cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of chlorzoxazone and 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive and reproducible method is described for the determination of the cytochrome P450 enzyme 2E1 substrate chlorzoxazone and its primary metabolite 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone in human plasma and urine. Plasma or diluted urine were acidified, incubated with beta-glucuronidase and then were extracted with diethyl ether. Separation of the analytes was achieved on a C18 column with UV detection set at 283 nm. Excellent linearity was observed over the concentration ranges of 100-3000 ng/ml and 4-400 micrograms/ml in plasma and urine, respectively. The intra-assay variability was < or = 5.1% and the inter-assay variability was < or = 8.2% for each compound in each matrix. The method presented is applicable to pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic studies utilizing chlorzoxazone.
Multi-photon excitation microscopy in intact animals

Two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy and backscattered-second harmonic generation microscopy permit the investigation of the subcellular events within living animals but numerous aspects of these experiments need to be optimized to overcome the traditional microscope geometry, motion and optical coupling to the subject. This report describes a stable system for supporting a living instrumented mouse or rabbit during endogenous reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and exogenous dye two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy measurements, and backscattered-second harmonic generation microscopy measurements. The system was a modified inverted LSM510 microscope (Carl Zeiss, Inc., Thornwood, NY, U.S.A.) with a rotating periscope that converted the inverted scope to an upright format, with the objective located approximately, 15 cm from the centre of the microscope base, allowing easy placement of an instrumented animal. An Olympus 20x water immersion objective was optically coupled to the tissue, without a cover glass, via a saline bath or custom hydrated transparent gel. The instrumented animals were held on a specially designed holder that poised the animal under the objective as well as permitted different ventilation schemes to minimize motion. Using this approach, quality images were routinely collected in living animals from both the peripheral and body cavity organs. The remaining most significant issue for physiological studies using this approach is motion on the micrometre scale. Several strategies for motion compensation are described and discussed.
Abstract 5174: Toward understanding the genomic alterations in human gastric cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent and aggressive cancers worldwide, and its molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. Although recent genome sequencing studies have uncovered rich information on cancer evolutions of many types, little is known about the genetic basis of gastric cancer due to its complexity. Here we report genomic mutations in primary gastric adenocarcinoma of human, based on the whole genome sequences of five pairs of cancer and matching normal samples. In total, 407 non-synonymous somatic point mutations have been identified in these genomes and the most recurrent mutations were harbored by genes such as Mucins (MUC3A and MUC12) and transcription factors (ZNF717, ZNF595 and TP53). 679 genomic rearrangements were detected which affect 355 protein-coding genes; and 76 genes show copy number changes. The focus of the functional analysis is to validate the biological relevance of each variant to cancer formation and progression, particularly to explore the to-be-determined causal relationships between the observed mutations in cancer genomes and cancer development. Additionally, we have attempted to investigate the mechanism of how these variants form in each tumor and discuss about multiple possible factors that may affect the susceptibility to each specific chromosomal changes. For examples, structural correlation between two boundaries of most rearrangements was observed based on the Hi-C data analysis, which indicate these rearrangements may happen among DNA fragments in close spatial proximity, especially when two endpoints stay in a similar replication phase. Sequence analysis on the flacking region of those rearrangements also showed clear evidences that about half of these genomic changes may be involved in the mechanism of microhomology-mediated break induced replication (MMBIR). Furthermore, DNA integrations from Helicobacter pylori have been detected for the first time, for instance, in the gene region of PREX2, which may reflect a new mechanism about how H. pylori induce cancer development. Overall, the in-depth analyses on these sequenced genomes lead to the detection of a myriad of novel genomic variations in gastric cancer, which in turn bring new insights in our understanding of the genetic basis and indicate new molecular mechanism of the gastric tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Juan Cui, Ying Xu. Toward understanding the genomic alterations in human gastric cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5174. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5174
In vitro initiation of coliphage T7 mRNA.

Abstract The synthesis of two classes of late T7 proteins appears to be directed by several polycistronic messenger RNAs. To understand how they are translated in appropriate order during phage infection, we have isolated late mRNA from T7-infected cells and mRNA that was synthesized in vitro with the T7 RNA polymerase and T7 DNA. Using a purified cell-free system in which ribosomal interaction with the message is restricted to the authentic phage initiation sites, we find that late T7 mRNA directs the synthesis of two initiation dipeptides, formylmethionine-alanine and formylmethionine-serine. These dipeptides account for 80% of the incorporated fMet and are synthesized in systems derived from both uninfected and infected female Escherichia coli cells. However, ribosomes isolated from T7-infected female cells apparently contain mRNA corresponding to these same T7 initiation regions since they also direct the endogenous synthesis of formylmethionine-alanine and formylmethionine-serine. This capability increases as a function of time after infection. In contrast, neither uninfected host ribosomes, ribosomes from T7 am 23 (gene 1 mutant lacking T7 RNA polymerase) infected cells, ribosomes from T7-infected male host cells nor ribosomes from cells infected with Qβ RNA phage direct the synthesis of these or other formylmethionine-dipeptides. It is concluded that the ribosomes after T7 infection seem to have a high affinity for the late viral message and that the regions coding for these formylmethionine-dipeptides may represent preferred sites for their entrance on to the message.
TREND: A tool for rapid online research literature analysis and quantification

