cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry of basalts from the Dumisseau Formation, southern Haiti: implications for the origin of the Caribbean Sea crust

Abstract Basalt and diabase from the Cretaceous Dumisseau Formation, southern Haiti have Mg-numbers of 43–63, TiO 2 contents of 1.6–3.9% and La abundances of 3.6–15.3 ppm. La/Ta ratios average 10, and indicate that the basalts are oceanic in character, distinct from the arc associations forming the northern part of Haiti. Oldest lavas have low TiO 2 (1.6%) and are LREE-depleted, similar to N-MORBs, whereas overlying lavas have higher TiO 2 (2–3.9%) and are LREE-enriched, similar to E-MORBs or hotspot basalts. 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios vary from 0.70280 to 0.70316, 143 Nd 144 Nd from 0.512929 to 0.513121, and 206 Pb 204 Pb from 19.00 to 19.27. LREE-depleted lavas have high 143 Nd 144 Nd (0.51309–0.51310) typical of MORBs, whereas 143 Nd 144 Nd in the LREE-enriched lavas varies widely (0.512929–0.513121). Chemical features of the Dumisseau basalts are equivalent to those of Caribbean seafloor basalts recovered on DSDP Leg 15, and support the contention that the Dumisseau is an uplifted section of Caribbean Sea crust. Oldest lavas are analogous to MORB-like basalts cored at Leg 15 Sites 146, 150, 152 and 153, and the overlying lavas are analogous to incompatible-element-enriched basalts cored at Site 151 on the Beata Ridge. Isotopic compositions of the Dumisseau basalts overlap with those of the eastern Pacific Galapagos and Easter Island hotspots. However, the presence of N-MORB basalts in the lower part of the Dumisseau and at the majority of Leg 15 Sites indicates that the anomalously thick Caribbean crust probably did not originate as a hotspot-related basaltic plateau, but may have been generated by on-ridge or near-ridge hotspot magmatism.
Non-Invasive Predictors of Short and Long-Term Survival in Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) carries a poor prognosis. This study exam ined the non-invasive parameters that may be predictive of survival in two groups of patients, short-term survivors who died within one year of onset of symptoms (Group I, 6 patients) and long-term survivors who survived greater than one year of presentation (Group II, 16 patients). The M-mode echocardio gram (E), resting radionuclide ventricular function study (RNA) and electro cardiogram (ECG) were reviewed for factors that would differentiate between Group I and II. The E mean ventricular wall thickness in Group I was 0.6 cm and Group II 0.9 cm (p < 0.05), a hypertrophy-dilation index (mean thick ness/LVDd) was 0.09 for Group I and 0.12 for Group II (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between Groups I and II in LVDd by E, RNA, LV ejection fraction, ECG (LVH, ventricular ectopy, conduction abnormalities).Thus, the finding of a mean ventricular wall thickness of 0.9 cm and a hyper trophy-dilation index of greater than 0.10...
Ipsilateral kidney sparing in treatment of pancreatic malignancies using volumetric-modulated arc therapy avoidance sectors

Recent research has shown treating pancreatic cancer with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to be superior to either intensity-modulated radiation therapy or 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), with respect to reducing normal tissue toxicity, monitor units, and treatment time. Furthermore, using avoidance sectors with RapidArc planning can further reduce normal tissue dose while maintaining target conformity. This study looks at the methods in reducing dose to the ipsilateral kidney, in pancreatic head cases, while observing dose received by other critical organs using avoidance sectors. Overall, 10 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient had preoperative/unresectable pancreatic tumor and were selected based on the location of the right kidney being situated within the traditional 3D-CRT treatment field. The target planning target volume (286.97 ± 85.17 cm(3)) was prescribed to 50.4 Gy using avoidance sectors of 30°, 40°, and 50° and then compared with VMAT as well as 3D-CRT. Analysis of the data shows that the mean dose to the right kidney was reduced by 11.6%, 15.5%, and 21.9% for avoidance angles of 30°, 40°, and 50°, respectively, over VMAT. The mean dose to the total kidney also decreased by 6.5%, 8.5%, and 11.0% for the same increasing angles. Spinal cord maximum dose, however, increased as a function of angle by 3.7%, 4.8%, and 6.1% compared with VMAT. Employing avoidance sector angles as a complement to VMAT planning can significantly reduce high dose to the ipsilateral kidney while not greatly overdosing other critical organs.
Methylprednisolone administration improves axonal regeneration into Schwann cell grafts in transected adult rat thoracic spinal cord

