cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thoracic spinal cord compression by intramedullary hamartomatous tissue in a young boy: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord hamartomas are a rare occurrence characterized by well-differentiated mature elements located in an irregular position in the spinal cord. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The authors present the unique case of a 12-year-old boy who originally presented to our center for treatment of a right thalamic astrocytoma. One year after his initial presentation, the child developed progressive bilateral leg weakness with decreased sensation. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging performed at this time revealed an intramedullary spinal cord lesion from T4 to T8, which was later found to be composed of hamartomatous tissue. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent bilateral T4 to T8 laminectomies with subtotal resection of the hamartomatous lesion, and his symptoms improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although typically described in the literature as spinal cord hamartomas because of their histological composition, these rare hamartomatous lesions may be the result of a neurulation defect rather than true hamartomas. In patients presenting with multiple neurological conditions, as in our case, diagnosis may be more complex. For those presenting with neurological signs and symptoms, surgical treatment is essential.
Susceptibility of several basidiomycetes to microbial lysis

Streptomyces isolates lysed Pholiota marginata, Armillaria mellea, Schizophyllum commune, Lenzites trabea and Fomes annosus . The extent of digestion of walls of these basidiomycetes by a Streptomyces enzyme preparation and a preparation containing glucanase and chitinase varied appreciably. In the enzymic hydrolysis, glucose, N -acetylglucosamine, chitobiose and possibly laminaribiose were formed. The walls of all the fungi contained mannose also, and galactose, xylose and fucose were found in some species. The portion of the walls most resistant to enzymic digestion contained mannose and xylose as well as glucose. The evidence suggests that enzymes in addition to glucanase and chitinase are needed for lysis of these fungi and that resistance may be associated with the presence of wall polysaccharides containing monomers in addition to glucose and N -acetylglucosamine.
Magnetospheric plasma motion during a sudden commencement.

A sudden commencement occurred at 2348 UT on Feb. 15, 1967, when the ATS-1 satellite was about 2 hr past local noon at a geocentric distance of 6.6 earth radii. Plasma was observed by the Suprathermal Ion Detector first to flow in the antisolar direction, as expected, but then to flow westward, for about 2 min, at about 50 km/sec. Analysis of ground magnetograms suggests that the surprising westward flow, which must have involved an electric field of about 10 mV/m at 6.6 earth radii, resulted from the ionosphere's reaction to the sudden commencement. Beginning about 2 min before the start of the westward flow at ATS-1, ground magnetometers near the foot of the ATS-1 field line typically recorded magnetic-field deflections of about 70 gamma, to the northeast. Taking the ground observations, assuming a height-integrated Hall conductivity of 1 mho, and a standoff distance of 7.2 earth radii inferred from Explorer 33 solar-wind data, a magnetospheric electric field is derived which agrees in magnitude and direction with that required to produce the observed flow at ATS-1.
Clinical and pathologic features of young endometrial cancer patients with loss of mismatch repair expression

Abstract Objective This study examines premenopausal and early menopause patients in a unique population with endometrial cancer and loss of mismatch repair (MMR) gene expression. The purpose is to compare clinical and pathologic differences in patients with loss of expression (LOE) to those with normal expression (NE). Methods Endometrial cancer patients under age 60 in-between 1998 and 2008 were identified from a single tumor registry. Clinical and pathologic data were abstracted from records. Staining for expression of MSH6, MSH2, MLH1, and PMS2 were performed on archived tissue blocks. Statistical analysis was performed. Results 158 patients were analyzed; 58% Asian, 34% Pacific Islander, and 8% Caucasian. 31 demonstrated LOE of at least one MMR gene; 127 retained NE. 50% Caucasian, 21.9% Asian, and 12.5% Pacific Island populations had LOE of one or more MMR genes. LOE was found to have a higher incidence of Grade III (p = 0.0013) and stage 3–4 tumors (p = 0.0079), mean depth of myometrial invasion (p = 0.0019), lymphovascular space invasion (p = 0.0020), nodal metastases (p = 0.0157), and a lower incidence of Grade I (p = 0.0020) and stage 1A tumors (p = 0.0085). LOE had a significantly lower mean BMI (p = 0.0001). 35% of patients in the NE vs zero in the LOE group had a BMI greater than 40. Conclusion Younger patients with LOE endometrial cancer appear to represent a clinically significant subgroup of patients without features characteristically found in classic type 1 endometrial cancer generally demonstrating lower BMI and tumors associated with poor prognostic characteristics. It is unclear if the distinctive ethnicity found in Hawaii has a significant impact on outcome. Further investigation is necessary to identify appropriate treatment strategies.
Virtual prototype simulation of hydraulic shovel kinematics for spatial characterization in surface mining operations

