cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Profound increase in sensitivity to glutamatergic- but not cholinergic agonist-induced seizures in transgenic mice with astrocyte production of IL-6.

Transgenic mice with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter driven-astrocyte production of the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were used to determine whether the pre-existing production of these cytokines in vivo might modulate the sensitivity of neurons to excitotoxic agents. Low doses of kainic acid (5 mg/kg) that produced little or no behavioral or electroencephalogram (EEG) alterations in wild type or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-TNF animals induced severe tonic-clonic seizures and death in GFAP-IL6 transgenic mice of 2 or 6 months of age. GFAP-IL6 mice were also significantly more sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- but not pilocarpine-induced seizures. Kainic acid uptake in the brain of the GFAP-IL6 mice was higher in the cerebellum but not in other regions. Kainic acid binding in the brain of GFAP-IL6 mice had a similar distribution and density as wild type controls. In the hippocampus of GFAP-IL6 mice that survived low dose kainic acid, there was no change in the extent of either neurodegeneration or astrocytosis. Immunostaining revealed degenerative changes in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)- and parvalbumin-positive neurons in the hippocampus of 2-month-old GFAP-IL6 mice which progressed to the loss of these cells at 6 months of age. Thus, GFAP-IL6 but not GFAP-TNF mice showed markedly enhanced sensitivity to glutamatergic- but not cholinergic-induced seizures and lethality. This may relate, in part, to a compromise of inhibitory interneuron function. Therefore, pre-existing IL-6 production and inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) not only causes spontaneous neurodegeneration but also synergizes with other neurotoxic insults to induce more severe acute functional neurological impairment.
Differential perturbation of the Fgf/Erk1/2 and Shh pathways in the C57BL/6N and SWV embryonic limb buds after mid-gestational cadmium chloride administration

The differential susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to teratogen-induced malformations can serve as a model to assess the molecular pathogenesis of dysmorphology. Using such a model, the teratogenic effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)), which results in limb reduction deformities in the C57BL/6N mouse strain, but not in the SWV strain, was found to correlate with reduction of the expression domains of Fgf8/4 (fibroblast growth factor-8 and -4) in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and Shh (sonic hedgehog) in the posterior mesenchyme, as well as reduction of MAPK/Erk1/2 (the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase 1/2) phosphorylation (pErk1/2) in the mesenchyme throughout the limb bud. The pattern of pErk1/2 reduction did not consistently reflect the pattern of Fgf8/4 reduction suggesting that CdCl(2) might affect pErk1/2 through an Fgf-independent pathway. Other potential downstream mediators of the Fgf pathway including Mkp3 and Fgf10 as well as pMek (phosphorylated MAPK/Erk1/2 kinase) were not different in limb buds between the two strains at the studied time points. The effect of CdCl(2) on skeletogenesis was traced in time to the early stages of pre-chondrogenic condensation as determined by the Sox9 expression domain. The data of the present study indicate that a differential strain response to CdCl(2)-induced forelimb digital loss may be due to a polymorphic interference with the Fgf/Shh positive feedback loop and Erk1/2 phosphorylation.
Cellular and hemodynamics responses of failing myocardium to continuous flow mechanical circulatory support using the DeBakey-Noon left ventricular assist device: a comparative analysis with pulsatile-type devices.

Background An increasing number of continuous flow pumps are currently under clinical studies, however very little data exist on the hemodynamic and cellular responses of the failing heart to continuous flow support. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the response of the failing myocardium to continuous flow support. Methods We compared echocardiographic and cellular markers of failing myocardium at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and explantation in 20 consecutive patients (12 pulsatile flow [Novacor] and 8 continuous flow [DeBakey-Noon]). Results The use of mechanical support with both continuous- or pulsatile-type LVADs resulted in a reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and left atrial volume (LAV), as well as a decrease in mitral E/A ratio, tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) and pulmonary valve acceleration time (PVAT). Comparative analyses for patients treated with a continuous- vs pulsatile-type LVAD support showed a greater degree of unloading with the latter type, as shown by the effect on LVEDD (−13.7% vs −33.7%, p = 0.0.004), EDV (−23.5% vs −41.2%, p = 0.015), ESV (−25.6% vs −57.6%, p = 0.001) and LAV (−25.2% vs −40.4%, p = 0.071). The hemodynamic effects of continuous vs pulsatile LVAD support were similar, as shown by their effect on mitral E/A ratio (−23.9% vs −39.9%, p = NS), TRV (−26.4% vs −23.8%, p = NS) and PVAT (28.5% vs 38.5%, p = NS). Only pulsatile support demonstrated a statistically significant percent change in mass (−6.3% vs −20.6%, p = 0.038). Continuous and pulsatile forms of mechanical support demonstrated equivalent reductions in myocardial tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total collagen and mycocyte size. Conclusions Our findings show that, although there are differences between these 2 devices in magnitude of unloading, both forms of support effectively normalize cellular markers of the failing phenotype.
Feed optimization in multi-feed antennas

