cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Novel Actin-Binding Domain within the Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor TEM4

Spatio-temporal activation of Rho GTPases is essential for their function in a variety of biological processes and is achieved in part by regulating the localization of their activators, the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs). In this study, we provide the first characterization of the full-length protein encoded by RhoGEF TEM4 and delineate its domain structure, catalytic activity, and subcellular localization. First, we determined that TEM4 can stimulate guanine nucleotide exchange on RhoA and the related RhoB and RhoC isoforms. Second, we determined that TEM4, like other Dbl RhoGEFs, contains a functional pleckstrin homology (PH) domain immediately C-terminal to the catalytic Dbl homology (DH) domain. Third, using immunofluorescence analysis, we showed that TEM4 localizes to the actin cytoskeleton through sequences in the N-terminus of TEM4 independently of the DH/PH domains. Using site-directed mutagenesis and deletion analysis, we identified a minimal region between residues 81 and 135 that binds directly to F-actin and has an ∼90-fold higher affinity for ATP-loaded F-actin. Finally, we demonstrated that a single point mutation (R130D) within full-length TEM4 abolishes actin binding and localization of TEM4 to the actin cytoskeleton, as well as dampens the in vivo activity of TEM4 towards RhoC. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TEM4 contains a novel actin binding domain and binding to actin is essential for TEM4 subcellular localization and activity. The unique subcellular localization of TEM4 suggests a spatially-restricted activity and expands the diversity of mechanisms by which RhoGEF function can be regulated.
Design considerations for a 50-W cw, fundamental mode, diode-pumped solid state laser

To achieve the design goal of 50 watts cw in a single-frequency, fundamental mode we have chosen a slab laser design. The slab geometry with a zig-zag optical path eliminates stress birefringence and thermal focusing to first order in a uniformly pumped, ideal slab. However, at the thermal loads we are considering, higher order effects become significant. We have developed a computer program to analyze the full three dimensional behavior of the thermally loaded slab and have used this code in an attempt to minimize the wavefront distortion of a beam as it traverses the slab. The resonator design is also critical in achieving single- frequency, fundamental mode operation with high extraction efficiency. Because of the rectangular geometry and size of the slab laser, we have chosen to build a stable-unstable resonator. Single frequency operation is obtained by injection locking a ring cavity. Mode selection is achieved in the wide transverse direction of the slab by using an unstable cavity with a super-Gaussian mirror. An unstable resonator supports large mode volumes and has large discrimination against higher order transverse modes. In addition, a super-Gaussian mirror profile provides efficient extraction in a high quality mode. Our resonator design should lead to efficient operation in a near TEM 00 mode with a slope efficiency approaching those of slab lasers with multimode output.
Microbial synthesis of the energetic material precursor 1,2,4-butanetriol.

The lack of a route to precursor 1,2,4-butanetriol that is amenable to large-scale synthesis has impeded substitution of 1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate for nitroglycerin. To identify an alternative to the current commercial synthesis of racemic d,l-1,2,4-butanetriol involving NaBH4 reduction of esterified d,l-malic acid, microbial syntheses of d- and l-1,2,4-butanetriol have been established. These microbial syntheses rely on the creation of biosynthetic pathways that do not exist in nature. Oxidation of d-xylose by Pseudomonas fragi provides d-xylonic acid in 70% yield. Escherichia coli DH5α/pWN6.186A then catalyzes the conversion of d-xylonic acid into d-1,2,4-butanetriol in 25% yield. P. fragi is also used to oxidize l-arabinose to a mixture of l-arabino-1,4-lactone and l-arabinonic acid in 54% overall yield. After hydrolysis of the lactone, l-arabinonic acid is converted to l-1,2,4-butanetriol in 35% yield using E. coli BL21(DE3)/pWN6.222A. As a catalytic route to 1,2,4-butanetriol, microbial synthesis ...
Neuraminidase Inhibitor-Resistant Recombinant A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) Influenza Viruses Retain Their Replication Efficiency and Pathogenicity In Vitro and In Vivo

