cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercise and balance in aged women: A pilot controlled clinical trial

Abstract A pilot controlled trial was conducted to determine the feasibility of testing an exercise program as a means of improving balance in aged women. A random sample of 50 women more than 65 years old was recruited from two apartment buildings. The buildings were randomized to serve as exercise and control sites. The 24 exercisers did not differ significantly from the 26 controls except that they were better educated and had better vision. The median compliance was 85% of requested sessions attended by the exercisers. Follow-up measures were obtained in 92% and 81% of the exercise and control groups, respectively. The outcome variables studied were changes in sway (areas and velocity of the center of force as measured using a biomechanics platform) in four stances with eyes open or closed, on two feet, or on one foot. After 16 weeks, in stances on one foot, exercisers had smaller areas compared to controls with eyes open, but larger areas with eyes closed. Subgroup analysis indicated that compliance with the exercise program was a determinant of degree of change in the area measures. The inconsistent effect of exercise on area measures of sway in this study may be due to (a) lack of statistical power to detect between-group differences, (b) inadequate compliance with the exercise program, (c) baseline differences between the two groups at randomization, and (d) ineffective or inadequate duration of the exercise program. We conclude that controlled clinical trials to study the effect of exercise on balance measures in community-dwelling elderly women are feasible. Representative samples of subjects can be successfully recruited, maintained on an exercise program, and followed with acceptably low dropout rates.
Linear operators and reciprocity

A basic link is established between the reciprocity theorem of electrical engineering and the self-adjoint linear operators over an inner product space. The central theorem of the letter suggests a deeper and broader understanding of reciprocity.
The influence of the lysine-glucose reaction on enzymatic digestion

Abstract 1. 1. The synthesis of three peptide derivatives which contain lysine is described. These include benzoyl- l -lysylglycine, benzoyl- l -lysine hydrochloride, and benzoylglyeyl- l -lysine. In addition, a number of new derivatives of lysine are described. 2. 2. These peptide derivatives together with some previously prepared compounds have been employed in a study of the effects of the ϵ- N -lysine-glucose reaction on proteolytic digestion. 3. 3. Following the reaction of the ϵ-amino group of lysine with glucose, very definite changes occur in the susceptibility to pancreatic digestion of peptide linkages of the α-amino and carboxyl groups of the lysine residue. 4. 4. The observations support a hypothesis that the decrease in nutritive value of proteins which have been cooked, heated, or stored with reducing sugars is primarily a result of incomplete digestion by pancreatic enzymes.
Symmetry constraints on the orientation dependence of interfacial properties: the group of the Wulff plot

On presente le groupe de la representation de Wulff qui decrit la variation, en fonction de l'orientation, des proprietes physiques des interfaces telles que les joints de grains entre deux cristaux d'orientation spatiale arbitraire. A partir du groupe de representation de Wulff, nous obtenons les contraintes de symetrie sur la forme des cristaux croissant dans un environnement cristallin. On donne egalement des exemples d'autres applications
Evaluation of Secondary Wire Bond Integrity on Ag Plated and Ni/Pd Based Lead Frame Plating Finishes

As the legislatures demand the use of lead (Pb) free plating finishes in lead frame manufacturing, different plating finishes are being offered by the lead frame makers. Lead frames are most often designed with two different Pb free plating finishes, primarily tin and nickel/palladium (Ni/Pd) based. The tin post mold plated lead frames use silver selective plating on the lead fingers for secondary wire bonding whereas the pre-plated Ni/Pd based lead frames use the same Ni/Pd based finish throughout. Enhanced versions of Ni/Pd based plating finishes such as nickel/palladium/gold (Ni/Pd/Au), nickel/palladium/gold-palladium (Ni/Pd/Au-Pd) and nickel/palladium/gold-silver (Ni/Pd/Au – Ag) are now available to further improve the wirebondability, solderability and reliability of the package. The development of a new lead frame finish involves a wide variety of concerns which must be addressed and thus mandates further evaluation of these new structures. Using the common Pb free lead frame plating finish of selectively plated silver (Ag) as the basis, a comparative approach was used to evaluate the secondary wire bond integrity of a 25 micron (1 mil) thick gold wire on Ni/Pd based lead frame plating finishes. The integrity of the secondary wire bonds for different plating finishes was investigated at various assembly thermal exposure stages using the wire pull strength test as the arbiter. Reliability tests, such as High Temperature Storage (HTS) and Unbiased Highly Accelerated Stress Test (UBHAST), were also conducted. Finally, failure analysis was conducted with the help of metallographic cross sectioning, SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis and statistical analysis of the wire pull strength test results. Before wire bonding the lead frames, the plating surface was investigated for its surface integrity with the help of plating quality tests, such as: (i) adhesive tape test, (ii) bend test, (iii) heating test and the (iv) scribing test. Also, since wire pull is a destructive test, a statistical method called a nested gauge R&R study was used to estimate the repeatability and reproducibility of the measurement system. Failure analysis showed that there were silver and copper migrations over the Ag plated lead frame when exposed to a high temperature storage test at 175°C for 1000 hrs, but this did not affect the bond integrity. However, the Ni/Pd based lead frames did not show any metal migration since nickel acts as a barrier against the base metal diffusion.© 2009 ASME
Expanding Participation in Undergraduate Research Using the Affinity Group Model