Hydraulic shovels are large-capacity equipment for excavating and loading dump trucks in constrained surface mining environments. Kinematics simulation of such equipment allows mine planning engineers to plan, design and control their spatial environments to achieve operating safety and efficiency. In this study, a hydraulic shovel was modelled as a mechanical manipulator with five degrees of freedom comprising the crawler, upper, boom, stick, bucket and bucket door components. The model was captured in a schematic diagram consisting of a six-bar linkage using the symbolic notation of Denavit and Hartenberg (Ho and Sriwattanathmma 1989). Homogeneous transformation matrices were used to capture the spatial configuration between adjacent links. The forward kinematics method was used to formulate the kinematics equations by attaching Cartesian coordinates to the schematic shovel diagram. Based on the kinematics model, a 3D virtual prototype of the hydraulic shovel was built in the Automatic Dynamic Analysis ...
High-dose cisplatin in patients with advanced malignancies

A study was conducted to determine if cisplatin (CDDP) can be given at higher doses than usual, utilizing aggressive supportive measures. Twelve patients were entered into three dose levels of CDDP: level I, 180 mg/m2 given as a short infusion; level II, 220 mg/m2 also given as a short infusion; level III, 200 mg/m2 divided in five daily doses, each infused over 6 hours. In all cases, CDDP was dissolved and given in 250 ml of a 5% saline solution. For levels I and II, intravenous hydration with 200 to 250 ml/hour D5 1/2NS with potassium and magnesium supplements, was started 24 hours before therapy and continued for 3 to 4 days after, longer if nausea persisted. Mannitol was given before (25% solution, 50 ml bolus) and after (20% solution, 500 ml over 3 hours) CDDP. At level III hydration with the same intravenous (IV) fluids was begun the day before therapy and continued without interruption at 200 to 250 ml/hour for a minimum of 24 hours after the completion of the 5 days of chemotherapy. Each daily dose of CDDP was preceded by injection of mannitol (25% solution, 50 ml bolus) and accompanied by a 6-hour infusion of 1000 ml 20% mannitol. Three patients received five CDDP courses at level I; 4 patients, seven courses at level II; and 5 patients, seven courses at level III. Ototoxicity was dose-limiting in three patients at level II. Transient elevation of serum creatinine was seen following two courses at level I and two courses at level II. The renal impairment was asymptomatic in all cases; dialysis was not needed. At level II, leukocyte nadir counts between 1.0 and 2.0 X 10(3)/mm3 were seen following two courses and between 2.0 and 3.0 X 10(3)/mm3 following three courses. Platelet nadir counts below 50 X 10(3)/mm3 were recorded after four courses and between 50 and 100 X 10(3)/mm3 after one course. Nausea and vomiting occurred frequently, but were tolerable. At level III, myelosuppression was dose-limiting. Nadir leukocyte counts between 1.0 and 2.0 X 10(3)/mm3 followed four courses and between 2.0 and 3.0 followed one course. Nadir platelet counts below 50 X 10(3)/mm3 were seen after three courses; two patients required prophylactic platelet transfusions. Nadirs between 50 and 100 X 10(3) platelets/mm3 followed three further courses. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity did not occur at level III.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A NOVEL ALGORITHM FOR EFFECTIVE BALL TRACKING

A novel method is proposed to achieve robust and real-time ball tracking in broadcast soccer videos. In sports video, the soccer ball is small, often occluded, and with high motion speed. Thus, it is difficult to detect the sole ball in a single frame. To solve this problem, rather than locate the ball in one of several frames through detection or tracking, we find the ball through optimizing its motion trajectory in successive frames. The proposed method includes three level processes: object level, intra-trajectory level, and inter-trajectory level processing. In object level, multiple objects instead of a single ball are detected and all of them are taken as ball candidates through shape and color features identification. Then at intra-trajectory level, each ball candidate is tracked by a Kalman filter and verified by detection in successive frames, which results in lots of initial short trajectories in a video shot. These trajectories are thereafter scored and filtered according to their length and spatial-temporal relationship in a time-line model. With these trajectories, we construct a distance graph, in which a node represents a trajectory, and an edge means distance between two trajectories. We then get the optimal path using the Dijkstra algorithm in the graph at the inter-trajectory level. The optimal path is composed by a sequence of initial trajectories which make the whole route smooth and long in duration. To get a complete and reasonable path, we finally apply cubic spline interpolation to bridge the gap between adjacent trajectories (the duration corresponding to when the ball is occluded). We select three representative real FIFA2006 soccer video clips (containing a total of 16,500 frames) and manually elaborately labeling each frame in it, and take it as ground-truth to evaluate the algorithm. The average F-score is 80.59%. The algorithm was used in our soccer analysis system and tested on a wide range of real soccer videos, and all the results are satisfied. The algorithm is effective and its whole speed far exceeds real-time, 35.6 fps on mpeg2 data on the Intel Conroe platform.
A Convenient Synthesis of 4,4-Dimethylcyclopentenone

Abstract 4,4-Dimethylcyclopentenone 1 has attracted a considerable amount of attention as a useful substrate for photochemical studies1, and more recently for the synthesis of 7,7-dimethyl-norbornadiene.2 Stevens3 has used 1 as a starting component in a projected vitamin B12 synthesis.
Primary cilia mediate intracellular cAMP responses in bone cells exposed to dynamic fluid flow