Effective antiviral drugs are essential for early control of an influenza pandemic. It is therefore crucial to evaluate the possible threat posed by neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor-resistant influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Four NA mutations (E119G, H274Y, R292K, and N294S) that have been reported to confer resistance to NA inhibitors were each introduced into recombinant A/Vietnam/1203/04 (VN1203) H5N1 influenza virus. For comparison, the same mutations were introduced into recombinant A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) H1N1 influenza virus. The E119G and R292K mutations significantly compromised viral growth in vitro, but the H274Y and N294S mutations were stably maintained in VN1203 and PR8 viruses. In both backgrounds, the H274Y and N294S mutations conferred resistance to oseltamivir carboxylate (50% inhibitory concentration [IC(50)] increases, >250-fold and >20-fold, respectively), and the N294S mutation reduced susceptibility to zanamivir (IC(50) increase, >3.0-fold). Although the H274Y and N294S mutations did not compromise the replication efficiency of VN1203 or PR8 viruses in vitro, these mutations slightly reduced the lethality of PR8 virus in mice. However, the VN1203 virus carrying either the H274Y or N294S mutation exhibited lethality similar to that of the wild-type VN1203 virus. The different enzyme kinetic parameters (V(max) and K(m)) of avian-like VN1203 NA and human-like PR8 NA suggest that resistance-associated NA mutations can cause different levels of functional loss in NA glycoproteins of the same subtype. Our results suggest that NA inhibitor-resistant H5N1 variants may retain the high pathogenicity of the wild-type virus in mammalian species. Patients receiving NA inhibitors for H5N1 influenza virus infection should be closely monitored for the emergence of resistant variants.
Cosmological constraints from moments of the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect

In this paper, we explain how moments of the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (tSZ) effect can constrain both cosmological parameters and the astrophysics of the intracluster medium. As the tSZ signal is strongly non-Gaussian, higher moments of tSZ maps contain useful information. We first calculate the dependence of the tSZ moments on cosmological parameters, finding that higher moments scale more steeply with ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$ and are sourced by more massive galaxy clusters. Taking advantage of the different dependence of the variance and skewness on cosmological and astrophysical parameters, we construct a statistic, $|⟨{T}^{3}⟩|/⟨{T}^{2}{⟩}^{1.4}$, which cancels much of the dependence on cosmology (i.e., ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$) yet remains sensitive to the astrophysics of intracluster gas (in particular, to the gas fraction in low-mass clusters). Constraining the intracluster medium astrophysics using this statistic could break the well-known degeneracy between cosmology and gas physics in tSZ measurements, allowing for tight constraints on cosmological parameters. Although detailed simulations will be needed to fully characterize the accuracy of this technique, we provide a first application to data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the South Pole Telescope. We estimate that a Planck-like full-sky tSZ map could achieve a $\ensuremath{\lesssim}1%$ constraint on ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$ and a $1\ensuremath{\sigma}$ error on the sum of the neutrino masses that is comparable to the existing lower bound from oscillation measurements.
Classifying the mode of transportation on mobile phones using GIS information

Determining the mode of transport of an individual is an important element of contextual information. In particular, we focus on differentiating between different forms of motorized transport such as car, bus, subway etc. Our approach uses location information and features derived from transit route information (schedule information, not real-time) published by transit agencies. This enables no up-front training or learning of routes and can be deployed instantly to a new place since most transit agencies publish this information. Combined with motion detection using phone accelerometers, we obtain a classification accuracy of around 90% on 50+ hours of car and transit data.
Potential mechanisms promoting restenosis in diabetic patients

Diabetes is associated with greater restenosis rates after successful balloon angioplasty. The metabolic alterations that occur as a result of hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia can accelerate many of the pathophysiologic processes that lead to restenosis. Diabetes results in endothelial dysfunction and accelerated platelet deposition, which increase the propensity to thrombosis. Several growth factors known to promote the restenosis process are overexpressed in the presence of hyperglycemia. Advanced glycosylation promotes inflammatory cell recruitment and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Many of the potential mechanisms promoting restenosis in diabetic patients can be ameliorated by improved metabolic control.
Continuum emission from recombining oxygen and nitrogen plasmas

Abstract The quantum defect method is used to obtain photoionization cross-sections for some 40(55) levels of OI (NI) over a range of electron energies from threshold to one Rydberg. These cross-sections are then incorporated into a model that predicts the total radiative emission resulting from radiative recombination and bremsstrahlung in the presence of singly ionized oxygen (nitrogen) atoms. Modified emission coefficients are presented for the wavelength region extending from the visible to the long wave infrared for a variety of temperatures.
A new interpretation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to measure accurate doping levels for conducting polymers: Separating Faradaic and capacitive currents

Abstract We report an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) based method to measure the doping level of conducting polymers. Using EIS the Faradaic current and the capacitive charging current can be separated without relying on any unverifiable assumptions. We demonstrate the method for three types of conducting polymer thin films that are the basis for many commercial applications (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly-3-hexylthiophene and polypyrrole).
Employment Decisions in Self-Directed Work Teams: A Regulatory Compliance Perspective

Organizations are increasingly relying on self-directed work teams (SDWTs) to accomplish organizational tasks. The introduction of SDWTs into the workplace poses a number of managerial challenges. This paper will focus on one such challenge, the continuing need to comply with labor and equal employment regulations. We discuss several factors that potentially affect the legal compliance process. These include: (1) the impact of an increasingly diverse workforce on individual behavior and team processes, and (2) the role of procedural justice perceptions in effective HR compliance management. We conclude with some practical solutions to the challenge of managing compliance in SDWT settings.
Membrane potential depolarization causes alterations in neuron arrangement and connectivity in cocultures.

