cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpreting metaphors and idioms: Some effects of context on comprehension

Two experiments are described in which reaction times for understanding target sentences or phrases in terms of a preceding context were measured. In Experiment 1, the target sentences followed either short or long contexts which induced either literal interpretations or metaphorical ones. Results indicated that only in the short context condition did subjects take significantly longer to understand metaphorical than literal targets. This interaction is explained in terms of the availability of appropriate schemata for interpreting the target. In Experiment 2, targets were phrases that could be given either an idiomatic or a literal interpretation. It was found that the comprehension of phrases receiving an idiomatic interpretation took no longer than the comprehension of those same phrases when given a literal interpretation, and there was some evidence that idiomatic interpretations were consistently faster. It is argued that both experiments can be accounted for in terms of contextually generated expectations. The processes required for the comprehension of figurative and literal uses of language seem to be essentially similar.
Synthesis of 8-substituted xanthines via 5,6-diaminouracils: an efficient route to A2A adenosine receptor antagonists

A one-pot route to 8-substituted xanthines has been developed from 5,6-diaminouracils and carboxaldehydes. The process, promoted by (bromodimethyl)sulfonium bromide, is mild and efficient and eliminates the need for external oxidants. Yields are good and the process is applicable to a range of substrates including a family of A2A adenosine receptor antagonists. Preparation of a new analog of the antagonist KW-6002 is presented, and in situ bromination of aryl substituted products demonstrated.
The effect of methyl mercury on gill metabolism and blood parameters of rainbow trout.

The gills of fresh water teleosts function as the primary site for the active absorption of ions from the external media and for the respiratory exchange of gases. Because of the low solubility of oxygen in water large amounts of water must be passed over the gills to meet the oxygen demands of the fish (RAHN 1966) consequently when fish are in contaminated waters their gills can be exposed to large amounts of water soluble pollutants (e.g. methyl mercury). HANNERZ (1968) and RUCKER and AMEND (1969) have shown that mercury is concentrated in gill tissue up to several thousand times the level found in the media. It was therefore the intent of the present investigation to determine if methyl mercury has any effect on the metabolism or physiological function (plasma electrolyte regulation) of the gill.
Structural Determinants of Synaptobrevin 2 Function in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion

Deletion of synaptobrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein, the major synaptic vesicle soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (R-SNARE), severely decreases but does not abolish spontaneous and evoked synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We now show that the closely related R-SNARE protein cellubrevin rescues synaptic transmission in synaptobrevin-deficient neurons but that deletion of both cellubrevin and synaptobrevin does not cause a more severe decrease in exocytosis than deletion of synaptobrevin alone. We then examined the structural requirements for synaptobrevin to function in exocytosis. We found that substituting glutamine for arginine in the zero-layer of the SNARE motif did not significantly impair synaptobrevin-dependent exocytosis, whereas insertion of 12 or 24 residues between the SNARE motif and transmembrane region abolished the ability of synaptobrevin to mediate Ca2+-evoked exocytosis. Surprisingly, however, synaptobrevin with the 12-residue but not the 24-residue insertion restored spontaneous release in synaptobrevin-deficient neurons. Our data suggest that synaptobrevin mediates Ca2+-triggered exocytosis by tight coupling of the SNARE motif to the transmembrane region and hence forcing the membranes into close proximity for fusion. Furthermore, the fusion reactions underlying evoked and spontaneous release differ mechanistically.
Specific features of the wear of zirconium in gaseous atmospheres at different temperatures

We study the tribological behavior of zirconium in air, hydrogen, and vacuum at temperatures of 20 and 100°C. In case of friction in air, the plastic deformation of microasperities on the surface is discovered. As temperature becomes higher, the degree of wear of the metal increases by 10–15%. In hydrogen, the plasticity of the metal decreases and microcracks are formed on the friction surface. The number of these microcracks noticeably increases at a temperature of 100°C. Finely divided wear products are also formed on the friction surface, probably as a result of the formation and brittle fracture of zirconium hydrides. The character of wear of zirconium in a vacuum reveals the presence of seizure of the contacting surfaces and repeated crushing of the formed bulges on the friction surfaces. At a temperature of 100°C, the degree of wear of the metal decrease due to the increase in its plasticity.
International women's magazines in China: Global and local perspectives

Unlike other global media products that are imported from overseas, international women's magazines in China are published via licensing agreements or joint ventures with local companies. These ownership patterns allow local editions of international women's magazines to negotiate the tensions and contradictions between the global players and local publishers. Given the influence of cultural and commercial forces in different economic environments, international women's magazines provide a challenging platform for exploring the interaction between global and local forces. Through a theoretical framework of hybridity theory and in-depth interviews with editorial personnel from the magazine industry, this study explores the global and local forces that have contributed to the production process of international women's magazines in China. The findings reveal that these magazines are a result of a multi-level convergence of local realities and global influences. Although there are factors of control and depe...
Comparison between diffuse infrared and acoustic transmission over the human skull.