It is well accepted that fluid flow is an important mechanical signal in regulating bone structure and function. Primary cilia, which are non-motile, microtubule based organelles that extend from the centrosome and project into extracellular space in many cell types, have recently been shown to mediate fluid flow-induced osteogenic responses in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells [1]. However, primary cilia did not mediate increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and the second messenger system(s) involved in primary cilia-mediated mechanosensing has yet to be elucidated. In this study, our goals were to (1) determine whether exposing bone cells to oscillatory fluid flow modulates intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), another ubiquitous second messenger molecule, and (2) investigate whether this modulation may be mediated by primary cilia.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Similarities in properties and a functional difference in purified leucyl-tRNA synthetase isolated from two developmental stages of Tenebrio molitor☆

In Tenebrio molitor, as well as in other biological systems, there are indications that differences in leucyl-tRNA synthetase activity may play a role in translational control. However, it has not been clear whether the difference in activity is due to the appearance of a multiplicity of enzymes during development or to the alteration of a single enzyme. The purification of leucyl-tRNA synthetase from day 1 and day 7 after the larval pupal molt of Tenebrio molitor is described. The enzyme from both developmental stages was purified over a 1000-fold. The two enzyme preparations are identical in molecular weight (99,000). They show the same characteristics after aging. The pH optimum, heat inactivation behavior, and dependency on divalent cations are the same for both enzymes. They also show identical kinetics with similar values of Km for leucine, ATP, Mg2+, and tRNA day 1. However, leucyl-tRNA synthetase purified from day 7 exhibits an additional function in recognizing a new species of isoaccepting tRNA in day 7 tRNA. We have tentatively concluded that the two enzymes are probably different forms of the same enzyme and the additional activity is due to alteration of the enzyme at the macromolecular level during development.
Surgery of the Palate and Oropharynx

Progress in successful surgical treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has been based on adjunctive treatment of the hypopharynx. Still the palate and oropharynx are the major areas of intervention, and certainly the most commonly operated upon. To ensure a successful outcome, appropriate surgical candidates must be identified. The authors present a method of clinical staging based on the position of the tongue relative to the soft palate as well as the size of the tonsils, aimed at identifying the most likely level of obstruction in patients who have OSAHS. We also present several surgical techniques that address obstruction at the level of the soft palate and oropharynx.
Probing the Role of Backbone Hydrogen Bonding in a Critical β Sheet of the Extracellular Domain of a Cys‐Loop Receptor

Long-range communication is essential for the function of members of the Cys-loop family of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. The involvement of the peptide backbone in binding-induced conformational changes that lead to channel gating in these membrane proteins is an interesting, but unresolved issue. To probe the role of the peptide backbone, we incorporated a series of α-hydroxy acid analogues into the β-sheet-rich extracellular domain of the muscle subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the prototypical Cys-loop receptor. Specifically, mutations were made in β strands 7 and 10 of the α subunit. A number of single backbone mutations in this region were well tolerated. However, simultaneous introduction of two proximal backbone mutations led to surface-expressed, nonfunctional receptors. Together, these data suggest that while the receptor is remarkably robust in its ability to tolerate single amide-to-ester mutations throughout these strands, more substantial perturbations to this region have a profound effect on the protein. These results support a model in which backbone movements in the outer sheet are important for receptor function.
The occurrence of bisulfite-aldehyde addition products in fog- and cloudwater

Elevated concentrations of S(IV) and formaldehyde were observed in fog- and cloudwater at sites in California. The highest concentrations (up to 3 mM S(IV) and 0.7 mM CH_2O) were measured at Bakersfield, during a prolonged period of repeated fog. In Bakersfield [S(IV)] generally exceeded [CH_2O], while in the Los Angeles area the reverse was observed. The lowest concentrations of both species were observed at marine and high altitude sites away from local emissions. Equilibrium computations indicate that high concentrations of S(IV) cannot be achieved without the formation of S(IV)-RCHO adducts.
Alkyl-transition metal compounds VI. Fragmentation and isomerization studies☆

Abstract The final products from the interaction of stoichiometric ratios of n- and sec-alkylmagnesium halides with some first row transition metal salts (VCl 3 , CrCl 2 , FeCl 3 , CoCl 2 , NiBr 2 and CrCl 3 (THF) 3 ) in tetrahydrofuran have now been shown to consist of unequal quantities of alkane and alkenes (70/30±8), some dimer and a metal based hydrogen transfer catalyst.
Are obsessional thoughts and worry different cognitive phenomena

Abstract Worry and obsessional thoughts are cognitive activities that can be found in the general population as well as among various psychopathological states. In addition, these two types of cognitive phenomena are among the defining characteristics of two distinct anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (worry) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (obsessions). Through a review of the literature, the core features of these cognitive phenomena were compared and contrasted in an effort to determine areas of similarities and differences. The conclusion indicates that although there are areas of overlap, obsessions can be differentiated from worry along several important dimensions. Also, adverse mood state appears to play a critical role when both worry and obsessional thoughts are pathological.
Influence of relative trophic position and carbon source on selenium bioaccumulation in turtles from a coal fly-ash spill site