Background The disruption of neuron arrangement is associated with several pathologies. In contrast to action potentials, the role of resting potential (Vmem) in regulating connectivity remains unknown. Methods Neuron assemblies were quantified when their Vmem was depolarized using ivermectin (Ivm), a drug that opens chloride channels, for 24 h in cocultures with astrocytes. Cell aggregation was analyzed using automated cluster analysis methods. Neural connectivity was quantified based on the identification of isolated somas in phase-contrast images using image processing. Vmem was measured using voltage-sensitive dyes and whole-cell patch clamping. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect changes in the distribution and production of the proteins. Results Data show that Vmem regulates cortical tissue shape and connectivity. Automated cluster analysis methods revealed that the degree of neural aggregation was significantly increased (0.26 clustering factor vs. 0.21 in controls, P ≤ 0.01). The number of beta-tubulin III positive neural projections was also significantly increased in the neural aggregates in cocultures with Ivm. Hyperpolarized neuron cells formed fewer connections (33% at 24 h, P ≤ 0.05) compared to control cells in 1-day cultures. Glia cell densities increased (33.3%, P ≤ 0.05) under depolarizing conditions. Conclusion Vmem can be a useful tool to probe neuronal cells, disease tissues models, and cortical tissue arrangements.
Poincare's theorem and uncertainty in classical mechanics

In a recent paper (Brillouin, 1960) the present author emphasized the great importance of a famous Poincare theorem (1892) . This theorem was first stated for celestial mechanics, but it extends immediately to all problems of classical mechanics, provided such problems be conservative. It was explained that these problems may (and generally will) exhibit discontinuous changes whenever any frequency becomes zero. Under such conditions, classical mechanics is unable to yield a definite answer and determinism becomes impossible. To make the whole situation clear, a great variety of examples have been selected. For all of them there can be no determinism but only some statistical answer, when experimental errors in the measurement of initial conditions are taken into account. Once again the warning should be repeated: mathematicians too often assume “given initial conditions” as if these conditions could be exactly and rigorously defined. Such a point of view is absolutely untenable for physicists who deal only with experimental results known within empirical errors. This viewpoint is in full agreement with Max Born. The Poincare discontinuities also play an important role in applied mechanics or wave mechanics. Only statistical answers and Information Theory are valid in these problems.
Turbulence in a Shock-Wave Boundary-Layer Interaction

Direct measurements of the Reynolds normal and shear stresses have been made upstream and downstream of a two-dimensional, adiabatic, shock-wave boundary-layer interaction at M-2.9. The measurements were obtained independently with a laser velocimeter and a constant-temperature, hot-wire anemometer. In addition to these turbulence data, mean velocity data were obtained with the laser velocimeter and compared with data obtained from pitot-static probe. Obtained from the two independent systems, the turbulence data are compared with each other and with previous turbulence measurements. These data are examined in light of modeling the Reynolds stresses appearing in the streamwise momentum equation.
Prediction of nearfield jet entrainment by an interactive mixing/afterburning model

The development of a computational model (BOAT) for calculating nearfield jet entrainment, and its application to the prediction of nozzle boattail pressures, is discussed. BOAT accounts for the detailed turbulence and thermochemical processes occurring in the nearfield shear layers of jet engine (and rocket) exhaust plumes while interfacing with the inviscid exhaust and external flowfield regions in an overlaid, interactive manner. The ability of the model to analyze simple free shear flows is assessed by detailed comparisons with fundamental laboratory data. The overlaid methodology and the entrainment correction employed to yield the effective plume boundary conditions are assessed via application of BOAT in conjunction with the codes comprising the NASA/LRC patched viscous/inviscid model for determining nozzle boattail drag for subsonic/transonic external flows. Comparisons between the predictions and data on underexpanded laboratory cold air jets are presented.
Clinical effects of digoxin on sinus node and atrioventricular node function after pharmacologic autonomic blockade

The effects of digoxin on sinus node and atrioventricular (AV) node function were studied in 18 patients (mean age 53.6 years) with normal intrinsic heart rates. Electrophysiologic testing was performed both during basal state and after autonomic blockade with propranolol and atropine. Full digitalization was achieved by intravenous administration of digoxin (0.02 mg/kg) given in three divided doses over a 24-hour period. The following day, after a basal recording, autonomic blockade was again induced and the study was repeated. During basal state, digoxin significantly prolonged the sinus cycle length (SCL) (p less than 0.01) and the AH interval (p less than 0.01). However, when the intrinsic sinus node functions were compared (i.e., the values obtained after autonomic blockade), digoxin did not produce significant changes in intrinsic SCL, corrected sinus node recovery time, and sinoatrial conduction time. No significant changes were noted even in the intrinsic AH interval and AV nodal refractory periods. These findings suggest that: (1) intravenous administration of digoxin in therapeutic doses does not produce any depression of the intrinsic functions of the sinus node and AV node; and (2) the depressant effects induced by digoxin during basal state appear to be mediated through the autonomic nervous system.
Ultrastructural demonstration ofl-glutamate decarboxylase and cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase in rat retina by immunocytochemistry