Skull-induced distortion and attenuation present a challenge to both transcranial imaging and therapy. Whereas therapeutic procedures have been successful in offsetting aberration using images from prior CTs, this approach is impractical for imaging. In an effort to provide a simplified means for aberration correction, we have been investigating the use of diffuse infrared light as an indicator of acoustic properties. Infrared wavelengths were specifically selected for tissue penetration; however this preliminary study was performed through bone alone via a transmission mode to facilitate comparison with acoustic measurements. The inner surface of a half human skull, cut along the sagittal midline, was illuminated using an infrared heat lamp, and images of the outer surface were acquired with an IR-sensitive camera. A range of source angles was acquired and averaged to eliminate source bias. Acoustic measurements were likewise obtained over the surface with a source (1 MHz, 12.7 mm-diam) oriented parallel to the skull surface and hydrophone receiver (1 mm PVDF). Preliminary results reveal a positive correlation between sound speed and optical intensity, whereas poor correlation is observed between acoustic amplitude and optical intensity.
Current challenges and future opportunities.

INFECT CONTROL HOSP EPIDEMIOL 1989/Vol. 10, No. 10 481 time infection control officer (RN), manages the infection control programs as the hospital epidemiologist and chair of the infection control committee. Although most interest centers on the nursing home setting, the title reflects the need to consider all long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with special populations and risk factors for acquiring infection, e.g., rehabilitation units, day care centers and day hospitals for the elderly and institutions for developmental disabled persons of all ages. In a recent editorial, "A New Affiliation, A New Name and New Directions," Wenzel and Schaffner noted that the intention of the journal's new title, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, was to keep pace with the expanding scope of hospital epidemiology.' Today this scope must include LTCFs, especially the nursing homes. There are 1.3 million persons 65 or more years of age in nursing homes with projections to 5.4 million in the year 2050. As noted, these frail elderly patients are at high risk for nursing home-acquired infections that account for approximately 30% of the reasons for discharge to hospitals.2 Once admitted, these patients require significantly longer hospital stays (11.4 days) and have a higher death rate (27%) than community-residing older persons (8.4 days and 11%, respectively). Of the patients who survive, 80% will be discharged to the nursing home and of these, 60% will be re-admitted to the hospital at least once in the next 18 months.3 Thus, it is essential that hospitalbased professionals in infection control and hospital epidemiology become familiar with the types of infections in this high-risk population and their high-risk environments.
Transcription Factors and Hypopituitarism

Several homeodomain factors are found in the developing anterior pituitary lobe. The production of these developmental transcription factors has distinct temporal and spatial patterns. By interacting with each other, as well as with other extrinsic and intrinsic signals, they control cell determination and specification. Here, we discuss transcription factors that have been shown to have an in vivo role in pituitary cell-type specification.
Failure of a Thermal Barrier System Due to a Cyclic Displacement Instability in the Thermally grown Oxide

The mechanism controlling the cyclic failure of a commercial thermal barrier system has been investigated. The system comprises an electron-beam physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating (TBC), deposited on a (Ni Pt)Al bond coating. The thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer that forms between the TBC and bond coat at high temperature is unstable with respect to out of plane displacement, provided initial perturbations are present. With cyclic thermal exposure, the TGO displaces into the bond coat at periodic interfacial sites. The out-of-plane displacements induce strains above the TGO, normal to the interface, that cause cracking. The cracks nucleate either within the TBC layer or at the TBC/TGO interface, and extend laterally until they coalesce with cracks from other sites and coating failure occurs by large scale buckling. The TGO displacements are accommodated by visco-plastic deformation of the underlying bond coat, and are driven by a lateral component of the growth strain in the TGO. The susceptibility of the TGO to out-of-plane displacement depends critically upon the initial morphology of the metal/oxide interface. The observed material responses are compared with predictions of a ‘ratcheting’ model.
Forest Policy in Chubut, Argentina: Lessons from the Upper Percey River Watershed

This article examines forest access rights in the Argentine province of Chubut, where the constitutional framework allows third parties to harvest native timber regardless of whether the underlying land is privately held, being purchased from the province, leased from the provincial government, or occupied illegally by squatters. This article also assesses the promotion of exotic conifer plantations in Chubut, which policymakers view as a fundamental component of economic development. Forest access rights and plantation forestry are examined through the experience of landholders in the upper Percey River watershed, where third-party timber harvest has resulted in conflict over forest resources and landholders have moderately embraced exotic conifers. The elimination of third-party timber extraction, either by privatizing native trees or granting community forest concessions, could provide more incentive to use forest resources sustainably, and numerous environmental and socioeconomic issues must be addres...
Oligomerization of DNMT3A Controls the Mechanism of de Novo DNA Methylation