Abstract Selenium (Se) is a bioaccumulative constituent of coal fly-ash that can disrupt reproduction of oviparous wildlife. In food webs, the greatest enrichment of Se occurs at the lowest trophic levels, making it readily bioavailable to higher consumers. However, subsequent enrichment at higher trophic levels is less pronounced, leading to mixed tendencies for Se to biomagnify. We used stable isotopes ( 1 5 N and 13 C) in claws to infer relative trophic positions and relative carbon sources, respectively, of seven turtle species near the site of a recently-remediated coal fly-ash spill. We then tested whether Se concentrations differed with relative trophic position or relative carbon source. We did not observe a strong relationship between δ 15 N and Se concentration. Instead, selenium concentrations decreased with increasing δ 13 C among species. Therefore, in an assemblage of closely-related aquatic vertebrates, relative carbon source was a better predictor of Se bioaccumulation than was relative trophic position.
A membrane-access mechanism of ion channel inhibition by voltage sensor toxins from spider venom

Venomous animals produce small protein toxins that inhibit ion channels with high affinity. In several well-studied cases the inhibitory proteins are water-soluble and bind at a channel's aqueous-exposed extracellular surface. Here we show that a voltage-sensor toxin (VSTX1) from the Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola spatulata) reaches its target by partitioning into the lipid membrane. Lipid membrane partitioning serves two purposes: to localize the toxin in the membrane where the voltage sensor resides and to exploit the free energy of partitioning to achieve apparent high-affinity inhibition. VSTX1, small hydrophobic poisons and anaesthetic molecules reveal a common theme of voltage sensor inhibition through lipid membrane access. The apparent requirement for such access is consistent with the recent proposal that the sensor in voltage-dependent K+ channels is located at the membrane-protein interface.
Mechanisms of disease: inflammasome activation and the development of type 2 diabetes

Over the recent past, the importance of aberrant immune cell activation as one of the contributing mechanisms to the development of insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been recognized. Among the panoply of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are linked to chronic metabolic diseases, new data suggests that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) may play an important role in initiating and sustaining inflammation-induced organ dysfunction in T2D. Therefore, factors that control secretion of bioactive IL-1β have therapeutic implications. In this regard, the identification of multiprotein scaffolding complexes, "inflammasomes," has been a great advance in our understanding of this process. The secretion of bioactive IL-1β is predominantly controlled by activation of caspase-1 through assembly of a multiprotein scaffold, "inflammasome" that is composed of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3) ASC (apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) and procaspase-1. The NLRP3 inflammasome appears to be an important sensor of metabolic dysregulation and controls obesity-associated insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Initial clinical "proof of concept" studies suggest that blocking IL-1β may favorably modulate factors related to development and treatment of T2D. However, this potential therapeutic approach remains to be fully substantiated through phase-II clinical studies. Here, we outline the new immunological mechanisms that link metabolic dysfunction to the emergence of chronic inflammation and discuss the opportunities and challenges of future therapeutic approaches to dampen NLRP3 inflammasome activation or IL-1β signaling for controlling type 2 diabetes.
Malignant plasma cell tumors in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

The development of malignant neoplasms in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or with a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody test is a well known phenomenon. According to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA), the presence of intermediate-grade or high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in HIV antibody-positive patients is considered a diagnostic criterion for AIDS. The authors describe two cases of malignant plasma cell tumors in two young HIV-infected patients. in light of this and other reports of plasma cell tumors in patients at risk for AIDS or with a positive HIV antibody test, the finding of another manifestation of B-cell neoplasia in these patients may enlarge the spectrum of AIDS-related tumors.
The activity of cefotaxime and desacetylcefotaxime against Bacteroides species compared to 7-methoxy cephems and other anti-anaerobe drugs

The combination of cefotaxime and desacetylcefotaxime was tested against 83 Bacteroides strains (seven species) isolated from several hospitals. The combination greatly enhanced the anti-anaerobic spectrum of cefotaxime: 79.7% of tested strains were synergistically killed by the combination. Although the combination appears clinically efficacious, it is only comparable to cefoxitin and still less active than clindamycin, chloramphenicol and metronidazole.
Risk Assessment and Oncodynamics of Ethylene Oxide as Related to Occupational Exposure

Two rat inhalation bioassays have been integrated into the risk assessment on the carcinogenicity of ethylene oxide (EO). The carcinogenic findings as well as relevant metabolism and pharmacokinetic data are reviewed. Brain tumors were selected as the endpoint for the assessment of risk because of the indication that adverse effects on the nervous system, related to EO exposure, were consistent across species. Two methods, time-exposure concentration product and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) are used as a basis for calculating effective dose. Scaling of the dose to man from both rat and dog is explored based on pharmacokinetic studies. Two different mathematical risk extrapolation models, the probit and the multi-stage, are used to estimate the cancer risk for daily exposures to EO of 1.8 microgram/liter over a working lifetime. The use of AUC as a basis for dose from a daily exposure of 1.8 microgram/liter over a working lifetime gives the higher risk rates (90-142/10,000 workers). The implication of the simulated dose using plasma concentrations versus the time-concentration product approach is discussed in relation to threshold effects.
How Do High-Achieving Students Approach Web-Based, Copy and Paste Note Taking?: Selective Pasting and Related Learning Outcomes.