Abstract The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesizing enzyme, l -glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and the taurine synthesizing enzyme, cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) have been localized in rat retina at the ultrastructural level by indirect immunoelectron microscopy. GAD immunoreactivity (GAD-IR) was seen only in some amacrine cells and their terminals. CSAD immunoreactivity (CSAD-IR) was found in most retinal neuronal types and their processes including photoreceptor cells (rod and cone cells), bipolar cells, amacrine cells and ganglion cells. The GAD-IR positive amacrine terminals have been found to make synaptic contact with other GAD-IR negative bipolar and amacrine terminals, and ganglion cell dendrites. Most of the GAD-IR positive terminals are presynaptic. Occasionally, GAD-IR positive amacrine terminals are postsynaptic to another amacrine terminal or ganglion cell body. In the inner plexiform layer, CSAD-IR positive amacrine terminals also make synaptic contacts with other nerve terminals, similar to that of GAD-IR positive amacrine terminals. In addition, CSAD-IR positive bipolar terminals make synaptic contact with some CSAD-IR positive as well as negative amacrine terminals. Both CSAD-IR positive amacrine and bipolar terminals are mostly presynaptic to other CSAD-IR negative terminals. In the outer plexiform layer, CSAD-IR was found to be associated with synaptic vesicles and the synaptic membrane in certain cone pedicles and rod spherules. It is concluded that only a fraction of amacrine cells in rat retina may use GABA as a neurotransmitter. The presence of CSAD-IR in some amacrine, bipolar, photoreceptor and ganglion cells in rat retina is compatible with the notion that taurine may play some important roles, such as those of neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in mammalian retina.
A model for kinking in fiber composites—I. Fiber breakage via micro-buckling

Abstract Kink band formation in uniaxially compressed fiber composites is studied theoretically. A model is proposed which involves the bowing of a bundle of slightly misaligned fibers (via microbuckling) until fiber fracture, followed by a finite deformation which brings the fibers into the kinked configuration. These two critical steps in the process are treated separately in this two-part paper. In Part I, the critical strain at which the fibers can break is calculated; in Part II the critical strain at which a fully formed kink band can exist is calculated. It is found that the critical strain to form the fiber breaks is comparable to observed compressive failure strains and is, in general, greater than the strain at which a fully formed kink band can exist. This appears to imply that the formation of the fiber breaks is the limiting step in kinking. The theory is consistent with the seminal features of kinking, including: the fiber breaks at the kink band boundary, the relatively small width of the kinks, and the typical orientation relation between the kinked fibers and the kink band boundary. Computations based on the model reveal the dependence of kinking on pertinent material variables.
Direct high-performance liquid chromatographic determination in urine of the enantiomers of propranolol and its major basic metabolite 4-hydroxypropranolol

Abstract A method is described for quantitation of underivatized enantiomers of propranolol and its major basic metabolite, 4-hydroxy-propranolol, in urine samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, using a cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase. This method was found to be precise and accurate for the measurement of propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol concentrations in urine from pharmacokinetic investigations. This method represents the first assay for direct determination of 4-hydroxypropranolol enantiomers. The ability to easily measure 4-hydroxypropranolol enantiomers is valuable because the stereoselective disposition of propranolol is primarily due to stereoselective metabolism in the pathway responsible for generation of 4-hydroxypropranolol.
Development and Validation of 697 Novel Polymorphic Genomic and EST-SSR Markers in the American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.)

The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait., is an economically important North American fruit crop that is consumed because of its unique flavor and potential health benefits. However, a lack of abundant, genome-wide molecular markers has limited the adoption of modern molecular assisted selection approaches in cranberry breeding programs. To increase the number of available markers in the species, this study identified, tested, and validated microsatellite markers from existing nuclear and transcriptome sequencing data. In total, new primers were designed, synthesized, and tested for 979 SSR loci; 697 of the markers amplified allele patterns consistent with single locus segregation in a diploid organism and were considered polymorphic. Of the 697 polymorphic loci, 507 were selected for additional genetic diversity and segregation analyses in 29 cranberry genotypes. More than 95% of the 507 loci did not display segregation distortion at the p 0.25. This comprehensive collection of developed and validated microsatellite loci represents a substantial addition to the molecular tools available for geneticists, genomicists, and breeders in cranberry and Vaccinium.
Effect of Environment on the Stress-Rupture Behavior of a Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composite