The Research Explicator for oNline Databases (TREND) tool was developed out of a need to quantify large research literatures rapidly and objectively on the basis of online research database output. By parsing such output with TREND, a researcher can in minutes extract the most commonly cited articles, the most frequently published authors, a distribution of publication dates, and a variety of other information from a research literature several thousand articles in size. This tool thus enables an increase in productivity both for researchers venturing into new areas of interest and for advisors and instructors putting together core reading lists. The processing of citations from articles represents a unique challenge, however, because deviations from strict APA formatting cause problems that are sometimes difficult to correct mechanically. A case study of one particularly troublesome citation (Baron & Kenny, 1986) is presented. Usage and implications are discussed.
Ionomeric Blends of Poly(ethyl acrylate-co-4-vinylpyridine) with Zinc-Neutralized Sulfonated Poly(ethylene terephthalate). 3. Effects of Functionalization Level

This paper constitutes the third part in a series of studies 1,2 on the ionomeric blend system of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-4-vinylpyridine) and zinc-neutralized sulfonated poly(ethylene terephthalate). The focus of this work is to examine the compatibility behavior of the system in relation to the functionalization level of the polymer constituents. Particular effort is made to address the competition between the specific interactions that could lead to compatibilization and the crystallization of the semicrystalline component that could lead to phase separation. Results show that compatibilization but not miscibilization was observed with functionalization levels as high as 10 mol %. FTIR studies indicate that the extent of the specific intermolecular interactions between the functionalized polymers increases with the functionalization level. In accordance, the degree of mixing as probed by both differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) also increases as the extent of the specific interactions increases. Crystallization of the PET-SO 3 Zn component was shown to induce some phase separation ; however, the system remained compatibilized by virtue of the presence of the specific interactions. As a result of the enhanced mixing with an increase in the sulfonation level, the crystallization behavior of the PET-SO 3 Zn phase experienced increased perturbation. The mechanical properties of the functionalized blends were shown to exhibit dramatic improvement over that of the unmodified blend, probably as a consequence of interfacial adhesion among the different phases within the blend matrix.
Longevity of Edwardsiella ictaluri in the organs of experimentally infected channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) were experimentally infected with the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri by water-borne exposure to determine its longevity in the organs of the fish. E. ictaluri was isolated in high numbers from the organs of infected channel catfish with a range of 1.93–4.8 /sx 10 5 cells/g for 65 days post-infection. It was concluded that channel catfish can be carriers of E. ictaluri and can serve as a source of infection for other fish. The liver, head kidney, trunk kidney and brain had consistently higher bacterial cells/g than blood, gall bladder, gonad, muscle and spleen. None of the fish in the study developed the “hole in the head” lesions characteristic of chronic infections of the disease.
Hybridization histochemical localization of activin receptor subtypes in rat brain, pituitary, ovary, and testis.

We have studied the distribution of activin receptor gene expression in the brain, pituitary, ovary, and testis of the adult rat by in situ hybridization, using probes complementary to the mRNAs encoding the mouse activin receptor subtypes II and IIB (ActRII and ActRIIB). Throughout the brain, ActRII mRNA expression was stronger than that of ActRIIB, and the patterns of expression were similar, although not identical. The most intense sites of activin receptor gene expression were the hippocampal formation, especially the dentate gyrus (ActRII), taenia tecta, and induseum griseum; the amygdala, particularly the amygdaloid-hippocampal transition zone; and throughout the cortical mantle, including the primary olfactory cortex (piriform cortex and olfactory tubercle); other regions of the cortex showing lesser degrees of hybridization included the cingulate cortex, claustrum, entorhinal cortex, and subiculum. In addition, moderate levels of expression were observed in several hypothalamic areas involved in n...
Characterization of a genetic difference in the platelet aggregation response of two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6 and C3H/He