Previous research has indicated that most students copy and paste notes from Internet sources in a mindless way; they typically paste large sections of text into their notes and then later can recall little of what they have stored. However, supplying students with a note-taking framework that restricts the amount of text that may be pasted can prompt them to engage in more selective pasting, and this seems to result in greater learning. But the extant research has not specifically addressed copy and paste note-taking behaviors of high-achieving students. The high-achieving high school and college students in the present study used a note-taking tool on the computer that consisted of an electronic matrix to cue students to note certain types of information. In one condition, the number of words that could be included in each cell was restricted, whereas in the other group, the students’ cells were unrestricted. After the note-taking sessions, all students completed assessments to document the amount of in...
Embedding rings and meshes in partitioned optical passive stars networks

We consider the problem of embedding ring and torus communication structures onto the all-optical Partitioned Optical Passive Stars (POPS) topology. We show that the natural embedding, which maps the nodes in the ring or torus directly onto the POPS, does not result in an optimal embedding, and thus does not efficiently utilize the communication capabilities of the POPS. For the ring structure, we present an alternating-pair embedding technique which distributes the communication load uniformly in the POPS. We then apply a slightly modified version of the alternating-pair technique to the embedding of tori onto POPS networks. We prove that both embeddings are optimal, in the sense that they minimize the time required to deliver the messages from each node to its neighbors.
The ILO and the right to strike

The author argues that the J une 2012 challenge by the ILO Employ- ers' group to the hitherto generally accepted view regarding the right to strike under the Freedom of Association Convention, No. 87, is at odds with the histor- ical understanding of the framework in which the Convention is embedded. She demonstrates how the ILO constituents have consistently recognized that there is a positive right to strike, which is inextricably linked to - and an inevitable corol- lary of - the right to freedom of association. The article also analyses the relative roles of the ILO supervisory bodies in this regard. T his article will address several issues that bear directly on international standar ds on freedom of association, and on the role of the Inter- national Labour Organization (ILO) in setting and monitoring this fun- damental right. These topics have taken on additional relevance in the light of views expressed by the Employers' group during the session of the Committee on the Application of Standards at the June 2012 Inter- national Labour Conference (ILC). The views enunciated by the Employers' group surprised many of those involved in the ILO's activities by appear- ing to suggest that the meaning of the right to strike under the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), was narrower than many understood and, to a large extent, out- side the purview of the Committee of Experts. 1 Furthermore, the Employers' group attributed a role to the Committee of Experts and its relationship to the Committee on the Application of Standards that appeared at variance with accepted wisdom.
Relationships Between Blood and Liver Storage of Vitamin A

Abstract DIETARY requirements for vitamin A are quoted in the literature as being from 500 to 3,000 International Units per pound of finished feed (Ringrose and Norris, 1936; Bearse and Miller, 1937; Taylor and Russell, 1947; Kurnick et al., 1961; Ascarelli and Bartow, 1963). Liver stores and blood levels have been used as evaluation criteria for this vitamin (Parrish et al., 1963; Squibb et al., 1958; Rubin and Bird, 1941; Olsen et al., 1959; and Tiews and Kring, 1962). In this investigation the effects of vitamin A, as well as the effect of vitamin E, were studied as they affected blood levels, liver storage and growth and the relationship between the circulating blood levels and liver storage of vitamin A. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two trials were run to determine the possible effects of 4 levels of stabilized vitamin A 2 palmitate on weight gain and blood and liver levels. The second trial …
Assaying Locomotor, Learning, and Memory Deficits in Drosophila Models of Neurodegeneration

Advances in genetic methods have enabled the study of genes involved in human neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila as a model system1. Most of these diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease are characterized by age-dependent deterioration in learning and memory functions and movement coordination2. Here we use behavioral assays, including the negative geotaxis assay3 and the aversive phototaxic suppression assay (APS assay)4,5, to show that some of the behavior characteristics associated with human neurodegeneration can be recapitulated in flies. In the negative geotaxis assay, the natural tendency of flies to move against gravity when agitated is utilized to study genes or conditions that may hinder locomotor capacities. In the APS assay, the learning and memory functions are tested in positively-phototactic flies trained to associate light with aversive bitter taste and hence avoid this otherwise natural tendency to move toward light. Testing these trained flies 6 hours post-training is used to assess memory functions. Using these assays, the contribution of any genetic or environmental factors toward developing neurodegeneration can be easily studied in flies.
Classification of multi-spectral florescence in situ hybridization images with fuzzy clustering and multiscale feature selection