Schwann cell (SC) grafts support the regeneration of axons of numerous spinal cord neurons when placed into transected adult rat midthoracic spinal cord. Clinically, methylprednisolone (MP) has been shown to be neuroprotective if administered within 8 h after spinal cord injury. We investigated whether axonal regrowth into SC grafts is enhanced when MP is administered at the time of spinal cord transection and SC implantation. SCs from adult rat sciatic nerves were purified in culture, suspended in Matrigel, and drawn into semipermeable polymeric channels. MP (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (control) was administered intravenously at 5 min, 2 h, and 4 h to adult Fischer rats after transection at T8 and removal of the next three caudal segments. The rostral cord stump was inserted 1 mm into the channel; the distal end of the channel was capped. Thirty to forty-five days later, the SC/MP group showed large tissue cables in the channels and host cord tissue retained in the rostral end of the channels. Significantly more myelinated axons (1159 +/- 308) were present at the 5-mm level in SC/MP grafts (n = 6) than in SC/vehicle cables (355 +/- 108, n = 5). More unmyelinated than myelinated axons (approximately 4:1, n = 3) were resolved in the cables by electron microscopy. In the SC/MP group, unlike the SC/vehicle group, serotonergic and noradrenergic fibers were detected immunocytochemically 2.5 and 2.0 mm respectively, into the graft; astrocytes were also identified at similar distances from the interface. Fast Blue retrograde tracing (SC/MP, n = 4; SC/vehicle, n = 3) showed that more spinal cord neurons (1116 +/- 113 vs 284 +/- 88, respectively) and spinal cord neurons more distant from the graft (C8 vs C5) responded by extending axons into the graft in the presence of MP. Also, very significantly, supraspinal brain stem neurons extended axons into the graft only when MP was administered (mean 46 vs 0, n = 3). These results indicate that MP improves axonal regenerationn from both spinal cord and brain stem neurons into thoracic SC grafts, possibly by reducing secondary host tissue loss adjacent to the graft.
Structure-Function-Property-Design Interplay in Biopolymers: Spider Silk

Abstract Spider silks have been a focus of research for almost two decades due to their outstanding mechanical and biophysical properties. Recent advances in genetic engineering have led to the synthesis of recombinant spider silks, thus helping to unravel a fundamental understanding of structure–function–property relationships. The relationships between molecular composition, secondary structures and mechanical properties found in different types of spider silks are described, along with a discussion of artificial spinning of these proteins and their bioapplications, including the role of silks in biomineralization and fabrication of biomaterials with controlled properties.
Seismic and auditory tuning curves from bullfrog saccular and amphibian papillar axons.

We present seismic and auditory frequency tuning curves of individual bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, saccular and amphibian papilla axons that responded to both seismic and auditory stimuli. In this study we found: 1) most saccular axons respond well to auditory stimuli with moderate signal strength (50–70 dB SPL) as well as to seismic stimuli; 2) most amphibian papilla axons respond well to seismic stimuli as well as to auditory stimuli, and their seismic sensitivities are comparable to those of saccular axons (responding to sinusoidal stimuli with peak accelerations in the range 0.001 to 0.1 cm/s2); 3) the responses to both seismic and auditory stimuli from both saccule and amphibian papilla are tuned, i.e. the strength of the response varies with the frequency of the stimulus; and this tuning is clearly not the result of second order resonance; 4) in individual axons the tuning properties for seismic stimuli often are not the same as those for auditory stimuli, a fact that may provide clues about how the stimulus signal energy is transferred to the hair cells in each case.
Alpha-conotoxins as pharmacological probes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Cysteine-rich peptides from the venom of cone snails (Conus) target a wide variety of different ion channels. One family of conopeptides, the α-conotoxins, specifically target different isoforms of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) found both in the neuromuscular junction and central nervous system. This family is further divided into subfamilies based on the number of amino acids between cysteine residues. The exquisite subtype selectivity of certain α-conotoxins has been key to the characterization of native nAChR isoforms involved in modulation of neurotransmitter release, the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and nociception. Structure/function characterization of α-conotoxins has led to the development of analogs with improved potency and/or subtype selectivity. Cyclization of the backbone structure and addition of lipophilic moieties has led to improved stability and bioavailability of α-conotoxins, thus paving the way for orally available therapeutics. The recent advances in phylogeny, exogenomics and molecular modeling promises the discovery of an even greater number of α-conotoxins and analogs with improved selectivity for specific subtypes of nAChRs.
Pistil late flower differentiation in English walnut (Juglans regia L.): A developmental basis for heterodichogamy

Abstract We have investigated the phenology of pistillate flower differentiation in several protogynous and protandrous clones of English walnut (Juglans regia), a heterodichogamous species. Results indicate that initiation of pistillate flowers begins within 6–8 weeks following pistillate anthesis. By 8–10 weeks, organogenesis stops and does not resume until shortly before bloom the following spring. Cessation of organogenesis corresponds to the time that the growing fruits attain full size and begin a series of developmental events that include shell lignification, rapid embryo growth, and ultimately, accumulation of sugars and lipids in the embryo. Termination of pistillate flower organogenesis was noted in each of the clones examined regardless of the mode of dichogamy characteristic for that clone. In each of the protogynous clones, however, perianth initiation occurred before cessation of organ initiation in the spring. By contrast, in protandrous clones, tepals did not form until growth resumed the following year. Thus, the protandrous cultivars require more organogenetic activity during the weeks prior to anthesis, as perianth parts must be initiated in addition to the gynoecium.
Release of Inorganic Phosphorus from Soils by Low‐Molecular‐Weight Organic Acids

