cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The distribution of rods and cones in the retina of the cat (Felis domesticus).

The distribution of rods and cones in the cat retina was studied by light microscopy. The rods and cones were counted from the area centralis to the temporal periphery in photomicrographs of transverse sections through the inner segments. A 16% correction for the effect of tissue shrinkage was applied to the densities obtained in fixed-dehydrated tissue, by comparing these counts with those obtained from similar retinal areas in fresh tissue. The cone distribution was characterized by a steep increase in cone density centrally, which was elongated in the nasotemporal axis, and coincided approximately with the central increase in ganglion cell density (Stone, '65). Cone density in the area centralis peaked at 26,000–27,000/mm2, and fell to a plateau of 4000/mm2 in the periphery and to less than 3000/mm2 near the ora serrata. The density of rods was greater than the density of cones in all regions. The rods reached a maximum density of 460,000/mm2 at an eccentricity of 10–15°, in a region which completely surrounded the central cone elevation. Centrally, the rod distribution was characterized by a sharp fall in density, reaching a low of 275,000/mm2 at the point of peak cone density. Peripherally, there was a plateau of high rod density at above 400,000/mm2, out to about 30° temporal eccentricity. Beyond this plateau, rod density steadily fell, and reached a low of 250,000/mm2 near the ora serrata. The rod/cone ratio reached a low value of 10.5–11.0 in the central region of maximum cone density. It then rose steeply to reach a plateau of about 65 in the periphery, while near the ora serrata there were 100 rods for each cone. The rods were arranged in well defined rows, and each rod was surrounded by six other rods. The cones were interspersed throughout the rod mosaic and were less regularly arranged than the rods. In fresh tissue, rod outer segment diameters ranged from 1.0 μ to 1.6 μ. rod diameters were smallest in the region of maximum rod density and increased, along with the decrease in rod density, both in the periphery and in the area centralis. Two thirds of the central decrease in rod density from the pericentral peak could not be accounted for by the increase in the percentage of space occupied by cones, and was consistent with a central increase in rod diameter. Receptor-ganglion cell convergence was estimated by comparing receptor densities with the ganglion cell densities of Stone ('65). Cone-ganglion cell convergence reached a minimum in the area centralis at the cone density peak, probably indicating the retinal region in which photopic acuity is at an optimum. Minimum rod-ganglion cell convergence, as estimated from the rod/large ganglion cell ratio, reached a minimum at about 7.5° central to the peak of rod density, and at about the same eccentricity as the human scotopic acuity optimum.
Sequential spectropolarimetric analysis of mixtures of barium-calcium, cadmium-copper and cadmium-zinc

Abstract A direct sequential spectropolarimetric titration method based on the stereospecific ligand D-(—)-1,2-propylenediamine tetraacetic acid was developed for the following three mixtures: barium-calcium, cadmium-copper, and cadmium-zinc. In a single titration, without changing the pH or other environmental conditions, mixtures that cannot be sequentially titrated visually in aqueous solution, can be successfully titra¨ted. Because the optically active titrant and the stereospecifically formed complexes have molecular rotations significantly different from each other, they serve as self-indicators for the two titration end-points. Both the precision and accuracy of the sequential spectropolarimetric titrations are excellent and the range of the average deviations was 0.0 to 0.37%.
Tomographic methods in range-Doppler radar

The authors explore the interplay between radar detection and tomographic reconstruction techniques. On the other hand, classical tomography yields an algorithm for range-velocity determination. On the other hand, radar detection gives rise to a new type of tomographic reconstruction problem.
Biomechanical Analysis of Unilateral External Skeletal Fixators Combined with IM-Pin and Without IM-Pin Using Finite-Element Method.

Objectives— To determine if a unilateral external skeletal fixator (ESF) with a carbon fiber connecting rod (IMEX™ SK) without an intramedullary (IM)-pin is mechanically comparable with a unilateral ESF with a stainless-steel connecting rod (IMEX™ KE) with an IM-pin. Study Design— Finite-element method (FEM)—computer simulation. Methods— FEM models were validated by comparison against data from mechanical testing. Three-dimensional FEM models of a femur with a mid-diaphyseal fracture with a 20 mm gap were developed with 4 unilateral external skeletal fixator devices (6-pin KE, 6-pin KE IM-pin, 6-pin SK, and 6-pin SK IM-pin). A 300 N load was applied to the femur at the proximal end in a direction of θ=10° distally and φ=10° laterally cranially. Relative displacements in x-, y- and z-directions at the gap were obtained and the overall stiffness was calculated as 300 N/total displacement. Load transfer at the pin–bone interface (PBI) was assessed by determining the von Mises stress maxima at the PBI-related nodes. Results— The 6-pin SK had superior mechanical performance compared with the 6-pin KE by exhibiting smaller displacements in all directions and higher stiffness. Compared with the 6-pin KE IM-pin, the 6-pin SK (without IM-pin) was superior in craniocaudal and lateromedial displacements, but inferior in axial displacements, overall stiffness and von Mises stress maxima. The 6-pin SK IM-pin was superior to the 6-pin KE IM-pin based on smaller displacements and higher stiffness. Conclusions— Although the SK device had superior mechanical performance compared with a KE device in a unilateral configuration, the addition of an IM-pin continues to be a powerful method of enhancing mechanical performance of either IMEX™ SK or IMEX™ KE unilateral constructs in clinical cases. Clinical Relevance— Based on the results of this FEM study we recommend the use of the “tied-in” IM-pin with the ESF clinically when striving for high rigidity. In less challenging situations, a unilateral SK ESF without IM-pin might provide sufficient rigidity for a successful fracture repair.
Effect of triiodothyronine on gene transcription during cardiopulmonary bypass in infants with ventricular septal defect.