Stress-rupture tests were conducted in air, vacuum, and steam-containing environments to identify the failure modes and degradation mechanisms of a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite at two temperatures, 600 and 1200 C. Stress-rupture lives in air and steam containing environments (50 - 80% steam with argon) are similar for a composite stress of 69 MPa at 1200 C. Lives of specimens tested in a 20% steam/argon environment were about twice as long. For tests conducted at 600 C, composite life in 20% steam/argon was 20 times longer than life in air. Thermogravimetric analysis of the carbon fibers was conducted under similar conditions to the stress-rupture tests. The oxidation rate of the fibers in the various environments correlated with the composite stress-rupture lives. Examination of the failed specimens indicated that oxidation of the carbon fibers was the primary damage mode for specimens tested in air and steam environments at both temperatures.
The influence of salinity and prey salt content on growth and intestinal Na + /K + -ATPase activity of juvenile bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus

Juvenile bluegill,Lepomis macrochirus, collected from Mississippi coastal drainages were held at 0, 5, and 10% S and fed diets containing 0, 2, and 4% dietary NaCl. Over a 58 day period, fish from each of the nine treatments (salinity x diet) were fed ad libitum twice daily for 5 min. Mean treatment growth rates did not differ when adjusted for initial wet weights. Hematocrit and intestinal Na+/K+-ATPase activity also did not differ. All fish maintained in 0% S had a marginally lower plasma osmolality compared to fish held in 5 and 10% S. Plasma Cl concentration of fish held in 0% S receiving the 0% NaCl diet was lower than that of the other eight treatments. Results indicate that coastal juvenile bluegill can exploit waters up to 10% S while consuming prey items containing up to 4% NaCl with no influence on growth or certain osmoregulatory characteristics.
Potential Utility of the Real-Time TMPA-RT Precipitation Estimates in Streamflow Prediction

We investigate the potential utility of the real-time Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA-RT) data for streamflow prediction, both through direct comparisons of TMPA-RT estimates with a gridded gauge product, and through evaluation of streamflow simulations over four tributaries of La Plata Basin (LPB) in South America using the two precipitation products. Our assessments indicate that the relative accuracy and the hydrologic performance of TMPA-RT-based streamflow simulations generally improved after February 2005. The improvements in TMPA-RT since 2005 are closely related to upgrades in the TMPA-RT algorithm in early February, 2005 which include use of additional microwave sensors (AMSR-E and AMSU-B) and implementation of different calibration schemes. Our work suggests considerable potential for hydrologic prediction using purely satellite-derived precipitation estimates (no adjustments by in situ gauges) in parts of the globe where in situ observations are sparse.
Dispersion-compensating fiber with high figure of merit and its application to an analog transmission system

Dispersion-compensating fibers (DCFs) with large negative chromatic dispersion in the 1.55-µm region are attractive for upgrading 1.3-µm-optimized transmission lines using erbium-doped fiber amplifiers.1 For putting DCFs into practical use, a figure of merit (FOM), which is defined as a ratio of the absolute value of the chromatic dispersion to the transmission loss at 1.55 µm, should be enhanced. In this paper an optimum range of the refractive index of the core for maximization of the FOM is investigated for the matched-cladding-type profile,2 and a DCF with a FOM of 250 ps nm−1dB−1 is presented. An analog transmission experiment using this DCF is also demonstrated.
New Advances in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Laser Therapy

Throughout the past decade, numerous techniques for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia have emerged. Laser therapy, in particular, has gained widespread popularity among urologists. Since its inception in 1996, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been evaluated rigorously in the treatment of glands of all sizes. HoLEP has produced superior relief of bladder outlet obstruction as compared to transurethral resection of the prostate based on urodynamics, and has proved equally as effective as open prostatectomy, for the management of very large glands (>100 cc), with lower morbidity. In addition to HoLEP, several newer but less well-studied laser techniques currently are available. These include photoselective laser vaporization utilizing the potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP or “green light”) laser, thulium laser enucleation, and high-power diode laser vaporization. This report reviews the most current literature on laser therapies utilized in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with regards to safety, outcome, efficiency, and long-term durability.
Postmeiotic segregation in Saccharomyces.

Diploid monohybrids of adenine 8 alleles were constructed to permit visual detection of meiotic gene conversion. In addition to the 3+:1 m and 1+:3 m tetrads routinely encountered, aberrant segregations comparable to the 5+:3 m and 3+:5 m patterns detected in octad ascomycetes were observed. These latter types are tetrads bearing ascospores which give rise to sectored ascosporal colonies.
Heuristic unidirectional flowpath design approaches for automated guided vehicle systems

SUMMARY In this paper, we address the flowpath design issue of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVSs). In particular we concentrate on the design of unidirectional flowpaths (i.e. vehicles are restricted to travel only in one direction along a given segment of the flowpath). We have developed five different heuristics for the design of unidirectional AGVSs. We have also developed simulated annealing algorithms for the above problem. Our extensive computational results indicate that a composite heuristic (i.e. one that combines the most successful of our five heuristics) yields solutions of comparable quality in a fraction of the time required by simulated annealing. For large-size flowpath design problems, we advocate the usage of composite heuristics over simulated annealing, and in particular for the cases in which inaccurate estimates for the input data in our design problem exist
Penis and Bladder Agenesis in a Living Male Neonate

