cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voice of the Turtle

Sea Turtles A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation. By James R. Spotila . Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, 2004. 240 pp. $24.95, £17. ISBN 0-8018-8007-6. The author and the striking photographs provide a superb introduction to sea turtles, their biology, and the human impacts that threaten to bring their long history to an end.
Internal Auditor Participation In Systems Development Projects

There are differing viewpoints in the internal auditing literature regarding the role of internal audit in systems development projects. One argument is that internal audit should act as consultants for such projects. A counter argument is that if internal auditors act as consultants, this could impair independence. This study surveyed chief audit executives to determine their perceptions of the role of internal audit in systems development projects as well as the actual involvement of their departments in such projects. The findings show that chief audit executives place more importance on internal audit acting as consultants and less importance on independence in these projects. The results also suggest that internal audit has limited involvement in the different phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle of these projects.
Progressive Hearing Loss and Head Trauma in Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveEnlarged vestibular aqueduct is the most common radiographically identified cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss and is frequently progressive. Imaging is often ordered during the workup of children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss in part to identify enlarged vestibular aqueduct given concern for progression with head trauma. However, this association has not been systematically evaluated. We aimed to determine the rate of progression and association with head trauma in individuals with enlarged vestibular aqueduct.Data SourcesSystematic review of primary studies identified through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science.Review MethodsMeta-analysis was performed on patient-level data describing enlarged vestibular aqueduct, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, and head trauma extracted from articles identified on systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines.ResultsTwenty-three studies (1115 ears with enlarged vestibular aqueduct) met inclusion criteria. Progressiv...
Scaffolds for Intracerebral Grafting of Neural Progenitor Cells After Cerebral Infarction: A Systematic Review

Context: Intracerebral grafting of neural progenitor cells is a promising potential treatment to improve recovery after stroke, but the structural disruption and cavitation of brain tissue that occurs creates an unfavorable environment for graft cell survival. To overcome this obstacle, scaffold materials have been used as extracellular matrix to provide structural support for the transplanted cells. Many materials could potentially be used as scaffolds for this application. Evidence Acquisition: We performed a systematic review to determine the available evidence supporting specific scaffolds for neural progenitor cell grafting after stroke. Articles were identified with a MeSH search on PubMed. Relevant references and “related articles” of selected manuscripts were also reviewed. Full original articles published prior to May 2013 presenting unique experimental data describing intracerebral grafting of neural progenitor cells in a scaffold after cerebral infarction were included in our study. All selected articles were reviewed thoroughly by the authors for relevant data. Results: We found reports of use of scaffolds composed of polyglycolic acid, poly [lactic-co-glycolic acid] particles (with and without VEGF), hyaluronan-heparin-collagen hydrogel, Matrigel, collagen and extracellular matrix derived from porcine brain and urinary bladder. While multiple beneficial effects were reported, the optimal scaffold is unclear as we found no direct comparisons. Conclusions: We conclude that multiple scaffolds appear promising for neural progenitor cell grafting after stroke, but further research is needed to optimize this neurorestorative approach. Thus, we hope to provide a basic understanding of the state of scaffolds for neural progenitor cell grafting after stroke and to encourage further research. Based on the methods of the discussed studies, we propose a standardized set of outcomes that would best be used to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a given scaffold.
Reproductive morphology of three species of neotropical harvestmen (Opiliones, Laniatores, Gonyleptoidea).

Illustrations of penis morphology are essential components of species descriptions for harvestmen belonging to the suborder Laniatores. Male genitalia are important sources of taxonomic characters and are generally assumed to exhibit relatively little intraspecific variation. In contrast, descriptions of female reproductive morphology are rarely included in taxonomic descriptions of laniatorean harvestmen. As a result, relatively little is known about variation in the external features of the ovipositor. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine variation in male and female reproductive morphology among three species of harvestmen that are members of the superfamily Gonyleptoidea. Specifically, we examined the microanatomy of penises and ovipositors of Cynortula granulata (Cosmetidae), Phareicranaus calcariferus (Cranaidae), and Rhopalocranaus albilineatus (Manaosbiidae). Our results support the general observation that male reproductive morphology is conservative and displays little intraspecific variation. We observed considerable intraspecific variation in the number and shape of marginal setae on the ventral plate of the penis, but little or no variation in the morphology of the distal border of the ventral plate or the shape of the glans penis or stylus. With respect to female genitalia, we observed considerable intraspecific variation in the number of peripheral setae on the distal tip of the ovipositor. We also observed interspecific variation in the morphology of the peripheral setae (surface of the shaft and at shape of the distal tip), the distribution and morphology of smaller setae on the external surface of the ovipositor, and the surface texture of the external lobes. Our results indicate that there are several features associated with ovipositor morphology among laniatorean harvestmen that may represent potentially informative taxonomic characters. J. Morphol. 274:1415–1424, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutral axis location in bending and Young's modulus of different layers of arterial wall.

