cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tribological Properties of Modified MEMS Surfaces

This paper discusses molecular layer films, composed of rigid/soft polymers tethered to the functionalized MEMS surface as an alternative method to lubricate these systems. Surfaces with NH2, and SO3H terminal groups were obtained by direct chemisorption of silane based compounds on silicon wafers and polysilicon microvibromotors followed by adsorption of a polymer layer. The properties of the0.4 –1.0 nm thick composite films were probed by ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, and scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Surface topography, adhesive forces, and friction coefficients were examined. SPM imaging revealed fine grainy surface morphology of silicon nitride MEMS with an average microroughness of 2–5 nm. We observed significant increase of contact angle, decrease of adhesive forces, sharp reduction of friction coefficient along with a virtually unchanged surface texture after surface modification of silicon nitride MEMS.
Computational Models of Language Acquisition

All models strive to represent reality, and efforts in language research are no ­exception. Computational models of language acquisition must begin and end as an integral part of the empirical study of child language.
Utilization of Superheroes Social Skills to Reduce Disruptive and Aggressive Behavior.

The current pilot study investigated the effectiveness of the Superheroes Social Skills program in decreasing disruptive and aggressive behavior of elementary-age students with high-incidence disabilities. Six students in a self-contained classroom, identified as displaying high rates of disruptive and aggressive behavior toward peers, were included in the study. Social skills training was presented over 10 lessons that targeted instructional control and turn taking skills. Results indicate immediate improvements in disruptive and aggressive behavior. Additionally, follow-up observations revealed maintenance of intervention effects. Sociometric data were collected, with all participants increasing in social network salience. Although use of an ABC design resulted in limited experimental control, preliminary results indicate that the Superheroes Social Skills program may be useful for addressing disruptive and aggressive behaviors.
Annoyance of Noise from Power Lines

Sample recordings of corona noise from extra-high voltage transmission lines, corona noise recordings with spectral modifications, samples of other environmental sounds, and artificial reference sounds were presented to 19 participants while they viewed television in a simulated living room. Each sound was rated for both annoyance and the extra concentration required for television viewing. Despite relatively low sound levels, corona noise was rated more annoying than ambient noise conditions near the lines. Higher frequency portions (above 500 Hz) of the corona noise spectrum contributed most to annoyance, although lower frequencies also contributed. Noise measurement scales that give more emphasis to higher frequencies (A- and D-weighted sound levels) appeared more accurate predictors of annoyance ratings than was unweighted sound pressure level. The results closely paralleled data derived from experiments employing nonverbal measures of noise aversiveness.
Plasma “alkaline” phosphatase activity

Summary Plasma alkaline phosphatase is high in infancy, then drops by the second year of life to a plateau which lasts until pubescence. At 9 years of age in girls and 11 years of age in boys a rapid drop occurs, until by the seventeenth year of life adult values are found. The sex difference which begins at pubescence diminishes gradually until the age of 20 but persists into adulthood, in male subjects higher than in female. The plasma alkaline phosphatase activity seems to be closely related to growth rate as indicated by height measurements and to be derived largely from osteoid tissue as indicated by taurocholate inhibition studies.
4 Generation of pH gradients

Publisher Summary Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is the electrophoretic separation of proteins in a pH gradient. The pH gradient is critical to the technique and the nature of the pH gradient largely determines the quality and usefulness of the separation. The different IEF methods that have been developed over the years are largely distinguished from one another in terms of the means by which the pH gradient is formed. The pH gradient should fulfill a number of requirements to be useful for IEF separations. The pH gradient should be reproducible so that the results of separations can be compared with one another. The pH gradient used for IEF can either be “artificial” or “natural.” A “natural” pH gradient arises solely through the action of electrical current passing through a solution that is homogeneous prior to application of the current. The development of synthetic carrier ampholytes was the first breakthrough that allowed the formation of pH gradients fulfilling everything required to be used routinely for highly resolving IEF. The chapter discusses the practical aspects of carrier ampholyte-generated pH gradients. Of all the pH gradient generation schemes developed in response to the disadvantages of carrier ampholytes, the most successful and widely applied has been the so-called immobilized pH gradient (IPG). Recipes for acrylamido buffer mixtures for the generation of immobilized pH gradients are available from several sources.
Oestrogen and weight loss decrease isoproterenol-induced Fos immunoreactivity and angiotensin type 1 mRNA in the subfornical organ of female rats