The benefits of working in a research group are clear: students develop domain expertise, gain an understanding and appreciation of the research process and its practice, and acquire team, communication, problem-solving, and higher-level thinking skills. Students with this experience are better equipped to make informed judgements about technical matters and to communicate and work in teams to solve complex problems. Clearly, this type of research experience must be made available to a broader population. This paper discusses how the Systems and Software Engineering Affinity Research Group model provides a socialization mechanism and infrastructure that supports the development and management of large research groups that engage undergraduate and graduate students, who have a wide range of skill levels and experiences, in research and projects. This non-hierarchical model, which is based on the cooperative paradigm, integrates students into small research groups and an encompassing large research group, and uses structured activities to develop their research, technical, communication, and group skills.
Performance of an interferometer direction finder for the h.f. band

An h.f. direction finder consisting of two orthogonal simple interferometers was built and tested by making over 16000 direction-of-arrival measurements. This paper describes the performance of the system, giving ambiguity-resolution figures and bearing-accuracy results. An error-reduction factor of about 4 times was obtained over narrow-aperture systems operating in similar wave-interference fields.
Controversy Over Clinical Guidelines: Listen to the Evidence, Not the Noise

In November 2013, the ACA/AHA issued controversial clinical guidelines on the assessment of cardiovascular risk and cholesterol treatment. This commentary explores why guidelines generate controver...
A Prospective Study of the Safety of Tracheal Extubation Using a Pediatric Airway Exchange Catheter for Patients With a Known Difficult Airway

Study objective To determine the usefulness of routinely inserting a hollow airway exchange catheter (jet stylet) prior to tracheal extubation of adult patients with risk factors for difficult tracheal intubation. Design Prospective, 1-year study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing mechanical ventilation who had one or more risk factors for difficult tracheal reintubation. Setting Surgical ICU of a tertiary university medical center. Interventions Study patients at risk for difficult tracheal reintubation were extubated using a No. 11 Cook airway exchange catheter (CAEC). Following tracheal extubation, the CAEC was secured, and humidified oxygen was insufflated through the central lumen (2 to 8 L/min) for a minimum of 4 h, during which oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO 2 ) and respiratory frequency were monitored. Stridor or other signs of respiratory difficulty were also assessed. The CAEC was removed when it became clinically apparent that the need for tracheal reintubation was unlikely. When patients failed to respond to tracheal extubation, the CAEC was used to facilitate reintubation of these difficult airways. Results Respiratory distress necessitating tracheal reintubation occurred in 3 of 40 patients (8%). One patient failed to respond to tracheal extubation twice. None of the patients developed oxyhemoglobin desaturation (SpO 2 Conclusions The No. 11 CAEC is a useful and effective tool for giving patients a trial of extubation. Administration of oxygen through the CAEC diminishes the potential for hypoxia while maintaining the ability to reintubate the trachea, especially when reintubation might prove challenging. Previous data suggest that the CAEC is rigid enough to facilitate tracheal reintubation in adults; this was confirmed in the three patients in our study who required tracheal reintubation. The risk of aspiration, barotrauma, or other airway trauma during prolonged placement of the CAEC appears to be low (zero incidence in 40 patients in this study), and use of the No. 11 CAEC appeared to be safe. Since oxygen can be delivered through the CAEC, it may provide a means to safely evaluate an airway during a trial of extubation, ie , a reversible extubation. Finally, oxygen administration through the CAEC may obviate the need for facemask or nasal cannula following tracheal extubation.
A pressure control switch with a pulsation filter

THIS PAPER describes a pressure control switch which uses viscous damping to prevent the transmission of pressure pulsations from a pump outlet system to the pressure control system. This was accomplished by designing a pressure switch which has certain dynamic characteristics as well as the normal static characteristics. By controlling the amplitude of the pressure pulsations at the switch with a mechanical low-pass filter, a resulting simplification of the switch structure was obtained.
Photosensitive UV resist of poly(methyl methacrylate) containing a bisazide compound

Abstract Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) doped with a photosensitive aromatic bisazide compound, 2,6-bis(4-azidylbenzylidene)-4- methyl cyclohexanone, was prepared and evaluated as a negative UV resist. Poly(methyl methacrylate) does not have mid-UV sensitivity because it does not absorb UV-light above 250 nm. However, when PMMA is doped with the above bisazide compound, it exhibits mid-UV sensitivity in an exposure range of 15 to 25 mJ/cm 2 (50 times more sensitivity than normally used positive tone PMMA) to give 50% film thickness remaining on the substrate after development. The doping of bisazide had the effect of reversing PMMA from positive tone to negative tone. The resist was successfully applied to contact printings followed by wet development processing using a one-to-one ratio of toluene and xylene as developer. The sensitivity of this PMMA-bisazide resist depends on the bisazide concentration in PMMA solution, and the spatial resolution was determined to be better than 1 μm.
Systematic variations of sialic and volcanic detritus in piston cores from the Red Sea