The problem of attaining close beam spacing and high crossover levels in multi-beam antennas is discussed with attention directed toward the mutual effects of the several feeds. A series of measured curves is used to present the mutual coupling effects on the primary feed patterns. The measured data is used to show that all values of feed dimensions are not equally attractive, and that particular ranges of values of feed dimensions may be used to obtain optimum performance from the antenna. It is further shown that the existence of preferred ranges in the feed dimensions carries implicitly the existence of preferred ranges of F/D. Nomograms are presented which aid in the evaluation of crossover levels and permit the rapid choice of the optimum F/D. In the design of monopulse radars, radio astronomical interferometers, and multi-beam radars, it frequently becomes necessary to place several feed devices about the focus of a parabolic reflector. These feed devices interact with one another, giving rise to secondary pattern effects which may or may not be to the overall advantage of the antenna system. The object of this paper is to illustrate the manner in which a judicious choice of antenna parameters may be made in order to take advantage of these phenomena.
Web proxy cache replacement scheme based on back-propagation neural network

Web proxy caches are used to reduce the strain of contemporary web traffic on web servers and network bandwidth providers. In this research, a novel approach to web proxy cache replacement which utilizes neural networks for replacement decisions is developed and analyzed. Neural networks are trained to classify cacheable objects from real world data sets using information known to be important in web proxy caching, such as frequency and recency. Correct classification ratios between 0.85 and 0.88 are obtained both for data used for training and data not used for training. Our approach is compared with Least Recently Used (LRU), Least Frequently Used (LFU) and the optimal case which always rates an object with the number of future requests. Performance is evaluated in simulation for various neural network structures and cache conditions. The final neural networks achieve hit rates that are 86.60% of the optimal in the worst case and 100% of the optimal in the best case. Byte-hit rates are 93.36% of the optimal in the worst case and 99.92% of the optimal in the best case. We examine the input-to-output mappings of individual neural networks and analyze the resulting caching strategy with respect to specific cache conditions.
On l∞ and l2 robustness of spatially invariant systems

We consider spatiotemporal systems and study their l∞ and l2 robustness properties in the presence of spatiotemporal perturbations. In particular, we consider spatially invariant nominal models and provide necessary and sufficient conditions for system robustness for the cases when the underlying perturbations are linear spatiotemporal varying, and nonlinear spatiotemporal invariant, unstructured or structured. It turns out that these conditions are analogous to the scaled small gain condition (which is equivalent to a spectral radius condition and a linear matrix inequality for the l∞ and l2 cases, respectively) derived for standard linear time-invariant models subject to time-varying linear and time-invariant nonlinear perturbations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal conductivity manipulation in single crystal silicon via lithographycally defined phononic crystals

The thermal conductivity of single crystal silicon was engineered to be as low as 32.6W/mK using lithographically defined phononic crystals (PnCs), which is only one quarter of bulk silicon thermal conductivity [1]. Specifically sub-micron through-holes were periodically patterned in 500nm-thick silicon layers effectively enhancing both coherent and incoherent phonon scattering and resulting in as large as a 37% reduction in thermal conductivity beyond the contributions of the thin-film and volume reduction effects. The demonstrated method uses conventional lithography-based technologies that are directly applicable to diverse micro/nano-scale devices, leading to potential performance improvements where heat management is important.
High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantitation of L-arginine in human plasma

L-Arginine is metabolized to nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthase, and abnormalities in nitric oxide production have been implicated in the pathogenesis of some diseases involving the vasculature. Thus, there has been interest in the effects of pharmacologic doses of L-arginine in patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases. To study the disposition of exogenous doses, an HPLC method was developed to analyze plasma samples for L-arginine. The assay involves precolumn derivatization of arginine with naphthalenedicarboxaldehyde and cyanide followed by HPLC with UV detection. Only a simple deproteinization of the plasma samples was required. The derivatized arginine was stable (less than 5% degradation in 20 h), facilitating batch sample processing and analysis in an autosampler. Calibration curves were generated in Ringer's lactate solution instead of plasma to correct for endogenous plasma L-arginine. Recovery in plasma, compared to Ringer's solution (n = 4), was 103%. Mean intraday assay precision (n = 6), expressed as coefficient of variation, was 3.4%. Interassay precision (n = 6) was 7%. The assay was applied for the quantitation of L-arginine in plasma samples from a normal subject who had been given a single oral (10 g) and a single intravenous dose (30 g) of exogenous L-arginine.
Local relaxation mechanisms and collective stochastic dynamics