Studies from our laboratory and others show that oestrogen reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced water intake by ovariectomized rats. Elimination of endogenous oestrogen by ovariectomy causes weight gain that can be reversed or prevented by oestrogen replacement. Changes in body weight modify cardiovascular responses to Ang II but whether such changes have similar effects on central and behavioural responses to Ang II is unknown. The goal of this study was to evaluate the contributions of oestrogen and weight loss to isoproterenol (isoprenaline; Iso)-induced Fos immunoreactivity (IR) and to angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor mRNA in forebrain regions implicated in the control of fluid balance. Isoproterenol significantly increased Fos IR in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, the subfornical organ (SFO), and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, but had no effect on AT1 mRNA expression. However, both Iso-induced Fos IR and the AT1 mRNA were attenuated in the SFO of the oestrogen and weight loss groups compared with that of the control group. Consequently, we examined the effect of weight loss on Iso-induced water intake and plasma renin activity (PRA) and found that weight loss decreased water intake after Iso, but had no effect on PRA. Thus, we propose that weight loss decreases Ang II-elicited water intake in the female rat by down-regulating the expression of the AT1 receptor.
Evaluation Criteria and Quality Control for Legal Knowledge Systems on the Internet: A Case Study

Professor Newman discusses evaluation criteria for law-oriented Internet sites and how to use these criteria when launching new sites or improving existing sites. She also discusses the use of quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability in Internet sites, and concludes with a case study of the Pace University School of Law's Web site on the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
Analysis of Vowels in Sung Queries for a Music Information Retrieval System

A method for analyzing and categorizing the vowels of a sung query is described and analyzed. This query system uses a combination of spectral analysis and parametric clustering techniques to divide a single query into different vowel regions. The method is applied separately to each query, so no training or repeated measures are necessary. The vowel regions are then transformed into strings and string search methods are used to compare the results from various songs. We apply this method to a small pilot study consisting of 40 sung queries from each of 7 songs. Approximately 60% of the queries are correctly identified with their corresponding song, using only the vowel stream as the identifier.
Permeability of oral tissues to blood-borne coxsackievirus B-1.

Abstract The ability of coxsackievirus B-1 to pass the barriers of the circulatory system into whole saliva has been shown previously. In this investigation, the major salivary glands and the oral mucosa were studied, and their role as participants in the excretion of coxsackievirus B-1 during viremia was evaluated. The effect of the salivary-gland stimulant pilocarpine nitrate on both the salivary flow rate and the recovery of virus during viremia was determined. A comparison was made between the amount of virus recovered from whole saliva during viremia in animals deficient in one or both of the major salivary-gland pairs and animals with a complete complement of salivary glands. The salivary glands in other animals were cannulated, and pure glandular secretions were collected during viremia and assayed for the presence of virus The amount of virus passing from the capillaries of the oral mucosa to the surface was also determined to evaluate this route as a possible site for the excretion of virus into saliva during viremia. The major salivary glands did not excrete appreciable quantities of virus during viremia. The submaxillary-gland secretions did not contain virus, and the parotid-gland secretions showed virus only at extremely high blood virus levels. Either removal of the major salivary glands or decreased salivary flow rates increased the concentration of virus in whole saliva. This observation suggested that the production of saliva by the major salivary glands tends to dilute the virus in the oral cavity. A 0.88-cm2 sample of the oral mucosa excreted significantly large amounts of virus during viremia and suggested that the passage of virus through the oral mucosa was the major route for the excretion of virus into saliva during viremia.
Role of temozolomide after radiotherapy for newly diagnosed diffuse brainstem glioma in children: results of a multiinstitutional study (SJHG-98).

BACKGROUND The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of children with newly diagnosed diffuse brainstem glioma is uncertain. In the current study, the authors tested the efficacy of temozolomide treatment after radiotherapy (RT) in this setting. METHODS Patients ages 3–21 years were eligible for the current multiinstitutional study. An optional window therapy regimen consisting of 2 cycles of intravenous irinotecan (10 doses of 20 mg/m2 per day separated by 2 days of rest per cycle) was delivered over 6 weeks and was followed by conventionally fractionated RT. The 5-day schedule of temozolomide (200 mg/m2 per day) was initiated 4 weeks after RT and was continued for a total of 6 cycles. The pharmacokinetics of temozolomide and its active metabolite, 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC), were analyzed during Cycles 1 and 3. RESULTS Thirty-three patients (median age at diagnosis, 6.4 years) were enrolled. Of the 16 patients who received window therapy, 6 had irinotecan treatment discontinued due to clinical progression (n = 5) or toxicity (n = 1); the remaining 10 experienced disease stabilization after 2 cycles. All patients completed RT (median dose, 55.8 gray). Twenty-nine patients received a combined total of 125 cycles of temozolomide. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 33% and 29% of all temozolomide cycles, respectively. In approximately one-third of the cycles, dose reduction was required due to myelosuppression. No correlation was demonstrated between temozolomide/MTIC exposure and myelosuppression at the conclusion of Cycle 1. All patients died of disease progression (median survival, 12 months). The estimated 1-year survival rate was 48% (standard error, 8%). CONCLUSIONS The administration of temozolomide after RT did not alter the poor prognosis associated with newly diagnosed diffuse brainstem glioma in children. Cancer 2005. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Presentation and Interpretation of High Resolution Infrared Spectra of Late-Type Stars