Multi-color or multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH) imaging is a recently developed molecular cytogenetic diagnosis technique for rapid visualization of genomic aberrations at the chromosomal level. The reliability of the technique depends primarily on the accurate pixel-wise classification. In the paper we introduce a novel approach that combines fuzzy clustering with multiscale feature selection to improve the accuracy of classifying M-FISH images. A multiscale principal component analysis (MPCA) was proposed to reduce the redundancy between multi-channel images. In comparison with conventional PCA, it offers adaptive redundancy reduction. The algorithms have been tested on an M-FISH image database, demonstrating the improvement in the classification accuracy. The increased accuracy of pixel-wise classification will improve the reliability of M-FISH imaging technique in identifying subtle and cryptic genetic aberrations for cancer diagnosis and genetic research.
Genetic Analysis of Adult-Specific Surface Antigenic Differences between Varieties of the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT We have studied developmental stage-specificity and genetic specification of surface antigens in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . Rabbit antisera directed against the adult C. elegans cuticle were used in conjunction with antiserum adsorption experiments to obtain antibody reagents with specificity for the adult surface. Adult-specific antibodies were used to identify several varietal strains of C. elegans that display antigen-negative phenotypes as adults. Genetic mapping results using the surface antigen phenotype as a marker indicated that a single gene (designated srf-1 ) or cluster of genes on linkage group II determines the adult surface antigen phenotype.
Induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes in rat liver by two conazoles, myclobutanil and triadimefon

This study was undertaken to examine the inductive effects of two triazole antifungal agents, myclobutanil and triadimefon, on the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes and on the activities of CYP enzymes in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were dosed with the conazoles at three dose levels by gavage for 14 days: myclobutanil (150, 75, and 10 mg kg � 1 body weight day � 1 ); triadimefon (115, 50, and 10 mg kg � 1 body weight day � 1 ), which included their maximum tolerated dose levels (MTD). Both myclobutanil and triadimefon significantly induced pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activities at their MTD levels: myclobutanil, 8.1-fold at 150 mg kg � 1 body weight day � 1 ; and triadimefon, 18.5-fold at 115 mg kg � 1 body weight day � 1 . Benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase activities were similarly increased: myclobutanil, 13.3-fold; triadimefon, 27.7-fold. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were used to characterize the mRNA expression of specific CYP genes induced by these two conazoles. Myclobutanil and triadimefon treatment at their MTD levels significantly increased rat hepatic mRNA expression of CYP2B1 (14.3- and 54.6-fold), CYP3A23/3A1 (2.2- and 7.3-fold), and CYP3A2 (1.5- and 1.7-fold). Western immunoblots of rat hepatic microsomal proteins identified significantly increased levels of CYP isoforms after myclobutanil or triadimefon treatment at their MTD levels: CYP2B1/2 (4.8- and 5.3-fold), and CYP3A1 (2.2- and 2.9-fold). Triadimefon also increased CYP3A2 immunoreactive protein levels 1.8-fold. These results indicate that triadimefon and myclobutanil, like other triazolecontaining conazoles, induced CYP2B and CYP3A families of cytochromes in rat liver.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes Introduced as a Post-Aging Contaminant During Storage of Low-Salt Cheddar Cheese at 4, 10, and 21°C.

Traditional aged Cheddar cheese does not support Listeria monocytogenes growth and, in fact, gradual inactivation of the organism occurs during storage due to intrinsic characteristics of Cheddar cheese, such as presence of starter cultures, salt content, and acidity. However, consuming high-salt (sodium) levels is a health concern and the dairy industry is responding by creating reduced-salt cheeses. The microbiological stability of low-salt cheese has not been well documented. This study examined the survival of L. monocytogenes in low-salt compared with regular-salt Cheddar cheese at 2 pH levels stored at 4, 10, and 21°C. Cheddar cheeses were formulated at 0.7% and 1.8% NaCl (wt/wt) with both low and high pH and aged for 10 wk, resulting in 4 treatments: 0.7% NaCl and pH 5.1 (low salt and low pH); 0.7% NaCl and pH 5.5 (low salt and high pH); 1.8% NaCl and pH 5.8 (standard salt and high pH); and 1.8% NaCl and pH 5.3 (standard salt and low pH). Each treatment was comminuted and inoculated with a 5-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes at a target level of 3.5 log cfu/g, then divided and incubated at 4, 10, and 21°C. Survival or growth of L. monocytogenes was monitored for up to 90, 90, and 30 d, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes decreased by 0.14 to 1.48 log cfu/g in all treatments. At the end of incubation at a given temperature, no significant difference existed in L. monocytogenes survival between the low and standard salt treatments at either low or high pH. Listeria monocytogenes counts decreased gradually regardless of a continuous increase in pH (end pH of 5.3 to 6.9) of low-salt treatments at all study temperatures. This study demonstrated that post-aging inoculation of L. monocytogenes into low-salt (0.7%, wt/wt) Cheddar cheeses at an initial pH of 5.1 to 5.5 does not support growth at 4, 10, and 21°C up to 90, 90, and 30 d, respectively. As none of the treatments demonstrated more than a 1.5 log reduction in L. monocytogenes counts, the need for good sanitation practices to prevent post-manufacturing cross contamination remains.
Brainstem nicotinic receptor subtypes that influence intragastric and arterial blood pressures.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of microinjection of nicotine and nicotinic receptor antagonists into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) or medial subnucleus of the tractus solitarius (mNTS) on intragastric (IGP) and arterial blood pressures (BP) in anesthetized rats. Nicotine microinjected into the DMV (10-300 pmol) produced dose-related increases in IGP (ED(50) = 89 pmol); no significant changes were noted for BP. Ipsilateral vagotomy abolished nicotine-induced increases in IGP. Nicotine microinjected into the mNTS in a dose range of 0.1 to 300 pmol produced dose-related decreases in IGP (ED(50) = 0.6 pmol) and BP (ED(50) = 5.4 pmol). Bilateral vagotomy abolished nicotine-induced decreases in IGP while having no effect on BP. In rats treated with daily s.c. injections of nicotine (0.8 mg/kg of base) for 10 days, microinjections of nicotine into the DMV produced similar increases in IGP. BP responses from the mNTS were not affected by chronic treatment. However, nicotine microinjections into the mNTS no longer produced a decrease in IGP in these chronically treated animals. alpha-Bungarotoxin (100 pmol) significantly blocked nicotine-evoked increases in IGP from the DMV while having no effect on nicotine-induced responses elicited from the mNTS. Hexamethonium (10 and 100 pmol) microinjected into the mNTS dose-dependently blocked nicotine-induced effects but did not interfere with the action of nicotine at the DMV. Our data indicate that nicotine-induced changes in IGP result from nicotine acting at two sites, the DMV and mNTS; and that at least three different nicotinic receptors in the dorsal medulla oblongata can influence gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function.
On the Sound Produced by a Flapping Flag