We tested the hypothesis that triiodothyronine (T 3 ) supplementation alters gene transcription in the left ventricular myocardium of infants undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for ventricular septal defect repair. To our knowledge, a novel heteronuclear assay demonstrated for the first time in human heart that rapid change in T 3 levels altered the adenine nucleotide translocase-1 transcription rate during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Selective chemoembolization in the management of hepatic metastases in refractory colorectal carcinoma: A phase II trial

PURPOSE: Metastatic involvement of the liver frequently determines the evolution of the clinical picture in colorectal cancer patients. We examined the efficacy and toxicity of chemoembolization in this setting, identifying prognostic factors to define patients most likely to benefit from the procedure. METHODS: Forty patients underwent chemoembolization of metastatic liver lesions from colorectal carcinoma. Selective angiography of the hepatic artery was performed to identify the feeding vessels of the metastatic lesions. The injected chemoemulsion consisted of 1,000 mg of 5-fluorouracil, 10 mg of mitomycin C, and 10 ml of ethiodized oil in a total volume of 30 ml. Gelfoam embolization then followed, until stagnation of blood flow was achieved. Patients were evaluated for response, overall survival, and toxicities. RESULTS: Overall median survival from date of first chemoembolization was ten months. Factors that predicted a longer median survival included favorable performance status (24 months), serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels less than three times normal (24 and 12 months, respectively), and metastatic disease confined to the liver (14 months). Most patients tolerated the procedure well. The most common side effects were transient fevers, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Three patients died within one month from the procedure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that chemoembolization of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer should be further evaluated; it may be beneficial in patients who have failed systemic chemotherapy, have a good performance status, and have metastatic disease confined to the liver.
Components of competitiveness in sterile male boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

This study examines the relative importance of age at the time of irradiation on attractiveness, mating ability, sperm transfer, prior mating, and longevity as factors of competitive- ness in sterile male boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman. The amount of sperm transferred by irradiated males appeared to be the most important factor in competitiveness. More sperm was transferred by virgin males irradiated on day 5 than by virgin males irradiated on day 2, and males irradiated on day 5 had greater impact on egg hatch than those irradiated on day 2. The amount of sperm in spermlathecae of females mated to virgin males irradiated on day 5 was indistinguishable from that in females mated to virgin control males. Mating ability of males of all treatments was similar. Comparable numbers of boll weevils were captured in traps baited with males irradiated at 2 or 5 d during the first 4-5 d after irradiation, but thereafter, generally more weevils were captured in traps baited with males irradiated at 2 d or with control males. Attractiveness of males irradiated at 2 d was generally comparable to that of control males. More than 91% of irradiated males individually caged on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., plants lived for 10 d in the field, and 40% lived for 14 d; all individually caged control males lived 14 d. When released into cotton fields, however, the numbers of both irradiated and control males declined sharply over 14 d. Thus, the potential for an effective 2-wk life span in the field suggested by the caged study did not appear to apply to laboratory-reared weevils released into cotton fields.
Nitrogen nutrition of Myriophyllum spicatum: variation of plant tissue nitrogen concentration with season and site in Lake Wingra

Summary Samples of water, sediment and Myriophyllum spicatum were collected from four weedbed sites in Lake Wingra, a small hypereutrophic hardwater lake in Madison, Wisconsin, several times during the 1972 and 1973 growing seasons, and analysed for various forms of N. The concentrations of inorganic N in the lake water were quite similar at all sites. The differences in the total N content of the Myriophyllum tissue from site to site directly related to the levels of available sediment N, indicating a dependence upon the sediment as a N source. Myriophyllum tissue N concentrations (ash and moisture-free basis) were highest in spring, decreased steadily during the summer, and increased again in the fall. Myriophyllum apparently grows very little during the winter, but continues to accumulate N. The death and decay of a considerable portion of the Myriophyllum in the fall contributes insignificant amounts of N directly to the lake water. Nitrogen does not appear to be limiting Myriophyllum spicatum growth in Lake Wingra.
Sphaeroplast formation and regeneration in Trichoderma reesei