Damping and thermal fluctuations have been introduced to collective normal modes of a magnetic system in recent modeling of dynamic thermal magnetization processes. The connection between this collective stochastic dynamics and physical local relaxation processes is investigated here. A system of two coupled magnetic grains embedded in two separate oscillating thermal baths is analyzed with no a priori assumptions. It is shown explicitly that by eliminating the oscillating thermal bath variables and using a Markovian approximation, stochastic dynamics occur in the normal modes of the magnetic system in the form of independent damped harmonic oscillators driven by thermal fields. The grain interactions cause the local coupling to the thermal bath to be felt by the collective system and the resulting dynamic damping to reflect the system symmetry. This form of stochastic dynamics is in contrast to a common phenomenological approach where a thermal field is added independently to the dynamic equations of each discretized cell or interacting grain. The dependence of this collective stochastic dynamics on the coupling strength of the magnetic grains and the relative local coupling to thermal bath is discussed.
Beam pulse stacking with a low energy storage ring at The Indiana University cyclotron facility (IUCF)

An isochronous storage ring for the DC beams from the 0.62 MV external ion source (“pre-injector”) was installed in the beam line to the Indiana University k = 15 (k = AEq2MeV) cyclotron (“injector”) to provide a variable reduction of the duty factor the accelerated beams while also increasing the peak beam brightness. Ions are injected into the ring via electron removal which allows the beam to accumulate. The stored beam is ejected from the ring by a pulsed electrostatic deflector after an arbitrarily selected integer multiple of the cyclotron RF period. The peak intensity is enhanced by the accumulation between extracted pulses. Recent development tests using a 615 keV H2+ beam have demonstrated the capability of the device to provide cyclotron beams with pulse periods ranging from 1.1 to 100 μS. Peak beam intensities increase in proportion to accumulation time up to 3 μS and have reached 5 times the best intensity without using the ring. The design of the ring and the results of recent operating experience are reported.
MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EFFERENT VAGAL INNERVATION OF RAT PANCREAS AS REVEALED WITH ANTEROGRADE TRANSPORT OF DIL

Vagal efferent innervation of the pancreas was labeled by anterograde transport of Dil injected into the dorsal motor nucleus (dmnX). While over the entire organ only 19 +/- 3 (or 8 +/- 1%) of the 231 +/- 17 interlobular ganglia received Dil-labeled vagal fibers and terminals, the proximal duodenal lobe (or head) was significantly more densely innervated. Laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed further morphological details of the vagal terminals and their target ganglion cells. No vagal fibers or terminals were found in islets and acinar tissue.
Beneficial outcomes of a steroid-free regimen with thymoglobulin induction in pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Abstract Backgound Steroid-free immunosuppressive regimens are becoming more common in pancreas transplantation, with persistent concerns regarding its safety and efficacy. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 87 pancreas transplant recipients—22 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants, 48 pancreas-after-kidney transplants, and 17 pancreas transplant alone—who underwent transplantation within the period of January 2000 to November 2006 and who received induction therapy with thymoglobulin followed by maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. We compared one group on a steroid-free regimen ( n = 25) with another on a steroid-based regimen ( n = 62). Results At 6 months, there was no kidney graft loss and no significant difference between groups (steroid-free vs steroid-based groups) in patient survival (100% vs 96.8%), pancreas graft survival (96.0% vs 93.5%), acute rejection (4.0% vs 11.3%), hospitalization for any cause (60.0% vs 51.6%), infection requiring hospitalization (16.0% vs 32.3%), or incidence of BK viremia (0% vs 3.2%). CMV viremia occurred less in the steroid-free group (0% vs 17.7% in the steroid-based group, P = .024). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months was higher in the steroid-free group (74.8 vs 55.7 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in the steroid-based group, P = .001), with fewer occurrences of a 25% decline in eGFR (33.3% among the steroid-free group vs 61.7% among steroid-based group, P = .019), despite similar average tacrolimus exposure (11.7 ± 3.7 vs 12.2 ± 2.7 ng/dL, P = .478). Conclusions A steroid-free regimen with thymoglobulin induction followed by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil for maintenance in pancreas transplantation was safe and effective in preventing rejection, with reduced incidence of CMV infection and better-preserved kidney function.
Cause of Death Among Elder Homicide Victims: A 10‐Year Medical Examiner Review

A study of elderly homicide victims brought to a Pennsylvania medical examiner's office reveals interesting findings about cause of death. Language: en
Characteristics of Green Light-Emitting Diodes Using an InGaN:Mg/GaN:Mg Superlattice as p-Type Hole Injection and Contact Layers

Mg-doped InGaN/GaN p-type short-period superlattices (SPSLs) are developed for hole injection and contact layers of green light-emitting diodes (LEDs). V-defect-related pits, which are commonly found in an InGaN bulk layer, can be eliminated in an InGaN/GaN superlattice with thickness and average composition comparable to those of the bulk InGaN layer. Mg-doped InGaN/GaN SPSLs show significantly improved electrical properties with resistivity as low as ∼0.35 ohm-cm, which is lower than that of GaN:Mg and InGaN:Mg bulk layers grown under optimized growth conditions. Green LEDs employing Mg-doped InGaN/GaN SPSLs for hole injection and contact layers have significantly lower reverse leakage current, which is considered to be attributed to improved surface morphology. The peak electroluminescence intensity of LEDs with a SPSL is compared to that with InGaN:Mg bulk hole injection and contact layers.
Obstacles to Unionization in High-Tech Industries:

Explanations for the difficulty faced by unions in their attempts to organize workers in high-tech firms in the Sunbelt are examined. We located our discussion within the theoretical debate regarding the decline of unions in the United States. Our focus is on 125 workers in two high-tech firms in a large Texas city. Based on survey data, personal interviews, and field observations, we describe the work and nonwork experiences of employees as they relate to the unionization process. We argue for a multicausal explanation for the lack of unionization. An authoritarian work environment, disorganized work lives, and an antiunion political climate combine to make unionization an unlikely alternative for these workers, despite the fact that they are not inherently antiunion in their attitudes.
Symmetry-breaking patterns in supersymmetric grand unified theories

We study in detail symmetry-breaking patterns in supersymmetric grand unified theories which might admit Witten's ''inverted'' hierarchy. Calculations are done for the Higgs fields belonging to the adjoint representations and group singlets of SU(N), the antisymmetric and symmetric representations and group singlets of SO(N).
AN ELECTRONIC TECHNIQUE FOR MONITORING THE TEMPORAL ASPECTS OF ACOUSTIC SIGNALS OF CAPTIVE ORGANISMS

ABSTRACT We introduce an inexpensive electronic technique for monitoring the temporal aspects of any captive animal's acoustic signals. The electronic apparatus, attached to a data acquisition unit and personal computer, compares microphone output to a pre-set level and stores calling/non-calling data to disk. Total time calling and temporal signaling patterns of up to 256 individuals can be monitored for indefinite lengths of time. Sampling rate is adjustable, with a maximum rate of 6 samples/microphone/second. The capabilities of the system are illustrated with the field cricket Gryllus integer. Temporal aspects of acoustic signaling are discussed in terms of monitoring time scale and recognition of individual variation, energetics research, and hypothesis testing of the costs and benefits associated with mating success and predation.
Critical Issues in the Use and Analysis of the Lanthony Desaturate Color Vision Test1

The Lanthony Desaturate Color Vision test (D-15d) has been used to demonstrate the incidence of acquired color vision defects resulting from toxic exposure. The D-15d is a sensitive test designed to grade color deficiencies, but results can be difficult to interpret beyond the qualitative level, and the high incidence of errors reported for controls in some toxicology studies raises questions about how to effectively use this test. This article reviews standard administration of the test, physical determinants of performance, classification of acquired color vision defects, and methods of analysis that have been used to quantify results. The basis for a new method of analysis is discussed, illustrating the source of some characteristic errors, and recommendations are made for test protocols to attempt to more closely identify the type of color vision loss with the goal of identifying the site of toxicological insult.
Correlations Between Geographically Dispersed Concentrating Solar Power and Demand in the United States

Correlations between the electricity generated by concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) plants, as well as cross-correlations between CSP, wind power and electricity demand, have significant impacts on decisions for how much and where to build utility-scale CSP capacity, the optimal amount of thermal storage in the CSP plants, reserve capacity needed to back-up the system, as well as the expected levels of curtailed renewable power. Accurately estimating these correlations is vital to performing detailed analyses of high renewable penetration scenarios. This study quantifies the degree of correlation between geographically dispersed CSP, as well as the correlation between CSP and wind power, and CSP and electricity demand in 356 discrete regions in the contiguous US. Correlations are calculated using hourly data on an annual basis. Maps of the correlations will be presented to illustrate the degree of correlation between solar power and the demand it is serving, as well as the synergies between the negatively-correlated wind power and solar power serving the same region.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Cognitive deficits and the neurobiology of schizophrenia

Recent research in schizophrenia has demonstrated widespread abnormalities in patients' brain structure, cognitive function, and physiology. These abnormalities are most probably developmental in origin and involve a network of connected frontal-temporal-limbic structures.
A categorical interpretation of C.S. Peirce's propositional logic Alpha

Abstract C.S. Peirce's graphical system Alpha for propositional logic is given a geometric representation in terms of isotopy classes of planar diagrams, and surgery rules on these diagrams called illative transformations. An algebraic representation theorem is proven, stating that Alpha, as an equational theory, is isomorphic to the theory of Boolean algebras. The geometric and algebraic representations are extended to give multi-sorted analogues of Alpha. An interpretation of Alpha is given in terms of linear logic and the theory of closed categories.
Nanoparticle imaging of integrins on tumor cells.

Nanoparticles 10 to 100 nm in size can deliver large payloads to molecular targets, but undergo slow diffusion and/or slow transport through delivery barriers. To examine the feasibility of nanoparticles targeting a marker expressed in tumor cells, we used the binding of cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) nanoparticle targeting integrins on BT-20 tumor as a model system. The goals of this study were: 1) to use nanoparticles to image αvβ3 integrins expressed in BT-20 tumor cells by fluorescence-based imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, and, 2) to identify factors associated with the ability of nanoparticles to target tumor cell integrins. Three factors were identified: 1) tumor cell integrin expression (the αvβ3 integrin was expressed in BT-20 cells, but not in 9L cells); 2) nanoparticle pharmacokinetics (the cyclic RGD peptide cross-linked iron oxide had a blood half-life of 180 minutes and was able to escape from the vasculature over its long circulation time); and 3) tumor vascularization (the tumor had a dense capillary bed, with distances of <100 µm between capillaries). These results suggest that nanoparticles could be targeted to the cell surface markers expressed in tumor cells, at least in the case wherein the nanoparticles and the tumor model have characteristics similar to those of the BT-20 tumor employed here.
Irradiation in relapsing carcinoma of the prostate.