DNMT3A is one of two human de novo DNA methyltransferases essential for regulating gene expression through cellular development and differentiation. Here we describe the consequences of single amino acid mutations, including those implicated in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes, at the DNMT3A·DNMT3A homotetramer and DNMT3A·DNMT3L heterotetramer interfaces. A model for the DNMT3A homotetramer was developed via computational interface scanning and tested using light scattering and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Distinct oligomeric states were functionally characterized using fluorescence anisotropy and steady-state kinetics. Replacement of residues that result in DNMT3A dimers, including those identified in AML patients, show minor changes in methylation activity but lose the capacity for processive catalysis on multisite DNA substrates, unlike the highly processive wild-type enzyme. Our results are consistent with the bimodal distribution of DNA methylation in vivo and the loss of clustered methylation in AML patients. Tetramerization with the known interacting partner DNMT3L rescues processive catalysis, demonstrating that protein binding at the DNMT3A tetramer interface can modulate methylation patterning. Our results provide a structural mechanism for the regulation of DNMT3A activity and epigenetic imprinting.
Echocardiographic features of a stenotic porcine aortic valve

Abstract M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic features are reported in a patient who developed severe stenosis of a porcine xenograph valve implanted in the aortic position. The presence of increased cusp echoes along with reduced cusp opening was the most consistent echocardiographic finding in this patient. The clinical and the echocardiographic findings were subsequently confirmed by cardiac catheterization and surgery.
Conformational changes induced in herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase upon DNA binding.

Abstract Herpesvirus DNA polymerases are prototypes for alpha-like DNA polymerases and important targets for antiherpesvirus drugs. We have investigated changes in the catalytic subunit of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase following DNA binding by using the techniques of endogeneous fluorescence quenching and limited proteolysis. The fluorescence studies revealed a reduction in the rate of quenching by acrylamide in the presence of DNA without changes in the wavelength of the emission peak or in the lifetime of the fluorophore, consistent with the possibility of conformational changes. Strikingly, the proteolysis studies revealed that binding to a variety of natural and synthetic DNA and RNA molecules induced the appearance of a new cleavage site for trypsin near residue 1060 of the protein and increased cleavage by trypsin near the center of the protein. The extent of these cleavages correlated with the affinity of the polymerase for these ligands. These data provide strong evidence that binding to nucleic acid polymers induces substantial localized conformational changes in the polymerase. The locations of enhanced tryptic cleavage near sites implicated in substrate recognition and interaction with a processivity factor suggest that the conformational changes are important for catalysis and processivity of this prototype alpha-like DNA polymerase. Inhibition of these changes may provide a mechanism for antiherpesvirus drugs.
Determination of total leachable bisphenol A from polysulfone membranes based on multiple consecutive extractions

The paper presents the development of a multiple consecutive extraction method enabling the determination of the total amount of bisphenol A (BPA) released from porous polysulfone (PS) membranes in a hemodialyzer or hemoconcentrator under simulated-use conditions. The levels of BPA were determined using solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). We demonstrated that it was difficult to determine the total amount of BPA released from the PS membranes using a single extraction method with finite solvent volume because of the chemical equilibrium between the extraction solution and the polymer phase. Repeated extractions gave more accurate results than a single extraction for the determination of the total amount of leachables in porous membranes. A general equation was derived to fit the elution profile of BPA released during multiple consecutive extractions.
A self‐learning rule‐based controller employing approximate reasoning and neural net concepts

A self-learning controller is proposed as an intelligent controller for dynamic processes, employing a control policy which evolves and improves automatically. A key component of the controller is a rule-based system which provides a linguistic description of control strategy. This strategy has the form of a collection of fuzzy conditional statements which are implemented and manipulated using fuzzy set theory. the inference engine of the controller is based on the principles of approximate reasoning, while its learning capability is provided by neuron-like elements, which are derived from animal conditioning theory. It is shown that the system can solve a fairly difficult control learning problem. More concretely, the task is 1-D pole balancing, in which a pole is hinged to a movable cart to which a continously variable control force is applied. Simulation results demonstrate that improved learning performance can be achieved in relation to previously described systems employing bang-bang control. Furthermore, the proposed controller is relatively insensitive to variations in the parameters of the system, for example, changes in the length and mass of the pole, initial angle, failure criteria, and slanting the base of the car-pole system.
Frustration in the energy landscapes of multidomain protein misfolding.

