neural foramen, and can affect the nerve roots. Somatic or referred pain may develop depending on the involved anatomic site and underlying pathology. Many times, but not always, MR imaging findings correlate with the clinical presentation. Combined analysis of the imaging and clinical findings may provide a more accurate and concise approach to the patient with low back pain.
An Empirical Evaluation of a Test for Assessing Job Satisfaction

Extant measures of job satisfaction range from single questions to multiple-item, multifaceted instruments. Described here is the development and validation of the Job Perception Scales, a 21-item semantic differential measure which assesses satisfaction with five job facets: work, pay, promotions, supervision, and co-workers. Convergent and discriminant validities of the scales and the Job Descriptive Index are reported. The new scale shows both validity and reliability, it can be completed quickly, and the five facets add to its diagnostic usefulness.
Leading a Child to a Computer Culture

“LOGO” is sometimes used as the name of a programming language. It is also used as the name of ... what shall I call it ? ... an environment, a culture, way of thinking about computers and about learning and about putting the two together. I shall try to convey to you how I bring a child into this environment. The environment is made of ideas, of things and of people. The things include various types of turtles: computer controlled mechanical beasts which use touch sensors or eye-sight to crawl around the floor and display turtles, which live on TV-like screens where they draw in phosphor white or inmulti-color.
Is There a Pessimistic Shift

Summary.-Three experiments are reported which were intended to replicate a group-induced shift toward greater pessimism in probability estimation and evaluate the extent to which it might be produced by procedural artifacts. In only one experiment was a statistically reliable shift toward pessimism ob tained. In this experiment, item-by-item variation was eliminated as a significant factor in the shift. Results of the other two experiments were inconclusive, leaving doubt regarding the reliability and generality of the presumed shift toward pessimism. AS an extension to the now-voluminous literamre on the risky shift phenomenon, the finding of a group-induced shift toward pessimism has also been reported. This was first indicated by Madaras and Bem (1968), who interpreted their evidence for a shift toward pessimism as a factor likely to moderate the effects of a shift toward risk in real-life situations. Further evidence of a shift toward pessimism was reported by Larnm, Trommsdorff, and Kogan (1970), who found pessimistic shifts produced by both risk-oriented and probability-oriented discussions. Three experiments were conducted to explore further the possibility of a pessimistic shift. The first was designed primarily to replicate the pessimistic shift and to examine whether or not it depends on the specific items used. The second experiment included a control group to provide more effective comparison. The third was designed primarily to study possible effects of pretesting upon group-associated shifts in probability estimation. Results of Exp. I were subjected to an analysis of variance based on scores for individual items; analyses for Exps. I1 and 111 simply compared the over-all scores of subjects in different treatments.
Characterization of oligomers of tubulin by two-dimensional native electrophoresis.

Abstract We and others [Lee et al. (1973) J. Biol. Chem.248, 7253–7262; Kravit et al. (1982) J. Cell Biol.95, 344a; Kravit et al. (1984) J. Cell Biol.99, 188–198] have observed oligomers of tubulin by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), even when they were not evident in sedimentation velocity or gel-exclusion chromatography experiments under comparable conditions. Aggregates of tubulin are also seen on native starch gels. Tubulins purified from calf brain, sea urchin egg (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), and antarctic fish brain (Pagothenia borchgrevinki) give rise to similar distributions of aggregates. Unlike microtubules, these oligomers are relatively insensitive to temperature (5–25 °C), pH (6.1–8.8), the absence of excess GTP and/or Mg+2, stoichiometric concentrations of colchicine, and a variety of electrophoresis buffers. These aggregates, once formed during electrophoresis, associate and dissociate slowly. Depending upon the incubation conditions, they give rise to kinetically controlled distributions that appear in two-dimensional native PAGE as a square array of discrete polymeric species. The fastest migrating species (monomers) are often observed to reequilibrate preferentially into the second band. The second band reequilibrates into the fourth, the third band into the sixth, the fourth into the eighth, etc. (The assignment of molecular weights to these species by Ferguson analysis is tentative due to their slow reequilibration.) Thus, a feature of the reequilibration is that association occurs more rapidly than dissociation and each species is occasionally observed to “dimerize.” This behavior is suggestive of irreversible aggregation (possibly crosslinking) or of the formation of slowly dissociating aggregates. Although they may be related to the protofilaments of microtubules, these oligomers appear to be another example of nonmicrotubular, polymorphic aggregates of tubulin.
T cell subsets and Langerhans cells in lichen planus: in situ characterization using monoclonal antibodies