Background. Radiation therapy plays a major role in the management of patients with either locally recurrent or metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Results. In 23 patients with isolated postprostatectomy local recurrences treated with doses of 60-65 Gy, 17 (74%) had tumor control, and 45% survived relapse-free for 5 years after treatment of the recurrence. Pelvic irradiation has been used to treat patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after radical prostatectomy. This was tried, and 17 of 24 patients (70%) showed a significant decrease in PSA levels after irradiation, in five without subsequent elevation
HERBAL THERAPY PC-SPES: IN VITRO EFFECTS AND EVALUATION OF ITS EFFICACY IN 69 PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER

Purpose: We investigate the potential use of the phytotherapeutic PC-SPES to treat human prostate cancer, and evaluate its in vivo and in vitro activity, and clinical efficacy.Materials and Methods: PC-SPES was evaluated for its ability to induce apoptosis on prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP, PC3 and DU145. The effect of oral PC-SPES on growth of PC3 tumors present in male immunodeficient mice was studied. A total of 30 male nude mice were divided in 5 groups. In groups 1 control and 2 full dose therapy was started the same day of the tumor injection. In groups 3 control, 4 half dose and 5 full dose PC-SPES therapy was initiated 1 week after tumor injection. A total of 69 patients with prostate cancer were treated with 3 capsules of 320 mg. PC-SPES daily. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) responses and side effects were evaluated.Results: All of the cultured prostate cancer cell lines had a significant dose dependent induction of apoptosis following exposure to an alcoholic PC-SPES extract. Immunodefi...
Molecular mechanics of 30S subunit head rotation

During ribosomal translocation, a process central to the elongation phase of protein synthesis, movement of mRNA and tRNAs requires large-scale rotation of the head domain of the small (30S) subunit of the ribosome. It has generally been accepted that the head rotates by pivoting around the neck helix (h28) of 16S rRNA, its sole covalent connection to the body domain. Surprisingly, we observe that the calculated axis of rotation does not coincide with the neck. Instead, comparative structure analysis across 55 ribosome structures shows that 30S head movement results from flexing at two hinge points lying within conserved elements of 16S rRNA. Hinge 1, although located within the neck, moves by straightening of the kinked helix h28 at the point of contact with the mRNA. Hinge 2 lies within a three-way helix junction that extends to the body through a second, noncovalent connection; its movement results from flexing between helices h34 and h35 in a plane orthogonal to the movement of hinge 1. Concerted movement at these two hinges accounts for the observed magnitudes of head rotation. Our findings also explain the mode of action of spectinomycin, an antibiotic that blocks translocation by binding to hinge 2.
TOWARDS A FORMAL REPRESENTATION MODEL OF PROBLEM FORMULATION IN DESIGN

Studies on design, show that problem formulation plays a major role in creative design. We plan to construct an interactive computer system that aids problem formulation. In the current stage, to improve our understanding of problem formulation, we have conducted exploratory protocol studies of novice designers and collected data from an expert designer in the form of a depositional interview. A formal representation of the design problem is needed to improve our empirical investigation. We propose a preliminary framework for such a model and we call it a problem map. It provides a basis for comparing how different designers perceive a problem. Our study is based on the design of a model aircraft for the AIAA student design competition. This preliminary analysis shows the evolution of the problem and the solution spaces in the elaboration of the problem maps through time. The problem maps also show a richer representation of attended attributes and relations for the expert and more attributes left in vacuum for the novices.© 2011 ASME
Adrenal insufficiency in infancy.

Summary 1. An additional case of adrenogenital syndrome with adrenal insufficiency of a female pseudohermaphrodite at the age of 5 weeks is reported. 2. Early diagnosis and prompt therapyprobably averted the death of the infant. 3. Adrenal insufficiency was confirmed by the laboratory findings as well as by the subsequent improvement on a trial of hormone therapy. 4. Hirsutism and elevated 17-ketosteroidswere controlled after the administration of cortisone.
Orchestral maneuvers in the axon: trio and the control of axon guidance.