Sphaeroplasts from several genetically marked strains of Trichoderma reesei were readily prepared through enzymatic hydrolysis of mycelial suspensions utilizing Driselase, a commercially available lytic enzyme preparation. Sphaeroplasts were released from the apical tips of hyphae after 90 min exposure to the enzyme and, with longer treatments, from other regions of the hyphae. The efficiency of sphaeroplast formation was dependent upon a number of factors. Young mycelium was far more susceptible to lysis than older hyphae. Additionally, the yields of sphaeroplasts were directly proportional to the mycelial concentration within the range tested (0.7–7.0 mg dry weight of mycelium). Ammonium sulfate (0.6 M) was the most effective osmotic support in relation to sphaeroplast stability during their release from the mycelium and subsequent purification. The most prominent enzymatic activities of Driselase were endo-β-(1→4)-glucanase, β-glucosidase and β-(1→3)-glucanase. No chitinase activity was detected. The combined application of Driselase and chitinase (Streptomyces griseus) to mycelial suspensions resulted in increased sphaeroplast yields from young (18 h) as well as older (24 h) mycelia. The parameters defined here allow the rapid (<6h), inexpensive production of 107 sphaeroplasts/ml. Regeneration of T. reesei sphaeroplasts proceeded by the production of chains of sphaeroplast-like cells followed by true hyphal formation. The frequency of regeneration to mycelial form was dependent upon the length of exposure of mycelium to the lytic enzyme. Less than 1% of the sphaeroplasts prepared from 24 h hydrolytic treatment of mycelia regenerate to form colonies while virtually 100% of the viable sphaeroplasts prepared from 6 h treatment form colonies in regeneration medium.
Predictive Markers of Tubulin-Targeting Agents in Breast Cancer

Microtubules are formed by an equal amount of α- and β-tubulins through a dynamic process of polymerization and depolymerization that reaches equilibrium. Tubulin-targeting agents affect the microtubule function to disrupt cell shape, microvesicle transportation, and spindle formation. The use of tubulin-targeting agents, especially the newer agents such as taxanes, has significantly increased the response and even survival in patients with many cancers, including breast cancer. However, not all patients respond to these agents. Also, most patients develop recurrent or progressive disease, especially in the metastatic setting. The use of predictive markers of tubulin-targeting agents is therefore needed to increase the therapeutic ratio in the selected patient population. However, many clinical studies have failed to identify reliable and reproducible clinical or biologic markers that serve this purpose. Of the various markers examined, β-tubulin III and its related proteins, such as tau, seem to predict the response to taxanes in preliminary clinical studies. However, most of these studies are limited by many factors such as small sample size, heterogeneous patient population, disease stages, and different methods in marker detection. None of these markers have been validated by large prospective clinical trials. Since tumor cells are driven by many signal transduction pathways, the study of the gene expression signature rather than a single gene is more likely to identify the ultimate predictive markers of response to tubulin-targeting agents. Gene expression profiling and proteomics are in preclinical development and in early clinical trials. They will eventually enable us to offer patients tailored chemotherapy with the tubulin-targeting agents. Before such predictive markers are available, these agents may be considered in patients with good performance status and aggressive tumors.
The effect of electrical stimulation on reinnervation of rat muscle: contractile properties and endplate morphometry.

Abstract Denervated extensor digitorum longus muscles of Wistar rats were electrically stimulated in vivo for 4 days (2 h per day) after peroneal nerve crush 1 cm from the muscle. Isometric contractile properties and endplate ultrastructure were measured on days 11 and 18. On day 11, the time to peak (116% of control) and 1/2-relaxation time (136% of control) for the twitch tensions of stimulated muscles measured in vivo were significantly less than those (127% and 157% of controls, respectively) of non-stimulated muscles. Peak twitch and tetanic tensions were not significantly different. The postsynaptic area of endplates for stimulated muscles were closer in size to controls than those for the non-stimulated ones. On day 18, no difference was found in the contractile responses between stimulated and non-stimulated groups. Similarly, the postsynaptic areas were the same for both groups. These results demonstrate that denervated muscle stimulated electrically for 4 days prior to reinnervation can preserve the structure of the endplate as well as accelerate recovery of normal function in reinnervated muscle fibers after 11 days of denervation.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism in 29 Dogs: 1985–1995