Frustration from strong interdomain interactions can make misfolding a more severe problem in multidomain proteins than in single-domain proteins. On the basis of bioinformatic surveys, it has been suggested that lowering the sequence identity between neighboring domains is one of nature’s solutions to the multidomain misfolding problem. We investigate folding of multidomain proteins using the associative-memory, water-mediated, structure and energy model (AWSEM), a predictive coarse-grained protein force field. We find that reducing sequence identity not only decreases the formation of domain-swapped contacts but also decreases the formation of strong self-recognition contacts between β-strands with high hydrophobic content. The ensembles of misfolded structures that result from forming these amyloid-like interactions are energetically disfavored compared with the native state, but entropically favored. Therefore, these ensembles are more stable than the native ensemble under denaturing conditions, such as high temperature. Domain-swapped contacts compete with self-recognition contacts in forming various trapped states, and point mutations can shift the balance between the two types of interaction. We predict that multidomain proteins that lack these specific strong interdomain interactions should fold reliably.
Clinical outcome of peripheral blood stem cell support

Two clinical results of peripheral blood stem cell support are commonly considered: (1) the effect on hematopoietic recovery and (2) the effect on the underlying malignancy. The dynamics of hematopoietic recovery after autoiogous bone marrow transplantation and after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a clinical setting are similar if no exogenous cytokines are administered and the peripheral stem ceils are collected while their numbers are not deliberately increased (mobilised). If mobilized peripheral stem cells are transplanted, hematopoietic recovery is accelerated. In some circumstances, patients who receive peripheral stem cell transplantation may experience an improved progression-free survival after high-dose therapy when compared with similar patients who receive autologous bone marrow transplantation. Explanations for such a survival advantage might include (1) a lower likelihood of occult tumor cells capable of restoring disease in peripheral stem cell autograft products than in bone marrow harvests, (2) a greater number of cytotoxic effector cells capable of destroying occult tumor ceils in the peripheral stem cell collections than in bone marrow harvests, and (3) a different and advantageous pattern of immunologic recovery following autologous peripheral stem cell transplant compared to autologous bone marrow transplant.
A Linear Time Self-stabilizing Algorithm for Minimal Weakly Connected Dominating Sets

In this paper, we propose a new self-stabilizing algorithm for minimal weakly connected dominating sets (called algorithm $$\mathtt{MWCDS}$$MWCDS). For an arbitrary connected graph with $$n$$n nodes, algorithm $$\mathtt{MWCDS}$$MWCDS terminates in $$O(n)$$O(n) steps using a synchronous daemon. The space requirement at each node is $$O(\log n)$$O(logn) bits. In the literature, the best reported stabilization time for a minimal weakly connected dominating set algorithm is $$O(nmA)$$O(nmA) under a distributed daemon, where $$m$$m is the number of edges and $$A$$A is the number of moves to construct a breadth-first tree.
Electrical and chemical stimulation of cervical sympathetic nerves in the dog does not affect secretion of parathyroid hormone.

β-Adrenergic agonists stimulate PTH release in vitro. The present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve terminals in the parathyroid glands might be a physiological regulator of PTH secretion. In 22 dogs, electrical stimulation (20 Hz, 1 msec, 50 V nominal) of the right cervical vagosympathetic trunk had no significant effect on release of PTH into the precava, whether the animals were normocalcemic or hypocalcemic, and whether or not they were pretreated with the a-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine. In 4 other dogs, stimulating release of endogenous nerve terminal norepinephrine by iv injection of tyramine (200 μg/kg) also failed to raise precaval plasma immunoreactive PTH concentrations. In all studies, induction of mild hypocalcemia raised immunoreactive PTH levels. From these and other studies, we conclude that β-adrenergic agonists of neural origin are not important regulators of canine PTH release in vivo. (Endocrinology 116: 1977–1982,...
Antibacterial effect of crude water-soluble arrowroot (Puerariae radix) tea extracts on food-borne pathogens in liquid medium.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of crude water-soluble arrowroot tea extracts on microbial growth of food-borne pathogens in liquid medium and to confirm the damage to bacterial cells using Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM). Methods and Results: Inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated using Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth containing 0 (control), 0·63, 1·25, 2·5 and 5·0% (w/v) arrowroot tea. Bacterial cell counts were performed on specific selective agar on days 0, 1, 3 and 5. BHI containing 5·0% arrowroot tea extract showed a 6–7 log suppression of growth for all test strains on days 3 and 5, compared with the control. Even 0·63% arrowroot tea effectively inhibited microbial growth of all test strains on day 5. TEM images of the samples treated with 5·0% arrowroot tea revealed the rupture of cell walls and nonhomogeneous disposition of cytoplasmic materials within treated bacteria. Conclusions: Crude water-soluble arrowroot tea extract strongly inhibited microbial growth of all test pathogens in liquid medium. Significance and Impact of the Study: Water-soluble arrowroot tea extract has the potential to be used directly on foods or as a spray on the surfaces of food handling and processing facilities in order to prevent microbial growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
A rare case of intracerebral hemorrhage complicating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis: a clinical dilemma ameliorated by novel use of plasmapheresis