The 87Sr86Sr ratios and Sr concentrations of the non-carbonate fractions of sediment from two cores taken in the median valley of the Red Sea indicate that the detrital fractions are mixtures of two components originating from old sialic and young volcanic rocks of the surrounding land areas. The mixing equations were derived from the data and were used to estimate the Sr concentrations of the two components. The volcanogenic detritus has a Sr content between 770 and 800 ppm while the component derived from old sialic rocks contains from 50 to 70 ppm. The volcanic component consists primarily of unweathered particles of alkali basalt and volcanic glass while the sialic component is represented by clay minerals and X-ray amorphous material. Systematic variations of the concentration of volcanogenic detritus were used to define layers of sediment which correlate over a distance of about 200 km separating the two cores. The concentrations of quartz, feldspar, amphibole, illite, kaolinite and chlorite were found to vary systematically with the content of volcanogenic detritus as calculated from the Sr data. The carbonate concentrations of the sediment range from 33 to 87% and appear to increase in a southerly direction. The rate of carbonate deposition increased at times of more efficient input of sediment derived from old sialic rocks. This relationship is explained by the hypothesis that both were influenced indirectly by brief warming trends during the Wurm glaciation. The occurrence of sediment layers enriched in sediment derived from old sialic rocks correlates approximately with interstadials of the Wurm glaciation in northern Europe. Increased input of volcanogenic detritus occurred around 37,000 and 26,000yr ago and during the past 5000 yr. A plot of 87Sr86Sr and 87Rb86Sr ratios defines a line on the Rb-Sr isochron diagram yielding a fictitious date of about 230 million yr.
Embryonal carcinoma of testis presenting as epididymal mass in an infant

Abstract Epididymal masses in infants and children are rare. The majority of them are benign. We report on the management of a child with embryonal carcinoma of the testis which presented as an Epddymal mass.
Trends in snow water equivalent in the Pacific Northwest and their climatic causes

[1] Observations of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the Pacific Northwest are examined and compared with variability and trends in temperature and precipitation at nearby climate stations. At most locations, especially below about 1800 m, substantial declines in SWE coincide with significant increases in temperature, and occur in spite of increases in precipitation.
Phosphorylation of PTP1B at Ser50 by Akt Impairs Its Ability to Dephosphorylate the Insulin Receptor

PTP1B is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that negatively regulates insulin sensitivity by dephosphorylating the insulin receptor. Akt is a ser/thr kinase effector of insulin signaling that phosphorylates substrates at the consensus motif RXRXXS/T. Interestingly, PTP1B contains this motif (RYRDVS50), and wild-type PTP1B (but not mutants with substitutions for Ser50) was significantly phosphorylated by Akt in vitro. To determine whether PTP1B is a substrate for Akt in intact cells, NIH-3T3IR cells transfected with either wild-type PTP1B or PTP1B-S50A were labeled with[ 32P]-orthophosphate. Insulin stimulation caused a significant increase in phosphorylation of wild-type PTP1B that could be blocked by pretreatment of cells with wortmannin or cotransfection of a dominant inhibitory Akt mutant. Similar results were observed with endogenous PTP1B in untransfected HepG2 cells. Cotransfection of constitutively active Akt caused robust phosphorylation of wild-type PTP1B both in the absence and presence of insulin. ...
Quantum processing: Feasibility studies and solutions

This paper studies fundamentals of quantum processing on measurable processable compatible observables in microscopic systems which undergo quantum state transitions. The aforementioned microscopic devices (processing primitives) form processing fabrics. We examine the premise of quantum processing by: (1) Unifying and enabling theoretical concepts of theoretical computer science, computer engineering and quantum mechanics; (2) Examining the first principles; (3) Researching device physics; (4) Fostering fundamentally-consistent and practical microscopic hardware solutions. Vertebrates and invertebrates exhibit extraordinary information processing which is performed by biomolecules and molecular aggregates. Information processing in natural systems has not been comprehended, while engineered quantum processing is an emerging paradigm. This paradigm focuses on developments of a great number of new solutions such as microscopic devices, processing arithmetics (calculi), system architectures, etc. The microscopic processing primitives must exhibit utilizable quantum-effect state transitions on observables which result in computable transforms from viewpoints of processing arithmetics, calculus and design. The reported paradigm: (i) Eases enormous challenges; (ii) Overcomes foremost inconsistencies of naive algorithmically-centric computing; (iii) Enables new inroads; (iv) Promises unprecedented processing capabilities ensuring far-reaching benchmarks; (v) Significant advances theory and practice of natural and engineered processing. Our findings support a broad spectrum of transformative research activities.
Frequency differences between nuclear and polysomal sequences of poly(A)-containing RNA from cultured akr mouse embryo cells