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurs as a complication to a number of commonly encountered clinical diseases. Antemortem recognition of this life-threatening disorder is hampered by nonspecificity of clinical signs. This retrospective study was performed to analyze clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging abnormalities, and concurrent postmortem diagnoses in 29 dogs with confirmed pulmonary embolism. A variety of clinicopathologic and radiographic abnormalities were noted but there were no pathognomonic findings for PTE. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed in 15 (52%) of 29 dogs; 12 (80%) of 15 exhibited hypoxemia and 15 (100%) of 15 had increased alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients. Response to supplemental O2 was variable and did not correlate with the presence or absence of additional pulmonary pathology on postmortem. At postmortem, 25 (86%) of 29 dogs had grossly visible emboli, 17 (59%) of 29 dogs had multiple disease processes, and 16 (55%) of 29 dogs had additional pulmonary pathology. PTE was suspected antemortem in 11 (38%) of 29 dogs. In dogs with respiratory signs consistent with PTE, the condition was a differential diagnosis in 11 of 17 animals; all had diseases previously reported to be associated with PTE. Neoplasia, systemic bacterial disease, and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia were diagnosed most frequently.
Tunable, Source-Controlled Formation of Platinum Silicides and Nanogaps from Thin Precursor Films

F. Streller, Dr. F. Mangolini Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania 3231 Walnut Street , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , USA Dr. G. E. Wabiszewski, Dr. R. W. Carpick Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics University of Pennsylvania 220 S. 33rd Street , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , USA E-mail: carpick@seas.upenn.edu Dr. G. Feng Department of Mechanical Engineering Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue , Villanova , Pennsylvania 19085 , USA
Homologous and non-homologous chromosome associations by interchromosomal chromatin connectives in Ornithogalum virens

Based on interchromosomal chromatin connectives, a statistical analysis of homologous and non-homologous chromosome associations was made on mitotic metaphase chromosomes of Ornithogalum virens. The great majority of connectives involve constitutive heterochromatin, and connections between homologous chromosomes are twice as common as would be expected by chance. It is suggested that constitutive heterochromatin with similar DNA is involved in both homologous and non-homologous chromosome associations.
The Use of Contrastive Analysis in Distinguishing Difference From Disorder

Contrastive analysis aids the identification of true speech-language errors in cases where there is a mismatch between the linguistic communities of the clinician and the client. This tutorial illu...
DNA methylation as a universal biomarker

Cell-free circulating DNA carries not only tumor-specific changes in its sequence but also distinctive epigenetic marks, namely DNA methylation, in certain GC-rich fragments. These fragments are usually located within the promoters and first exons of many genes, comprising CpG islands. Analysis of DNA methylation using cell-free circulating DNA can facilitate development of very accurate biomarkers for detection, diagnosis, prediction of response to therapy and prognosis of outcomes. Recent data suggest that benign and inflammatory diseases have very specific methylation patterns within cell-free circulating DNA, which are different from the pattern of a malignant tumor of the same organ. In addition, specific methylation patterns have been detected for cancers of different organs, so a differential diagnosis of site-specific cancer appears feasible. Currently, cancer-related applications dominate the field, although methylation-based biomarkers may also be possible for other diseases, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
The F-BAR Cdc15 promotes contractile ring formation through the direct recruitment of the formin Cdc12

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cytokinesis requires the assembly and constriction of an actomyosin-based contractile ring (CR). Nucleation of F-actin for the CR requires a single formin, Cdc12, that localizes to the cell middle at mitotic onset. Although genetic requirements for formin Cdc12 recruitment have been determined, the molecular mechanisms dictating its targeting to the medial cortex during cytokinesis are unknown. In this paper, we define a short motif within the N terminus of Cdc12 that binds directly to the F-BAR domain of the scaffolding protein Cdc15. Mutations preventing the Cdc12–Cdc15 interaction resulted in reduced Cdc12, F-actin, and actin-binding proteins at the CR, which in turn led to a delay in CR formation and sensitivity to other perturbations of CR assembly. We conclude that Cdc15 contributes to CR formation and cytokinesis via formin Cdc12 recruitment, defining a novel cytokinetic function for an F-BAR domain.
Speaking of the Unspeakable: Toward a Psychosocial Understanding of Responses to Terror

The aim of this essay is to articulate a psychosocial semiotics in the study of responses to the political terror that has engulfed much of Latin America in recent times. Examining materials collected among new arrivals from war-torn Central America and, more recently, on the uncanny case of the Argentine "dirty war" desaparecidos (disappeared), I shall explore the contention that the system of collective terror that flourished in the 1970s and 1980s in this part of the world, like other cultural systems, possessed its own formal structures or "grammar." Applying a psychosocial mode of analyses, the essay relates responses to state-mandated terror to universal human psychological coping mechanisms. How do human beings respond to extreme situations of political terror? What are the psychological mechanisms
Exquisite food allergy without eating

The past few decades have witnessed an increasing understanding of the role of food allergy in human disease. Nevertheless, controversies still exist in several aspects of this area. One such controversy concerns the body systems that can be the target of food hypersensitivity reactions. Another is the role of noningestant exposure to food in a nonoccupational setting. Both of these aspects are vividly demonstrated in the case presented here.
Evaluation, self-awareness, and task performance☆

Abstract Two contradictory hypotheses regarding the effect of self-attention or self-awareness on task performance are considered. Recent research on test anxiety indicates that self-awareness interferes with task performance by decreasing the proportion of attention paid to the task. Wicklund and Duval's (1971) theory of objective self-awareness predicts the opposite: that self-awareness will induce a person to try harder and to perform at a higher level. Experimental evidence indicates that both hypotheses are correct, each at a different level of evaluation. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for a unified social-psychological theory of evaluative self-awareness which could account for findings now classed under separate headings such as test anxiety, self-awareness, and social facilitation.
The effect of cerebral cortex isolation on sleep-wakefulness cycles in cats.