We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis type 2 (HITT 2) that was first complicated by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and later by deep venous thrombosis (DVT). HITT 2 was initially managed conventionally with argatroban, which was stopped when ICH was discovered. The size of ICH increased despite attempts to increase platelet count by platelet transfusions. At this point of the clinical dilemma, plasma exchange was utilized effectively to recover the platelet count and deter ICH progression. The clinical course was later complicated by DVT, for which fondaparinux was given. This case represents a rare clinical scenario of HITT 2 resulting in progressive ICH that excluded the use of antithrombotic agents as part of HITT therapy. We believe that the use of plasmapheresis as a salvage procedure in such situations is effective and life-saving. Physicians should be aware of plasmapheresis as a therapeutic option in HITT 2 in cases in which anticoagulation is contraindicated.
Radial artery cannulation and ishaemic damage: a review

Summary A review of the literature concerning ischaemic complications following radial artery cannulation suggests that the Allen test has little predictive validity. Other methods of assessing the ulnar collateral circulation are discussed.
Substance Use and Academic Performance among African American High School Students

Academic performance among African American students continues to be a concern. Adolescent developmental research has identified numerous factors that affect academic performance. School-based intervention programs have focused on substance use prevention to improve academic performance. This study investigated to what extent family financial concerns, individual and parental norms, and substance use are associated with academic performance among a sample of 212 African American students attending an urban high school located in the midwestern United States. The student body was 99% African American, with approximately equal numbers of boys and girls. The results indicated that marijuana use, parental substance use norms, and family financial concerns were associated with students' academic intentions. Grade point average was associated with both marijuana use and parental substance use norms. These results highlight the importance of family-related correlates in addition to substance use when investigating academic performance among African American students. KEY WORDS: academic performance; adolescence; African Americans; substance use; urban education ********** The lack of consistent academic success for African American youths is having damaging consequences on African American families and communities (Williams, Davis, Miller-Cribbs, Saunders, W Williams, Ayers, Abbott, Hawkins, & Catalano, 1999). Overall, African American youths report lower rates of alcohol use. Historically, African American youths have the lowest rates of lifetime alcohol use compared with other racial and ethnic groups (Johnston et al. …
Chemical vapor synthesis of Mg–Ti nanopowder mixture as a hydrogen storage material

Abstract Magnesium-based alloys are among the promising materials for hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications due to their high hydrogen contents. In this work, the hydrogen release and uptake properties of Mg/5%Ti nanopowder mixture prepared by a chemical vapor synthesis (CVS) process were investigated. Samples were made in a CVS reactor, in which reactant powders were fed into evaporator placed inside the reactor by means of specially designed powder feeders. The produced Mg/5%Ti was hydrogenated in an autoclave under 10.3 MPa pressure and 150 °C for 12 h. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that 5.2 wt% of hydrogen began to be released from 190 °C while temperature was increased at a heating rate of 5 °C/min up to 350 °C under an argon flow. This onset temperature of Mg–Ti nanopowder dehydrogenation was much lower than that of MgH2 alone, which is 381 °C. In addition, the activation energy of dehydrogenation was 104 kJ/mol, which is much smaller than that of as-received MgH2 (153 kJ/mol).
Interaction of Weak Organic Acids with Insoluble Polyamides II: Study of sorption of selected weak organic acids by nylon 610

Sorption studies were conducted at several different temperatures for a group of compounds having or behaving as weak organic acids using nylon 610 as the substrate. Six compounds were included in the investigation—benzoic acid, o -hydroxybenzoic acid, m -hydroxybenzoic acid, p -hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl p -hydroxybenzoate, and propyl p -hydroxybenzoate. The collected data permitted the evaluation for each compound of ( a ) the saturation value of solute in the nylon, ( b ) the affinity of the solute toward the plastic, ( c ) the standard heat of sorption, ( d ) the apparent diffusion coefficient and ( e ) the activation energy of diffusion. With the Rotinyan and Drozdov equation, it was possible to confirm that the diffusion of the solute in the plastic was the rate-determining step in the sorption process.
Order and disorder in auditory cortical maps

Abstract Recent physiological experiments suggest that several basic receptive field properties of neurons show non-uniform spatial distributions in the primary auditory cortex of cats and primates. The spatial distribution patterns of some of these receptive field parameters are suggestive of a parallel coding scheme for processing sound information onto several superimposed cortical ‘maps’. The representations of these parameters in the auditory cortex are compatible with general features of self-organizing mapping algorithms, as the spatial representations exhibit global parameter gradients with overlaid functional patchiness. Recent studies have also revealed that within a ‘representational’ map, the degree of local coherence varies over a wide range and that the map can contain a substantial degree of disorder in its parametric representation of sounds. Although the causes and consequences of this representational disorder are not known, it may reflect yet unresolved organizational principles in the auditory cortex.
Great Lakes Water Levels Bounce Back After Record Lows