Current interest in stellar evolution is concentrated on the life of a star after it has left the main sequence. Of particular interest are the red giant or supergiant periods during the hydrogen and helium shell burning phases. Convective mixing during these stages can mix nuclear processed material to the surface where it may be viewed by spectroscopic methods. It is imperative that this rare chance to view processed material be exploited fully to increase our knowledge of stellar evolution.
MUTATION SPECTRUM OF COPPER-INDUCED DNA DAMAGE

The ability of metal ions to damage DNA and cause mutagenesis has been analyzed with reversion and forward mutation assays using single-stranded DNA templates. We previously reported that incubation of phi X174 am3 DNA with Fe2+ in vitro results in mutagenesis when the treated DNA is transfected into Escherichia coli spheroplasts (Loeb, L. A., James, E. A., Waltersdorph, A. M., and Klebanoff, S. J. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 3918-3922, 1988). We now extend these studies to other metal ions. Of the metal ions tested, copper ions were the most mutagenic; the frequency of mutants produced was equal to or greater than that produced by Fe2+. Mutagenesis by Cu+ was diminished by catalase, mannitol, and superoxide dismutase suggesting the involvement of H2O2, hydroxyl ions, and superoxide, respectively. However, the findings that Cu+ and Cu2+ are nearly equally mutagenic and that the mutagenic activities are not completely inhibited by oxygen free radical scavengers make it unlikely that the mechanism for mutagenesis is simply the production of hydroxyl free radicals. The spectra of mutations produced by either copper ion using the lacZ gene as a target are very similar and differ from those reported with other agents. The predominant mutagenic sequence changes are single-base substitutions, the most frequent being replacement of a template C by a T. This transition presumably results from mispairing of an altered C with deoxyadenosine. Copper-induced mutations are not randomly distributed. Instead, they are found predominantly in clusters suggesting direct interaction of copper ions with specific nucleotide sequences in DNA. Evidence is considered that the high frequency of C—-T transitions may be a common manifestation of DNA damage by oxygen radicals.
Lettrt To The Editor

Dr. Schwartz9s comments are appreciated. It is certainly true that the diphenylhydantoin dosage of 10 mg/kg appears to be excessive with the usual therapeutic dose being 5 to 8 mg/kg of body weight. However, this dosage was not infrequently necessary to obtain seizure control and the blood level in this most difficult group of children with psychomotor seizures often did not exceed the desired therapeutic range of 10 to 20µg/100 ml. It is recommended that initially the lower dosage be used and if seizure control is not attained that the higher dosage be evaluated.
Transcript profiles of the cytokinin response regulator gene family in Populus imply diverse roles in plant development

Cytokinins are plant hormones that influence diverse processes of growth and development. In this study the cytokinin response regulators (RRs) were identified, annotated and characterized at the transcript level in Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa genotype Nisqually 1. The Populus genome was searched for genes that exhibit high sequence identity across their receiver domains. Gene structure was determined by prediction software and, where possible, corroborated by publicly available expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Thirty-three genes belonging to the cytokinin RR gene family were identified in Populus: 11 type As, 11 type Bs and 11 pseudo-RRs. Developmental and cytokinin-responsive expression of the Populus RRs was assessed by whole-genome microarrays and semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Populus RR type As and type Bs appear to be preferentially expressed in nodes, while pseudo-RRs are preferentially expressed in mature leaves. Seven type As and three type Bs were rapidly induced by exogenous cytokinin. Organ-preferred expression patterns suggest possible roles for type As and Bs in development and for pseudo-RRs in integration of environmental signals with plant function.
Large deviations for the 2D ising model: A lower bound without cluster expansions

We show that a lower large-deviation bound for the block-spin magnetization in the 2D Ising model can be pushed all the way forward toward its correct “Wulff” value for all β>βc.
Two-Step Hierarchical Estimation: Beyond Regression Analysis

Two-step estimators for hierarchical models can be constructed even when neither stage is a conventional linear regression model. For example, the first stage might consist of probit models, or duration models, or event count models. The second stage might be a nonlinear regression specification. This note sketches some of the considerations that arise in ensuring that two-step estimators are consistent in such cases.
The use of pyranometers for underwater total radiant energy flux measurements

Abstract Heat balance studies of the upper ocean layer require knowledge of the upwelling and downwelling irradiance through depths of interest: this requires an instrument with a flat spectral response. Measurements were made using commercially available pyranometers, but their glass domes produced large immersion errors (≈ 65% reductions) and careful calibrations were made to correct for this and also verify the cosine response of the pyranometers when underwater. Sample data obtained by towing uplooking and downlooking pyranometers on a sled at 5-m depth are given.
Judging the Effectiveness of a Passive Haptic Device in Teleoperation Based on the Average Angular Error in Force Generation