It has been established in experiments with cats that the neuronal isolation of the cortex of a single cerebral hemisphere by the method of M. M. Khananashvili [10] causes a disturbance in sleep duration for as long as four months. The character and completeness of the restoration of the sleep parameters indicates that the lost function of the cortex operated upon is gradually transferred to the cortex of the second hemisphere. It is concluded that there are no specific (internal) mechanisms in the cerebral cortex which regulate sleep. We make a suggestion on the basis of our own data and a number of works in the literature that the role of the cerebral cortex consists in regulating those internal brain processes which provide for adaptive sleep and wakefulness alternations during the course of uninterrupted internal and external conditions.
Pulsatile Pressure and Flow in the Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation

Although blood flow in the microcirculation of the rat skeletal muscle has negligible inertia forces with very low Reynolds number and Womersley parameter, time-dependent pressure and flow variations can be observed. Such phenomena include, for example, arterial flow overshoot following a step arterial pressure, a gradual arterial pressure reduction for a step flow, or hysteresis between pressure and flow when a pulsatile pressure is applied. Arterial and venous flows do not follow the same time course during such transients. A theoretical analysis is presented for these phenomena using a microvessel with distensible viscoelastic walls and purely viscous flow subject to time variant arterial pressures. The results indicate that the vessel distensibility plays an important role in such time-dependent microvascular flow and the effects are of central physiological importance during normal muscle perfusion. In-vivo whole organ pressure-flow data in the dilated rat gracilis muscle agree in the time course with the theoretical predictions. Hemodynamic impedances of the skeletal muscle microcirculation are investigated for small arterial and venous pressure amplitudes superimposed on an initial steady flow and pressure drop along the vessel.
DO ALTERNATE STABLE COMMUNITY STATES EXIST IN THE GULF OF MAINE ROCKY INTERTIDAL ZONE

It has recently been hypothesized that intertidal mussel beds and seaweed canopies in the Gulf of Maine are alternate community stable states or disturbance patch mosaics dominated by either seaweed or mussel communities. The community that occurs in a given site is proposed to be stochastic and dependent on the size of the original disturbance and subsequent recruit availability. Large disturbances are postulated to be dominated by mussel beds and barnacles with widely dispersed larvae, whereas smaller disturbances are dominated by seaweeds, with limited dispersal. Positive feedbacks are proposed to maintain these two communities. We tested this hypothesis in a tidal estuary in central Maine. At eight mussel bed and eight seaweed canopy sites, we created 9-m 2 and 1-m 2 clearings and an unmanipulated control area, and in each plot established control, caged, and cage control quadrats. After three years of monitoring, our results do not support the alternate stable state hypothesis. Instead, they suggest that the occurrence of mussel beds and seaweed canopies is highly deterministic. Seaweed canopies dominate habitats with relatively little water movement, whereas mussel beds dominate habitats with high flows; and largely independent of dis- turbance size, mussel beds and seaweed canopies rapidly returned to their original com- munity type, but only in the absence of consumers (crabs and snails). With consumers present, neither community showed significant signs of recovery, even after three years. In the presence of consumers, community recovery appears to be dependent on cracks and crevices providing refuges from consumers to seaweed and mussel recruits. The idea that natural communities may represent stochastically determined alternate stable states has important implications for understanding and managing natural ecosystems, but the very existence of alternate stable states in nature has been difficult to establish. Our results suggest that intertidal seaweed canopies and mussel beds in tidal rivers in the Gulf of Maine are highly deterministic alternative community states under consumer control. More generally, since all proposed examples of alternate community stable states are based on indirect, inferential evidence, our results imply that stochastically determined alternate community stable states might be an interesting theoretical idea without a definitive em- pirical example.
Optimal 3-D coefficient tree structure for 3-D wavelet video coding

An optimal three-dimensional (3-D) coefficient tree structure for 3-D zerotree wavelet video coding is considered in this paper. The 3-D zerotree wavelet video coding is inspired by the success of the two-dimensional (2-D) zerotree wavelet image coding. Existing 3-D zerotree wavelet video codecs use the either symmetric or symmetric-alike 3-D tree structure, which is a straightforward extension of the symmetric 2-D tree structure in the zerotree wavelet image coding. In this paper, we show that the 3-D zerotree coding does not need to be applied symmetrically along all the directions, as the 2-D zerotree image coding does. We find that an asymmetric 3-D tree structure working with a more flexible asymmetric 3-D wavelet transform can produce a higher compression ratio than traditional symmetric approaches. The new 3-D tree structure can be used to improve the rate-distortion performance of many existing 3-D zerotree wavelet video codecs without sacrificing other features such as scalability and computational efficiency. The new tree structure is applied to the 3-D set partitioning in hierarchical trees method and receives convincing peak signal-to-noise ratio improvements in experiments.
Childhood sarcoidosis: Louisiana experience