Abstract Low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) organic acids are found in soils. They originate from the activities of various microorganisms in soils or may be exuded from the roots of living plants. Several of those organic acids are capable of forming stable organo‐metal complexes with various metal ions found in soil solutions. As a result, these processes may lead to the release of inorganic phosphorus (P) associated with aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca) in soil minerals. The release of P from soils by LMW organic acids may be important to the P nutrition of plants. Studies on the release of P from soils by a variety of LMW organic acids showed that, in general, the di‐ and tricarboxylic acids were the most effective in releasing P from two Iowa soils, whereas the monocarboxylic, phenolic, and mineral acids released similar amounts of P. Oxalic, malonic, citric, and, in some cases, malic and tartaric acids were the most effective in releasing inorganic P from the two surface soils studied. There was a...
Appraisal of developmental lag incertain blind children

Summary In summary, in the blind child whose development has proceeded at such a slow rate that he is readily classified as retarded; or whose relationships with those about him are so nebulous that he is considered autistic, or at least severely disturbed, or whose behavior is so frenetic that people automatically conclude he must be brain-damaged; a much closer look, especially over a period of time, will often show that these conditions should really be classified as pseudoconditions. Actually there are few whose development is completely evenly retarded. Rather, the more usual occurrence is that of a child presenting an uneven profile, with one or more peaks approximating and occasionally surpassing the expectancy level. There are few who fail to respond when warm human relationships are persistently and consistently proffered to them. Although the child may have other demonstrable handicaps such as deafness or brain damage in addition to the blindness, they need not cause pseudoretardation. Also, the prevention of pseudoconditions will permit a more realistic appraisal of the effects of blindness as well as other actual physical handicaps on the development of the child. On closer examination, the children's developmentcorrelates much more closely with the preconceived attitudes of those about them, not only those of the parents, but also of many of the professionals whose help the parents seek. Their effect on the development of these children is so drastic that unless it can be corrected, the child's developmental trend may become irreversible. To determine at what point the irreversibility of these pseudoconditions occurs will require a great deal more research than has been done to date. Certainly, the earlier the parents can be encouraged to provide maximal nurture, motivation, and opportunity for growth, the more hopeful are the children's chances of attaining normal development.
Same-session functional assessment of rat retina and brain with manganese-enhanced MRI

Abstract Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) is a powerful non-invasive approach for objectively measuring either retina or binocular visual brain activity in vivo. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of MEMRI to monocular stimulation using a new protocol for providing within-subject functional comparisons in the retina and brain in the same scanning session. Adult Sprague Dawley or Long–Evans rats had one eye covered with an opaque patch. After intraperitoneal Mn 2+ administration on the following day, rats underwent visual stimulation for 8 h. Animals were then anesthetized, and the brain and each eye examined by MEMRI. Function was assessed through pairwise comparisons of the patched (dark-adapted) versus unpatched (light-exposed) eyes, and of differentially-stimulated brain structures – the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, superior colliculus, and visual cortical regions – contralateral to the patched versus unpatched eye. As expected, Mn 2+ uptake was greater in the outer retina of dark-adapted, relative to light-exposed, eyes (P 2+ uptake was found throughout the visual brain regions than in the corresponding structures contralateral to the patched eye (P 2+ uptake were observed in negative control brain regions (P > 0.05). Post-hoc assessment of functional data by animal age and strain revealed no significant effects. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the acquisition of functional MRI data from the eye and visual brain regions in a single scanning session.
Experimental investigation of controller-induced bifurcation in a fixed-bed autothermal reactor

“Snap-through” Hopf bifurcations are induced in a laboratory autothermal reactor by the destabilizing effects of a single proportional controller. These unexpected and dramatic phenomena are predicted a priori by a bifurcation analysis of the model equations with the controller gain as the bifurcation parameter. The experimental bifurcation data are used in a parameter estimation study which yields an extremely accurate dynamic model for the nonlinear system.
Rat eustachian tube synthesizes disaturated phosphatidylcholine

Otitis media results when the eustachian tube fails to adequately ventilate the middle ear. A surface tension-lowering substance may be required for normal tube opening, especially in young children with poorly developed naso-pharyngeal musculature. We report here that rat eustachian tube epithelium synthesizes disaturated phosphatidylcholine, which is recognized as the surface tension-lowering substance of pulmonary surfactant.
Binary pulsars before spin-up and PSR 1820-11.