The involvement of post-transcriptional mechanisms in the determination of the frequency distribution of messenger RNA sequences has been studied in cloned mouse embryo cells in culture. Hybridization kinetic experiments between poly(A)-containing RNA and complementary DNA have been used to study the alterations in frequencies which occur in those nuclear poly(A)-containing RNA sequences which are conserved in cytoplasmic poly-ribosomes. Sequences adjacent to nuclear poly(A) tracts are present in a much narrower frequency distribution in the nucleus than in polysomes, with a large proportion of the nuclear sequences present in an average frequency of about one molecule per cell. Few nuclear sequences appear to be present in more than ten copies per cell. A minimum of 70% of these sequences are also found in poly-ribosomal RNA but in greatly altered frequencies. Abundant sequences which comprise a major fraction of the poly(A)-containing polyribosomal RNA are derived from a small fraction of the nuclear poly(A)-adjacent RNA sequences. Very few nuclear poly(A)-adjacent sequences are present in a frequency characteristic of high abundance polysomal sequences. Conversely, poly(A)-containing polyribosomal RNA appears to contain few sequences which are present in as low a frequency as the majority of nuclear poly(A)-adjacent sequences. These observations suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms play a major role in determining the steady-state frequency of polyribosome-associated messenger RNAs.
Binding-site specificity of lectins from Bauhinia purpurea alba, Sophora japonica, and Wistaria floribunda.

Abstract The binding-site specificities of lectins isolated from the seeds of Baihinia purpurea alba, Sophora japonica, and Wistaria floribunda were studied by hemagglutination-inhibition assays utilizing a variety of saccharides as inhibitors. For Bauhinia lectin, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -galactose was found to be the best monosaccharide inhibitor and the free monosaccharide inhibitor was as active as its glycosides. d -Galactose was a weak inhibitor and so were some of its glycosides. Some of the oligosaccharides having a d -galactose nonreducing terminus were good inhibitors, but substitution on the d -galactose or 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -galactose residues with other saccharides abolished the inhibitory activity. No specificity for anomeric configuration or linkage position could be demonstrated. The presence of aromatic aglycon groups did not enhance inhibitory activity of the saccharides tested and, in some cases, the inhibitory activity was decreased. In contrast to the results for the Bauhinia lectin, compounds having aromatic aglycon groups were markedly better inhibitors for Sophora and Wistaria lectins than the corresponding compounds without aromatic aglycons. d -Galactose was a weak inhibitor for Sophora and Wistaria lectins, whereas 2-acetamido- d -galactose was a poor inhibitor of Sophora lectin but a good inhibitor of Wistaria lectin. Sophora and Wistaria lectins were somewhat similar in their activity as some of the saccharides having a d -galactose in penultimate position to an l -fucose residue were weak inhibitors. However, Sophora lectin has a binding preference for β anomers, whereas Wistaria lectin did not demonstrate a clear preference for α or β anomers. For some pairs of compounds, the α was a better inhibitor than, the β anomer; in other cases, the reverse was true.
Professional Psychology Training in the Era of a Thousand Flowers: Dilemmas and Challenges for the Future

As revealed in discussion at the 2009 Presidential Summit on the Future of Psychology Practice, professional psychology training today is involved in a series of choices for its future. This paper outlines some of those major dilemmas and while acknowledging the difficulties inherent in resolving some of these issues, proposes areas of common ground and a series of next steps, which emphasize the importance of research and assessment as identifying marks of the professional psychologist, the requirements for accountability and standards in training, the need to develop behavioral medicine and neuropsychology as the field increases its partnership with health care, the importance of collaboration with school psychologists and international psychologists, the need to emphasize public sector service, and the imperative to develop these goals in a thoughtful way with new technology.
Regional Distributions of Hippocampal Na+, K+-ATPase, Cytochrome Oxidase, and Total Protein in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Na+,K(+)-ATPase (the sodium pump) is a ubiquitous enzyme that consumes ATP to maintain an adequate neuronal transmembrane electrical potential necessary for brain function and to dissipate ionic transients. Reductions in sodium pump function augment the sensitivity of neurons to glutamate, increasing excitability and neuronal damage in vitro. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one disease characterized by hyperexcitability and marked hippocampal neuronal losses that could depend in part, on impaired sodium pump capacity secondary to changes in sodium pump levels and/or insufficient ATP supply. To assess whether abnormalities in the sodium pump occur in this disease, we used [3H]ouabain to determine the density of Na+,K(+)-ATPase for each anatomic region of hippocampus by in vitro autoradiography. Tissues were surgically obtained from epileptic patients with hippocampal sclerosis and compared with specimens from patients with seizures originating from temporal lobe tumors and autopsy controls. Changes in cellular population arising from neuronal losses or gliosis were assessed by protein densities derived from quantitative computerized densitometry of Coomassie-stained tissue sections. We estimated regional differences in capacity for ATP generation by determining cytochrome c oxidase (CO) activity. Principal neurons of hippocampus exhibit high levels of sodium pump enzyme. Both epilepsy groups exhibited slight but significant increases in sodium pump density/unit mass of protein in the dentate molecular layer, CA2, and subiculum as compared with autopsy controls. Greater hilar sodium pump density was also observed in sclerotic hippocampi. In contrast, CO activity was reduced in both epilepsy types throughout hippocampus. Results suggest that although sodium pump protein in surviving neurons appears to be upregulated in epilepsy, sodium pump capacity may be limited by the reduced levels of CO activity. Functional reduction in sodium pump capacity may be an important factor in hyperexcitability and neuronal death.
A neutron diffraction study of the atomic ordering in Er(Fe1 − xCox)3