A retrospective chart review was conducted to detect patients with sarcoidosis seen by pediatric rheumatology service from the period of 1992 to 2013 at Children’s hospital of New Orleans. Twenty-seven patients were identified. The average duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 5 (range 1–120) months. Five patients had onset before the age of 5 years and were diagnosed with early-onset sarcoidosis. The most common manifestations at presentation were constitutional symptoms (62 %) followed by ocular (38 %). During the course of illness, 19/27 (70 %) had multiorgan involvement. Common manifestations included uveitis/iritis (77 %), fever (50 %), hilar adenopathy (42 %), arthritis (31 %), peripheral lympadenopathy (31 %), hepatosplenomegaly (31 %), parenchymal lung disease (27 %), and skin rash (19 %). Unusual manifestations included granulomatous bone marrow disease (3 cases), hypertension (2), abdominal aortic aneurysm (large vessel vasculitis; 1), granulomatous hepatitis (1), nephrocalcinosis (1), membranous nephropathy (1), refractory granulomatous interstitial nephritis with recurrence in transplanted kidney (1), CNS involvement (2), parotid gland enlargement (1), and sensorineural hearing loss (1). Biopsy specimen was obtained in 21/27 (77 %) patients, and demonstration of noncaseating granuloma associated with negative stains for mycobacteria and fungi was seen in 18 patients. Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme level was seen in 74 % of patients. Treatment with oral prednisone was initiated in symptomatic patients with significant clinical improvement. Low-dose methotrexate (MTX) 10–15 mg/m2/week orally, as steroid-sparing agent, was administered in 14 patients. Other immunomodulators included cyclophosphamide (2 patients), etanercept (2), infliximab (2), mycophenolate mofetil (1), and tacrolimus (1). Childhood sarcoidosis is prevalent in Louisiana. Most of the affected children present with a multisystem disease associated with manifestations similar to those of adult patients. Low-dose MTX seems to be effective, steroid sparing, and safe adjunct to treat sarcoidosis with multiorgan involvement. Early-onset disease is less common and associated with increased morbidity, flares, and poor prognosis.
Rapid in vitro assay for thymotropic, leukemogenic murine C-type RNA viruses.

Abstract A procedure for the in vitro quantitation of thymotropic and leukemogenic murine C-type RNA viruses is described. When serial dilutions of murine leukemia viruses from mice of the C57BL/Ka strain were plated on a nonproducer lymphoma cell line derived from a radiation-induced lymphoma of this strain, end-point titers were obtained that correlated well with those obtained by titration methods in vivo .
An improved preparation of murine histocompatibility antigens (H-2b) and a novel membrane binding form of H-2Kb.

Abstract A modified preparation of H-2b is described which results in a greater overall yield, higher proportion of H-2Db and better preservation of the heavy chain - β2 microglobulin complex than were obtained previously (9). In the absence of inhibitors of proteolysis, a novel low molecular weight H-2Kb heavy chain is obtained. Results indicate that a portion of the H-2Kb has lost a 3000 dalton peptide from the carboxyl terminus not including the hydrophobic membrane binding peptide.
A New Class of Time Discretization Schemes for the Solution of Nonlinear PDEs

We consider issues of stability of time-discretization schemes withexacttreatment of thelinear part(ELP schemes) for solving nonlinear PDEs. A distinctive feature of ELP schemes is the exact evaluation of the contribution of the linear term, that is if the nonlinear term of the equation is zero, then the scheme reduces to the evaluation of the exponential function of the operator representing the linear term. Computing and applying the exponential or other functions of operators with variable coefficients in the usual manner requires evaluating dense matrices and is highly inefficient. It turns out that computing the exponential of strictly elliptic operators in the wavelet system of coordinates yields sparse matrices (for a finite but arbitrary accuracy). This observation makes our approach practical in a number of applications. In particular, we consider applications of ELP schemes to advection?diffusion equations. We study the stability of these schemes and show that both explicit and implicit ELP schemes have distinctly different stability properties if compared with known implicit?explicit schemes. For example, we describe explicit schemes with stability regions similar to those of typical implicit schemes used for solving advection?diffusion equations.
Norepinephrine, via β-Adrenoceptors, Regulates Bumetanide-Sensitive Cotransporter Type 1 Expression in Thick Ascending Limb Cells