The recent completion of the sequence of the fly genome promises to facilitate the identification of mutant genes uncovered in genetic screens for axon guidance molecules. As a result, the list of signaling molecules required for axon guidance is sure to grow. The challenge for geneticists in the future will be to construct signaling pathways from analysis of axon guidance phenotypes, given the variety of signaling molecules whose loss results in similar phenotypes. For instance, genetic perturbation of Trio, Abl, Rac, Ena, and profilin all result in overlapping phenotypes in the ventral nerve cord and the motor axon projection. Knowledge of the biochemical activities of molecules implicated in axon guidance will be helpful for understanding how these molecules function within signaling pathways in the context of neuronal development. In recent years, biologists have developed a detailed understanding of how Rho GTPases and various actin binding proteins modulate actin dynamics, and have established cellular and in vitro systems for studying them. Indeed, this knowledge has already been used in the current set of studies to arrive at a more complete understanding of Trio function. Now that it is possible to study actin regulation in multiple in vivo and in vitro systems, biologists can begin to fill in the missing links that surround Trio in the network of molecular interactions that make up axon guidance.§To whom correspondence should addressed (e-mail: greenberg@a1.tch.harvard.edu).
A refined mixed shear flexible finite element for the nonlinear analysis of laminated plates

The present study is concerned with the development of a mixed shear flexible finite element with relaxed continuity for the geometrically linear and nonlinear analysis of laminated anisotropic plates. The formulation of the element is based on a refined higher-order theory. This theory satisfies the zero transverse shear stress boundary conditions on the top and bottom faces of the plate. Shear correction coefficients are not needed. The developed element consists of 11 degrees-of-freedom per node, taking into account three displacements, two rotations, and six moment resultants. An evaluation of the element is conducted with respect to the accuracy obtained in the bending of laminated anistropic rectangular plates with different lamination schemes, loadings, and boundary conditions.
Analyzing Library Metadata for Web-Based Metadata Reuse Services: A Case-Study Examination of WorldCat.org and RefWorks

The goal of this article is to analyze problems in citation outputs generated by Web-based bibliographic management software RefWorks in order to illustrate how existing library data in the WorldCat.org database can be repurposed effectively to interact with new Web-based technologies and services. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study finds that, in addition to numerous, repetitive problems that might be easily overcome with improved formatting on the software side, the quality of citations suffers critically from a wide variety of problems in original metadata, such as authority control issues in a multiple-database environment, the presence of legacy data, and the lack of relationship information in most MARC records. The results of the study indicate a pressing need to develop a new, common data model for library services and applications if we want library data to support and integrate easily with a myriad of potential uses on the Web.
Children with mucopolysaccharidosis: Perioperative care, morbidity, mortality, and new findings

Abstract The perioperative care, morbidity, and mortality in 30 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are presented. They underwent a detailed preoperative assessment and were anesthetized 141 times. An intravenous induction technique was used in most patients. It was easier to see the vocal cords, during laryngoscopy, in children with Hurler syndrome (HS) when they were younger (23 v 41 months, P ≤ .01) and smaller (12 v 15 kg, P ≤ .05). Preoperative obstructive breathing was associated with a significantly higher incidence of postextubation obstruction ( P ≤ .05). A total of 28 children underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT); this reversed upper airway obstruction and also reversed intracranial hypertension. In children with HS, the incidence of odontoid dysplasia was 94%; 38% demonstrated anterior C 1 C 2 subluxation. Head and neck manipulation was limited in children with cervical spine defects. None of the 30 patients experienced spinal cord morbidity. One child suffered an intraoperative stroke; another, pulmonary edema. Severe and extensive coronary obstruction was responsible for 2 intraoperative deaths. Coronary angiography underestimated coronary artery disease.
Future Leaders Institute: Rising Leaders and the AACC Competencies.

This chapter describes the development of the Future Leaders Institute and the Future Leaders Institute/Advanced, highlighting the role of the AACC's Competencies for Community College Leaders in providing a framework for professional development. The competencies are built into each session's topics and activities.
Interaction of H and D with the (001) surfaces of LiF and NaCl

Calculations are presented for the interactions of H and D atoms with the (001) surfaces of LiF and NaCl. The attractive part of the potential is constructed using a damped-dipole, damped-quadrupole, and the induced-dipole terms. The repulsive part is computed using the ``effective-medium theory.'' The potential so constructed has too shallow a well depth. By adjusting ${c}_{6}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, the least-known parameter, by 50--60 %, it is possible to fit most of the experimental bound states of the atom-surface potential within the uncertainty of the experimental data. Similar corrections have been done in the past for other atom--alkali-halide systems. The quality of the potential was also checked by comparing computed probabilities of the scattered beam, ${P}_{T}$(m,n), with those from atom-beam-scattering experiments, ${P}_{E}$(m,n). This potential yields better agreement with experimental data than achieved before.
Mesophase Transitions, Surface Functionalization, and Growth Mechanism of Semiconducting 6PTTP6 Films from Solution†