It is argued that PSR 1820-11 may be a young pulsar, with a main-sequence companion, and that the system is the progenitor of a low-mass X-ray binary, rather than the descendant of one. If it is not, such a system should soon be found. The small number of antediluvian binary pulsars suggests that most, but not all neutron stars have some torque decay afted birth.
FRVT 2006: Quo Vadis face quality

A study is presented showing how three state-of-the-art algorithms from the Face Recognition Vendor Test 2006 (FRVT 2006) are effected by factors related to face images and people. The recognition scenario compares highly controlled images to images taken of people as they stand before a camera in settings such as hallways and outdoors in front of buildings. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) is used to estimate the probability an algorithm successfully verifies a person conditioned upon the factors included in the study. The factors associated with people are: Gender, Race, Age and whether they wear Glasses. The factors associated with images are: the size of the face, edge density and region density. The setting, indoors versus outdoors, is also a factor. Edge density can change the estimated probability of verification dramatically, for example from about 0.15 to 0.85. However, this effect is not consistent across algorithm or setting. This finding shows that simple measurable factors are capable of characterizing face quality; however, these factors typically interact with both algorithm and setting.
Fibroepithelial Polyp of the Epiglottis

PATIENT: Male, 11. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Fibroepithelial polyp of epiglottis. SYMPTOMS: Dysphagia • sore throat. MEDICATION: -. CLINICAL PROCEDURE: -. SPECIALTY: -. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Fibroepithelial polyp, a common type of tumor in the skin and genitourinary tract, is very rare in the respiratory tract. We describe clinical, radiologic, and histological features of a fibroepithelial polyp as a rare cause of an epiglottic mass in a child. CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of sore throat and dysphagia. Flexible laryngoscopy and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a mass on the lingual surface of the epiglottis. The mass was removed using a carbon dioxide laser and was confirmed histologically as a fibroepithelial polyp. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroepithelial polyp, although uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epiglottic mass in children.
Frequency of symptomatic cornual hematometra and postablation tubal sterilization syndrome after total rollerball endometrial ablation: A 10-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of symptomatic cornual hematometra and postablation tubal sterilization syndrome after total rollerball endometrial ablation and to describe methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cases of 50 consecutive patients who received total rollerball endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding were followed up for 10 years. RESULTS: Symptomatic cornual hematometra or postablation tubal sterilization syndrome was diagnosed by ultrasound scanning and/or magnetic resonance imaging in 5 of 50 patients (10%) who had a total endometrial ablation. Two patients had cornual hematometra, and 3 patients had postablation tubal sterilization syndrome 4 months to 90 months after rollerball ablation. Subsequent gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment or hysteroscopic decompression of the hematometra was only partially successful, and recurrence of symptoms necessitated hysterectomy with salpingectomy. CONCLUSION: Uterine contracture, which obstructs bleeding from persistent cornual endometrium and leads to symptomatic cornual hematometra or postablation tubal sterilization syndrome, is not uncommon after total rollerball endometrial ablation, with an incidence of 10% in our series. Satisfactory treatment requires hysterectomy with salpingectomy, but modifications such as partial endometrial ablation can prevent these complications.
Virtual display aids for teleoperation

This paper describes a concept called virtual image and discusses its applications to telerobotics. The virtual image is a graphical tool which allows the operator to see the environment from any perspective that he wants. This concept proves critical in two situations: (1) when a sensor (i.e., wrist camera) from which the operator needs information is obscured and the information is not directly provided by any sensor, and (2) when the task requires moving a selected object relative to another object which is itself moving. These two problems are discussed in detail along with the method by which the virtual image concept offers the solution. A simulation was created in which the virtual image concept was tested under a varying set of parameters for a teleoperational task. The parameter categories are camera/graphical views, graphical display content, written display content, and operator interface. The simulation is described in detail along with the results and conclusions. In addition, the possibility of introducing automation as an aid for teleoperation is discussed and a relevant simulation scenario is analyzed. Throughout the paper, the real-world applicability of these ideas is emphasized.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lensectomy and vitrectomy decrease the rate of photoreceptor loss in rhodopsin P347L transgenic pigs.

Photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) runs an inevitable, gradually progressive course. A wide variety of growth factors of different origins have been shown to slow the rate of degeneration in some rodent models of RP. Recently, lens-derived neurotrophic factors have been shown to rescue degenerating ganglion cells in crush models of the optic nerve. Our objective was to evaluate the potential rescue effect of lensectomy and vitrectomy (L&V) on photoreceptor degeneration in a large-animal model, the rhodopsin P347L transgenic pig. We operated on one eye of each of 49 3-week-old pigs—15 vitrectomies and 34 L&V, 6 of which received steroids. Retinal paraffin sections were prepared for all eyes, in addition to immunohistochemistry in four eyes, 8 weeks after L&V. At eight weeks after L&V, operated eyes showed significantly more nuclei in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) than the unoperated fellow eyes. The better preservation of the ONL persisted but was less prominent by 20 weeks after surgery. Steroid treatment did not markedly reduce the better preservation of the ONL seen at 8, 10, and 12 weeks after surgery. The significant difference in cell count between operated and unoperated eyes in the L&V group at 8 weeks was due to the difference in the number of rods, not the cones. Lensectomy and vitrectomy delay photoreceptor degeneration in rhodopsin P347L transgenic pigs. Lens-related rescue effect is a probable reason for the delayed degeneration.
Silicon-Mediated Organic Synthesis