SUMMARY Skin biopsies from four patients with lichen planus were studied using monoclonal antibodies directed against T lymphocytes. Anti-T1 and anti-T3 antibodies, which react with all peripheral T cells, stained most cells in the dermal infiltrates. The majority of infiltrating cells also stained with anti-T4 and anti-T4b antibodies, which react with helper/inducer cells, whereas a minority of cells stained with anti-T8 antibody, which reacts with cytotoxic/suppres-sor cells. Surface IgM was not identified on any infiltrating cells, providing evidence against B cell participation. Intraepidermal and dermal cells with long cytoplasmic extensions stained with anti-T6 antibody in all cases, defining them as Langerhans cells or their precursors. T6-positive cells were seen in greater number than in normal control epidermis and dermis. The results indicate that well-developed lesions of lichen planus are characterized by an influx of helper/inducer T lymphocytes and increased numbers of Langerhans cells. These observations support the contention that cellular immunity is important in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Differences in first and second stage labor pain between nulliparous and multiparous women

This descriptive clinical study investigated differences in pain reported during four phases of labor by nulliparous as compared to multiparous parturients. Sixty-five nulliparas and 100 multiparas participated by responding to the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire during early (0-3 cm), active (4-7 cm), transitional (8-10 cm), or second stage labor. Sensory pain was significantly greater in nulliparous than multiparous women during early and active labor, and significantly less during second stage. Significantly higher affective pain scores were reported by nulliparas during active and transitional labor with no differences by parity identified for early or second stage labor. These preliminary findings are interpreted in relationship to clinical and theoretical differences in the physiology and psychology of labor for first-time as compared to veteran parturients.ZusammenfassungDiese deskriptive klinische Studie untersuchte die Unterschiede in den wahrend der vier Phasen der Geburt von Nullipari im V...
Selective ionization of Ba and Sr isotopes based on a two-photon interference effect

We show that the zero- and nonzero-nuclear-spin isotopes of Ba and Sr can be excited and ionized at different rates by sequential absorption of radiation from two pulsed laser beams. The selective excitation takes place in a J=0\ensuremath{\leftarrow}J=1\ensuremath{\leftarrow}J=0 energy-level scheme (where J is the electronic angular momentum), which, depending on the relative polarization of the laser beams, gives totally destructive interference in the absorption rate to the upper J=0 state of a zero-nuclear-spin atom, or a finite but time-dependent rate for population of the upper state for an atom with nonzero nuclear spin. A theoretical explanation of the effect shows the alignment of the nuclear spin as well as the population of the upper state to be time dependent. Isotope ratios were measured in Ba and Sr as a function of laser polarization and delay time, and compared with theory.
The 1988 and 1990 Summer Season Simulations for West Africa Using a Regional Climate Model

Abstract Simulations have been undertaken using a regional climate model (RegCM2) developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research for the West African growing season (June–September) periods of 1988 and 1990. The regional climate model simulations are driven at the lateral boundaries every 12 h by data from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses, with a horizontal grid spacing of 110 km using the Grell cumulus parameterization. An additional simulation during the 1988 growing season also uses the Kuo cumulus parameterization. Furthermore, a review of the differences in the tropical circulation from the ECMWF analyses during 1988 and 1990 are reviewed. The climate simulations using the Grell parameterization during the 1988 and 1990 growing seasons capture many of the observed atmospheric features and depict drier conditions during 1990. Precipitation amounts are underestimated for both the Kuo and Grell parameterizations when compared to observations during 1988, wit...
Through-bolt push out effects on the behavior of hybrid masonry systems

Abstract This paper provides specifications necessary for designing hybrid masonry systems that resist through-bolt push out effects. Hybrid masonry is a relatively new structural system that can be used in seismic areas and comprises masonry panels connected to frames through steel plate connectors. However, masonry break-out at the connection between the steel plates and the masonry panel requires further analysis to better understand the load transfer mechanism of the hybrid masonry system. Therefore, we use a computational framework to model the hybrid masonry that uses a typical plasticity model with hardening for the steel components and a nonlocal two-scalar damage model that accounts for tension and compression for the masonry panel. Based on parametric studies conducted using this framework we provide recommendations for the through-bolt location and for the reinforcement percentage and location within the masonry panel to achieve best results in the load transfer mechanism of the hybrid masonry system during a seismic event.
Patterns of pulmonary venous and transmitral flow velocity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This study determines the characteristics of left atrial filling from the pulmonary veinsin 80 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by transthoracic echocardiography. Patients in sinus rhythm ( n =72) showed a typical triphasic pattern with a systolic phase (J) and diastolic phase (K) and a retrograde surge of flow during atrial contraction. In sinus rhythm, three characteristic patterns of pulmonary venous flow in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were observed: (1) an increased peak J wave relative to the K wave with J/K ratios greater than 1 ( n =43; 60%), (2) equal peak J and K phases ( n =7; 10%), and (3) decreased J wave relative to K ratios and J/K less than 1 ( n =22; 30%). The J/K ratio correlated inversely with the E/A ratio ( r =−0.64; p
The Acquisition of Classifiers in Verbs of Motion and Verbs of Location in Brazilian Sign Language