With few exceptions, experimental results on the blood vessel elasticity have been analyzed with the blood vessel wall treated as a homogeneous material, probably because the experiments have been ...
New methods for the calculation of the electronic structure of clusters: application for Na 13 to Na 147

We present a review of recent developments in the field of electronic structure calculations and of their application to the ab-initio quantum mechanical studies of the properties of clusters. The possibilities of the new computational methods are illustrated by the calculation of the binding energy and level structure of sodium clusters in the size range of Na13 and Na147.
Magnetostriction and domain structure of materials for use in low-noise equipment

Magnetostriction is discussed from the viewpoint of the problem of audio noise in inductive equipment. Certain special problems which must be considered in the application of domain theory to experimental data such as those obtained from crystal-oriented 3-per-cent silicon-iron alloys are taken up. In addition, experimental methods and results are also described.
Quantitative determination of MK-0767, a dual α/γ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

5-[2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxy-N-[[(4-trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]methyl]benzamide (I, MK-0767 or KRP-297, Fig. 1), is a dual alpha/gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist. A LC-MS/MS method for the determination of I in human plasma has been successfully developed, validated and applied to clinical programs. The analyte and internal standard (II) are extracted from 0.05 mL plasma via solid phase extraction (SPE). HPLC is used for the separation of I and II from possible co-extracted endogenous and other compounds. Detection is by MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using a TurboIonSpray probe. The whole sample preparation is automated by using a Packard Multiprobe liquid handling system. The linear range is 4-2000 ng/mL in plasma. Recoveries were 71.1% and 69.4% for I and II, respectively. The method exhibited good linearity, reproducibility and sensitivity, selectivity and robustness when used for the analysis of clinical samples.
Network-Controlled Channel Allocation Scheme for IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANs: Experimental and Simulation Study

The increased density of wireless local area network (wireless LAN) access points (APs) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard has induced inter-cell interference that severely degrades system performance. In order to mitigate this issue, this paper proposes an efficient network-controlled channel allocation scheme that can be applied to a managed wireless LAN system with a central coordinator. On the basis of channel monitoring results obtained from APs and data traffic amount at each AP, the central coordinator computes the quasi-optimal frequency channel of each AP in such a way that the given utility function is maximized. Numerous simulations and testbed experiments with UDP traffic flows show that the proposed scheme works well and improves the overall system throughput and fairness among throughput of APs even when there exist uncontrollable APs of other network domains that cannot be controlled by the coordinator.
POLLEN MORPHOLOGY IN THE GENERA MONTTEA AND MELOSPERMA (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

Pollen of the scrophulariaceous genera Melosperma and Monttea was studied with light and scanning electron microscopy. Both have single, radiosymmetric, isopolar, trizoniaperturate pollen grains with usually ruptured colpus membranes, tectate-perforate to semitectate exines with a columellate interstitium and pitted or perforate nexines. Intergeneric differences in pollen morphology are established based on the differential correlation of sculpturing characters. Comparisons of the pollen of Melosperma and Monttea with that of the tribe Minuleae sensu stricto reveals no difference in the case of Melosperma and the existence of intermediate morphologies and "reticulate" similarities in the case of Monttea; the taxonomic significance of this morphological intergradation is considered. The transfer of Oxycladus aphyllus to Monttea is consistent with the pollen evidence, but proposed affinities between Monttea and tribe Antonieae of the Loganiaceae are not supported.
Electrospun polylactic acid nanofiber membranes as substrates for biosensor assemblies

Abstract Biotin has been successfully incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers through electrospinning to prepare membrane substrates for biosensors based on biotin–streptavidin specific binding. Biotin incorporated PLA nanofiber membranes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and confocal microscopy. Under optimized conditions, small fiber size and uniform morphology were achieved for PLA nanofibers with and without biotin incorporation. Sulfur mapping indicated a non-uniform distribution of biotin on the membranes, presumably due to aggregation of biotin during the electrospinning process. Pre-blocking the membranes effectively eliminated non-specific binding between streptavidin and PLA. Preliminary biosensor assays confirmed that streptavidin immobilized on the membrane surface could capture a biotinylated DNA probe.
Dynamic features of two ordinary differential equations with widely separated time scales

Abstract A systematic approach is presented for predicting all the possible phase-plane diagrams of a system of two ordinary differential equations with widely separated time scales, and of the sequence of phase plane diagrams obtained by varying a parameter, i.e. bifurcation diagrams. The use of widely separated time scales enables the derivation of analytical algebraic expressions predicting all the transitions (bifurcations). A method is presented for a systematic finding of all the bifurcation diagrams for a system of two differential equations containing two parameters. The method is extended to systems containing many parameters. Application to the design and analysis and experimental observations are discussed.
An Eight‐day Method for Screening Compounds against Leishmania donovani in the Golden Hamster*