Organic chemists have used the chemical properties of tetracovalent silicon in a remarkable variety of new synthetic transformations. In carbon-functional silanes, exceptional stabilization is provided to a carbocation center in the beta position when the carbon-silicon bond lies in plane. This phenomenon directs electrophilic attack to the silicon-substituted carbon in aryl-, vinyl-, and alkynylsilanes and to carbon-3 in allylsilanes. For different reasons, silicon also stabilizes a carbon-metal bond in the alpha position. Consequently, access to many silicon-containing organometallics is readily available. The exceptional strength of silicon-oxygen and silicon-fluorine bonds is yet another factor that controls the chemical reactivity of silicon reagents. In recent developments, preparative chemists have taken advantage of these properties in imaginative and useful ways.
Analysis of HPV-Positive and -Negative Vulvar Carcinomas for Alterations in c-myc, Ha-, Ki-, and N-ras Genes

Abstract Mutation or overexpression of certain host genes, including c- myc , Ha- ras , and Ki- ras , have been associated with genital squamous neoplasia, specifically in the cervix, and have been implicated in the natural history of these tumors. The relationship of these host gene alterations to vulvar squamous cell carcinomas has not been previously studied. We analyzed archival material from 13 human papillomavirus-positive and-negative vulvar squamous cell carcinomas for mutations in Ha-, Ki-, and N- ras genes, and a smaller number of flesh samples for c- myc amplification, using PCR-based assays. For comparison, eight cervical squamous cell carcinomas (three fixed and five fresh) were also analyzed. Analysis for ras mutations revealed a previously reported silent allelic variant at nucleotide 1744 in the Ha-ras gene, but no mutations in codons 12, 13, or 61. Similarly, genomic amplification of c- myc beyond a maximum of three haploid copies was not identified in the cases. These findings indicate that alterations in myc or ras sequences are not linked to vulvar squamous cell carcinomas or to the presence or absence of HPV nucleic acids. Moreover, they apparently will not distinguish vulvar from cervical carcinomas, both groups appearing to be unlikely to harbor these sequence alterations.
The Disutility of Uncertain Losses

ABSTRACT The ancient hypothesis that equal quantities of money gained or lost may have different utilities depending upon the cirumstances of the recipient has never been fully accepted into the main body of economic theory. To eliminate confusion, it is essential to abandon the attempt to quantify a utility function of wealth or income, and to develop instead a utility function of uncertain gains and losses, basing it upon relative values placed upon alternative contingencies by the same individuals. The basic facts of life insurance and of health insurance show that the majority of persons are prepared to pay approximately twice the actuarial value to avoid major contingencies. These results allow definition of a marginal utility coefficient for this range of losses. Small losses and moderate gains apparently have utility coefficients approximating unity. A working hypothesis based upon the above is consistent with evidence as to risk aversion from the securities markets. The most important characterist...
Contributions of Molecular Epidemiology to the Understanding of Infectious Disease Transmission, Pathogenesis, and Evolution

PURPOSE: Describe the contributions of molecular genetics to our understanding of the molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases caused by bacteria. METHODS: Synthesize the literature, highlighting work on Escherichia coli and Group B streptococcus. RESULTS: 1) Commensal bacteria are genetically and phenotypically diverse. 2) Disease-causing strains of commensal bacteria often have special characteristics than allow them to be distinguished from common inhabitants. 3) Colonization by commensal bacteria is dynamic. 4) Commensal bacteria are transmitted between individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Applications of epidemiologic principles to bacterial populations gives insight into the natural history of colonization and transmission in the human host.
Analysis of the wheat endosperm transcriptome.