The sympathetic nervous system, via norepinephrine, regulates renal sodium transport, and chronic sympathetic activation causes sustained increases in blood pressure by reducing sodium excretion. Our previous studies show that chronic norepinephrine infusion increases the abundance of the bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1, the apical sodium transporter of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop. The present study was initiated to elucidate the mechanisms by which norepinephrine regulates the protein levels of this transporter in an immortalized thick ascending limb epithelial cell line. Treatment with norepinephrine, either alone or in the presence of actinomycin D or cycloheximide, had no effect on cotransporter mRNA levels. Treatment with norepinephrine, however, increased bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 protein levels (70% increase versus control; P =0.012), and pretreatment with cycloheximide blocked the effect of norepinephrine on bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 protein levels. To further elucidate the mechanism, thick ascending limb cells were treated with norepinephrine in the presence of phentolamine (α-adrenoceptor blocker), propranolol (β-adrenoceptor blocker), SQ22536 (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), PD098059 (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitor), H-89 (protein kinase A inhibitor), or staurosporine (protein kinase C inhibitor). Treatment with propranolol, SQ22536, and H-89 abolished the effects of norepinephrine on bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 protein levels, whereas staurosporine had no effect. Treatment with PD098059 partially inhibited the effects of norepinephrine (40% decrease versus norepinephrine; P =0.03), and treatment with phentolamine potentiated the effects of norepinephrine (30% increase versus norepinephrine; P =0.02) on bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 protein levels. We conclude that regulation of bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 by norepinephrine proceeds via the β-adrenoceptor receptor–cAMP–protein kinase A pathway that involves in part mitogen-activated protein kinases and that α-adrenoceptor activation negatively regulates bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter type 1 protein levels.
Design and simulation of current regulators for induction motors using the error magnitude voltage vector correction (EMVVC)

An effective current controller algorithm is presented which achieves the elimination of voltage stress on the devices and complies with the pulse polarity consistency rule. The dynamic model of estimated electromotive force is developed to identify the fundamental line-line voltage zero crossing. This gives an optimal switching pattern of eight combinations 0-7 of states of the inverter devices. The voltage vector of the inverter output is determined from the desired voltage vector through the voltage vector selector in both EMVVC and EVVC (error voltage vector correction). As demonstrated by simulation results, the proposed EMVVC method outperforms the EVVC technique in four different data sets. >
New decision support tool for acute lymphoblastic leukemia classification

In this paper, we build up a new decision support tool to improve treatment intensity choice in childhood ALL. The developed system includes different methods to accurately measure furthermore cell properties in microscope blood film images. The blood images are exposed to series of pre-processing steps which include color correlation, and contrast enhancement. By performing K-means clustering on the resultant images, the nuclei of the cells under consideration are obtained. Shape features and texture features are then extracted for classification. The system is further tested on the classification of spectra measured from the cell nuclei in blood samples in order to distinguish normal cells from those affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The results show that the proposed system robustly segments and classifies acute lymphoblastic leukemia based on complete microscopic blood images.
An anelastic evolutionary geodynamo simulation driven by compositional and thermal convection

Abstract We have extended our geodynamo simulation 40 000 years using a more realistic representation of the thermodynamics and convection. The anelastic approximation replaces the Boussinesq approximation; and compositional buoyancy, in addition to thermal buoyancy, drives convection in the fluid outer core. Boundary conditions at the inner core boundary model the freezing of the heavy constituent onto the solid inner core and the release of the light constituent into the fluid outer core. The resulting simulated magnetic field has a strongly dipole dominated structure outside the core, similar to the Earth's field, so far displaying no tendency to reverse its dipole polarity. The non-dipolar structure of the field at the core-mantle boundary is also quite similar to the Earth's,including the rate of its general westward drift. As in our original simulation, the solid inner core typically rotates about 1°/yr faster than the mantle, in agreement with recent seismic studies of the Earth. This three-dimensional self-consistent solution seems to be simulating the stable regime of the geodynamo between reversals.
Adaptive control of a manipulator using artificial neural networks

In this paper, a hierarchical neurocontroller for manipulation of a robotic arm is presented. Specifically, two artificial neural network systems are considered. One neural system, at a higher hierarchical level, participates in the motion analysis, and the other, at the lower level, in the process of control emulation. At the higher level the neural system consists of four networks: a restricted coulomb energy (RCE) network to delineate the robot arm workspace, two standard back propagation (BP) networks for coordinates transformation, and a fourth network which also uses BP and participates in the motion decision-making process by cooperating with other knowledge sources. The control emulation process is developed using a second neural system at a lower hierarchical level. This system provides the correct sequence of control actions. An example is presented to illustrate the capabilities of the developed architectures. The two neural systems working at different hierarchical levels provide the robot arm...
The tuning of CsI(Tl) crystals: methods and results