A full-term newborn presented with ambiguous genitalia. Early prenatal sonography had demonstrated normal amniotic fluid volume. Physical examination revealed an absent phallus, a normal scrotum with bilaterally descended testes and a small skin tag just anterior to the rectum (fig. 1). Urine and meconium were intermittently passed separately from the otherwise normal rectum. Ultrasound demonstrated no bladder distension, a left cystic dysplastic kidney and severe right hydroureteronephrosis. Initial management included placement of a right nephrostomy tube. Despite a 46XY karyotype the neonate was assigned the female gender due to absence of the phallus. Surgical management at 4 days of life included endoscopy of the single perineal opening, bilateral orchiectomy and laparotomy. Exploration was remarkable for absence of the bladder with 2 ureters joining in the midline and inserting as a fibrous cord into the anterior wall of the rectum (fig. 2). Each vas deferens entered the ipsilateral ureter before this confluence. The right kidney was hydronephmtic and the left kidney was dysplastic. Additional findings included a duplicated aorta and bilateral retro-iliac ureters. The internal iliac arteries on both sides were intra-abdominal and joined as a common vessel ventral to the sigmoid colon. Left nephroureterectomy and right cutaneous ureterostomy were performed. Pathological evaluation confirmed a dysplastic left kidney and each vas entering the ipsilateral ureter. The perirectal skin tag consisted of poorly organized erectile tissue. A paucity of spermatogonia and Leydig cells was noted within each gonad.
Effect of exogenous carnitine on carnitine homeostasis in the rat.

The interaction of exogenous carnitine with whole body carnitine homeostasis was characterized in the rat. Carnitine was administered in pharmacologic doses (0–33.3 μmol/100 g body weight) by bolus, intravenous injection, and plasma, urine, liver, skeletal muscle and heart content of carnitine and acylcarnitines quantitated over a 48 h period. Pre-injection urinary carnitine excretion was circadian as excretion rates were increased 2-fold during the lights-off cycle as compared with the lights-on cycle. Following carnitine administration, there was an increase in urinary total carnitine excretion which accounted for approx. 60% of the administered carnitine at doses above 8.3 μmol/100 g body weight. Urinary acylcarnitine excretion was increased following carnitine administration in a dose-dependent fashion. During the 24 h following administration of 16.7 μmol [14C]carnitine/100 g body weight, urinary carnitine specific activity averaged only 72 ± 4% of the injection solution specific activity. This dilution of the [14C]carnitine specific activity suggests that endogenous carnitine contributed to the increased net urinary carnitine excretion following carnitine administration. 5 min after administration of 16.7 μmol carnitine/100 g body weight approx. 80% of the injected carnitine was in the extracellular fluid compartment and 5% in the liver. Plasma, liver and soleus total carnitine contents were increased 6 h after administration of 16.7 μmol carnitine/100 g body weight. 6 h post-administration, 37% of the dose was recovered in the urine, 12% remained in the extracellular compartment, 9% was in the liver and 22% was distributed in the skeletal muscle. In liver and plasma, short chain acylcarnitine content was increased 5 min and 6 h post injection as compared with controls. Plasma, liver, skeletal muscle and heart carnitine contents were not different from control levels 48 h after carnitine administration. The results demonstrate that single, bolus administration of carnitine is effective in increasing urinary acylcarnitine elimination. While liver carnitine content is doubled for at least 6 h following carnitine administration, skeletal muscle and heart carnitine pools are only modestly perturbed following a single intravenous carnitine dose. The dilution of [14C]carnitine specific activity in the urine of treated animals suggests that tissue-blood carnitine or acylcarnitine exchange systems contribute to overall carnitine homeostasis following carnitine administration.
Practitioner Biases and Child Service Use Disparities: Implications for Social Work Education.

Disparities by race/ethnicity exist in the use of children's mental health and related services. It is no doubt that many factors contribute to these disparities, but practitioner biases may be partly responsible for disparities. The purpose of this article is to show a potential link between practitioner biases and service use disparities and to discuss the implications for social work education. The implications for social work education focus on 2 strategies for educators to consider: (a) helping students to become aware of and overcome their biases and (b) teaching practice strategies that have been shown to help low-income and ethnic minority children and families engage in the helping process.
Corticosteroid injection therapy for trigger finger or thumb: a retrospective review of 577 digits

Background Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon (trigger digit) is a common condition encountered by hand surgeons. Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of corticosteroid injections and review the demographic profile of patients with trigger digits.
Defending email communication against profiling attacks

We define message privacy against a profiling adversary, whose goal is to classify a population of users into categories according to the messages they exchange. This adversary models the most common privacy threat against email communication. We propose a protocol that protects senders and receivers of email messages from profiling attacks.
“This Is Our Threnody”: Roberto Bolaño and the History of the Present

This article examines the unique resonance of Roberto Bolano's fiction in the moment of the War on Terror: the questions his work poses for the project of literature in a time of interminable global war, the genealogies of empire and capital his work brings into view, and the dialectic of civilization and barbarism his work reveals and critiques.
Ethnic community supports and psychological well-being of Vietnamese refugees.