SYNOPSIS. Intracardial inoculation of 1–10 million L. donovani in 0.1 ml. of ground spleen suspension from an infected animal (hamster) results in a uniform rise of parasite numbers in the untreated animal over the first 8 days after the inoculation. This rise is highly consistent from experiment to experiment. Treatment is accomplished by parenteral injection of a compound for 6 successive days in this time interval, starting 24 hours after inoculation. No known active compound in proper dosage (sodium stibogluconate, pentamidine, fuadin) has failed to show a significant suppression of the expected rise in parasite numbers. No known inactive compound has had any effect on the course of the infection. The dosage-response curve for the active compounds suggests that the method is a sensitive one. Since it takes only 8 days to complete, it is economical as well.
AN EXOPHTHALMOS-PRODUCING SUBSTANCE IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM PROGRESSIVE EXOPHTHALMOS

IN A recent publication from this laboratory (1) the separation of the exophthalmos-producing substance (EPS) and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of the anterior pituitary was described. In this previous investigation a crude quantitative assay for EPS was made, using the common Atlantic “minnow,” Fundulus heteroclitus, Linn. (2), as the test object. It has been observed that these fish under proper conditions will respond with measurable exophthalmos when a dose as small as 15 micrograms of a dry EPS preparation is given. During the past several years, while the foregoing studies were in progress, efforts were simultaneously made to demonstrate an exophthalmosproducing substance in the serum of patients suffering from the severe or progressive exophthalmos sometimes associated with Graves' disease. Recent success in demonstrating EPS in human serum has prompted this preliminary report.
Macro versus Micro Justice and Perceived Fairness of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Two studies explored the impact of micro justice (individual focus) and macro justice (societal focus) on perceptions of fairness within the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Africa. All participants read and listened to a detailed description of the TRC and were asked to judge the fairness of the overall process and components of the TRC. In Study 1 participants were given a writing task that primed micro- versus macro-level processing, whereas in Study 2 they were asked questions framed at either a micro or macro level. In both studies participants in the micro-justice condition perceived the TRC as less fair than those in the macro-justice condition. The paper includes a brief review of a field study that explored perceptions of justice in Rwanda that inspired the current research. Implications of micro- versus macro-justice perspectives for studying fairness and promoting reconciliation in post- and current-conflict societies are discussed.
Creep of die cast AZ91 magnesium at room temperature and low stress

Die cast AZ91 magnesium is shown to undergo both primary and secondary creep at room temperature while at stresses at least as low as 60 MPa. Empirical primary and secondary creep equations are also presented that allow creep strain to be calculated as a function of stress and time. The measured stress dependency of the secondary creep rate suggests that diffusion-driven dislocation climb may be the rate-controlling creep mechanism, as has been reported for magnesium and other metals at higher temperatures. Changes in the stress dependency of other constants in the creep equations, and in the time and strain at which secondary creep begins, suggest that the dominant creep mechanism may change at stresses below 120 MPa.
Preparing Speech-Language Pathology Students for School-Based Practice: The Importance of Graduate Clinical Experiences in Universally Designed Classrooms

Purpose: In this article, I will describe how practicum experiences in universally designed classrooms help prepare speech-language pathology graduate clinicians for the roles and responsibilities of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The article is based on a poster session presented at the ASHA Schools Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin entitled Successful Collaboration: A Communication Enhancement Program in a Universally Designed Classroom (Waller, McChesney, Riehle, & Cook, 2012). Method: Graduate students in speech-language pathology participated in a practicum in a universally designed prekindergarten (pre-K) classroom in an elementary school for 3 months. The students used a 6-item questionnaire with a narrative-response format to identify what they learned from this experience. Conclusions: Providing graduate students in speech-language pathology with clinical opportunities in universally designed classrooms can help prepare these students for working in today's schools. For exampl...
Simultaneous electrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of keto and hydroxy carotenoids

Cyclic voltammogram (CV) and simultaneous electrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance (SEEPR) measurements have been carried out on the oxygenated carotenoids: echinenone, canthaxanthin, isozeaxanthin and rhodoxanthin in dichloromethane. The CV displays are markedly different from that of β-carotene. Comproportionation constants, deduced from EPR spin concentration measurements of electrochemically oxidized dihydroxy β-carotene and several keto carotenoids vary by four orders of magnitude. ΔHpp values deduced from the SEEPR spectra of the cation radicals are in the range 13.2 to 14.5 G and the g-factors are 2.0027 ± 0.0002. These EPR parameters are in accordance with a polyene π-cation radical structure. Theoretical CVs are calculated using DigiSim, a CV simulation program, and the proposed mechanism involves three electrode and two homogeneous reactions.
Die Reaktion cyclischer Allylbromide mit Lithiumaluminiumhydrid