Abstract An in vitro platelet aggregation assay has been used to characterize the platelet response of two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J and C3H/J. Arachidonic acid, ADP, ristocetin, and collagen, but not epinephrine, were effective inducers of platelet aggregation in C57BL/6 mice. In C3H mice, however, platelets responded differently to some, but not all, inducers of platelet aggregation. The difference between the two strains was particularly striking for arachidonic acid; at 0.375 μM arachidonic acid, platelets from C57BL/6 mice aggregated well, but platelets from C3H mice failed to aggregate. The two strains also differed in serotonin release from platelets. When the pool of platelet serotonin was labeled by incubating platelets with [ 14 C]serotonin, the amount of label subsequently released from platelets in response to 0.375 μM arachidonic acid was 20.5% ± 2.5 SE for C57BL/6 mice and 1.5% ± 1.5 SE for C3H mice. The platelets from F 1 progeny of a cross between C57BL/6 and C3H mice were indistinguishable in aggregation response from the C57BL/6 parent. The defect in aggregation response found in C3H mice appears to reside in the platelets rather than in the plasma. Experiments which involved adding the plasma of one strain to the washed platelets of the other strain indicated that C57BL/6 platelets aggregated well whether they were resuspended in plasma from C57BL/6 or C3H mice, while C3H platelets failed to aggregate regardless of the origin of the plasma. Strain C57BL/6 is susceptible to diet-induced formation of atherosclerotic lesions, but strain C3H is resistant to lesion formation. This genetic difference in atherosclerosis susceptibility is not related to the genetic difference in platelet aggregation since a recombinant inbred strain, BXH-9, is susceptible to atherosclerosis like the C57BL/6 parent but has the reduced platelet aggregation response of the C3H parent.
The distribution of registration error of a fiducial marker in rigid-body point-based registration

Many image-guidance surgical systems rely on rigid-body, point-based registration of fiducial markers attached to the patient. Marker locations in image space and physical space are used to provide the transformation that maps a point from one space to the other. Target registration error (TRE) is known to depend on the fiducial localization error (FLE), and the fiducial registration error (FRE) of a set of markers, though a poor predictor of TRE, is a useful predictor of FLE. All fiducials are typically weighted equally for registration purposes, but is also a common practice to ignore a marker at position r by zeroing its weight when its individual error, FRE( r ), is high in an effort to reduce TRE. The idea is that such markers are likely to have been compromised, i.e. , perturbed badly between imaging and surgery. While ignoring a compromised marker may indeed reduce TRE, the expected effect of ignoring an uncompromised marker is to increase TRE. There is unfortunately no established method for deciding whether a given marker is likely to have been compromised. In order to make this decision, it is necessary to know the probability distribution p (FRE( r )), which has not been heretofore determined. With such a distribution, it may be possible to identify a compromised marker and to adjust its weight in order to improve the expected TRE. In this paper we derive an approximate formula for p (FRE( r )) accurate to first order in FLE. We show by means of numerical simulations that the approximation is valid.
A vacation scheduling algorithm for military flight crews: Maximizing satisfaction while maintaining military preparedness

Abstract This article develops a quantitative method of assigning leave to crewmembers in an operational military flying squadron. The objective of the assignment process is to maximize crew preferences. This objective is limited by manning constraints which limit the number of crews that can be on leave at the same time. The basis of the assignment process is a point system which allows each crew to bid for the periods they prefer. The periods are then assigned to the highest bidder. In this way, each crew is assured of an influence in the leave assignment process, and the results are entirely in the hands of the crews themselves. The method now used to assign leave was developed and refined during a three year period from 1981 to 1983. The 1983 method includes a two-phase partially open bidding system. In Phase I, crews signed up on a posted calendar for the periods they wanted, but they did not assign points to the periods. During this phase, crews could change their period request as they saw what other crews requested. This allows crews to sequence themselves to avoid conflicts. At the end of Phase I, the juggling process was closed, and crews could no longer change their period request. Crews were given a week between the close of Phase I and the start of Phase II to see how many other crews they were competing with. Then in Phase II, they submitted their points via closed bid. This system was very effective in both distributing the demand and preventing “gaming.” There was a strong disincentive from changing a period request at the last minute. If they did, the competition had a week to see whom they were competing with and could then bid accordingly. It was to everyone's advantage to avoid competition. Statistical analysis and positive feedback from crews and scheduling personnel have proven this method to be significantly superior to the former system.
Oxygen consumption of preimplantation mouse embryos

Abstract The oxygen consumption of the preimplantation stages of the mouse embryo has been determined using Cartesian diver techniques. The oxygen consumption increases from 156 × 10−6 μl/ovum/hr for unfertilized ova to 535 × 10−6 μl/embryo/hr for late blastocysts. Significant increases in oxygen consumption occur at the eight-cell stage and each successive stage. QO2 values increased from about 4 μl/mg for one- and two-cell ova to about 16 μl/mg for the late blastocyst. This increase indicates a change from relatively low metabolic activity comparable to bone and skin, to relatively high metabolic activity, comparable to kidney or brain.
REMOTE SYSTEM INTERFACES: AN APPROACH TO OVERCOMING THE HETEROGENEITY BARRIER AND RETAINING LOCAL AUTONOMY IN THE INTEGRATION OF HETEROGENEOUS SYSTEMS

Existing and legacy software systems are the product of lengthy and individual developmental histories. Interoperability among such systems offers the support of global applications on these systems and intelligent information processing. However, interoperability among these heterogeneous systems is hampered by the absence of an integrated environment that would allow the development of global applications requiring intersystem cooperation. A uniform application-system interface is necessary to abstract the common properties of the global applications and of systems, mask their differences, and thus overcome this heterogeneity barrier. This paper presents such a solution, termed Remote System Interfaces (RSIs), which has been designed and implemented in the course of the InterBase project at Purdue University.
The syntheses of anhydrous TaF5 and NbF5 and their use in the synthesis of HCFC-123 (CHCl2CF3)