This study examines the psychological well-being of 160 Vietnamese refugees in the United States. Path analysis was performed by using version 6 of LISREL to assess the structural relationships bet...
The effects of uncommon silicides on the oxidation of alloys from the Nb-Cr-Si system

Abstract The effect of Si on the oxidation resistance of the Nb-20Cr-(10-42)Si alloys has been studied. The major contribution of Si is to produce Nb 5 Si 3 phase which enhances oxidation resistance and the high temperature strength. A range of Si from 10 to 42 at.% allows for the determination of microstructural stability especially for the silicides and Laves phases (NbCr 2 ). It has been observed that the weight gain per unit area is lower with increased Si concentration. There may be other silicides besides Nb 5 Si 3 which may be contributing to the oxidation resistance. Characterization has been performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in EDS, BSE and X-ray mapping modes. A comparison between the theoretically expected and experimentally observed micro-constituents has been made.
Institutions and cooperation in an ecology of games

Social dilemmas have long been studied formally as cooperation games that pit individual gains against those of the group. In the real world, individuals face an ecology of games where they play many such games simultaneously, often with overlapping co-players. Here, we study an agent-based model of an ecology of public goods games and compare the effectiveness of two institutional mechanisms for promoting cooperation: a simple institution of limited group size capacity constraints and a reputational institution based on observed behavior. Reputation is shown to allow much higher relative payoffs for cooperators than do capacity constraints, but only if 1 the rate of reputational information flow is fast enough relative to the rate of social mobility, and 2 cooperators are relatively common in the population. When these conditions are not met, capacity constraints are more effective at protecting the interests of cooperators. Because of the simplicity of the limited-group-size rule, capacity constraints can also generate social organization, which promotes cooperation much more quickly than can reputation. Our results are discussed in terms of both normative prescriptions and evolutionary theory regarding institutions that regulate cooperation. More broadly, the ecology-of-games approach developed here provides an adaptable modeling framework for studying a wide variety of problems in the social sciences.
A genetic study of SSV1, the prototypical fusellovirus

Viruses of thermophilic Archaea are unique in both their structures and genomic sequences. The most widespread and arguably best studied are the lemon-shaped fuselloviruses. The spindle-shaped virus morphology is unique to Archaea but widespread therein. The best studied fusellovirus is SSV1 from Beppu Japan, which infects Sulfolobus solfataricus. Very little is known about the function of the genes in the SSV1 genome. Recently we have developed genetic tools to analyze these genes. In this study, we have deleted three SSV1 open reading frames ranging from completely conserved to poorly conserved: VP2, d244, and b129. Deletion of the universally conserved ORF b129, which encodes a predicted transcriptional regulator, results in loss of infectivity. Deletion of the poorly-conserved predicted DNA binding protein gene VP2 yields viable virus that is indistinguishable from wild-type Deletion of the well-conserved ORF d244 that encodes a predicted nuclease yields viable virus. However infection of Sulfolobus solfataricus with virus lacking ORF d244 dramatically retards host growth, compared to the wild-type virus.
Contribution of passive bulk tissues and deltoid to static inferior glenohumeral stability.

The relative stabilizing effect of the passive bulk tissues and deltoid to inferior humeral displacement was studied. The humeral head center relative to the glenoid center was determined by a magnetic tracking device in 10 shoulder specimens for the bulk tissue study and in 13 for the deltoid study. Twelve static recordings were obtained per specimen: (1) with and without a 1.5 kg load, (2) with the humerus adducted hanging freely and abducted 90° in neutral rotation, and (3) in three stages of dissection: with all tissues intact, after removal of the tissues superficial to the deltoid, and after removal of the deltoid. In both humeral adduction and abduction, the passive bulk tissues and deltoid did not provide significant stability to the shoulder joint.
Multiplicity of neurilemomas in the upper extremity

Multiple neurilemomas in two patients show that these tumors may indeed be multiple, may involve the same nerve trunk, may occur over a period of years, and may involve different regions of the body. Twelve neurilemomas were removed from the right upper extremity of a patient over a 3-year period. They varied in size from 0.5 cm to 4 cm in diameter and had the typical histopathologic appearance of neurilemomas. The second patient had median nerve compression and at operation a neurilemoma was found compressing the nerve. Two years later, the patient had evidence of median nerve compression in the opposite extremity, and again a neurilemoma was found. Both of these patients had evidence of peripheral nerve compression, but the existence of multiple neurilemomas was not apparent on initial examination. These cases show that patients with neurilemomas may have additional sequential tumors discovered at a later date that were not apparent initially.
Pyriform Sinus: Functional Visualization