This dissertation explores the relationship between the language model to which children are exposed and their resulting language acquisition. Bickerton (1981) and others claim that children can become proficient in a language even whether a particular threshold of proficiency in the input is required for complete acquisition in the child. The acquisition of Brazilian Sign Language (LSB) is an ideal testing ground to assess the limits of Bickerton’s claim. Most deaf children in Brazil are born to hearing parents and learn LSB at schools from teachers who are not proficient signers. This dissertation explores the effect of the variation of proficiency of LSB input on the acquisition of one linguistic structure, in 61 children ages 4;6 to 11;10. Two other variables are examined as controls: length of exposure to LSB and chronological age. The structure under study is the classifier. In signed languages, classifiers are used with verbs to indicate properties of the Theme including visual and geometric characteristics, abstract semantic category, and instrumental function. This study assesses the effect of the earlier mentioned variables on the age of onset of production of classifier handshapes, the relative difficulty of production of different handshapes, and errors produced indicating the sequence of classifier acquisition. Four hypotheses were tested and confirmed in this study: The first hypothesis stated that quality of exposure is a significant factor in determining output. The results showed that the children of deaf parents, who are exposed to a natural signed language in the normal process, benefit from this input in the acquisition process. The second hypothesis stated that the quantity of exposure has a significant effect in determining output, but it cannot fully compensate for quality of exposure. The results have shown that the deaf children of hearing parents who have longer exposure to a signed language performed better than the other children who have less exposure time; however, their mean proportion of correctness does not equal their peers who have deaf parents. The third hypothesis stated that age has a significant effect in the
Sympathomimetic Infusion and Cardiac Repolarization: The Normative Effects of Epinephrine and Isoproterenol in Healthy Subjects

Introduction: Catecholamines are known to affect cardiac repolarization, and provocation with either isoproterenol or epinephrine has been proposed as a tool for uncovering latent repolarization abnormalities. This study systematically compares the effects of isoproterenol and epinephrine infusions on QT interval (QT), T waves and U waves in normal subjects. Methods and Results: Twenty-four normal subjects (29 ± 8 years) were evaluated during graded infusions of up to 0.30 μg/kg/minute epinephrine and 5.0 μg/minute isoproterenol. Heart rates at peak doses were 81 ± 13 bpm at 0.28 ± 0.04 μg/kg/minute epinephrine and 104 ± 5 bpm at 2.4 μg/minute isoproterenol. The longest absolute QT increase was 4 ± 5 msec above baseline during isoproterenol (P < 0.001) and 12 ± 23 msec during epinephrine (P = 0.07), while the longest corrected QT interval (QTc) increase was 67 ± 28 msec (P < 0.0001) and 79 ± 40 msec (P < 0.0001) above baseline during isoproterenol and epinephrine, respectively (P = 0.12 for difference). There was a 2-fold increase in U-wave amplitude during each intervention (P < 0.001). The specificity of paradoxical QT prolongation (≥30 msec at 0.05 μg/kg/minute or ≥35 msec at 0.10 μg/kg/minute epinephrine) and an increase in QTc ≥600 msec at any dose epinephrine were 100%. However, the specificity of other proposed criteria that utilized QTc measurement (≥30 msec at 0.10 μg/kg/minute or ≥65 msec at any dose) was poor whether all leads or only lead II were assessed. Conclusion: Both epinephrine and isoproterenol are associated with QTc prolongation and amplification of the U wave in normal subjects. The specificity of proposed criteria for epinephrine provocation in diagnosis of the long-QT syndrome is variable; however, paradoxical QT prolongation at low-dose epinephrine or a QTc ≥600 msec is highly specific.
The heat coagulation of milk.