3-Brom-cyclo-penten,-hexen und-hepten reagieren mit Lithiumaluminiumhydrid unter Bildung der jeweiligen cyclischen Monoolefine. Ann substituierten 3-Brom-cyclohexenen wurde gezeigt, das die Reaktion sowohl als einfache nucleophile Substitution des Broms durch Wasserstoff als auch unter Allylumlagerung mit Angriff des Hydridions am C-Atom 1 verlauft. Die in beiden Allylstellungen bromierten cyclischen Olefine reagieren mit Lithiumaluminiumhydrid unter Bildung mehrerer Produkte, die durch Angriff des Hydrids an einem halogentragenden C-Atom (a), an einem olefinischen C-Atom (b) und an einem Brom-atom (c) entstanden sind. Reaktion (a) liefert Monoolefin, (b) ergibt 4-Bromolefin und nach (c) entsteht 1.3-Diolefin. Die Eliminierung nach (c) wurde allerdings nur am unsubstituierten Cyclohexen- und Cycloheptendibromid beobachtet. Fur die Eliminierung wird ein weitgehend koplanarer Ubergangszustand angenommen, der bei den anderen untersuchten Dibromiden nicht moglich ist.
Singularities of Euler and Roll-Pitch-Yaw Representations

Euler and roll-pitch-yaw angles are routinely used to represent the orientation of rigid bodies in aerospace, navigation, and robotics because they minimize the dimensionality of the control problem.Both representations, however, introduce unwarranted mathematical singularities which are identified in this paper.Trajectory-tracking algorithms break down at singularities and cause loss of control. Since mathematical singularities do not reflect physical limitations of orientation, remedial measures can beimplemented in the controller.
Thrombospondin1 Deficiency Reduces Obesity-Associated Inflammation and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in a Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model

Background: Obesity is prevalent worldwide and is associated with insulin resistance. Advanced studies suggest that obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic complications. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein that is up-regulated in inflamed adipose tissue. A recent study suggests a positive correlation of TSP1 with obesity, adipose inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the direct effect of TSP1 on obesity and insulin resistance is not known. Therefore, we investigated the role of TSP1 in mediating obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance by using TSP1 knockout mice. Methodology/Principal Findings: Male TSP1-/- mice and wild type littermate controls were fed a low-fat (LF) or a high-fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks. Throughout the study, body weight and fat mass increased similarly between the TSP1-/- mice and WT mice under HF feeding conditions, suggesting that TSP1 deficiency does not affect the development of obesity. However, obese TSP1-/- mice had improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity compared to the obese wild type mice. Macrophage accumulation and inflammatory cytokine expression in adipose tissue were reduced in obese TSP1-/- mice. Consistent with the local decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, systemic inflammation was also decreased in the obese TSP1-/- mice. Furthermore, in vitro data demonstrated that TSP1 deficient macrophages had decreased mobility and a reduced inflammatory phenotype. Conclusion: TSP1 deficiency did not affect the development of high-fat diet induced obesity. However, TSP1 deficiency reduced macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue and protected against obesity related inflammation and insulin resistance. Our data demonstrate that TSP1 may play an important role in regulating macrophage function and mediating obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. These data suggest that TSP1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target to improve the inflammatory and metabolic complications of obesity.
Analysis for Commanding the Self-Pulsation of DFB Laser Diode With Electronic Feedback for Photonic Analog-to-Digital Conversion Application

Theoretical investigation on commanding the self-pulsation characteristics of the semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) laser using electronic feedback is carried out in this paper. This device can be used as the sample-and-hold element for high-speed photonic analog-to-digital converter circuit. A recommendation for experimental realization of this scheme with the short-feedback-delay requirement is proposed. The effect of the feedback loop parameters have been simulated numerically based on the rate equations to manipulate the relaxation oscillation frequency of the laser. The results, which to our knowledge are reported for the first time, clearly demonstrate the effect of the feedback loop parameters on the laser intensity modulation frequency response transfer function. A detailed analysis of the noise effects on the performance of this system is also carried out. The conclusion establishes that the theoretical foundation for optimizing and controlling the DFB laser system pulsing source for the photonic analog-to-digital conversion application by tuning the laser drive current may have the potential to replace mode-locked fiber lasers in many other applications, from radio frequency (RF) photonics to chaos communication.
Stimulation of sphingomyelin hydrolysis by cannabidiol in fibroblasts from a Niemann-Pick patient

Abstract The hydrolysis of sphingomyelin in cells derived from a Niemann-Pick patient was studied using both a labelled precursor and measurement of endogenous levels. In vitro exposure of the cells to cannabidiol resulted in a large decrease in both the relative and absolute amounts of this lipid; the drug had a smaller effect on normal fibroblasts. Cannabidiol has been tested in the clinic as an antiepileptic agent with some success; our findings suggest that it may also be useful in relieving the symptoms associated with Niemann-Pick disease.
Liquid phase epitaxial growth of ZnxCd1−xSnP2 on InP