A pilot study of the pyriform sinuses simultaneously visualized by video-fluoroscopy and fiberoptic video techniques utilizing two microphones and a synchronizing signal was carried out on seven patients. Patients were requested to breathe quietly, sniff, cough, clear their throats, whisper, yawn, phonate a low pitched “ah” and a high pitched “e”, as well as phonate on inspiration. On comparative study of the video tapes, variable findings were noted during the several phonatory efforts with the high pitched “e”. These presently remain unexplained. Sniffing by patients with paretic, paramedian, or intermediate paralysis of the vocal cords allowed us to see a progressive lack of descent and closure of the involved sinus. In addition, the anteromedial margins were less vigorously sucked inward and downward and even made to flutter on the involved side. Such a combined method of visualization appears to hold promise for additional delineation of the range of normal as well as further identification of abnorm...
Fault tolerant asynchronous adder through dynamic self-reconfiguration

This paper presents a systematic method for the design of a self-healing asynchronous adder. We propose a graph-based model for the design of a fault-tolerant linear array with external inputs and outputs with a minimum number of spare resources. A K-fault-tolerant asynchronous adder design is presented based on this analysis, together with the necessary support logic for dynamic self-reconfiguration. Experimental evaluations show that our method incurs both low hardware cost and small performance overhead compared to traditional approaches to fault-tolerance.
Global it Outsourcing Decisions: Contract Structure, Negotiations, and Global Deal Teams

For the last 10 years, IBM Global Services has been engaged in the negotiation and execution of national, multinational, and global contracts as a worldwide service provider for the information technology (IT) industry. While each engagement is unique in its own right, global engagements involving a customer located in more than one country present the most significant business challenges. Cross border communications, service delivery, and billing, as well as the legal and administrative concerns inherent to such deals, can entail staggering risks for both parties. Accordingly, successful engagements are contingent upon swift navigation of a highly intricate context of contending factors. Intensive familiarization with these factors has afforded a means for better anticipating their associated pitfalls and vagaries. This paper will explore the challenges of contract structuring, skill deployment, and communication methodology as they pertain to global IT outsourcing engagements. In the process, the paper will propose how global deal teams can be applied to engagements systematically to promote efficient decisionmaking and engender more valuable outcomes.
Made poorer by choice: Worker outcomes in social security vs. private retirement accounts

Can the freedom to choose how retirement funds are invested leave workers worse off? Via simulation, we document that choice in stock v. bond allocation and type of equity investments in private accounts leads to lower utility and greater risk of income shortfalls relative to private accounts without choice. We also compare private account outcomes to currently promised Social Security benefits to demonstrate that a representative worker (an average wage earner) benefits more from private-account alternatives—with or without choice—than do most workers. Thus, representative worker outcome should not be used to assess population-wide benefits of private account alternatives.
Removal of Phenytoin by Plasmapheresis in a Patient with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura

Phenytoin removal by plasmapheresis was evaluated in a 17-year-old girl with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura. Free and total phenytoin concentrations were measured in the patient's serum and in the plasma removed by plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis was performed on three separate days with the removal of 4.7%, 3.3%, and 2.7% of total body stores. Free phenytoin concentration was similar in both the plasma removed by plasmapheresis and the patient's serum. Plasmapheresis did not significantly alter the serum concentration of phenytoin; dosage adjustments of phenytoin are therefore unnecessary.
The silk and silk production system of the funnel-web mygalomorph spider Euagrus (Araneae, Dipluridae).

The silk production systems of several specimens representing at least three species of the mygalomorph genus Euagrus were examined by dissection and by a variety of absorption and fluorescent histochemical techniques. The intrageneric variation is primarily restricted to gland number, with larger numbers of glands in the larger-bodied species. The silk glands are arranged in four groups each serving one of four spinnerets. Spigot morphology is uniform, consisting of a long, slender shaft of slightly variable length emerging from an enlarged sac-shaped base. Only one gland type is identified histochemically, although a considerable range in size and shape is observed. Each gland has three secretory zones, a distal one that produces a largely hydrophobic protein core and medial and proximal zones that produce distinct charged protein coatings. Amino acid analysis of the silk indicates a composition very similar to the frame threads and draglines of araneomorph spiders. The high percentage of short side-chain amino acids implies a polymer structure able to support the suspended entrapment web found in Euagrus and its relatives (but which is rare in most other nonaraneomorph families). Dry silk examined under high magnification appears smooth and homogenous. The fact that in the web larger threads appear to fibrillate suggests that Euagrus silk is polyfilamentous.