Summary The relationship between the heat stability and the composition and other properties of the milks of four cows during the course of a lactation period was investigated. No marked correlation was found between the heat stability and the various tests and analyses conducted upon the milks. The "rapid" tests sometimes used to classify milks to be used for condensing, such as the acid test, the alcohol test, and the phosphate test, did not satisfactorily indicate the relative heat stability of the milks. The salt balance as determined by analyses of the milks showed no direct correlation with the heat stability of the samples. The buffer intensity was not related to the stability of the milks toward heat. No clear relationship was noted between the heat stabilities of the fresh milks and of their evaporated products. Each of the individual milks for the most part retained fairly constant values in many of the tests, these values being characteristic of the milk from each cow. The results of this investigation of the individual milks of four cows conclusively demonstrated the inadequacy of our present knowledge of the heat stability of milk.
Chemotherapy and pregnancy.

Abstract There are still unanswered questions concerning long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to anti-neoplastics. It is possible that a mechanism of follow-up such as a national registry could be formalized. Although pregnancy in the woman with cancer is a rare event, it may occur more frequently in the future. The nurse must be knowledgeable concerning the issues in decision-making and confident in his or her ability to mobilize resources for the patient and family. Overall, the use of cytotoxic agents during the first trimester offers the greatest potential for spontaneous abortion and fetal malformations. In contrast, chemotherapy administered in the second and third trimesters appears to offer minimal risk. What effect this exposure will have on future generations is only speculative. It would be safer if fetal drug exposure could be avoided completely, but when this is not prudent and the mother's life is at stake, careful consideration and thoughtful guidance is appropriate for the pregnant patient with cancer.
Concurrent ivermectin and Solanum spp. toxicosis in a herd of horses.

Background Representatives from a herd of horses with acute onset of neurologic signs after administration of ivermectin presented for evaluation and treatment. Objectives Describe clinical signs of horses intoxicated by ingestion of Solanum sp. and administered ivermectin. Animals Six of 11 affected unrelated horses presented for evaluation and treatment. The remaining 5 affected horses were treated at the farm. Four additional horses, housed separately, were unaffected. Methods Case series is presented. Serum ivermectin concentrations were evaluated in the 6 hospitalized horses. The remnants of the tubes of ivermectin paste were analyzed for ivermectin concentration. The hay fed to the affected horses was analyzed for the presence of toxic plants. Results Serum ivermectin concentrations were higher than expected, given the dosage of ivermectin administered. The ivermectin concentration remaining in the administration tubes did not exceed specifications. The hay was heavily contaminated by 2 Solanum species. All horses returned to normal neurologic function with supportive care. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Horses might exhibit signs of ivermectin toxicity after appropriate dosing of the drug if they concurrently consume toxic plants of the Solanum family.
Spirituality Development for Homeless Youth: A Mindfulness Meditation Feasibility Pilot

Few resilience enhancement interventions are available to help homeless youth at high risk for mental health problems and substance abuse. Mindfulness meditation has demonstrated effectiveness in persons who deal with some of these issues. Our purpose was to examine the feasibility of delivering a spirituality development class—a minimally modified version of Yale University’s 8-session Spiritual Self-Schema (3-S) program—to homeless youth in a shelter in an urban center in the Southeastern United States. We used a quasi-experimental, one group, pre- and post-intervention design with standardized self-report measures of impulsiveness, resilience, spirituality, mental wellness, and psychological symptoms. Seventy-one youth enrolled in the study; 39 of the youth attended at least four sessions of the class and completed the posttest. The spirituality development class was well received by the youth and, overall, participants demonstrated improvement on measures of spirituality, mental wellness, psychological symptoms, and resilience on the posttest. There were no statistically meaningful changes in impulsiveness scores. We concluded that mindfulness meditation programs are feasible for this population. Future studies of high-risk youth should use a randomized controlled trial design to examine the long-term impact of such training on psychological status and behavioral outcomes such as educational path, work attainment, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Solar evaporation of aqueous wastes from fertilizers/ag-chemical dealerships

Even when best management practices are employed, dealers can have 2000 to 7000 gallons (7571-26,498 liters) of fertilizer/pesticide rinsewaters each year that cannot be used on nonlabel crops (crops for which the pesticide is not registered) or indiscriminately applied or disposed of without violating United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) pesticide label application regulations. A novel, easily implemented solution for reducing the volume of these rinsewaters has been developed at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) working with researchers from the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) National Fertilizer and Environmental Research Center (NFERC), Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Researchers have developed a passive flat-plate solar evaporator. It is a stainless steel/glass unit approximately 8 × 7 × 5 ft (2.4 × 2.1 × 1.5 m), and can be produced on an assembly line basis for less than $4000 each. NFERC technologists will use these units for environmental research and demonstration projects at other universities and dealers this year. Each unit can evaporate 900–1200 gallons (3407–45421) of water per year.