The chalcopyrite alloy ZnxCd1−xSnP2 is a potentially use-ful electronic material. In addition to having effective masses lower than and energy gaps similar to its III-V compound analogs, this alloy can also be lattice matched to InP. We have used an open-tube, sliding-boat, liquid-phase system to grow ZnxCd1−xSnP2 epitaxially on InP sub-strates. Unintentionally-doped layers have electron con-centrations as high as 3 × 1019cm−3 with mobility values of about 2,000 cm2/V-sec. These mobility values are sub-stantially larger than have been obtained in the equivalent III-V materials at similar concentrations.
Ownership and Water System Operation

ABSTRACT: Two types of organizational systems provide most of the water service in the United States. The investor-owned firm operates on a profit basis generally subject to state commission regulation. The government-owned firm is generally confronted by local control. The comparative efficiency of private versus government firm provision of water services is essentially an empirical issue. Unit costs and other operating statistics are examined for water firms of each ownership form. The analysis shows that private firms tend to have higher operation costs than do government firms, possibly attributable to wage-salary differentials. The analysis also indicates that capital investment in large government firms may result in diseconomies. The analysis creates serious doubt as to whether efficient provision of water services can be better facilitated by large mergers of either ownership form.
Pathophysiology, classifications, and natural history of Perthes disease.

Since the original reports of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), much research effort has been undertaken to improve understanding of this idiopathic hip disorder. This article focuses on the current knowledge of the pathophysiology, classifications, and natural history of LCPD. Although the cause of LCPD remains largely unknown, some insight has been gained on its pathophysiology through experimental studies using animal models of ischemic necrosis. The few available clinical studies on the natural history of LCPD suggest that femoral head deformity is well tolerated in short and intermediate terms, but 50% of patients develop disabling arthritis in the sixth decade of life.
Comparison of genetic algorithm systems with neural network and statistical techniques for analysis of cloud structures in midlatitude storm systems

Abstract Cloud analyses provide information which is vital to the detection, understanding and prediction of meteorological trends and environmental changes. This paper compares statistical, neural network and genetic algorithm methods for recognition and tracking of midlatitude storm clouds in sequences of low-resolution cloud-top pressure data sets. Regions of interest are identified and tracked from one image frame to the next consecutive frame in an eight-frame sequence. Classification techniques are used to determine the relationships between regions of interest in consecutive time frames. A genetic algorithm procedure is then used to revise classifier outputs to ensure that consistency constraints are not violated.
Restraint potential and free energy decomposition formalism for helical tilting

Abstract A restraint potential for the helical tilt angle has been developed and its efficacy is illustrated by calculating the potentials of mean force (PMFs) as a function of WALP19’s tilt angle in vacuum. Based on our formalism to calculate the projection forces acting along the tilt, the thermodynamic integration yields a free energy profile that is in good agreement with the PMF obtained by the weighted-histogram analysis method. The present work provides a rigorous framework to decompose the total PMF into any microscopic contributions, which will be useful to explore the helix tilting in membranes due to a hydrophobic mismatch.
Use of near infrared spectroscopy to measure the chemical and mechanical properties of solid wood

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (500 nm–2400 nm), coupled with multivariate analytic (MVA) statistical techniques, have been used to predict the chemical and mechanical properties of solid loblolly pine wood. The samples were selected from different radial locations and heights of three loblolly pine trees grown in Arkansas. The chemical composition and mechanical properties were measured with traditional wet chemical techniques and three point bending tests, respectively. The microfibril angle was measured with x-ray scattering. These chemical and mechanical properties were correlated with the NIR spectra using projection to latent structures (PLS) models. The correlations were very strong, with the correlation coefficients generally above 0.80. The mechanical properties could also be predicted using a reduced spectral range (650 nm–1150 nm) that should allow for field measurements of these properties using handheld NIR spectrometers.
High risk for vascular events in patients with protruding aortic atheromas: A prospective study

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the risk of vascular events in patients with protruding aortic atheromas. Background. Protruding atheromas of the thoracic aorta have been shown to be associated with embolic disease in previous retrospective studies. Methods. During a 1-year period, 521 patients had transesophageal echocardiography. Of these, 42 patients had protruding atheromas and no other source of emboli. They were followed up for up to 2 years (mean follow-up 14 months) and compared with a control group without atheromas, matched for age, gender and hypertension. Results. Of 42 patients with atheromas, 14 (33%) had 19 vascular events during follow-up (5 brain, 2 eye, 4 kidney, 1 bowel, 7 lower extremity). Of 42 control patients, 3 (7%) had vascular events (2 brain, 1 eye). Univariate analysis identified only protruding atheromas as significantly correlating with events (p = 0.003). There was no positive correlation of events with age, gender, hypertension, smoking, family history, atrial fibrillation, valve replacement, antithrombotic drug use, diabetes or coronary disease. Multivariate analysis showed that only protruding atheromas independently predicted events (p = 0.005, odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 15.0). Nine patients died in the atheroma group versus six in the control group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.39). Conclusions. Protruding atheromas seen on transesophageal echocardiography predict future vascular events.
Variations on a theme. Regulation of flowering time in Arabidopsis.