The research presented here focuses on the control limitations imposed by the use of passive actuators such as brakes or clutches in a planar haptic system. Previous research has addressed the issue within the framework of path following applications; however in a teleoperation system, the goal of a haptic interface centers around reproducing a force from the remote environment. As such a realistic haptic experience involves creating a force for the human to feel that matches the remote system both in magnitude or scaled magnitude as well as direction of force. To address the issue of matching force direction, the research presented here introduces the concept of average angle error, Avg(thetaserror), the average difference between an arbitrary desired haptic force and the closest force to it that the dissipative passive haptic device can produce. A portion of the material presented here will discuss the calculation of the value of Avg(thetaserror) for an arbitrary planar passive haptic device, and finally it will be evaluated over the workspace of a representative planar five-bar mechanism with various link lengths.
Comparative passivation effects of self-assembled mono- and multilayers on GaAs junction field effect transistors

Control of semiconductor interface state density with molecular passivation is essential for developing conduction-based biosensors. In this study, GaAs junction field effect transistors (JFETs) are fabricated and characterized before and after passivation of the GaAs surface with self-assembled mono- and multilayers. The JFETs functionalized with 1-octadecanethiol monolayers and two types of self-assembled organic nanodielectric (SAND) multilayers exhibit significantly different threshold voltage (Vth) and subthreshold slope (Ssub) characteristics versus the unpassivated devices and provide useful information on the quality of the passivation. Two-dimensional device simulations quantify the effective density of fixed surface charges and interfacial traps and argue for the importance of the type-III SAND ionic charges in enhancing GaAs JFET response characteristics.
Splenectomy for thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND Many patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis and low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores are too early for transplant but too thrombocytopenic to treat with interferon. GOAL To report a case series of splenectomy to raise platelet counts so that pegylated interferon and ribavirin can be given in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis. METHODS Retrospective chart and computer record review. RESULTS Seven patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis (mean age=45.4+/-11.1 y, 4 men) had elective splenectomy for thrombocytopenia before pegylated interferon-alpha 2b therapy. All had thrombocytopenia contraindicating antiviral therapy. Five were Child's-Pugh Class A; 2 were B. All 7 had increases in platelet count (mean 32,400 to 222,140 /mL, P<0.01) at 221+/-151 days postsurgery. Median hospital stay and blood loss were 9 days (4 to 25) and 750 mL (100 to 2500 mL). Median platelet packs, units of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma given were 1 (0 to 7), 0 (0 to 14) and 0 (0 to 2), respectively. There were no deaths or portal vein thrombosis. One patient who was status-post liver transplantation had significant morbidity. Five completed pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin therapy; 1 is on therapy and 1 awaits initiation. Of the 5 who completed therapy, there were 2 with sustained virologic response, 1 nonresponse, 1 breakthrough, and 1 relapse. CONCLUSIONS Splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis can be done safely to allow application of antiviral treatment and potentially avoid transplantation. It may be considered in patients with Child's-Pugh A cirrhosis, no prior abdominal surgeries and with non-1 HCV viral genotype.
The international fine aerosol networks

Abstract The adoption by the United States of a PIXE-based protocol for its fine aerosol network, after open competitions involving numerous laboratories and methods, has encouraged cooperation with other countries possessing similar capabilities and similar needs. These informal cooperative programs, involving about a dozen countries at the end of 1991, almost all use PIXE as a major component of the analytical protocols. The University of California, Davis, Air Quality Group assisted such programs through indefinite loans of a quality assurance sampler, the IMPROVE Channel A, and analyses at no cost of a small fraction of the samples taken in a side-by-side configuration. In December 1991, the World Meteorological Organization chose a protocol essentially identical to IMPROVE for the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) network and began deploying units, the IMPROVE Channel A, to sites around the world. Preferred analyses include fine (less than about 2.5 μm) mass, ions by ion chromatography and elements by PIXE + PESA (or, lacking that, XRF). This paper will describe progress in both programs, giving examples of the utility of the data and projecting the future expansion of the network to about 20 GAW sites by 1994.
THE GASTRIC MOTILITY IN CERTAIN PATIENTS WITH THYROID DEFICIENCY1

GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS are often observed in patients presenting hyperthyroidism, but there have been few reports on the occasional association of abdominal distress with hypothyroidism. A review of the literature reveals several clinical warnings that hypothyroidism may be complicated by an abdominal pain which may even simulate various surgical entities; however, the mechanism of this pain is rarely discussed. Hinton (1) finds that a comparatively small group of hypothyroid patients complain of abdominal discomfort. These are of interest to the clinician, how ever, because in addition to the occasional difficulty in making a diagnosis, the patients may be unnecessarily subjected to laparotomy. Lester (2, 3) has drawn attention to the number of appendectomies accomplished for chronic appendicitis, while the actual cause of the right lower quadrant pain appeared to be insufficient thyroid secretion. He states that, although less common, the abdominal distress which at times accompanies hypothyroidism m...
THE COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED CHLORINATED METHANES IN A FLAT FLAME ENVIRONMENT