Abstract Neutron diffraction studies of the intermetallic compounds ErFe2.28− Co0.72, ErFe1.68Co1.32, and ErFe1.16Co1.84, above the magnetic ordering temperatures, indicate that iron atoms preferentially occupy the 6c site, while cobalt atoms show a strong preference for the 3b site and a slight preference for the 18h site. The room-temperature pattern for ErFe1.16− Co1.84, below the Curie temperature, indicates a collinear arrangement of the magnetic moments along the c axis. A more complex, non-collinear, array of magnetic moments is indicated for ErFe2.28Co0.72.
Biomedical Applications of Complexation Agents/Solubilizers

Non-toxic complexation agents/solubilizers have numerous applications in the biomedical field. Results obtained in the author’s laboratory are reviewed here. This work resulted in: (a) the development of a system enabling more efficient therapeutic use of retinoids, (b) the development of an agent eliminating mycoplasma infections in cell cultures, (c) the development of a detoxification process for hypervitaminosis A, and (d) the development of a system for effective sublingual administration of sex hormones.
Stimulus-centered neglect in reading and object recognition

Abstract We examine whether words and objects share a common stage of processing in which an item's shape is represented in a reference frame centered on the item, that is, a ‘stimulus-centered’ representation. The neurological patient MR neglected the left parts of words, letter-strings, and objects in a variety of reading and naming tests, regardless of where they were presented in the visual field. She identified only the right sides of chimeras, and failed to notice that they were not real objects. Her pattern of performance provides evidence consistent with a common pathway for word and object processing beyond the early, retinocentric levels of the visual system.
The Bisexual Youth of Color Intersecting Identities Development Model: A Contextual Approach to Understanding Multiple Marginalization Experiences

This article introduces the bisexual youth of color (BYOC) intersecting identities development model. Grounded in literature regarding racial/ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning (LGBQQ), gender identity and adolescent identity development, this model assumes an ecological perspective (Bronfrenbrenner, 1989) in exploring the complexity of intersecting identities for bisexual youth of color. This model represents a dynamic conceptualization of the fluidity with which the identities of sexually fluid youth of color may continually evolve in response to changes within the microsystem and macrosystem of their lives. With potential applications for practice, research, and training, the BYOC intersecting identities development model seeks to fundamentally change clinical, empirical and pedagogical conversations about the identity development of bisexual youth of color.
Unusual Wenckebach upper rate response of an atrial-based DDD pacemaker.

We describe in this report an unusual form of Wenckebach upper rate response produced by a DDD pulse generator with atrial-based lower rate timing. The pacemaker maintained the programmed upper and lower rate intervals at the expense of a prolonged atrial paced-venfricular paced AV interval. This form of upper rate behavior eliminated the longer cycle (containing the unsensed P wave) that occurs at the end of the pacemaker Wenckebach sequence during traditional DDD pacing with ventricular-based lower rate timing.
Design patterns for lazy evaluation

We propose an object-oriented (OO) formulation and implementation of lazy/delayed evaluation by reusing and extending an existing linear recursive structure (LRS) framework with the help of the strategy, decorator and factory design patters. The result is a robust, flexible framework that can handle both infinite and finite lists and to which existing algorithms for finite lists can be applied without modification. The OO techniques used to develop this model are effective tools for teaching abstraction and design of data structures.
Developmental expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and glutamine synthetase mRNAs in normal and jimpy mice

Astrogliosis is a prominent feature in the CNS of the dysmyelinating mutant, jimpy. In the following study the expression of the glial markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamine synthetase (GS) mRNAs were examined the cerebra of normal and jimpy mice. The relative abundance of GFAP and GS mRNAs increased rapidly in the CNS of normal mice during the first two postnatal weeks. During the third week the content of GFAP and GS mRNA remained constant. The pattern of developmental accumulation of these transcripts in jimpy animals was distinctly different. Levels of GFAP transcripts in 6- and 10-day-old jimpy animals were essentially the same as controls. In 14-day-old animals, however, the content of GFAP mRNA in jimpy had increased dramatically, and was 3-fold greater than that found in normal animals. The levels of GFAP message remained significantly elevated above control values for the life of the animals, approximately 22-24 days. In contrast, no significant difference in GS mRNA content was detected between control and jimpy brain tissue. The results of this study indicated that increased accumulation of GFAP mRNA was significant component of reactive gliosis and that the mechanisms responsible for the induction of GFAP were dissociated from those that regulate GS expression.
There's many a CLP on the path to B.