The grain structure is compared for films of the organic semiconductor 6PTTP6 prepared in the open air and in a closed, static atmosphere saturated with xylene vapor. The effect of surface functional groups affixed to the dielectric substrate on the grain appearance and film mobility is probed, to determine optimal fabrication conditions for films with usable mobility, high on/off ratio, and good uniformity. A single-crystal device, also obtained from solution deposition under a particular set of conditions, is characterized and displays an expected higher mobility, >0.1 cm2/Vs. Mesophases are identified in the presence and absence of the xylene and tentatively identified through polarized optical microscopy (POM). Finally, a preliminary observation of the film evolution using an in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is reported, and lattice spacings are assigned.
The Role of Telencephalic NO and cGMP in Avoidance Conditioning in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Our previous study with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-AP5 suggested that NMDA receptors were involved in learning but not memory consolidation of avoidance conditioning. The present study investigated whether nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were involved in memory consolidation but not learning of avoidance conditioning in goldfish. Experiments 1 to 3 investigated amnestic and performance effects of NO inhibitor L-NAME and cGMP inhibitor LY-83583. Experiment 4 investigated whether posttraining intratelencephalic injection of NO donor SNAP ameliorated anterograde amnestic effects of pretraining NO inhibitor L-NAME. The results showed that L-NAME and LY-83583 produced significant anterograde and retrograde amnesia at doses that did not impair performance processes, and the drugs produced more severe retrograde than anterograde amnesia. Furthermore, posttraining SNAP significantly ameliorated anterograde amnestic effects of pretraining L-NAME. Thus, our previous results with D-AP5 and current results with L-NAME and LY-83583 together suggest that the NMDA receptors are involved in learning or the process that is completed during training, whereas the NO and cGMP are involved in memory consolidation or the process that is normally completed sometime following the learning experience.
An alternative method for significance testing of waveform difference potentials

Guthrie and Buchwald (1991) proposed an ad hoc procedure for assessing the statistical significance of waveform difference potentials that may arise in a variety of psychophysiology research contexts. In our paper, an alternative method is presented and demonstrated that has fewer underlying assumptions than does the Guthrie-Buchwald test and may, therefore, produce better results in some situations. In particular, the test proposed here (a) is distribution free, (b) requires no assumption of an underlying correlation structure (e.g., first-order autoregressive), (c) requires no estimate of the population autocorrelation coefficient, (d) is exact, (e) produces p values for any number of subjects and time points, and (f) is highly intuitive as well as theoretically justifiable. This procedure may be used to carry out multiple comparisons with exact specification of experiment-wise error, however, this test is based on permutation principles and may require large amounts of computer time for its implementation.
Embryonic origins of the two main classes of hemocytes—granular cells and plasmatocytes—in Manduca sexta

Cell-mediated responses of the moth immune system involve the interaction of two main classes of hemocytes-granular cells and plasmatocytes. During embryogenesis, granular cells arise much earlier than plasmatocytes, and the presence of granular cells is closely coupled with the formation of basal laminae that line the hemocoel occupied by hemocytes. Although epithelial cells contribute the large extracellular matrix protein lacunin to embryonic matrices before granular cells begin contributing this protein to basal laminae, the spatial pattern of lacunin expression in early embryos parallels the later distribution of granular cells over surfaces of basal laminae. Plasmatocytes arise late in embryogenesis, after the cessation of the major morphogenetic movements and the establishment of intact basal laminae. Granular cells are intimately involved with remodeling of basal laminae, and disruptions in the structure of basal laminae can trigger an autoimmune response of granular cells and plasmatocytes. By arising after basal laminae have been molded and remodeled by granular cells, plasmatocytes presumably do not encounter the cues that trigger their aggregation and an autoimmune response.
Laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection offers advantages over open surgery for treatment of segmental Crohn's disease in children.

Abstract Background/purpose Minimally invasive approaches have been shown to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), decrease postoperative pain, and speed return to normal activity for a number of intraabdominal procedures. In this study, laparoscopic (LAP)-assisted bowel resection is compared with an open technique for patients undergoing an initial bowel resection. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 28 patients (12 LAP, 16 open) undergoing initial bowel resection for segmental Crohn's disease. Results Patients in the LAP group had decrease LOS (5.5 days v 11.5 days) decreased days of parenteral narcotics (3 days v 5 days) and more rapid return to regular diet (3 days v 5 days). Conclusions The data suggest that the laparoscopic approach may offer advantages to pediatric patients undergoing an initial bowel resection for segmental Crohn's disease.
An analysis of the inferior based tracheal flap for pediatric tracheotomy

In the past, various tracheotomy incisions have been used at the Children's Hospital of Michigan with the occurrence of complications related to accidental decannulation and immediate recannulation. Since that time the inferior based tracheal cartilage flap has been used to minimize early complications. A retrospective study of 126 pediatric tracheotomies performed at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from June 1986 to January 1991 was reviewed. Only tracheotomies performed by a staff otolaryngologist utilizing the inferior based tracheal cartilage flaps were reviewed. This study includes patients with a 6 month to 5 year follow up. The early complication rate was 4%, while the late was 50%. Stomal granulation tissue was comparatively increased in this series of patients but did not hinder decannulation. We consider the use of the inferior based tracheal cartilage flap in the pediatric population a safe and effective technique without increasing the morbidity of long-term tracheotomy.
Policy efforts to increase women faculty in Korea: reactions and changes at universities