By definition, annual plants complete their life cycle, from germination to seed set, within the course of a year. Summer annuals, the most prevalent, complete their life cycle over a few short months in the summer. Winter annuals germinate in the fall, over winter as seedlings, and then flower in
Follow-up psychophysical studies in bortezomib-related chemoneuropathy patients.

Abstract Many frontline chemotherapeutic agents produce robust neuropathy as a dose-limiting side effect; however, the persistence of chemotherapy-related sensory disturbances and pain are not well documented. We have previously investigated the qualities of bortezomib-induced pain, and now seek to determine the ongoing nature of this pain. Twenty-six control subjects and 11 patients who had previously been treated with bortezomib and who were experiencing ongoing pain consented to recurring quantitative sensory testing. A pilot immunohistochemistry study of skin innervation was also performed on patient-obtained biopsies. Psychophysical testing in patients revealed persistent changes including decreased skin temperature in the area of pain, diminished touch and sharpness detection, increased pegboard completion times, and decreased sensitivity to skin heating. Additionally, the intensity of pain, as captured by the use of a visual analog scale and pain descriptors, was reported by patients to be unchanged during the retest despite similar morphine equivalent daily doses. The patient skin biopsies displayed a marked decrease in the density of epidermal nerve fibers and Meissner’s corpuscles. These results signify a persistent and severe impairment of Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers in patients with chronic bortezomib-induced chemoneuropathy. Further, this study reports a loss of both epidermal nerve fibers and Meissner’s corpuscles. Perspective The results of this article indicate a persistent, painful peripheral neuropathy in patients treated with bortezomib. Pilot data indicates a loss of nerve fibers innervating the area of pain. This is the first paper to address the persistence, and potential contributing factors, of bortezomib chemoneuropathy.
An Evaluation of the summation of cyclic plastic strain damage in two high strength aluminum alloys

A damage equation based upon the integration of low cycle fatigue plastic strain ranges was verified experimentally for two high strength aluminum alloys 2024-T4 and 7075-T651. The damage equation which has been used extensively for many fatigue crack propagation theories assumes cyclic damage under increasing plastic strain ranges. In order to verify the damage equation, low cycle fatigue specimens were subjected to a fully reversed strain cycle in which the total strain-range was increased linearly by a constant amount Δ[Δed] per cycle. An excellent agreement was obtained between the predicted and observed fatigue lifetimes. The stress-strain response of these alloys was also measured. The experimental results showed that these two alloys cyclically harden substantially and that the single strain increment stress-strain curve is a fair lower bound approximation of the cyclic stress-strain curve.
Hemispheric differences for visual matrix processing: Stimulus size and spatial frequency effects

Hemispheric processing differences were assessed by presenting square matrices that varied in size and the number of filled-in cells. Subjects judged whether the matrix contained an even or odd number of filled cells. Experiment 1 employed relatively small matrix sizes (2 x 2, 3 x 3, and 4 x 4), and Experiment 2 employed relatively large matrix sizes (4 x 4, 6 x 6, and 8 x 8). Response time was shorter and error rates lower for left visual field/right hemisphere (LVF/RH) presentations compared to right visual field/left hemisphere (RVF/LH) presentations, with the larger matrices demonstrating the strongest visual field/hemispheric effects. Increases in the number of filled cells contributed to increases for the LVF/RH response time advantage only for the larger arrays. Analysis of the data from both studies collapsed across the number of filled cells produced highly consistent LVF/RH advantages for both response time and error rate, with stronger LVF/RH advantages found for the larger matrix sizes of both studies. The findings suggest that visual stimulus spatial frequency is a key determinant of hemispheric processing advantages, but that this factor is constrained by stimulus size variation. Theoretical implications with respect to the hemispheric processing double filtering by frequency model are discussed.
Temperature dependence of the electron-ion recombination coefficient in neon afterglow plasmas

Abstract By means of microwave heating of the electrons in a neon afterglow followed by measurements of light intensity and electron temperature Te, we have found that the recombination coefficient is proportional to Te-1.4 ± 0.2.
Transition state for alkyl group hydrogenation on Pt(111).