Incineration in a properly designed and operated facility has been recommended as a preferred control technology for combustible organic hazardous wastes. In principle, a completely efficient incinerator converts organic hazardous material via high temperature thermal oxidation to carbon dioxide, water and low volume inert ash material. During the incineration of halogenated hazardous waste streams, significant quantities of halogen acids are also formed. In order to optimally design incinerators and to ensure that incinerators perform according to current United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations, it is critical to better understand the thermal destruction behavior of organic hazardous wastes. This paper reports initial results, principally empirical in nature, concerning a kinetically based study into the combustion of selected chlorinated methanes. A complete description of the experimental facility, operational procedures and operational experiences is provided. Results obtained with a...
Glycyl-L-glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition maintains small intestine gut-associated lymphoid tissue and upper respiratory tract immunity.

Background: IV administration of a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution results in small intestinal gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) atrophy, lowers small intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, and impairs upper respiratory tract secretory IgA-mediated mucosal immunity; isonitrogenous supplementation of TPN with 2% glutamine attenuates these changes. This experiment examines whether a 2% glycyl-L-glutamine-enriched TPN solution reverses IV TPN-induced changes as effectively as L-glutamine. Methods: Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice underwent intranasal inoculation with H1N1 influenza virus to establish immunity. After 3 weeks, mice were randomized to chow, IV feeding of a TPN solution, glutamine-enriched TPN, or glycyl-L-glutamine-enriched TPN. After 4 days of feeding, mice were challenged intranasally with influenza virus and killed at 40 hours to determine viral shedding from the respiratory tract; normal convalescent mice do not shed virus because they possess intact IgA-mediated mechanisms. Lymphocytes were isolated from Peyer's patches, the intraepithelial layer, and lamina propria to determine cell yields. Results: Total lymphocyte yield in the Peyer's patches, the intraepithelial layer, and lamina propria decreased with TPN but remained normal with glutamine and glycyl-L-glutanine. Upon challenge, 70% of the mice in the TPN group shed virus in nasal secretions, whereas only 20% of the glutamine-treated group, 18% of glycyl-L-glutamine group and none of the Chow group were virus positive. Conclusions: L-Glutamine and glycyl-L-glutamine have similar effects on IV administered TPN-associated (GALT) atrophy and decreased upper respiratory tract immunity.
Thioridazine-associated ventricular tachycardia and isoproterenol.

Excerpt To the editor: In their recent review of torsades de pointes, Smith and Gallagher (1) recommended overdrive atrial pacing to control this arrhythmia. If qualified personnel are not availabl...
Redesigning Informed Consent Tools for Specific Research

Consent tools for health research generally are designed without contextual or linguistic factors in mind. This is especially true of university-based research. This case history details our design team's efforts to transform one generic consent form into a set of multimodal tools that will increase patients’ understanding of and participation in a medical study.
The presence of single-stranded regions in mammalian DNA.

Abstract Benzoylated naphthoylated DEAE-cellulose chromatography has been used in this study to demonstrate the presence of single-stranded regions in the DNA of mouse L cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells. In mouse L cell DNA the majority of the single-stranded regions were found to have free ends, as judged from their susceptibility to S 1 endonuclease and exonuclease VII. They were separated on average by a distance of 70 μm. The single-stranded regions fell into two classes, distinguished by whether or not they were derived from the replication fork. Pulse-label administered to Chinese hamster ovary cells was found to be closely associated with the single-stranded regions, as shearing the DNA left a greater proportion of the pulse-label than the bulk-label in the single-strand-containing fraction. However, reasonable estimates of the number of replication forks present at one time showed that the single-stranded regions occurred too frequently along the DNA for them all to be associated with replication. When DNA was isolated from Chinese hamster ovary cells synchronized in G 1 phase, it too was found to contain single-stranded regions, separated by a distance of 100 μm. The regions in the G 1 cells were demonstrated not to be the result of a low level of DNA replication nor to be an artifact of the isolation procedure. Possible functions of this non-replicative class of single-stranded regions are discussed. They may, for example, act as regulatory signals or to be pre-formed initiation points for DNA replication. They are the subject of ongoing investigation.
FR discrimination training effects in SHR and microencephalic rats

Fixed-ratio (FR) discrimination learning in adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), methylazoxymethanol-induced microencephalic Sprague-Dawley (MAM), and Sprague-Dawley control rats was examined. SHR and MAM rats had little problem learning incrementally more difficult FR discriminations (FR1 vs. FR16, FR4 vs. FR16, and FR8 vs. FR16) that resulted in parallel increases in errors in all animals, and displayed only modest learning deficits during a subsequent FR4 vs. FR16 position reversal. When training involved nonincremental changes in difficulty (FR8 vs. FR16, FR4 vs. FR16, FR8 vs. FR16, FR12 vs. FR16, and FR14 vs. FR16), SHR and MAM rats evidenced relatively large learning deficits during the initial FR8 vs. FR16 discrimination but had no difficulty with the last two discriminations. Furthermore, training selectively and significantly elevated hippocampal weight in MAM rats. These findings: a) question prior suggestions that MAM and SHR model separate human developmental disabilities; b) indicate that manifestation of learning deficits in even markedly brain-damaged organisms depends on initial task difficulty and can be overcome by experience; and c) are the first indicating that training-induced antagonism of prenatally induced hippocampal hypoplasia and its consequences is possible.
"I'd have to vote against you": issue campaigning via twitter