Abstract Lewis acids TaF5 and NbF5 are reported to catalyze the conversion of chloroethanes or chloroethylenes in the presence of HF to make HCFC-123, an HCFC alternative to CFC-11 (CFCl3) [A.E. Feiring, US Pat. 4 258 225 (1981); W.H. Gumprecht, W.G. Schindel and V. Felix, US Pat. 4 967 024 (1990)]. However, both TaF5 and NbF5 are expensive for use on a commercial scale. The synthesis of anhydrous TaF5 and NbF5 from their corresponding metal oxides in a single step in situ and their use as catalysts to make HCFC-123 will be discussed.
Amorphous metallic glass biosensors

Abstract Amorphous metallic glasses possess a unique combination of magnetostriction and extremely soft magnetic properties making them ideal candidates for developing high performance biosensors. This paper presents the results of an investigation of novel free-standing magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors based on Fe–B amorphous metallic glasses. The principle of operation of wireless ME biosensors and the advantages of metallic glasses for their construction are discussed. The materials with the highest possible elastic–magnetic energy conversion efficiency are favored for sensor applications. Due to the unique properties of amorphous metallic glasses, acoustic wave sensors based on amorphous ME alloys with mild magnetostriction properties show a very high elastic–magnetic energy conversion efficiency. In this study, ME biosensor resonators 4 × 100 × 500 μm in size were manufactured by dual beam sputtering and non-traditional microelectronic fabrication techniques. E2 phage, genetically engineered to bind with Salmonella typhimurium , was immobilized on the sensor surfaces as a bio-recognition element. The detection of Salmonella in liquid using these phage-based ME biosensors was demonstrated. The ME biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and a detection limit better than 50 CFU/mL.
Quantifying nitrogen effects on castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) development, growth, and photosynthesis

Abstract Functional relationships between leaf nitrogen (N) and crop growth processes are not available in many crops including castor bean plant that is considered as a potential bioenergy crop. An out-door pot-culture experiment was conducted to determine N deficiency effects on castor bean plant growth and physiology. Castor bean, cv. ‘Hale’, was seeded in 12-L pots filled with fine sand and irrigated with full-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution from emergence. After 34 days of sowing (DAS), the treatments imposed were full-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution (control, 100N), reduced N to 20% of the control (20N) and no N (0N) until final harvest, 66 DAS. Growth (plant height, leaf development and leaf area), photosynthesis and leaf N were measured twice weekly and plant components biomass was measured, 66 DAS. Maximum growth and developmental rates were achieved at 7.0 g N kg −1 , much higher than many other crops grown under similar nutrient conditions. Even though all growth rates declined with lower leaf N, leaf area expansion was more sensitive to leaf N followed by rates of stem elongation, node addition and photosynthesis. Critical leaf N levels (90% of maximum) varied for various processes; 55.3 g N kg −1 for stem elongation, 63 g N kg −1 for node addition, 65.4 g N kg −1 for leaf area expansion, and 60.3 g N kg −1 for photosynthesis. Among the plant components, leaf dry weight had the greatest decrease while root/shoot ratio increased under N deficiency. The functional algorithms and critical leaf N levels for various growth processes will be useful for modeling, leaf N assessment and managing castor bean crop the in the field.
Rice polishings as a source of vitamin B complex in infant feeding

Summary One hundred normal infants were fed a dried milk reinforced with a specially prepared water extract of rice polish as a source of vitamin B for an average period of five months. The increase in weight was influenced favorably; metabolic efficiency was increased; anorexia and gastrointestinal disturbances were lacking; pallor was less marked; and nutrition was improved and a greater resistance to infection exhibited. They were, as a group, mentally more alert and less irritable, sleeping better and possessing practically none of the common complaints of infancy, as abdominal colic, constipation, and excessive crying. Infants do not seem capable of storing vitamin B for future use.
Experimentally manipulated change in children's proactive and reactive aggressive behavior

The current study assessed the effectiveness of two behavior manipulations created to differentially lower aggressive responses in a laboratory task. It was hypothesized that the reactive anger manipulation would have the greatest effect for reactive aggressive behavior and the instrumental manipulation would significantly affect proactive aggressive behavior and slightly affect the reactive behavior. Fifty participants played pinball in competition for points against an unknown peer, whose responses were actually controlled by the experimenter. Participants could push a noise button, sending the peer an annoying noise; a tilt button, interfering with the opponent's game; or a no answer button, offering a pro-social alternative to aggression. After playing four rounds, participants were randomly assigned to either a reactive anger or a positive instrumental manipulation group; they then played pinball again for four rounds. Results indicate that the instrumental manipulation significantly lowered aggressive responses for both reactive and proactive behavior. The reactive manipulation effected aggressive responses only for use of the noise button and produced significantly lower levels of anger.
Selection rules for N- N annihilation into integral isospin mesons