Among the cereals, wheat is the most widely grown geographically and is part of the staple diet in much of the world. Understanding how the cereal endosperm develops and functions will help generate better tools to manipulate grain qualities important to end-users. We used a genomics approach to identify and characterize genes that are expressed in the wheat endosperm. We analyzed the 17 949 publicly available wheat endosperm EST sequences to identify genes involved in the biological processes that occur within this tissue. Clustering and assembly of the ESTs resulted in the identification of 6 187 tentative unique genes, 2 358 of which formed contigs and 3 829 remained as singletons. A BLAST similarity search against the NCBI non-redundant sequence database revealed abundant messages for storage proteins, putative defense proteins, and proteins involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. The level of abundance of the putatively identified genes reflects the physiology of the developing endosperm. Half of the identified genes have unknown functions. Approximately 61% of the endosperm ESTs has been tentatively mapped in the hexaploid wheat genome. Using microarrays for global RNA profiling, we identified endosperm genes that are specifically up regulated in the developing grain.
Hydrogen bonding pathways in human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOD) catalyzes the only redox reaction in the pathway for pyrimidine biosynthesis. In this reaction, a proton is transferred from a carbon atom of the substrate to a serine residue, and a hydride is transferred from another carbon atom of the substrate to a cofactor. The deprotonation of the substrate is postulated to involve a proton relay mechanism along a hydrogen bonding pathway in the active site. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations are used to identify and characterize potential hydrogen bonding pathways that could facilitate the redox reaction catalyzed by human DHOD. The observed pathways involve hydrogen bonding of the active base serine to a water molecule, which is hydrogen bonded to the substrate carboxylate group or a threonine residue. The threonine residue is positioned to enable proton transfer to another water molecule leading to the bulk solvent. The impact of mutating the active base serine to cysteine is also investigated. This mutation is found to increase the average donor-acceptor distances for proton and hydride transfer and to disrupt the hydrogen bonding pathways observed for the wild-type enzyme. These effects could lead to a significant decrease in enzyme activity, as observed experimentally for the analogous mutant in Escherichia coli DHOD.
The state of the surface of martensitically transforming cobalt single crystals

Abstract The surface structure of single crystal cobalt has been monitored by low-energy electron-diffraction (LEED) in order to determine the existence of residual surface phases or “frozen in” surface embryos responsible for the nucleation of the martensitic transformation in cobalt. It has been determined that no such residual surface embryos exist and that the structural phase of the surface is equivalent to the respective allotropic phase of the bulk. The transformation at the surface is also observed to be strongly first-order with significant temperature hysteresis.
Nilotinib: A New Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder arising from a single genetic mutation that leads to an increase in immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow and the accumulation of these cells in the blood. Typically, CML represents 15-20% of all adult leukemias, with 4830 new cases expected in 2008. The cytogenetic hallmark of CML is the Philadelphia chromosome, which is the result of the reciprocal translocation and conjugation of the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene, BCR, on chromosome 22 and the Abelson (ABL) kinase gene, ABL, on chromosome 9. Current treatment is aimed at inhibiting BCR and ABL kinase with novel agents, the first being imatinib in 2003, and more recently dasatinib in 2006. Nilotinib is a new small-molecule inhibitor of tyrosine kinase rationally developed from the crystalline structure of the imatinib-ABL complex. It represents an aminopyrimidine derivative of imatinib with approximately 30 times more potency in vitro against imatinib-sensitive BCR-ABL-expressing cell lines and activity against 32 of 33 point mutations conferring resistance to imatinib. Data from phase I and II studies show that nilotinib has activity against all phases of CML in patients who are intolerant or have failed therapy with imatinib or dasatinib. Nilotinib represents a new therapeutic option for patients with CML who are intolerant or have failed therapy with imatinib. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing nilotinib's role in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML and its long-term efficacy and safety.
Adaptive Tuning Amplitude and Phase Estimation Method for Early Breast Cancer Detection

To improve confocal microwave imaging (CMI) quality for breast cancer detection, data independent methods such as the delay-and-sum (DAS) and the microwave imaging via space-time (MIST) beamforming were used, and data dependent methods such as amplitude and phase estimation (APES), and robust capon beamforming (RCB) were used after data acquisition processing. Main drawback of data-dependant methods is instability as filter length is increased. Our proposed method suppresses the instability and improves higher resolution with acceptable amplitude estimation than APES method to get high quality of CMI imaging for breast cancer detection.
The observation of an ipsilateral carotid canal hypoplasia cannot be used to ascertain the congenital nature of a carotid artery occlusion.

Journal of Neuroradiology - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since mardi 31 mars 2015
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF MECHANICAL PRESS LINKAGES

Abstract This paper presents a general method for the design, analysis and optimization of mechanical press linkages. In order to use the method, the linkage type must be identified, and geometrically proportioned to approximately satisfy the mecnanical requirements. Next, system equations must be derived for that linkage, which describe input/output relationships for displacement and force. Upon completing these two steps (which typically must be done in any case), the method can then be employed to optimize that linkage for the particular application.
CONCERNING THE HYPERSENSITIVITY OF ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS TO VASCULAR STRESS1

ALTHOUGH IT IS well established that the adrenalectomized animal is hypersensitive to vascular stress, the compensatory mechanisms which fail in the absence of adreno-cortical hormones have not been directly demonstrated. In normal intact animals, it is known that resistance to hemorrhage, as well as to other procedures which reduce the blood volume, is dependent in great part upon emergency reflex mechanisms which operate to maintain venous return and cardiac output. The efficiency of these compensatory adjustments may be appreciated from the finding that hemorrhage equal to 2.1 per cent of the body weight may not decrease venous return and cardiac output at all (Meek and Eyster, 1921), presumably because reserve blood from less active regions of the circulation is shifted to the active circulation. The present work was undertaken to determine whether the hypersensitivity of adrenalectomized animals could be due to a primary failure of compensatory mechanisms for maintenance of venous return and cardiac ...
Optical nonlinear index coefficient of over 6 cm/sup 2//W in dye-doped nematic liquid crystals

We have observed an extraordinarily large optically induced refractive index change mechanism in aligned dye-doped nematic liquid crystal film. The effect is potentially useful for developing a new liquid crystal light valve or spatial light modulator, and for applications in other adaptive optics and coherent wave-mixing devices.
The early phase of hospital treatment for disruptive adolescents! The integration of behavioral and dynamic techniques.