A linear theory is proposed for the motion and sound production of a ∞ag in nominally uniform high Reynolds number ∞ow. The ∞ag is modelled as an elastic ∞uid-loaded fllament subject to either clamped-free or flxed-free boundary conditions. Eigenfunctions describing standing waves in the absence of ∞uid loading are used to expand the loaded ∞ag de∞ection. The resulting temporal stability problem is analysed and the neutral curve and modes of motion describing the transition to instability are discussed in detail for each boundary condition. It is found that the flxed-free ∞ag is considerably more stable than the clampedfree ∞ag. In the limit of a very heavy ∞ag, instability sets in as a resonant standing wave, while lighter ∞ags exhibit ∞utter (convective) instability. Acoustic radiation of dipole type is calculated and discussed in the limit where the ∞ag is acoustically compact. At the onset of instability it is found that the acoustic pressure is dominated by the contribution of the wake term and that light ∞ags are noisier than heavy.
Twenty-five years of corporate governance research … and counting

Abstract In this paper, the field of corporate governance in the US from the perspective of financial economists is reviewed. It begins with a discussion of the fundamental agency problem from which that field emanates, which is the separation between the owners (the shareholders) and the controllers (the managers) of the modern public corporation. Relying primarily on survey papers, the current evidence on the various mechanisms that have been proposed as potential solutions to this agency problem is then reviewed. The contributions made by the other three papers that comprise this Special Issue on Corporate Governance are also highlighted. Finally, suggestions—my own and those of others—regarding the direction of future corporate governance research are offered.
An Intercomparison of Gauge Observations and Satellite Estimates of Monthly Precipitation

Abstract In order to further our quantitative understanding of the advantages and the shortcomings of the various sources of data used to represent climatic-scale precipitation, monthly gauge observations and satellite estimates are intercompared for global grid areas of 2.5° latitude/longitude for a period from July 1987 to June 1990. The results show that 1) at least five gauges are necessary to construct an areal-averaged monthly mean for the grids with accuracy of 10%, and 10% of the global land grids satisfy the requirement; 2) both microwave- and IR-based satellite estimates give similar spatial distributions of precipitation with good agreement with gauge observations for the warm seasons and over the tropical Pacific Ocean; and 3) the satellite estimates, especially those from the IR-based algorithm, exhibit poorer correspondence with gauge observations over land areas for the cold seasons. These results show that, for many applications, no single type of data can be used as the source for a month...
The Pattern of Railway Development in China

After three-quarters of a century of fluctuating efforts, the development of railways in China remains an unfinished task today. In contrast to industrially more advanced countries, which had built most of their existing lines by the turn of the present century, railway construction is regarded even now as an indispensable part of the economic development of China. Measured by the potential demands of the country the existing railway facilities are small indeed. Recent data indicate that at the end of 1952 the Chinese railway system consisted of some 17,570 miles of tracks, including all lines in operation on the mainland and Hainan but excluding those on Formosa. This means that there is one mile of railway for every 216 square miles of territory (or approximately 463 miles per 100,000 square miles), and that for every 1,000,000 of population there are 39 miles of rail transportation. Small though the figures appear to be, they nevertheless represent an increase over those of a decade ago. In 1942 the estimate was 12,036 miles of railways in all of China, including those in Manchuria and the occupied areas; the ratio was then 274 miles of railroads per 100,000 square miles, and 27 miles per 1,000,000 population. The vast potential development that lies ahead is apparent when we compare the above figures with those for the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.
The Paradoxical Evolution of Law