Since 2001, the issue of the low ratio of women faculty in universities has been prominent in Korea because of its negative impact on female students and gender equality at the university level that has affected human resource development and utilization at the national level. To address this issue, the Korean government developed and executed an education policy, the Policy on Women Faculty Increase (PWFI) from 2004 to 2006. This paper investigated reactions to the PWFI and changes made as a result of the policy in the conservative Korean higher education context. We found that although the PWFI has particularly contributed to increasing the representativeness of women faculty in areas in which women faculty used to be rare, overall the PWFI has not made significant improvements in most participating universities due to the lack of internal motives and drivers and effective systems to support the policy. Recommendations for improvements in the policy are offered.
Inviscid, frozen-flux velocity components at the top of earth's core from magnetic observations at earth's surface: Part 1. A new methodology

Abstract Two alternative methods are described for obtaining inviscid velocity components at the surface of earth's liquid core, assumed perfectly conducting, given perfect and complete measurements of the geomagnetic main field and secular variation at earth's surface. The mantle is treated as a spherically-symmetric insulator for purposes of extrapolation to the core. Both methods utilize the vertical component of the induction equation and require one-dimensional interpolation along special curves on the core surface as the initial step. For the next step, the first method then utilizes the two horizontal components of the induction equation, whereas the second method relies on the horizontal components of Ohm's law. Both methods work within the confines of the ambiguity elucidated by Backus (1968) but nonetheless can still yield results of value, because the two horizontal velocity components are determined separately and at distinct locations. A brief comparison of the two methods suggests that the o...
Exploring the Special Needs of African Refugee Children in U.S. Schools

(2009). Exploring the Special Needs of African Refugee Children in U.S. Schools. Childhood Education: Vol. 85, International Focus Issue 2009: Helping Children Cope With the Impact of War, Terrorism, and Disaster, pp. 352-356.
Structural Characterization and Regulatory Element Analysis of the Heart Isoform of Cytochrome c Oxidase VIa

In order to investigate the mechanism(s) governing the striated muscle-specific expression of cytochrome c oxidase VIaH we have characterized the murine gene and analyzed its transcriptional regulatory elements in skeletal myogenic cell lines. The gene is single copy, spans 689 base pairs (bp), and is comprised of three exons. The 5'-ends of transcripts from the gene are heterogeneous, but the most abundant transcript includes a 5'-untranslated region of 30 nucleotides. When fused to the luciferase reporter gene, the 3.5-kilobase 5'-flanking region of the gene directed the expression of the heterologous protein selectively in differentiated Sol8 cells and transgenic mice, recapitulating the pattern of expression of the endogenous gene. Deletion analysis identified a 300-bp fragment sufficient to direct the myotube-specific expression of luciferase in Sol8 cells. The region lacks an apparent TATA element, and sequence motifs predicted to bind NRF-1, NRF-2, ox-box, or PPAR factors known to regulate other nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins are not evident. Mutational analysis, however, identified two cis-elements necessary for the high level expression of the reporter protein: a MEF2 consensus element at -90 to -81 bp and an E-box element at -147 to -142 bp. Additional E-box motifs at closely located positions were mutated without loss of transcriptional activity. The dependence of transcriptional activation of cytochrome c oxidase VIaH on cis-elements similar to those found in contractile protein genes suggests that the striated muscle-specific expression is coregulated by mechanisms that control the lineage-specific expression of several contractile and cytosolic proteins.
Costs of health care for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, functional diarrhoea and functional abdominal pain.

Summary Aim To provide estimates of actual costs to deliver health care to patients with functional bowel disorders, and to assess the cost impact of symptom severity, recency of onset, and satisfaction with treatment. Methods We enrolled 558 irritable bowel (IBS), 203 constipation, 243 diarrhoea and 348 abdominal pain patients from primary care and gastroenterology clinics at a health maintenance organization within weeks of a visit. Costs were extracted from administrative claims. Symptom severity, satisfaction with treatment and out-of-pocket expenses were assessed by questionnaires. Results Average age was 52 years, 27% were males, and 59% participated. Eighty percent were seen in primary care clinics. Mean annual direct health care costs were $5049 for IBS, $6140 for diarrhoea, $7522 for constipation and $7646 for abdominal pain. Annual out-of-pocket expenses averaged $406 for treatment of IBS symptoms, $294 for diarrhoea, $390 for constipation and $304 for abdominal pain. Lower gastrointestinal costs comprised 9% of total costs for IBS, 9% for diarrhoea, 6.5% for constipation and 9% for abdominal pain. In-patient care accounted for 17.5% of total costs (15.2% IBS). Conclusion Costs were affected by disease severity (increased), recent exacerbation of bowel symptoms (increased), and whether the patient was consulting for the first time (decreased).
A Charge-Conjugation-Invariance Constrained Pomeron-Quark Coupling

Abstract The commonly used γ μ Pomeron-quark coupling changes its sign under charge conjugation, in contradiction to the property of Pomeron. I show that the Pomeron-quark coupling is tensorial and is invariant under the charge conjugation.