Abstract Within the population of hospitalized adolescents exists a group characterized by (1) the frequent and gratifying recourse to disruptive acts: sexual promiscuity, property destruction, and abusive behaviors; and (2) the perception of significant adults as tormenting and persecutory. We call these patients disruptive adolescents. Disruptive behaviors often elicit intense negative reactions from treatment personnel, cementing the patient's preexisting view of the environment as persecutory, and resulting in further disruptive acts. Therapeutic intervention must interrupt this cycle and help the patient gain control of the disruptive actions. Two cases are presented to detail a treatment intervention, integrating behavioral and psychodynamic approaches. Psychodynamic theory is employed to rationalize and systematize the available behavior modification techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the complementarity between the initial use of behavioral treatment strategies and the psychotherapy which follows.
Uses and Abuses of Achievement Test Scores.

Are variations in test-preparation practices from school to school undermining the meaningfulness of achievement test results? Is there pressure to raise achievement test scores by the use of educationally unsound practices? What uses of achievement test scores are most common? Do teachers and administrators have reasonably accurate views of test score uses?
The taxonomy of Geomydoecus (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae) from the Geomys bursarius complex (Rodentia: Geomyidae)

A revision was undertaken of the members of the genus Geomydoecus parasitizing Plains Pocket Gophers of the Geomys bursarius complex. Prior to this revision, 5 specific and subspecific taxa of lice were recognized from Geomys bursarius . Approximately 20,000 lice were obtained and examined; these were from all described subspecies of G. bursarius and represented 590 individual hosts from 427 localities. In addition to a study of qualitative features, 28 morphological characters were quantified for both adult male and female lice. The measured or counted characters that proved useful taxonomically are reported along with their ranges, means, and standard deviations. Three programs in the BMDP series were used for the multivariate statistical analysis: principal components analysis (BMDP4M), discriminant function analysis (BMDP7M), and cluster analysis (BMDP2M). The Geomydocus on Geomys bursarius proved to be quite variable geographically; however, there was little intrapopulation variability. This geographical variation is best represented taxonomically by recognizing 8 distinct monotypic species of lice. The previously described species, Geomydoecus geomydis, G. ewingi, G. illinoensis , and G. oklahomensis , are all recognized as valid species. A population previously described as a subspecies of G. geomydis is elevated to specific status, G. subgeomydis , and 3 new species are described: G. heaneyi on Geomys bursarius llanensis and G. b. texensis; G. nebrathkensis on Geomys bursarius lutescens ; and G. spickai on Geomys bursarius missouriensis . These 8 species of lice cluster as 2 distinct groupings; the 1st, here termed the “northern” group, is composed of G. geomydis, G. illinoensis, G. nebrathkensis, G. oklahomensis , and G. spickai ; the 2nd, the “southern” group, is composed of G. ewingi, G. heaneyi , and G. subgeomydis . In no case did a single population of pocket gophers have more than 1 species of Geomydoecus parasitizing it. Two species of Geomydoecus were obtained on Long-tailed Weasels, Mustela frenata ; these host records are considered primary contamination, a result of the weasel's obtaining the lice directly from pocket gophers. A key is presented to the 15 specific and subspecific taxa of Geomydoecus that parasitize pocket gophers of the genus Geomys .
Laminar incompressible flow past a semi-infinite flat plate

Laminar incompressible flow past a semi-infinite flat plate is examined by using the method of series truncation (or local similarity) on the full Navier-Stokes equations. The first and second truncations are calculated at points on the plate away from the leading edge, while only the first truncation is calculated at the leading edge. The solutions are compared with the results from other approximate methods.
Leakage power modeling and optimization in interconnection networks

Power will be the key limiter to system scalability as interconnection networks take up an increasingly significant portion of system power. In this paper, we propose an architectural leakage power modeling methodology that achieves 95-98% accuracy against HSPICE estimates. When applied to interconnection networks, combined with previous proposed dynamic power models, we gain valuable insights on total network power consumption. Our modeling shows router buffers to be a prime candidate for leakage power optimization. We thus investigate the design space of power-aware buffer policies, propose a suite of policies, and explore the impact of various circuits mechanisms on these policies . Simulations show power-aware buffers saving up to 96.6% of total buffer leakage power.
Real Equality of Opportunity