The paradoxical evolution of law authenticates durability and change. It mediates between the finite and the infinite. At a given point in time, law is a definitive corpus of rules and its constitutive norms can be identified and applied through specific legal methods. Despite its finitism, however, law accommodates a complex world imbued with absolute infinitism. Time, space, divinity, nature, causation, and consequences, all are infinite. As a general matter, human systems, including law, faced with infinitism manufactures finitism. In contracts, decedent’s estate, patents, searches and seizures, and other areas of law, law needs finite facts and finite rules to structure transactions and resolve disputes. Master texts, containing fundamental norms, protect the paradoxical evolution of law. They provide stability and durability. But they are also exposed to bi-dimensional mutations. First, the master text may undergo amendatory mutations. Second, the master text, even if non-amendable, is open to interpretative mutations. Living master texts, such as the U.S. Constitution, evolve and embrace bi-dimensional mutations. Law’s structured finitism, however, places methodological constraints on interpretative mutations and does not allow arbitrary and willful subversions.
Sign of the E4 moment in $sup 236$U by multiple Coulomb excitation with $sup 40$Ar ions

Multiple Coulomb excitation with $sup 40$Ar projectiles has been used to excite the ground state rotational band of $sup 236$U through the 12$sup +$ state. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical excitation probabilities confirms a positive value for the E4 moment, removing the sign ambiguity inherent in the determination of this moment by $alpha$-particle Coulomb excitation. (AIP)
Swelling of Polyelectrolyte and Polyzwitterion Brushes by Humid Vapors

Swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte and polyzwitterion brushes derived from poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) in water vapor is investigated using a combination of neutron and X-ray reflectivity and spectroscopic ellipsometry over a wide range of relative humidity (RH) levels. The extent of swelling depends strongly on the nature of the side-chain chemistry. For parent PDMAEMA, there is an apparent enrichment of water vapor at the polymer/air interface. Despite extensive swelling at high humidity level, no evidence of charge repulsion is found in weak or strong polyelectrolyte brushes. Polyzwitterionic brushes swell to a greater extent than the quaternized brushes studied. However, for RH levels beyond 70%, the polyzwitterionic brushes take up less water molecules, leading to a decline in water volume fraction from the maximum of ∼0.30 down to ∼0.10. Using a gradient in polymer chain grafting density (σ), we provide evidence that this behavior stems from the formation of inter- and intr...
Synthesis and structural analysis of Bis(2-hydroxyphenyl) phenylamine, PhN( o -C 6 H 4 OH) 2 : Comparison with Tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)amine N( o -C 6 H 4 OH) 3

The molecular structures of N(o-C6H4OH)3, PhN(o-C6H4OH)2, andp-TolN(o-C6H4OMe)2 have been determined by X-ray diffraction, thereby indicating several structural differences. For example, whereas the nitrogen in N(o-C6H4OH)3 is pyramidal with ΣC–N–C = 348.3∘, the nitrogen atoms in PhN(o-C6H4OH)2 andp-TolN(o-C6H4OMe)2 are trigonal planar with ΣC–N–C = 359.9∘ and ΣC–N–C = 360.0∘, respectively. The phenyl andp-tolyl groups of PhN(o-C6H4OH)2 andp-TolN(o-C6H4OMe)2 lie close to the trigonal plane, while theo-C6H4OH ando-C6H4OMe groups are almost orthogonal to this plane. The coplanar and orthogonal orientations of the aryl groups of PhN(o-C6H4OH)2 andp-TolN(o-C6H4OMe)2 are in marked contrast to those of the phenyl groups within Ph3N, which exhibit dihedral angles in the range 38–52∘ and approximateD3 symmetry. The observed structures of PhN(o-C6H4OH)2 andp-TolN(o-C6H4OMe)2 may be rationalized in terms of maximizing delocalization of the nitrogen lone pair into the phenyl andp-tolyl groups, while minimizing unfavorable overlap with theo-C6H4OH ando-C6H4OMe groups due to the presence of π-donatingortho-substituents; the orthogonal orientation of theo-C6H4OH ando-C6H4OMe groups is also one that minimizes unfavorable steric interactions between theortho-substituents.
New Eastern Nearctic Limnephilid (Trichoptera) with Unusual Zoogeographical Affinities

Collections from Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina have resulted in the discovery of a previously undescribed member of the Limnephilidae, Madeophylax gen. nov. altus sp. nov. Madeophylax apparently is most closely related to Manophylax Wiggins, a genus thought to be restricted to isolated localities in the Rocky Mountains. The larval, pupal, and adult stadia of Madeophylax are described, its habitat is characterized, and its placement within the Limnephilidae is discussed. Additionally, zoogeographical implications of Madeophylax in the southern Appalachian Mountains are addressed