Using tweets posted with #SOPA and #PIPA hashtags and directed at members of Congress, we identify six strategies constituents employ when using Twitter to lobby their elected officials. In contrast to earlier research, we found that constituents do use Twitter to try to engage their officials and not just as a "soapbox" to express their opinions.
The subitizing and counting of visually presented fields of dots.

(1950). The Subitizing and Counting of Visually Presented Fields of Dots. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 363-392.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus occurring in one fraternal twin. Serologic and immunogenetic studies

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (LE) is a syndrome that is manifested by LE skin lesions and/or congenital heart block, occurring in infants at, or shortly after, birth. The syndrome is believed to be caused by transplacental passage of an IgG antibody, usually the anti-Ro (SS-A) antibody, from the mother to the infant. Although the mother may have a connective tissue disease or may be healthy, the common characteristic is the presence of maternal circulating anti-Ro antibody. It has been believed that the HLA determinants demonstrated in children who have neonatal LE were not a factor in the expression of the syndrome. We report the occurrence of neonatal LE, manifested by photosensitivity and discoid LE skin lesions, in one fraternal twin. HLA studies of this affected twin demonstrated the presence of DR3. Anti-Ro antibody was present in the mother, but was not present in either child at 4 months post-delivery. HLA determinants may be involved in the expression of disease in neonates who have been exposed to the anti-Ro antibody. Furthermore, the presence of circulating antibodies in the unaffected twin causes us to question the assumption that the anti-Ro antibody is the causative factor for the occurrence of tissue injury in children with neonatal LE.
Phloretinyl-3′-benzylazide: A high affinity probe for the sugar transporter in human erythrocytes I. Hexose transport inhibition and photolabeling of mutarotase

Abstract A new phloretin derivative, phloretinyl-3′-benzylazide (PBAz), has been synthesized and compared with phloretin for its ability to inhibit the hexose transporter in human erythrocyte membranes in subdued light. Transport measurements were made using the light scattering (Orskov optical) method and a Millipore filtration technique with isotopically labeled sugars. Initial rates of sugar flux were measured under four different conditions to test for inhibition asymmetry. In each experimental condition, PBAz is from 6–20-times more potent than phloretin, making it one of the most effective reversible inhibitors known. Although both agents penetrate the cell membrane, they apparently fail to reach inhibitory levels at the inner surface over the time course of our nonequilibrated experiments, because of extensive binding to hemoglobin. The mechanism by which PBAz and its parent phloretin inhibit transport is pure competition with hexose for the carrier which faces the exterior of the membrane. If given time to equilibrate with the cells, the inhibition by both agents converts to a mixed type, i.e., both competitive and noncompetitive. The noncompetitive component could be due to inhibition of those transporter units oriented internally. Alternatively pre-equilibration with the inhibitors may cause them to attain high levels in the lipid membrane and produce nonspecific effects. PBAz and its precursor amine, phloretinyl-3′-benzylamine (PBA), compete with glucose for the sugar binding site on mutarotase at least as well as phloretin. When exposed to long wavelength ultraviolet radiation, PBAz is converted to a reactive intermediate which becomes covalently bound to the enzyme. Both irreversible ligand attachment and mutarotase inhibition are related to dose of the azide and irradiation time, but inactivation is from 5 to 6-times greater than label incorporation. We conclude that PBAz is a potentially useful photoaffinity labeling agent capable of covalently interacting with the transporter site facing the exterior of the red cell.
Digital straight segments

It will be proved in this paper that all digital straight segments connecting two given pixels form an area whose lower bound and upper bound are also the digital straight segments. These two bounds will be simply calculated and have the following properties; one is different from the other by unity in the x or y coordinate, and their chain codes of directions reverse from each other. Hence, for practical purposes, these results are used to define general digital straight segments as the digital arcs in this area, and also used to define the convexity and concavity of digital arcs.
Decomposition of acetaldehyde: Experiment and detailed theory