Lymphocyte development is an excellent model system to study cell fate choices and the underlying transcriptional mechanisms. However, the earliest events have been poorly understood, due in part to the rarity of the relevant cellular intermediates. In this issue of Blood , Mansson and colleagues identify several subsets within the CLP and fraction A population (B220 + CLP phenotype) with differing lineage potentials. 1 The results indicate that B-lineage restriction initiates at much earlier developmental stages than previously thought and provide insight into the hierarchical transcriptional mechanisms involved in B-lineage commitment.
Effect of interparticle interaction on the low temperature oxidation of CO over size-selected Au nanocatalysts supported on ultrathin TiC films

This work aims to get insight into the influence of interparticle interactions on catalysis. The low temperature CO oxidation is used as a model reaction. A strong dependence of the catalytic activity and stability of gold nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on polycrystalline TiC films was observed as a function of the interparticle distance. Two samples with similar height distributions (∼2 nm), but with different average interparticle distances (∼30 and ∼80 nm), were synthesized using diblock copolymer encapsulation. Their chemical reactivity was investigated by temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and reactive coarsening and subsequent deactivation was observed for the sample with the smallest interparticle distance. The system with the largest average interparticle distance showed higher stability towards agglomeration and longer lifetime.
Stimulation of placental prorenin secretion by selective inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases.

Abstract Prorenin secretion by human villous placenta is known to be stimulated by activation of adenylate cyclase and enhanced cyclic AMP (cAMP) generation. Placental tissue contains predominantly type III (cGMP-inhibited) and type IV (cAMP-specific) phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which inactivate cAMP. To evaluate the role of PDE subtypes in the regulation of prorenin secretion by human placenta, explants were cultured in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), a non-selective PDE inhibitor, and selective inhibitors for various PDE subtypes. Inhibition of PDE subtypes with cilostamide (type III), Ro 20-1724 (type IV) and zardaverine (types III and IV) increased prorenin release. Inhibition of type I (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent) PDE by 8-MeoM-IBMX and of type V (cGMP-specific) PDE by zaprinast or dipyridamole did not affect prorenin secretion. The stimulation of prorenin secretion by PDE inhibitors was attenuated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibition. The selective PDE inhibitors caused a parallel increase in media cAMP and prorenin and also increased tissue prorenin levels. These studies demonstrate that cAMP degradation by type III and IV PDE isoenzymes is a major regulatory mechanism for placental prorenin secretion. It is suggested that enhancers of adenylate cyclase activity are constitutively present in placenta and influence prorenin synthesis and release.
Suicide and masochism: The evolving relationship between guilt, suffering, self-attack and suicide

Masochism is a complex and intriguing phenomenon. Self-attack may serve many purposes. Some patients suffer through harsh self-criticism, bodily harm, or even tormenting thoughts of death, without actually killing themselves. Some of these patients ultimately may go on to die by suicide, but for many, the self-torturing aspect may exist independently in acute or chronic forms. This paper addresses the complex relationship between masochism and suicide as two separate yet interconnected phenomena.
Efficient diagonalization of oversized matrices on a distributed-memory multiprocessor

On parallel architectures, Jacobi methods for computing the singular value decomposition (SVD) and the symmetric eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) have been established as one of the most popular algorithms due to their excellent parallelism. Most of the Jacobi algorithms for distributed-memory architectures have been developed under the assumption that matrices can be distributed over the processors by square blocks of an even order or column blocks with an even number of columns. Obviously, there is a limit on the number of processors while we need to deal with problems of various sizes. We propose algorithms to diagonalize oversized matrices on a given distributed-memory multiprocessor with good load balancing and minimal message passing. Performances of the proposed algorithms vary greatly, depending on the relation between the problem size and the number of available processors. We give theoretical performance analyses which suggest the faster algorithm for a given problem size on a given distributed-memory multiprocessor. Finally, we present a new implementation for the convergence test of the algorithms on a distributed-memory multiprocessor and the implementation results of the algorithms on the NCUBE/seven hypercube architecture.
Monopolistic or Imperfect Competition

Some misconceptions examined relative to: marginal revenue, 558; increasing returns, 560; tangency of demand and cost curves, 561; large numbers and divisibility, 562; restriction of entry, 566; differentiation of product, 568.— The nature of monopolistic competition, 570; contrast with imperfect competition, 573.— Significance of the difference with respect to: profits, 576; "competitive" norms, 576; "exploitation," 577.
Anomalous connection of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium diagnosed using three-dimensional echocardiography

Routine transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed on a 3-year-old boy, following diagnosis of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), to assess suitability for device closure. His parents had noted some increasing shortness of breath on exertion over the preceding months, otherwise he remained well. Saturations …
Thrombosis of mitral valve prosthesis presenting as abdominal pain