Substituent effects have been used to probe the characteristics of the transition state to hydrogenation of alkyl groups on the Pt(111) surface. Eight different alkyl and fluoroalkyl groups have been formed on the Pt(111) surface by dissociative adsorption of their respective alkyl and fluoroalkyl iodides. Coadsorption of hydrogen and alkyl groups, followed by heating of the surface, results in hydrogenation of the alkyl groups to form alkanes, which then desorb into the gas phase. Temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy was used to measure the barriers to hydrogenation, ΔEH⧧, which are dependent on the size of the alkyl group (polarizability) and the degree of fluorination (field effect). This example is one of only two surface reactions for which the influence of the substituents on ΔEH⧧ has been correlated with both the field and the polarizability substituent constants of the alkyl groups in the form of a linear free energy relationship. Increasing both the field and the polarizability constants ...
Design of microcantilever sensors using SLM based holographic lithography

A holographic multiphoton fabrication technique is applied to the development of a microcantilever based analyte sensor. Holograms generated using a spatial light modulator (SLM) initiate the fabrication of sub-micron three-dimensional structures. Chemically functional microstructures are patterned onto the surface of commercially available piezoelectric microcantilevers using this holographic lithography technique. Controlling the form and location of the added structure enables the resonant frequency of the cantilever to be regulated with a higher accuracy than is currently available using bulk lithography techniques and without the inclusion of additional electronic feedback control components. A potential analyte sensor is then developed by patterning on an array of multiple piezoelectric microcantilevers, which are initially identical within manufacturing tolerances. The resonant frequency, was adjusted such that cantilevers, which were initially separated by 2.82 kHz, are tuned to be within 0.13 kHz of each other. Connecting the piezoelectric microcantilevers in series enables the response of each sensor element to be measured simultaneously using a single frequency based data acquisition system and allowing rapid data collection.
The efficacy of combination therapy using adeno-associated virus—interferon β and trichostatin A in vitro and in a murine model of neuroblastoma

Abstract Purpose Trichostatin A (TSA) is a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor and has demonstrated significant antitumor activity against a variety of cancer cell lines. Type I interferons have also shown significant antitumor as well as antiangiogenic activity. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of combination therapy of TSA and interferon β (IFN- β ) on human neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo using a murine model of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma. Materials and Methods For in vitro experiments, plated human neuroblastoma cells (NB-1643 and NB-1691) were treated with vehicle or with IFN- β , TSA, or both for 24 hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed by counting cells and expressing the results as a percentage of controls. Expression of the tumor suppressor p21 Waf1 was assessed by Western blot. For in vivo experiments, retroperitoneal neuroblastomas were established in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice. Interferon β was given using a gene therapy approach, administering 1.5 × 10 10 particles of an adeno-associated virus vector encoding human IFN- β (AAV hIFN- β ) via tail vein as a single dose per mouse. Trichostatin A was given at a dose of 5 mg/kg every 48 hours subcutaneously. Treatment groups included controls, AAV hIFN- β alone, TSA alone, and AAV hIFN- β together with TSA. Tumor volume was assessed 2 weeks after the treatment began. Results After 24 hours, treatment with IFN- β , TSA, and a combination of both resulted in a 45.3%, 68.1%, and 75% reduction in cell count relative to controls in the NB-1691 cell line. In the NB-1643 line, cell counts were reduced by 23%, 58%, and 62.3% respectively. In addition, NB-1691 cells treated with TSA showed increased expression of p21 Waf1 on Western blot. For in vivo experiments, control-, AAV hIFN- β –, TSA-, and combination-treated tumors had the following final volumes: 1577.7 ± 264.2 mm 3 (n = 3); 128.5 ± 74.4 mm 3 (n = 4; P = .0001); 1248.7 ± 673.9 mm 3 (n = 4; P = .48); and 127.5 ± 36.8 mm 3 (n = 4; P = .0007), respectively. Conclusion Neuroblastoma, because of its unique biology, continues to be a challenging tumor to treat, and many times these tumors are refractory to standard chemotherapeutic regimens. These data show that both TSA and IFN- β inhibit neuroblastoma growth and that the combination may potentially provide a unique way to treat this difficult disease.
A fusion plasmid for the synthesis of lipopeptide-antigen chimeras in Escherichia coli

Lipopeptides are potential vaccine candidates with a built-in adjuvant property. To circumvent the present chemical route of synthesis for lipopeptide-antigen conjugates, the lipoprotein property of the pColE2-P9-encoded lysis protein, CelB, was used to create the bacterial fusion plasmid, pKLY3, to produce lipopeptide-antigen chimeras in Escherichia coli. Plasmid pKLY3 is a derivative of pKK233-2 with the origin of replication of the single-stranded DNA phage, fl. Under control of the promoter, ptrc, is the 5' end of the celB gene coding for a lipoprotein signal peptide and the first five amino acids (aa) (CQANY) of the mature lysis protein. As model systems for the synthesis of small and large lipopeptide-antigens, DNA sequences coding for the P2 peptide and E. coli alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) were fused in frame to the region of celB coding for a lipoprotein signal peptide and CQANY. P2 is a 12-aa peptide including a tyrosine phosphorylation site of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). Inducible expression of stable lipohexapeptide CQANYV, lipo-CQANY-P2, and lipo-CQANYA-PhoA, was demonstrated. Similar expression was obtained for lipo-CIEGR-P2 and lipo-CIEGRA-PhoA in which IEGR is a cleavage recognition site for the blood coagulation factor, Xa. Like QANY, IEGR is predicted to form a beta-turn structure. The presence of a lipid moiety on the products was confirmed by demonstrating the incorporation of radioactive palmitic acid and inhibition of processing by globomycin. The lipid-modified peptides were also identified by incorporation of radioactive tyrosine, and the nature of the P2 peptide was verified immunologically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An index theorem for the stability of periodic travelling waves of Korteweg–de Vries type