Abstract The classic pyrolytic decomposition of acetaldehyde has been examined to the higher temperatures used in combustion and also lower pressures with 85 laser-schlieren, shock-tube measurements of density gradient covering 40–500 torr and 1550–2400 K. This work is supplemented and modeled with a CASPT2 based variable reaction coordinate RRKM prediction of the dissociation kinetics. These RRKM predictions are then incorporated in good two-dimensional master equation fits of the strong falloff seen in the laser-schlieren experiments, and also that shown in some previous shock-tube results using UV absorption of the acetaldehyde as diagnostic. The laser-schlieren data provide not only unambiguous dissociation rates but also solid indications of the secondary chemistry. Modeling of the full density gradient profiles offers good estimates of rates for H-atom abstraction from both the acetaldehyde and the HCO radical, again at high temperatures.
Non-isothermal crystallization of isotactic polypropylene in dotriacontane. II: Effects of dilution, cooling rate, and nucleating agent addition on growth rate

Non-isothermal crystallization growth rates of nucleated and non-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in dotriacontane were determined experimentally by thermal optical microscopy. Adipic acid was used as the nucleating agent. The non-isothermal growth rates of the nucleated and non-nucleated systems were compared with experimentally determined isothermal growth rates. The Lauritzen and Hoffman growth rate equation, originally developed for isothermal crystallization, was modified to describe the non-isothermal growth. The modified Lauritzen-Hoffman equation was used to predict isothermal growth rates from non-isothermal crystallization for the nucleated and non-nucleated polymer-diluent mixtures. This study is the first to deal with polymer-diluent-nucleating agent systems vital to membrane production.
Acculturation and Latinos' Beliefs About Intergenerational Obligations to Older Parents and Stepparents

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess how acculturation may influence the beliefs that Latinos hold about adult children's obligations to assist older parents and stepparents. Beliefs ab...
Chatter control and stability analysis of a cantilever boring bar under regenerative cutting conditions

A theoretical and experimental investigation into the stability of a slender boring bar under regenerative cutting conditions is presented. The bar has been equipped with actuators and sensors for feedback control of its structural dynamics. It is modelled at the tool point by a mass–spring–damper system free to move in two mutually perpendicular directions. Our aim is to demonstrate the effect of simple feedback control on the parameter space of chatter–free machining in a boring process using theory and experiment. We reinforce the notion that the system design for control should provide actuation in two orthogonal directions because the cutting forces couple the principal modes of the tool in a complex fashion. Active control of the tool damping in each of the principal modal directions is implemented and shown in theory and experiment to be quite effective at suppressing chatter. Problems caused by jumps from stable to unstable cutting due to nonlinear regenerative chatter effects are also considered. The case where the cutting forces are described by polynomial functions of the chip thickness is examined. We use a perturbation technique to calculate the nonlinear normal form of the governing equations to determine the post–linear instability (bifurcation) behaviour. The predicted bifurcation corresponds to a subcritical Hopf bifurcation, and hence the predicted transition from stable to unstable cutting is not smooth and may possess hysteresis. This result is in qualitative agreement with experimental observations. An active control technique for changing the form of this bifurcation from subcritical to supercritical is presented for a prototypical, single–degree–of–freedom model.
Proteomic and Bioinformatic Analysis of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hapla: The Basis for Plant Parasitism

On the basis of the complete genome sequence of the root-knot nematode Melodogyne hapla, we have deduced and annotated the entire proteome of this plant-parasite to create a database of 14 420 proteins. We have made this database, termed HapPep3, available from the Superfamily repository of model organism proteomes (http://supfam.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/SUPERFAMILY). To experimentally confirm the HapPep3 assignments using proteomics, we applied a data-independent LC/MSE analysis to M. hapla protein extracts fractionated by SDS-PAGE. A total of 516 nonredundant proteins were identified with an average of 9 unique peptides detected per protein. Some proteins, including examples with complex gene organization, were defined by more than 20 unique peptide matches, thus, providing experimental confirmation of computational predictions of intron/exon structures. On the basis of comparisons of the broad physicochemical properties of the experimental and computational proteomes, we conclude that the identified proteins ...
Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine cyclo (His-Pro): measurement by radioimmunoassay in human blood in normal subjects and in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Abstract An extraction procedure for cyclo (His-Pro) in human blood has been developed, employing sequential extraction with 90% methanol and 0.3 M perchloric acid. Chromatographic elution profiles of immunoreactive cyclo (His-Pro) in blood extracts measured by radioimmunoassay corresponded precisely to those of {3H} cyclo (His-Pro) following separation with Sephadex G-25, DEAE-cellulose, and SP-Sephadex columns, and also HPLC. Concentrations of cyclo (His-Pro) in normal human subjects (5073 ± 730 fmoles/ml) were approximately 50 times greater than respective TRH concentrations measured in identical samples. Cyclo (His-Pro) concentrations in hypothyroid patients (12373 ± 802 fmoles/ml) were significantly higher than those in normal and those in hyperthyroid patients (5949 ± 566 fmoles/ml). TRH concentrations, by contrast, were similar in all 3 groups. Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase activity which catalyzes the conversion of TRH to cyclo (His-Pro), was identified also in peripheral plasma. The plasma enzyme activity in normal subjects was 76 ± 27 fmoles cyclo (His-Pro) formed/min/ml plasma. This activity was not statistically increased in hypothyroid patients, so that the increased concentrations of cyclo (His-Pro) in hypothyroidism could not be attributed to the enhanced conversion of TRH in the peripheral blood.
Multiple Regression Analysis of the Impact of Track Geometry on Wheel-Rail Forces