Selection rules based on conservation of parity, angular momentum, charge conjugation,G-conjugation, and isospin are obtained for \(\mathcal{N}\bar {\mathcal{N}}\) annihilation into π (pseudoscalar-isovector), ρ (vector-isovector), ω (vector, isoscalar), η (vector-isoscalar), e (pseudoscalar, isoscalar) and ζ, (pseudovector-isoscalar) mesons. Angular distributions of certain directions such as the normal to the planes of the 3π decay of the to, η, e and ζ, particles and the direction between the two-pion decay of the p are deduced forS-state \(\mathcal{N}\bar {\mathcal{N}}\) annihilation. Observation of such distributions would confirm the quantum numbers assigned to these particles. In particular, it is indicated, how, in principle, it may be determined whether isotopic spin is conserved in these processes.
Annular Remodeling in Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Ring Selection Implications

Abstract Background More precise understanding of annular remodeling in the evolution of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation is needed to provide a more rational basis for optimal annuloplasty ring sizing and selection as well as the design of new reparative techniques. Three-dimensional in vivo data describing these geometric perturbations however are lacking. Using an ovine model of chronic myocardial infarction we determined the three-dimensional distortions of the mitral annulus associated with the development of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Methods Ten sheep underwent placement of radiopaque markers on the left ventricle and mitral annulus as well as placement of snares around the second and third obtuse marginal coronary arteries. After 8 days biplane cinefluoroscopy provided three-dimensional marker data and snare occlusion created an inferior infarction. After 7 more weeks the animals were studied again. Results Severity of mitral regurgitation increased (0.6 ± 0.5 to 2.5 ± 0.7). Septal-lateral (2.99 ± 0.20 cm to 3.64 ± 0.35 cm, maximum dimension) and commissure-commissure (3.71 ± 0.32 cm to 4.40 ± 0.30 cm) mitral annular diameters and the lengths of the muscular (7.77 ± 0.39 cm to 9.51 ± 0.72 cm) and fibrous annular perimeters (3.36 ± 0.37 cm to 3.85 ± 0.39 cm, p p = 0.01). Conclusions These three-dimensional in vivo data reflect annular remodeling in chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation and suggest that mitral repair in this context should be aimed at preventing further lengthening of the intertrigonal distance, reducing the septal-lateral annular diameter to reestablish adequate leaflet coaptation, and restoring the saddle shape of the annulus.
Remembering War: A U.S.-Soviet Dialogue

At a time when 40% of Americans have forgotten that the U.S. and the Soviet Union were allies during World War II, Remembering War comes as a timely and evocative reminder of that critical alliance. Here are juxtaposed the voices of Soviet and American citizens, some famous (Elliott Roosevelt, Gheorghi Arbatov), many unknown, recalling in vivid detail what life was like during the war years. Their stories, supplemented by dozens of rare photographs from Soviet and American archives, draw a vibrant portrait of both the battlefronts and the homefronts, illuminating the war's complex legacy in the relations between our two countries. Inspired by a U.S.-Soviet television exchange, Remembering War offers an unprecedented dialogue among Soviets and Americans, who present recollections of both shared and contrasting experiences, of mutual respect and distrust. A Soviet woman recalls how she and other teenage girls formed their own combat unit, and an American woman pilot tells of ferrying fighter planes to the Soviet air force. Civilians present the sharp contrasts between the two home fronts, and soldiers from both armies remember the famous meeting on the Elbe. Numerous striking photographs capture the drama and poignancy of these moments. These voices and images remind us that only a few years before McCarthyism, Russian War Relief was the most popular charity in America, and the Red Army marched with American supplies. The book also captures the bitter reality of war and the tensions between the two allies. Soviets such as writer Grigory Baklanov voice deep resentment at long delays in the allied invasion of France, and Americans detail and criticize Moscow's secrecy and paranoia. For the first time, Soviets discuss Stalin's actions, the secret protocols of the Soviet-Nazi pact of 1939, and other controversial aspects of their involvement in the war. Many of the photos offer chilling testimony to the horrors of the war, matched by bleak accounts from the survivors of Stalingrad. In Remembering War, Soviet commentator Vladimir Pozner and American producer and professor Helene Keyssar (key figures in the television exchange) have produced a truly remarkable book, a unique reminder of the stark contrasts and forgotten unity in our wartime experiences. Published simultaneously in the U.S. and the Soviet Union, it offers a powerful exploration of the war's legacy and a testament to a renewed spirit of cooperation.
Merkel cell in human and rat gingiva.