A 67-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, anemia, and leukocytosis. Five years previously, the patient had undergone mitral valve replacement with a St. Jude bileaflet mechanical prosthesis. After her admission, echocardiography confirmed an immobile leaflet of the prosthetic valve. At urgent surgery, thrombosis and pannus, obstructing the disc, were found, and the mechanical valve was replaced with a bioprosthesis. The incidence of mitral valve thrombosis is low, ranging from 0.1% to 5.7% per patient per year. Patients who receive inadequate anticoagulation, particularly with valve prostheses in the mitral position, have an increased risk for thrombus or pannus formation. Presentation varies, from symptoms of congestive heart failure or systemic embolization, to fever or no symptoms. New or worsening symptoms in a patient with a prosthetic heart valve should raise concerns about prosthetic dysfunction. Aggressive investigation and, if indicated, urgent or emergency surgery for treatment can be lifesaving.
Stability of fresh and preserved fetal and adult lymphocyte cell surface markers

Delay between blood collection and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood (PB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) lymphocytes occurs frequently. Holding media address this problem, but there are few reports of their limitations. We tested the ability of Cyto-Chex (CC) to preserve the ability of lymphocyte subpopulations to be immunophenotyped after time delays. Ten UCB and 10 PB specimens were kept up to 48 hr and then placed in CC for 1 week, with removal of aliquots for staining with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD45 at intervals. There were no significant changes in the number of nonpreserved PB or UCB cells stained with any of the reagents after 48 hr. Aside from a small decrease in UCB B-cell numbers, there were no changes in UCB or PB lymphocyte numbers after placing them in CC for 1 week. However, PB and UCB CD19+ cells and CD8+ T cells lost capacity for bright staining after 1 week in CC. The results suggest that UCB and PB can be held for up to 48 hr before being placed in CC and then kept for up to 1 week in CC with no decrease in T-cell numbers and only a minor reduction of B-cell numbers, albeit with a marked reduction in staining in- tensity. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 14:320–326, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An analysis of operations efficiency in large-scale distribution systems

Abstract This research applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to evaluate the efficiency of units within a large-scale network of petroleum distribution facilities in the USA. Multiple inputs and outputs are incorporated into a broad set of DEA models, yielding a comprehensive approach to evaluating supply chain efficiency. This study empirically separates three recognized, important and yet different causes of performance shortfalls which have been generally difficult for managers to identify. They are: (1) managerial effectiveness; (2) scale of operations and potential for a given market area (and efficiency of resource allocation given the scale); and (3) understanding the resource heterogeneity via programmatic differences in efficiency. Overall, the efficiency differences identified raised insightful questions regarding top management’s selection of the appropriate form and type of inputs and outputs, as well as questions regarding the DEA model form selected.
Local and collective structure of formate on Pt(111)

Formic acid adsorption and reaction on Pt(111) has been studied using LEED and ESDIAD. After conversion of the molecular formic acid (HCOOH) to formate (HCOO) a (√3 × √3)R30° LEED pattern is observed. This pattern is visible to 280 K, at which point the formate either recombines with H+ or decomposes. ESDIAD normal emission reaches a peak in intensity in the temperature region where the molecular plane of the formate is believed to be perpendicular to the surface plane.
Design Of Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) Primary Mirror Mounts

The design of an operational mount to rigidly secure the primary mirror to its baseplate without the introduction of figure error always proves to be a major task on diffraction limited optical systems. A summary of the design of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) primary mirror mount is given. The mirror was designed to be alligned and tested at room temperature and operated in a zero 'g' field at temperatures of 2K. To minimize overstressing, a stiffness requirement of greater than 150 Hz was required for cold launch and room temperature vibration acceptance testing. Additional isolation was required to minimize strains, introduced via the mounting base, due to thermal and mechanical distortions.
The Effect of Induction Heating Stress Remedies on Existing Flaws in Pipes

One method for reducing stress corrosion cracking problems called induction heating for stress improvement (IHSI) has been successful in producing compressive residual stress on the inside surface of welded pipes. To provide a basis for comparing as-welded stress distributions with the stress distributions occurring during the IHSI process, stress intensity factors were computed for part-through, axisymmetric, circumferential cracks in pipes using linear elastic fracture mechanics analyses. Results for as-welded stress distributions agree with the field experience that most of the cracked pipes in boiling water reactor piping systems are smaller diameter pipes in the 4-12-in. (102-305-mm) range. 23 refs.
The OEO as an acoustic sensor

The optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is a radio-frequency (RF) source that utilizes lengths of optical fiber in a ring resonator to create low-phase-noise signals. In this work, we demonstrate a novel fiber-optic acoustic sensor by measuring the modulation sidebands induced on the OEO's RF signal by an acoustic tone impinging on the fiber spool in the OEO. The narrow linewidth and high oscillating frequency of the OEO results in a sensor with both high signal-to-noise ratios and high spectral resolution.
Clinical usefulness of salivary gland scanning