One of the fundamental keys to improving track safety standards is to establish a strong correlation between track geometry variations and wheel-rail force parameters that are indicators of vehicle-track safety performance. In this study, wheel-rail forces were collected during field tests of a loaded lumber car and an empty tank car. Computer models of the two tested freight cars were built, and the models were calibrated using field test results. The computer models were then used to evaluate the impact of varying track geometry parameters on track safety using the maximum single wheel L/V ratio, maximum truck side L/V ratio, and minimum vertical wheel load ratio. It was confirmed again that the correlations between these force parameters and any individual geometry parameter were weak. With further investigation, it was found that much better correlation can be achieved using multiple regression techniques to define each wheel-rail force parameter as a function of all track geometry parameters combined together. Expressions of the maximum truck side L/V ratio, maximum single wheel L/V ratio, and minimum vertical wheel load ratio were obtained as functions of curvature, cross level, alignment, gauge, and cant deficiency using multiple regression analysis.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Laparoscopy as an educational and recruiting tool.

Abstract Background General surgeons can supplement traditional gross anatomy instruction by using laparoscopy to provide clinical correlations. Early, positive interaction with surgeons may stimulate student interest in this field. Methods Basic laparoscopy was performed on fresh cadavers for first year medical students in gross anatomy over 2 consecutive years. Surgical residents reviewed anatomy of the abdomen, and students manipulated intra-abdominal organs using laparoscopic instruments. Students completed pre- and post-demonstration questionnaires that were compared independently. Results More than 95% of responding students agreed the demonstration enhanced their understanding of abdominal anatomy. Regardless of planned area of specialization, students felt the demonstration reinforced the clinical relevance of gross anatomy. Among students already anticipating surgical careers, 88.2% said the demonstration increased their interest in general surgery; this was significantly higher than among those intending careers in internal medicine (27.3%) or other fields (23.5%; P Conclusions Cadaver-based laparoscopy demonstrations by general surgeons supplement didactic sessions and enhance learning in gross anatomy. Furthermore, such demonstrations may stimulate student interest in general surgery at an early point in their medical education, particularly in those already interested in a surgical career.
Human apolipoprotein E allele-specific brain expressing transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were created using human apolipoprotein E2, E3, and E4 gene fragments driven by the human glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) promoter. Founders were obtained and progeny were assayed for transgene expression in the brain by RNase protection, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting, demonstrating robust apolipoprotein E (apoE) brain expression, with human apoE representing up to approximately 0.2% of total brain protein. Selected lines were bred to apoE-deficient mice yielding mice which expressed the human transgenic apoE isoforms in the absence of endogenous apoE. Immunohistochemistry revealed accumulation of the transgene encoded human apoE throughout the brain. Double immunofluorescence showed co-expression of the apoE transgene with endogenous glial acidic fibrillary protein. Primary astrocyte cultures from the transgenic mice secreted human apoE into the medium. Aged apoE4 transgenic mouse brain failed to demonstrate any evidence of senile plaques. These mice may be useful for elucidation of the mechanism by which apoE4 is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
6β-Acetoxynortropane: A Potent Muscarinic Agonist with Apparent Selectivity toward M2-Receptors

A series of tropane derivatives, related in structure to baogongteng A (1), an alkaloid from a Chinese herb, were synthesized. 6beta-Acetoxynortropane (5) had weak affinity (Ki 22 microM) for central (M1) muscarinic receptors in a [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding assay but had extremely high affinity (Ki 2.6 nM) and selectivity for M2-muscarinic receptors expressed in CHO cells. It had 13-fold lower affinity for M4-receptors, 260-fold lower affinity for M3-receptors, and 8200-fold lower affinity for M1-receptors expressed in CHO cells. The 6beta-carbomethoxy analogue (14) of baogongteng A had only weak affinity for M2-muscarinic receptors, as did 6beta-carbomethoxynortropane (13) and 6beta-acetoxytropane (4). In transfected CHO cells, 6beta-acetoxynortropane (5) was an agonist at M2-receptors, based on a GTP-elicited decrease in affinity, and a full agonist with an IC50 of 11 nM at M4-receptors, based on inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation, while being a full agonist at M1-receptors with an EC50 of 23 nM and a partial agonist at M3-receptors with an EC50 of 3.6 nM, based in both cases on stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown. All of the 16 tropane derivatives had weak affinities for central alpha4beta2-nicotinic receptors with 6beta-carbomethoxynortropane (13) having the highest affinity, which was still 150-fold less than that of nicotine. 6beta-Acetoxynortropane (5) represents a potent muscarinic agonist with apparent selectivity toward M2-receptors.