Abstract In the basal and/or suprabasal cell layers of human and rat gingiva, specialized epithelial cells (Merkel cells) were rarely observed with the electron microscope. They were less electron-opaque than keratinocytes and had a decreased number of desmosomes and tonofilaments. Small osmiophilic secretory-like granules were eccentrically located in the cytoplasm of the Merkel cells on the side apposing intraepithelial neurites. However, the specialization of gingival Merkel cells as receptors did not appear to be as high as the epidermal Merkel cells.
Studying a cell division amidase using defined peptidoglycan substrates

Three periplasmic N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidases are critical for hydrolysis of septal peptidoglycan, which enables cell separation. The amidases cleave the amide bond between the lactyl group of muramic acid and the amino group of l-alanine to release a peptide moiety. Cell division amidases remain largely uncharacterized because substrates suitable for studying them have not been available. Here we have used synthetic peptidoglycan fragments of defined composition to characterize the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of the important Escherichia coli cell division amidase AmiA. We show that AmiA is a zinc metalloprotease that requires at least a tetrasaccharide glycopeptide substrate for cleavage. The approach outlined here can be applied to many other cell wall hydrolases and should enable more detailed studies of accessory proteins proposed to regulate amidase activity in cells.
Who Measures “Due Measure”? or, Karos Meets Couuter-Kairos: Implications of Isegotia fOr Classical Notions of Kakos

Abstract This essay grows out of a larger project, one in which I look to account theoretically for ways in which underpowered groups creatively manage limited physical resourcesfor maximum rhetoricaleffect. My assumption in that larger project is that underpowered groups - groups whose publicness must be either granted or commandeered from same more greatly pouered group (e.g., government) - suchgroups encounter and engage constraints ofpublic rhetoric in way not necessarily of concern to the overpowered. For example, the mayor of any city can, at his or her choosing, call together a press conference inside City Hall to address tbe issue of homelessness: the homeless do not possess tbat same rhetorical option. Of the three terms central to that larger project - place, kairos, and delivery - it is upon kairos that I will focus this essay. My argument here is that. while I am respectful of the literature accounting for kairos as a rhetorical concern in ancient Athens, most of that literature focuses on the...
A systematised MRI approach to evaluating the patellofemoral joint

Knee pain in young patients is a common indication for knee MRI. Many static and dynamic internal derangements of the patellofemoral joint in these patients lead to various secondary MRI findings. This article focuses on how to systematically approach, detect, and emphasize the importance of these findings in the diagnosis of patellofemoral tracking and impingement syndromes with relevant case examples.
Valence orbital ionization potentials from atomic spectral data

Average Energy of Configuration. Valence Orbital Ionization Potentials (VOIPs) are reported for the elements H through Kr in various configurations and for many states of ionization. For the lighter elements the isoelectronic series are fitted to a quadratic equation, VOIP (q)=Aq 2 + Bq+C. The significance of the A, B, and C parameters is discussed.
Deformation of silver-sheathed oxide superconducting tapes by trapped gases

Abstract A simple model was developed to describe the deformation in long silver-sheathed oxide superconducting tapes caused by the thermal expansion of air trapped within the conductor and by carbon dioxide released by the decomposition of SrCO 3 in the precursor powder during heat treatment. The analysis presented can be extended to include other carbon-containing compounds, impurities and gases released during the annealing process. The model assumes a zero-strain deformation process of the thin silver sheath in response to the gas pressure developed within the conductor due to heating. Results show that swelling (uniform deformation along the conductor length) increases linearly with temperature. For a carbon-free tape, swelling increases with decreasing precursor powder packing density. The reverse is true for tapes that contain carbon which is distributed uniformly within the tape. A carbon content of ≈0.001% by weight produces swelling similar to that produced by air. Increasing carbon content increases swelling. Carbon content in excess of 0.5% by weight will deform the conductor to the extent that elastic/plastic deformation can occur. Discrete SrCO 3 particles dispersed among the precursor powder produce bubbles (localized deformation). The size and concentration of these bubbles depend on the SrCO 3 particle size and concentration. For a given carbon content, small SrCO 3 particles form a large number of bubbles, which merge together resulting in swelling along the conductor length. Large SrCO 3 particles, on the other hand, form only a few discrete bubbles whose size increases with particle size.
Assessment of a multigrasp myoelectric control approach for use by transhumeral amputees

The authors have previously developed a multigrasp myoelectric controller, and assessed the ability of healthy subjects to control the configuration of a multigrasp hand prosthesis using musculature on the anterior and posterior aspects of the forearm, as would be representative of controller use by a transradial amputee population. In this paper, the authors conduct a similar study, this time to assess the capability of a transhumeral amputee to control a multigrasp hand from residual musculature on the upper arm. Specifically, experiments are conducted on five healthy subjects, comparing their ability to obtain one of seven hand postures in a virtual prosthesis from EMG measurement of the respective biceps and triceps musculature. The ability to control the virtual hand prosthesis is compared with their ability to do so with their intact hand, as measured by a dataglove. Results indicate an average transition time using the EMG controller on the biceps and triceps of 1.86 seconds, relative to 0.82 seconds with the dataglove.
Coronary arteriotomy with cardioplegia.