Radionuclide scanning of the salivary glands with 99m Tc-pertechnetate has proved to be a useful procedure in the evaluation of certain morphologic and functional diseases of these organs. This test cannot detect mass lesions that are not evident clinically, but is helpful in some patients in defining the nature of these lesions and their relationship to normal anatomic structures. Warthin's tumors appear "hot" relative to the surrounding tissues, whereas metastatic tumors, cysts, and abscesses appear "cold." Primary malignancies are also usually cold, but the mixed tumor has a highly variable appearance. Serial salivary scanning is a sensitive procedure with which to monitor the natural progression of inflammatory diseases of these organs, as well as their response to antibiotic or chemotherapy. The glands are generally hyperactive in acute inflammations, but show decreased concentration of pertechnetate in chronic inflammations such as Sjbgren's syndrome.
Early lymphoid lesions: conceptual, diagnostic and clinical challenges

There are no “benign lymphomas”, a fact due to the nature of lymphoid cells to circulate and home as part of their normal function. Thus, benign clonal expansions of lymphocytes are only rarely recognized when localized. Recent studies have identified a number of lymphoid proliferations that lie at the interface between benign and malignant. Some of these are clonal proliferations that carry many of the molecular hallmarks of their malignant counterparts, such as BCL2/IGH and CCND1/IGH translocations associated with the in situ forms of follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, respectively. There are other clonal B-cell proliferations with low risk of progression; these include the pediatric variants of follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Historically, early or incipient forms of T/NK-cell neoplasia also have been identified, such as lymphomatoid papulosis and refractory celiac disease. More recently an indolent form of T-cell lymphoproliferative disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract has been described. Usually, CD8+, the clonal cells are confined to the mucosa. The clinical course is chronic, but non-progressive. NK-cell enteropathy is a clinically similar condition, composed of cytologically atypical NK-cells that may involve the stomach, small bowel or colon. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a cytologically alarming lesion that is self-limited if confined to the seroma cavity. Atypical lymphoid proliferations that lie at the border of benign and malignant can serve as instructive models of lymphomagenesis. It is also critical that they be correctly diagnosed to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful therapy.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF IMPURITY GASES ON THE STORAGE CAPACITY OF HYDROGEN ON ACTIVATED CARBON USING THE CONCEPT OF EFFECTIVE ADSORBED PHASE MOLAR VOLUME

Hydrogen storage on activated carbon appears to be a viable method for either mobile or stationary applications. Impurity gases in the H2 delivery system can affect the storage capacity of the activated carbon. Thus, reliable procedures must be developed to assess the extent of such decreases in storage capacity. The Ideal Adsorbed Solution (IAS) model, the Grant and Manes model and the model by Doong and Yang were applied to high pressure adsorption data for a dilute N2 in H2 mixture on an activated carbon. These theories, though applicable to a wide number of binary systems, failed to predict total adsorbed amounts of the hydrogen/nitrogen system at a relatively low concentration of nitrogen. The concept of effective adsorbed phase molar volume, which empirically takes into account inter-species interaction and the effect of affinity coefficients is introduced. This concept is incorporated into a model for predicting binary gas adsorption on the basis of adsorption data for the pure components. The results are found to work well for this system. It is shown that, using superactivated carbon as the adsorbent, the reduction in adsorbed amounts of hydrogen due to the presence of amounts of nitrogen in the 500 ppm range will not exceed 30%.
Solute Effects on Interfacial Thermal Conductance

The thermal conductance of a gold/water interface has been found to change as a function of the surrounding’s adhesion energy. We measure the thermal conductance of a lithographically prepared gold nanowire with a thin film nanoscale thermal sensor composed of AlGaN:Er3+. The temperature of the nanowire is measured as a function of incident laser intensity. The slope of this plot is inversely proportional to the thermal conductance of the nanoparticle/surrounding’s interface. We show that the conductance of the nanoparticle/water interface increases with the molality of the solution. This was tested with multiple solutes including NaCl, and D-Glucose. The interfacial conductance of pure water is reported to be 44 MW/m2K and the conductance saturates to 100 MW/m2K at a molality of 0.21 m.
Characteristic responses to L-dopa of cerebral blood flow and EEG pattern in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

L-Dopa given i.p. increased regional cerebral blood flow and influenced EEG patterns in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive, but not in normotensive rats. The feasibility of this approach for determining the pathology of the cerebral vessels and the blood-brain barrier warrants further study.
Structure and Transition-Preserving Functions of Finite Automata

Arbitrary finite automata are decomposed into their major substructures, the primaries. Several characterizations of homomorphisms, endomorphisms, isomorphisms, and automorphisms of arbitrary finite automata are presented via reduction to the primaries of the automata. Various characterizations of these transition-preserving functions on singly generated automata are presented and are used as a basis for the reduction. Estimates on the number of functions of each type are given.