We are often told that we are morally obligated to produce equal opportunity for all. Therefore, it seems we should examine what power we have to produce that desirable state. For it would be nonsense to say we are required to provide what is beyond our power to provide. When we examine this question, we find our power limited by two sets of constraints. One set comprises formal constraints upon the idea itself of equal opportunity. We cannot do the logically impossible. The other set comprises limits upon our ability to produce the directed socio-economic change, getting known outputs for known inputs. I illustrate the formal constraints by outlining the work of Douglas Rae. The constraints upon our abilities I illustrate with evidence from sociology and politics. At the end, we shall discover that our power to make opportunities equal is sharply though not unbearably limited. A critical but unbaised survey will reveal that in the past fifty years we have gone remarkably far towards doing all that we are presently capable of doing to equalize opportunities. Perhaps we shall go even farther when we learn how.The word ‘real’ in the title is opposed to ‘ideal’ or even ‘chimerical'. It may seem an interesting question what equality of opportunity should consist in were we able to produce directed socio-economic change at will. But we are not. Therefore, a more interesting and more important question is what equality of opportunity consists in given the very large number of constraints within which we must work to achieve it.
The Rise of the Skill Premium in Mexican Maquiladoras

Abstract The wage premium between skilled and unskilled workers in Mexican maquiladoras has moved up, from 4.14 in January 1990 to 4.79 in March 2006. This 16 per cent increase in wage differentials favouring skilled workers is contrasted to a measure of relative labour supplies within a model of skill-biased technical change (SBTC). Estimating how this skill premium responds to technology (captured by either a time trend or the capital-expenditure share) and to relative labour supplies, we find support for theoretical models in which the skill premium increases in the long-run under strong technology effects. Error correction models confirm fast adjustment to long-run equilibrium, within about four months.
Individual neighborhood attachment and perceptions of neighborhood safety

Macrostructural research in the social disorganization tradition assumes neighborhood structure dictates individual behavior. The current research explores the opposite perspective to determine whether individual attachment to the neighborhood influences perceptions of neighborhood safety. Using the Chicago Metropolitan Area Survey, the results show that loners, persons wishing to move, and renters perceive their neighborhoods as being less safe than attached residents. Implications for future research are offered.
Challenges of a vintage 1994 CMOS logic chip

The viability of projections for a 1994 CMOS logic chip having 3*10/sup 5/ transistors/cm/sup 2/, 20-W/cm/sup 2/ power dissipation, and 600-MHz clock frequency is assessed with respect to power distribution, signal transmission, and off-chip connections. It is found that current silicon technologies, systematically scaled to 0.25- mu m feature size, can achieve complexities of around 2*10/sup 6/ transistors/cm/sup 2/, 10-W/cm/sup 2/ power dissipation, and 150-MHz clock frequency. Projected functional throughput rates of 5*10/sup 13/-gate Hz/cm/sup 2/ are inconsistent with these parameters by more than an order of magnitude. Supplying the chips with power at acceptable Delta I noise will pose the most formidable design challenges. >
Miniature radar operations challenges

Mini-RF consists of two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments that have both acquired data of the lunar surface. One instrument, referred to as Mini-RF, is currently orbiting the Moon onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft.12 A sister instrument, called Mini-SAR, flew on the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The instruments share a Payload Operations Center (POC) located at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.
Evaluating One-Shot Library Sessions: Impact on the Quality and Diversity of Student Source Use

This article examines the presumption that library research workshops will increase the quality, quantity and diversity of sources students use. This study compares bibliographies of research papers written by freshman composition students who received a library research session to those of students who did not receive any library instruction. Our data show that students who received workshops were more likely to use the specific library resources introduced in the session than those who did not receive an instruction session, but students did not use more sources, more diverse sources, or more scholarly sources.
Exudative pleurisy of coccidioidomycosis: A case report and review of the literature

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common manifestation in primary coccidioides infections (Coccidioides immitis, C. posadasii). It is essential that this endemic dimorphic fungus be considered in order to proceed with the most appropriate diagnostic tools and therapy. We present a rare case of primary pleural coccidioides and a review of the current literature for optimal diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies. With increased domestic and international travel, coccidioidomycosis will likely be encountered in nonendemic regions. Recognition by physicians is critical for a timely diagnosis and therapy. Tissue culture can assist in the diagnosis and polymerase chain reaction analysis shows potential as a possible addition.
Laminar Forced Convection of Liquids in Tubes With Variable Viscosity

Analytical solutions for laminar forced convection of liquids flowing in circular tubes with temperature-dependent viscosity are obtained for both step change in tube-wall temperature and step change in wall heat flux by using an improved integral procedure. The accuracy of this analytical procedure is demonstrated by comparing results for the isothermal problems with that from the exact solutions. Results for the nonisothermal cases are presented in graphical forms in terms of Nusselt numbers, velocity variations at tube center line, and friction factors. Finally, tabulated Nusselt numbers are also given.