Abstract A technique for improved visualization of the coronary vessels during cardiac arrest is described. The method involves dissecting the epicardial fat from the vessel involved, marking the fat for future reference, and applying traction at the acute margin of the right ventricle. Cardioplegic solution can be infused both before and during the time of each arteriotomy.
Prevalence of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities of children in the intensive care unit.

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LE-DVT) in children who spent at least 72 h in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods. Children up to the age of 17 years who spent at least 72 h in the ICU underwent lower extremity venous ultrasound at the end of their stay. Prevalence range for the sample size was calculated with a confidence interval of 95%. Results. Among 76 children who spent 3–141 days in the ICU, the prevalence of acute (and silent) DVT was 4 % (confidence interval 0–9 %). All three affected children had femoral venous catheters in that leg during their ICU stay (17 unaffected children also had catheters). Conclusion. Children in an ICU setting are at significantly lower risk for thrombosis than adults in the same setting.
Primary arm spacing in directionally solidified Pb-10 wt pct Sn alloys

The dependence of primary arm spacings on growth speed was investigated for cellular and dendritic arrays in Pb-10 wt percent Sn samples directionally solidified under a constant positive thermal gradient in the melt. The gradient of constitutional supercooling was varied from almost zero (near the break-down of the planar liquid-solid interface at small growth speeds, cellular morphology) to near unity (large growth speeds, dendritic morphology). The spatial arrangements of cells and dendrites, as given by their coordination number, are not very different from each other. It appears that primary arm spacing maxima and the cell to dendrite transition are strongly influenced by the magnitude of the solute partition coefficient. The planar to cellular bifurcation is supercritical in Pb-Sn which has a high partition coefficient, as compared to the subcritical behavior reported in Al-Cu and succinonitrile-acetone, both of which have low partition coefficients. The primary arm spacing model due to Hunt agrees with the experimentally observed trend for the whole growth regime. There is a good quantitative agreement at higher gradients of supercooling. However, the model overpredicts the primary arm spacings at low gradients of constitutional supercooling.
Dark Room Readings: Scenes of Maternal Photography

I had the impression that, by focusing on these words like a photograph, one could—and the analysis would be endless—discover within them so many ‘things’ that their letters showed by concealing themselves, remaining [demeurant] immobile, impassive, exposed, too obvious, although suspended in broad daylight in some dark room, some camera obscura of the French language, Jacques Derrida, Athens, Still Remains2
Characterization and transplantation of two neuronal cell lines with dopaminergic properties

Immortalized rat mesencephalic cells (1RB3AN27) produced dopamine (DA) at a level that was higher than produced by undifferentiated or differentiated murine neuroblastoma cells (NBP2) in culture. Treatment of 1RB3AN27 and NBP2 cells with a cAMP stimulating agent increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and the intensity of immunostaining for the DA transporter protein (DAT). 1RB3AN27 cells were labelled with primary antibodies to neuron specific enolase (NSE) and nestin and exhibited very little or no labeling with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). 1RB3AN27 cells exhibited β- and α-adrenoreceptors, and prostaglandin E1 receptors, all of which were linked to adenylate cyclase (AC). Dopamine receptor (D1) and cholinergic muscarinic receptors linked to AC were not detectable. The levels of PKCα and PKCβ isoforms were higher than those of PKCγ and PKCδ in 1RB3AN27 cells. The 1RB3AN27 cells were more effective in reducing the rate of methamphetamine-induced turning in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the nigrostriatal system than differentiated NBP2 cells. The grafted 1RB3AN27 were viable as determined by DiI labelling, but they did not divide and did not produce T-antigen protein; however, when these grafted cells were cultured in vitro, they resumed production of T-antigen and proliferated after the primary glia cells and neurons of host brain died due to maturation and subsequent degeneration. Examination of H&E stained sections of the grafted sites revealed no evidence of infiltration of inflammatory cells in the grafted area suggesting that these cells were not immunogenic. They also did not form tumors.
Comparative biodistribution studies of DTPA-derivative bifunctional chelates for radiometal labeled monoclonal antibodies.