Water levels in the Great Lakes have rebounded dramatically from historic lows in December 2012 and January 2013, though the levels still remain lower than average in some of the lakes, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said during a 20 November briefing. The low lake levels had hampered shipping and other commercial and recreational uses of the waterways.
Development and Optimization of Tissue Preparative Methodology for DNA Content Analysis of Soft Tissue Neoplasms

Data regarding DNA content parameters in soft tissue sarcoma is limited. Development and optimization of tissue specific preparative techniques for DNA flow cytometry was undertaken prior to routine DNA content analysis of soft tissue neoplasms; 154 soft tissue tumors were studied. Dissociation dependent differences in cellular yields, viabilities, maintenance of DNA aneuploid populations, coefficients of variation, and DNA index supported the need for these developmental studies. Fifty-six of eighty-nine patients had DNA aneuploid soft tissue sarcomas. A relationship between DNA aneuploidy and grade was seen in this series with 38% with low grade, 59% with moderate grade, and 69% with high grade tumors demonstrating DNA aneuploid populations (P < 0.005). The mean S-phase fraction for DNA diploid and aneuploid sarcomas was 7.2% and 13.3%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). When classified by histologic grade of the primary tumor, a greater percentage of metastatic lesions were DNA aneuploid (4 of 7 grade 2 lesions, and 15 of 16 grade 3 lesions). Decreases in cellular yields and rate of DNA aneuploidy were observed in a subgroup of patients with localized high grade sarcoma treated preoperatively, as compared to patients treated with initial surgery. Prospective correlation of DNA content parameters to prognosis and response to cytotoxic therapy are now possible and are ongoing. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quasielastic γ-ray scattering from pentadecane

A recently developed M\"ossbauer instrument has been used to study the liquid dynamics of pentadecane at various temperatures and scattering angles. Widths of the quasielastic signal extracted from the data ranged between 16 GHz (at 12 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) and 48 GHz (at 74 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) at a scattering vector of 1.15 A${\mathrm{\r{}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. Similar measurements at five different scattering angles (at 12 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) were also taken to investigate the Q dependence between 0.82 and 1.56 A${\mathrm{\r{}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The results obtained are in good agreement with classical theory for coherent scattering from liquids.
Spinodal decomposition in binary mixtures.

We study the early stage of the phase separation of a binary mixture far from its critical point of demixing. Whenever the mixture of two mutually repulsive species is quenched to a temperature below its critical point of miscibility, the effect of the enthalpic repulsive force prevails upon the entropic tendency to mix, so that the system eventually separates itno two coexisting phases. We have developed a highly nonlinear model, in close analogy with the linear theory of Cahn and Hilliard, where a generalized free energy is defined in terms of two parameters \ensuremath{\psi} and a, the first describing the equilibrium composition of the two phases, ad the second denoting a characteristic length scale that is inversely proportional to the equilibrium surface tension. The linear stability analysis predicts that any perturbation of the initial mixture composition with wave number k smaller than \ensuremath{\surd}2\ensuremath{\psi} /a will grow exponentially in time, with a maximum growth corresponding to ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{max}}$= \ensuremath{\surd}\ensuremath{\psi} /a. A numerical solution of the equation shows that nonlinear effects saturate the exponential growth, and that the concentraiton distribution tends to a steady state, peroidic profile with wavelength \ensuremath{\lambda}=2\ensuremath{\pi}a/ \ensuremath{\surd}\ensuremath{\psi} corresponding to the fastest growing mode of the linear regime. The main result of our theoretical model is that this steady state does not depend on the form of the initial perturbation to the homogeneous composition profile. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Clinical applications and future directions of functional MRI

First described for use in mapping the human visual cortex in 1991, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is based on blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) changes in cortical regions that occur during specific tasks. Typically, an overabundance of oxygenated (arterial) blood is supplied during activation of brain areas. Consequently, the venous outflow from the activated areas contains a higher concentration of oxyhemoglobin, which changes the paramagnetic properties of the tissue that can be detected during a T2-star acquisition. fMRI data can be acquired in response to specific tasks or in the resting state. fMRI has been widely applied to studying physiologic and pathophysiologic diseases of the brain. This review will discuss the most common current clinical applications of fMRI as well as emerging directions.
Asian development through crime prevention -roles and activities of UNAFEI-