We consider the stability of periodic travelling-wave solutions to a generalized Korteweg–de Vries (gKdV) equation and prove an index theorem relating the number of unstable and potentially unstable eigenvalues to geometric information on the classical mechanics of the travelling-wave ordinary differential equation. We illustrate this result with several examples, including the integrable KdV and modified KdV equations, the L2-critical KdV-4 equation that arises in the study of blow-up and the KdV-½ equation, which is an idealized model for plasmas.
Model checking a self-stabilizing synchronization protocol for arbitrary digraphs

This report presents the mechanical verification of a self-stabilizing distributed clock synchronization protocol for arbitrary digraphs in the absence of faults. This protocol does not rely on assumptions about the initial state of the system, other than the presence of at least one node, and no central clock or a centrally generated signal, pulse, or message is used. The system under study is an arbitrary, non-partitioned digraph ranging from fully connected to 1-connected networks of nodes while allowing for differences in the network elements. Nodes are anonymous, i.e., they do not have unique identities. There is no theoretical limit on the maximum number of participating nodes. The only constraint on the behavior of the node is that the interactions with other nodes are restricted to defined links and interfaces. This protocol deterministically converges within a time bound that is a linear function of the self-stabilization period. A bounded model of the protocol is verified using the Symbolic Model Verifier (SMV) for a subset of digraphs. Modeling challenges of the protocol and the system are addressed. The model checking effort is focused on verifying correctness of the bounded model of the protocol as well as confirmation of claims of determinism and linear convergence with respect to the self-stabilization period.
Kinetic mechanism of conformational switch between bistable RNA hairpins.

Transitions between the different conformational states play a critical role in many RNA catalytic and regulatory functions. In this study, we use Kinetic Monte Carlo method to investigate the kinetic mechanism for the conformational switches between bistable RNA hairpins. We find three types of conformational switch pathways for RNA hairpins: refolding after complete unfolding, folding through basepair-exchange pathways and through pseudoknot-assisted pathways, respectively. The result of the competition between the three types of pathways depends mainly on the location of the rate-limiting base stacks (such as the GC base stacks) in the structures. Depending on the structural relationships between the two bistable hairpins, the conformational switch can follow a single or multiple dominant pathways. The predicted folding pathways are supported by the activation energy results derived from the Arrhenius plot as well as the NMR spectroscopy data.
Lower moiety hydronephrosis in duplicated kidneys

Because of the high incidence of lower pole reflux in complete duplications, decreased, delayed, or absent function in a hydronephrotic lower pole moiety is usually initially attributed to reflux nephropathy. Obstruction occurs commonly in the upper pole moiety due to an ectopic ureteral orifice or ureterocele. However, obstruction is not uncommon in the lower pole segment. Here, the etiologies are more numerous and, on occasion, result in confusing presentations. Eleven cases of obstruction involving the lower pole moiety are discussed. Pathologic entities involved include ureteropelvic junction obstructions in both complete and incomplete duplications, calculi and epithelial tumors obstructing the lower system at various levels, and an ectopic upper pole ureterocele compressing and obstructing the ureteral orifice to the lower pole.
Laser annealing of epitaxial garnet films under controlled atmospheres

Epitaxial films with a composition of Eu0.54Y2.41Pb0.03Fe3.84Ga1.18O12 have been laser annealed in forming gas, nitrogen, air and oxygen. Annealed films were studied using bubble statics, ferromagnetic resonance and x‐ray techniques. Changes in the annealing ambient resulted in variations in the maximum saturation magnetization (4πMs) achieved, and in the laser power thresholds for film cracking and melting. In comparison with other atmospheres, oxygen allowed the use of greater laser power without film damage and yielded the highest saturation magnetization. The increase in 4πMs (above the as‐grown value) produced by annealing in oxygen was more than 30% larger than achieved in air and more than 50% larger than reached in forming gas or nitrogen. The influence of an ambient is interpreted in terms of its abbility to suppress the formation of oxygen vacancies during laser annealing.
Authors of Academia, Unite!

Excerpt To the editor: For a recent manuscript that I sent to a well-known journal I had to sign a pledge that it was not being submitted for publication elsewhere. (Of course it is understood amon...