Biodistribution of five different backbone-substituted derivatives of SCN-Bz-DTPA (1B4M-DTPA, 1M3B-DTPA, 1B3M-DTPA, GEM-DTPA and 2B-DTPA) linked to MAb B72.3 were compared to that of the parent molecule after labeling with 111indium. Athymic mice, bearing human colon carcinoma xenografts (LS-174T) were injected i.v. to determine the biodistribution of the MAb chelate conjugates. Three of the MAb metal chelate conjugates (1B4M-DTPA, 1M3B-DTPA, and 1B3M-DTPA), labeled with 111In showed efficient and stable tumor localization as well as a slower blood clearance rate than SCN-Bz-DTPA, GEM-DTPA or 2B-DTPA MAb chelate conjugates. Major differences were also seen in normal organ uptake, especially liver and spleen. Tumor-to-liver ratios rose as a function of time for 1B4M-DTPA, 1M3B-DTPA and 1B3M-DTPA MAb chelate conjugates with virtually no accumulation of the radiometal into this organ, as revealed by no increase in the liver-to-blood values. Small accretion in normal liver was noted for SCN-Bz-DTPA, GEM-DTPA or 2B-DTPA MAb chelate conjugates. The results reviewed here, and described previously (Roselli et al., 1991) demonstrate that the use in vivo of backbone-substituted forms of the SCN-Bz-DTPA, such as 1B4M-DTPA, 1M3B-DTPA, and 1B3M-DTPA bound to MAbs, can reduce uptake of indium to normal organs while maximizing the dose to tumor.
Recognizing the Transracial Adoptee: Adoption Life Stories and Chang-rae Lee's A Gesture Life

At the heart of Chang-rae Lee's 1999 novel, A Gesture Life, is an adoption story in which the protagonist and narrator, Doc Hata, recounts his struggles as an adoptive parent of a mixed Korean girl named Sunny. The ambivalence within the adoptive parent-child relationship can already be heard when Hata, in anticipating his adoption of Sunny, describes himself as a "hopeful father of likeenough race and sufficient means" (73). The odd phrase "likeenough race" in particular raises, at the same time that it resists, the attempt to make adoption "natural." Indeed, the phrase sits uneasily among the terms of contemporaneous debates between proponents of same-race (a policy of matching the racial background of prospective adopters and adoptees) or transracial (a policy of adoption based on the "best interests of the child" irrespective of race) adoption placements. The reference to some notion of racial compatibility only illuminates the inability to define race both between two persons and within a single person. Hata himself is an ethnic Korean who was adopted by a Japanese family. Is he of "like-enough" race so that his daughter can relate to him better, so that others will not see a difference between them, or so that the adoption can be approved in the first place? These dynamics of adoption in the novel unfold a series of psychic crises around the unsettlements of race, nation, and domesticity, which pervade larger issues in the representation of transracial adoption. The narration of Hata's adoptive relationship with Sunny links
Progesterone and sexual behavior in males

Previous investigations into the effects of progestins on copulatory behavior have suggested that progesterone inhibits the expression of androgen-dependent sexual behaviors in males. However, virtually all of those studies utilized pharmacological dosages of progesterone. Such experiments, although essential for understanding the behavioral effects of progesterone, yield little insight into the function of endogenous progesterone in masculine sexual responses. In this brief review, attention is focused on the role of physiological levels progesterone in copulatory behavior in male reptiles and mammals. Efforts are made to promote a reevaluation of the behavioral effects of progestins in males, similar to ongoing studies which are reexamining neural mechanisms involved in progestin-mediated reproductive behavior in the female.
Adhesive Bonding of Various Materials to Hard Tooth Tissues: Improvement in Bond Strength to Dentin

Used in sequence, solutions of an acidic mordant, a surface-active comonomer, and a coupling agent having methacrylate and aromatic carboxyl groups were used to prepare dentin surfaces in vitro for strong bonding with a composite resin.
The effect of pH on the utilization of glutamic acid, glutamine and their derivatives by Lactobacillus arabinosus.

Abstract The utilization of l -glutamic acid by L. arabinosus has been found to be dependent on the initial pH of the medium. As the pH is lowered, the growth response to glutamic acid approaches that of glutamine. The effect of pH changes on the utilization of other glutamic acid derivatives has also been investigated. The significance of these results is discussed.
Photodetachment of metastable He

Abstract A crossed-beams apparatus has been used to measure angular distributions and cross sections for photoelectron detachment from metastable He − . Energy- and angle-resolved electron spectroscopy was used to investigate the spectral dependences of the angular distribution of the photoelectrons. The angular distributions along with photoelectron yield measurements were used to determine the cross sections for photodetachment of He − (2 4 P) via the energy resolved He(2 3 P) and He(2 3 S) exit channels. The precision of the cross section measurements was enhanced by exploiting the kinematic effects associated with detachment from a fast beam source. Calculated cross sections for the photodetachment of H − were used to establish an absolute scale for the He − cross section measurements.
Inductive Fault Analysis of MOS Integrated Circuits

Inductive Fault Analysis (IFA) is a systematic Procedure to predict all the faults that are likely to occur in MOS integrated circuit or subcircuit The three major steps of the IFA procedure are: (1) generation of Physical defects using statistical data from the fabrication process; (2) extraction of circuit-level faults caused by these defects; and (3) classification of faults types and ranking of faults based on their likelihood of occurrence Hence, given the layout of an IC, a fault model and a ranked fault list can be automatically generated which take into account the technology, layout, and process characteristics. The IFA procedure is illustrated by its applications to an example circuit. The results from this sample led to some very interesting observations regarding nonclassical faults.