Abstract The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, widely known as UNAFEI, completed the first decade of its unique existence as a training and research institute for the Asia region, in August 1972. It has attempted to meet some of the challenging needs of the region in the field of prevention of crime and treatment of offenders. It is now commencing the second decade with a renewed determination for the constant improvement and expansion of its activities so as to make a significant contribution to a sound Asian development through crime prevention. This note provides a brief description of UNAFEI's roles and activities.
TISSUE-SPECIFIC REGULATION BY VITAMIN D STATUS OF NUCLEAR AND MITOCHONDRIAL GENE EXPRESSION IN KIDNEY AND INTESTINE

Vitamin D is responsible, through the actions of its metabolite, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3], for the generation of a wide array of biological responses, particularly in the intestine, kidney, and bone. 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is known to interact with its nuclear receptor to mediate the regulation of gene transcription. Although many genes and gene products have been shown to be regulated by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 (e.g. calbindin-D28K in the intestine and kidney; collagen, osteocalcin,and osteopontin in bone), their recognition has been largely the result of empirical testing. In this report we have used subtractive hybridization analysis of complementary DNA libraries prepared from messenger RNA (mRNA) isolated from the intestine and kidney of vitamin D-replete or vitamin D-deficient chicks to identify genes for novel proteins whose steady state mRNA levels are regulated by dietary vitamin D status. In the kidney we observed the down-regulated expression of at least seven mitochondrially encoded transcripts and the up-regulated expression of five nuclear encoded genes, two of which are metallothionein and the beta-subunit of aldolase. In the intestine, six mitochondrially encoded transcripts are up-regulated, and seven nuclear encoded transcripts were either up- or down-regulated. Thus, in addition to identifying new nuclear encoded genes whose mRNAs are regulated by vitamin D status, our approach has demonstrated the tissue-specific regulation of mitochondrial gene expression in the intestine and kidney.
Intraluminal Shunting of Operatively Severed Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Grafts

Restoration of myocardial perfusion using plastic shunts in severed aortocoronary bypass grafts is described.
Bayesian estimation - A sensitivity analysis

The robustness of the assigned prior distribution in a Bayesian estimation problem is examined. A Bayesian analysis for a stochastic intensity parameter of a Poisson distribution is summarized in which the natural conjugate is assigned as the prior distribution of the random parameter. The sensitivity analysis is carried out by assuming the existence of a true prior which is different in form from that of the assigned prior distribution. By using mean-squared error as a measure of performance, the ensuing Bayes decision function is compared to the corresponding minimum variance unbiased estimator. Results indicate that the Bayes estimator is largely robust to deviations from the assigned prior and remains squared-error superior to the MVU type within a broad region.
A comparison of the hard ASCA spectral slopes of broad- and narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

The soft (\approx 0.1--2.0 keV) X-ray spectra of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies are known to be generally steeper than those of Seyfert 1 galaxies with broader optical permitted lines. This has been attributed to the presence of strong soft X-ray excesses, over the hard X-ray power law, in many narrow-line Seyfert 1s. Here we use the currently available ASCA data to systematically compare the harder (\approx 2--10 keV) X-ray continua of soft ROSAT narrow-line Seyfert 1s with those of Seyfert 1s with larger H-beta FWHM. Our robust and nonparametric testing suggests, with high statistical significance, that soft ROSAT narrow-line Seyfert 1s have generally steeper intrinsic hard X-ray continua than Seyfert 1s with larger H-beta FWHM. The hard photon index trend appears similar to the previously known soft photon index trend, although with a reduced photon index spread. If the soft X-ray excesses of all Seyfert 1s are confined to below \approx 1 keV they cannot directly affect the \approx 2--10 keV spectra studied here. However, as suggested for the extreme narrow-line Seyfert 1 RE J 1034+393, a strong soft X-ray excess may affect the accretion disc corona which creates the underlying hard X-ray power law. If this is occurring, then more detailed study of this physical process could give clues about the formation of the underlying continua of all Seyferts. Other effects, such as intrinsic 2--10 keV continuum curvature, could also lead to the observed photon index trend and need further study.
Crossmodal integration in the identification of consonant segments.

Although speechreading can be facilitated by auditory or tactile supplements, the process that integrates cues across modalities is not well understood. This paper describes two “optimal processing” models for the types of integration that can be used in speechreading consonant segments and compares their predictions with those of the Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception (FLMP, Massaro, 1987). In “pre-labelling” integration, continuous sensory data is combined across modalities before response labels are assigned. In “post-labelling” integration, the responses that would be made under unimodal conditions are combined, and a joint response is derived from the pair. To describe pre-labelling integration, confusion matrices are characterized by a multidimensional decision model that allows performance to be described by a subject's sensitivity and bias in using continuous-valued cues. The cue space is characterized by the locations of stimulus and response centres. The distance between a pair of stimulus centre...
Understanding CMUTs with substrate-embedded springs