Tuning is defined as the process to alter the surface characteristics of CsI(Tl) crystals in order to produce a uniform light response, within strict Quality Control standards. The various methods of tuning are discussed as well as comparisons between different manufacturers' crystals and a summary of tuning done for the BaBar Calorimeter.
Systemic Oxidative Stress, as Measured by Urinary Allantoin and F2-isoprostanes, Is Not Increased in Down Syndrome

Abstract Purpose Oxidative stress has been implicated in Down syndrome (DS) pathology. This study compares DS individuals and controls on their urinary levels of allantoin and 2,3-dinor-iPF2α-III; these biomarkers have been previously validated in a clinical model of oxidative stress. Methods Urine samples were collected from 48 individuals with DS and 130 controls. Biomarkers were assayed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, normalized by urinary creatinine concentration. Results After adjusting for age and gender, mean allantoin levels were lower among DS individuals versus controls ( P = .04). The adjusted mean levels of 2,3-dinor-iPF2α-III were similar in DS individuals and controls ( P = .7). Conclusions Our results do not support the hypothesis that DS individuals have chronic systemic oxidative stress.
Parallel repetition of zero-knowledge proofs and the possibility of basing cryptography on NP-hardness

Two long-standing open problems exist on the fringe of complexity theory and cryptography: (1) Does there exist a reduction from an NP-complete problem to a one-way function? (2) Do parallelized versions of classical constant-round zero-knowledge proofs for NP conceal every "hard" bit of the witness to the statement proved? We show that, unless the polynomial-hierarchy collapses, black-box reductions cannot be used to provide positive answers to both questions.
Mass Production Conquers the Pool: Firm Organization and the Nature of Competition in the Nineteenth Century

This article uses the records of the Dow Chemical Company to analyze the role of distributors in facilitating collusion in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It compares collusion in three closely related markets: salt, bromine, and bleach. Where national distributors with well-established reputations had facilitated the entry of small producers into integrated markets, distributors could also facilitate collusion. Mass-producing entrants, like Dow, joined collusive distribution arrangements while improving their innovative production processes. In the longer run, they integrated forward to escape the output restrictions and This article explores the relationship between two well-known nineteenth-century institutions-the pool and the distributor. In the second half of the century, market integration in a variety of industries caused prices to decline; many firms turned to pools to limit competition and increase prices.' In order to succeed, however, pools had to solve the problems inherent in any attempt to collude. First, the pool needed to induce unanimous participation by producers. Otherwise, a single producer, refusing to join the pool, would be able to "free ride" on the high prices resulting from the output restrictions made by pool members. Second, the pool had to prevent its member firms from engaging in secret cheating. A common procedure was for the pool to take over certain distribution functions. Because firms did not directly offer their
Factors Affecting Courtship Success and Behavior of a Temperate Reef Fish, Brachyistius frenatus

Abstract Size can play an important role in determining reproductive success through the establishment of dominance hierarchies and mate selection. We explored the relationship between size of individuals and courtship success in the kelp perch, Brachyistius frenatus, off the coast of southern California at Santa Catalina Island. Courtship displays were timed and the length of the interaction was used as a proxy for courtship success. In addition, we observed how much of their time individuals spent performing different activities throughout the day in two adjacent habitats dominated by different macroalgae. We found that body size played a significant role in determining the success of courtship. Large males were slightly more successful than small males, but the male: female size ratio was the best predictor of mating success of male B. frenatus, with males that were large relative to the female they were courting being most successful. Time allocated to different activities varied significantly with ti...
Thermodynamic prediction of protein neutrality

We present a simple theory that uses thermodynamic parameters to predict the probability that a protein retains the wild-type structure after one or more random amino acid substitutions. Our theory predicts that for large numbers of substitutions the probability that a protein retains its structure will decline exponentially with the number of substitutions, with the severity of this decline determined by properties of the structure. Our theory also predicts that a protein can gain extra robustness to the first few substitutions by increasing its thermodynamic stability. We validate our theory with simulations on lattice protein models and by showing that it quantitatively predicts previously published experimental measurements on subtilisin and our own measurements on variants of TEM1 beta-lactamase. Our work unifies observations about the clustering of functional proteins in sequence space, and provides a basis for interpreting the response of proteins to substitutions in protein engineering applications.
Fetal Inflammatory Response and Brain Injury in the Preterm Newborn

Preterm birth can be caused by intrauterine infection and maternal/fetal inflammatory responses. Maternal inflammation (chorioamnionitis) is often followed by a systemic fetal inflammatory response characterized by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal circulation. The inflammation signal is likely transmitted across the blood-brain barrier and initiates a neuroinflammatory response. Microglial activation has a central role in this process and triggers excitotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative damage in the developing brain. Neuroinflammation can persist over a period of time and sensitize the brain to subinjurious insults in early and chronic phases but may offer relative tolerance in the intermediate period through activation of endogenous anti-inflammatory, protective, and repair mechanisms. Neuroinflammatory injury not only destroys what exists but also changes what develops.