A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) with substrate-embedded springs, as named postCMUT or PCMUT, provides many benefits over a conventional CMUT having flexural plate movement. Since the PCMUT structure resembles an ideal piston transducer, the improvements in performance mainly stem from the higher average displacement of the top plate for a given gap height. In this work, comprehensive 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) models are developed to further our understanding of the PCMUT structure. The 3-D FEA models include 3 analysis types, i.e. static, modal, and harmonic analyses, to fully understand the static and dynamic behavior of the PCMUT structure. To reduce the long simulation runtime, simplified 3-D FEA models with quarter symmetry and ideal springs are used instead of full transducer element models. We show that modal analysis results of the 3-D FEA models are in good agreement with the experimental results obtained from the first-generation fabricated PCMUT devices. Two top plate types are considered for the PCMUT structure and hence included in our model: a uniform plate (type 1) and a nonuniform plate (type 2) having a thinner edge portion than its center. Based on the 3-D FEA models, comprehensive parametric simulations were performed for both plate types to understand the effect of each parameter on the static and dynamic behavior. The plate type 2 provided better overall performance than the plate type 1. For the simulated designs the average DC displacement achieved using the plate type 2 was over 50% larger than that for the plate type 1. The FEA simulations also revealed that careful attention must be paid to the engineering of the top plate to assure that unwanted higher plate modes do not interfere with the normal operation of the device within the desired frequency band. KeywordsUltrasound; CMUT; substrate-embedded springs; piston transducer; finite element analysis (FEA)
An effective approach to enhance production and operations management education in colleges of business

This paper presents experience and guidelines drawn from a major research project to enhance Production and Operations Management (POM) education in a college of business. This research clearly showed that the inclusion of a manufacturing information system in POM courses substantially improved the teaching of integrated manufacturing planning and control, as well as managerial problem-solving processes. However, before these benefits could be attained, efforts were focused on how to re-design the course content, how to develop educational materials, and how to utilize the manufacturing information system to enhance POM education effectively in a university environment.
Improved survival in multiple myeloma and the impact of novel therapies

Treatments for myeloma have expanded in the last decade, but it is not clear if the introduction of novel therapies and the increased use of high-dose therapy have translated into better outcome for patients with myeloma. We examined the outcome of 2 groups of patients seen at a single institution, one from time of diagnosis and the other from the time of relapse, to examine the survival trends over time. Among 387 patients relapsing after stem-cell transplantation, a clear improvement in overall survival from the time of relapse was seen, with those relapsing after 2000 having a median overall survival of 23.9 versus 11.8 months (P < .001) for those who relapsed prior to this date. This improvement was independent of other prognostic factors. Patients treated with one or more of the newer drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib) had longer survival from relapse (30.9 vs 14.8 months; P < .001). In a larger group of 2981 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma, those diagnosed in the last decade had a 50% improvement in overall survival (44.8 vs 29.9 months; P < .001). In this study, we demonstrate improved outcome of patients with myeloma in recent years, both in the relapsed setting as well as at diagnosis.
Tissue-specific expression of the alternately processed Drosophila myosin heavy-chain messenger RNAs

Abstract The myosin heavy-chain (Mhc) gene of Drosophila is a single-copy gene from which four messenger RNAs are transcribed. Two of these mRNAs, CA-1 and CA-2, are expressed in all stages of development when Mhc mRNA is detected. The 3′ ends of these mRNAs differ by alternate choice of poly(A) addition sites. Two additional Mhc mRNAs, CBA-1 and CBA-2, are detected only in midpupal to adult stages of development. The 3′ ends of these mRNAs are alternately polyadenylated as the above mRNAs; however, these mRNAs contain an additional alternately spliced exon. We have used in situ hybridization to tissue sections to determine the tissue-specific expression of the alternately processed Mhc mRNAs. Four probes were used in the in situ hybridization experiments: one that detects all Mhc mRNAs, one that is specific for mRNA molecules polyadenylated at the downstream site 2, one that is specific for alternately spliced mRNAs containing the B exon, and one that is specific for Mhc mRNAs CA-1 and CA-2. This last probe is an oligodeoxynucleotide, while the others are single-stranded RNA molecules synthesized in vitro. Our results demonstrate that the alternate splicing of Mhc mRNAs is muscle-cell-type-specific during pupal development, while the polydenylation site usage at the downstream site 2 is not muscle-cell-type-specific during either embryonic or pupal development.
Die Bestimmung von Blei, Nickel und Zink durch Fällung als Oxalate und deren Titration mit Kaliumpermanganat

Es sind versuche beschrieben worden, welche, welche zeigen, das Blei bestimmt werden kann durch Fallung mit Ammoniumoxalat oder Oxalsaure in Gegenwart groser Mengen Essigsaure und Titration des gebildeten Oxalats mit Permanganat.