cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The time of origin of neurons in the hippocampal region of the rhesus monkey

The time of origin of neurons in the hippocampal region was determined in a series of rhesus monkeys, each of which had been exposed to a pulse of tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) at a different time during ontogeny and sacrificed between the second and fifth month after birth. No heavily labeled cells were found in the hippocampal region of animals exposed to 3H-TdR before embryonic day 33 (E33). Exposure to 3H-TdR given at E36 labels a few neurons in the deepest layers of the entorhinal area, and 3H-TdR given at E38 labels a small number of neurons in all hippocampal subdivisions. Although the first neurons are generated almost simultaneously throughout the hippocampal region, the proliferation ceases at a different time in each subdivision. The last neurons destined for the entorhinal area and presubiculum are generated between E70 and E75, whereas the last parasubicular neurons are generated between E75 and E80. The production of neurons that form the subiculum ends about two weeks earlier, between E56 and E65. Within the hippocampus, genesis of pyramidal cells ends between E70 and E80 in area CA1, between E56 and E65 in area CA2, between E65 and E80 in area CA1, between E56 and E65 in area CA2, between E65 and E70 in area CA3, and between E75 and E80 in area CA4. In contrast, the genesis of granule cells of the fascia dentata is considerably prolonged. It continues throughout the second half of gestation, declines steadily in the course of the first postnatal month, and tapers off during the next 2 months. There is a distinct inside-to-outside spatiotemporal gradient in the parahippocampal formation and in the stratum pyramidale of both the subiculum and hippocampus. In contrast, the spatiotemporal pattern of granule cell origin in the dentate gyrus is outside-to-inside. Furthermore, granule cells generated between E36 and E80 are distributed in a distinct suprapyramidal-to-infrapyramidal gradient, whereas those generated at later ages are distributed evenly throughout the fascia dentata. Correlation of the present findings with histological data on hippocampal neurogenesis in the human brain demonstrates that the timing and sequence of developmental events as well as spatiotemporal gradients are similar in both primate species.
The 26-Amino Acid ß-Motif of the Pit-1ß Transcription Factor Is a Dominant and Independent Repressor Domain

The POU-homeodomain transcription factor Pit-1 governs the pituitary cell-specific expression of Pit-1, GH, prolactin (PRL), and TSHs genes. Alternative splicing generates Pit-1s, which contains a 26-amino acid s-domain inserted at amino acid 48, in the middle of the Pit-1 transcription activation domain (TAD). Pit-1s represses GH, PRL, and TSHs promoters in a pituitary-specific manner, because Pit-1s activates these same promoters in HeLa nonpituitary cells. Here we comprehensively analyze the role of s-domain sequence, position, and context, to elucidate the mechanism of s-dependent repression. Repositioning the s-motif to the Pit-1 amino terminus, hinge, linker, and carboxyl terminus did not affect its ability to repress basal rat (r) PRL promoter activity in GH4 pituitary cells, but all lost the ability to repress Ras-induced rPRL promoter activity. To determine whether s-domain repression is independent of Pit-1 protein and DNA binding sites, we generated Gal4-Pit-1TAD, Gal4-Pit-1sTAD, and Gal4-s-domain fusions and demonstrated that the s-motif is sufficient to actively repress VP16-mediated transcription of a heterologous promoter. Moreover, s-domain point mutants had the same effect whether fused to Gal4 or within the context of intact Pit-1s. Surprisingly, Gal4-s repression lost histone deacetylase sensitivity and pituitary specificity. Taken together, these results reveal that the s-motif is a context-independent, modular, transferable, and dominant repressor domain, yet the s-domain repressor activity within Pit-1s contains cell type, promoter, and Pit-1 protein context dependence.
A pattern-based methodology for optimizing stitches in double-patterning technology

A pattern-based methodology for optimizing stitches is developed based on identifying stitch topologies and replacing them with pre-characterized fixing solutions in decomposed layouts. A topology-based library of stitches with predetermined fixing solutions is built. A pattern-based engine searches for matching topologies in the decomposed layouts. When a match is found, the engine opportunistically replaces the predetermined fixing solution: only a design rule check error-free replacement is preserved. The methodology is demonstrated on a 20nm layout design that contains over 67 million, first metal layer stitches. Results show that a small library containing 3 stitch topologies improves the stitch area regularity by 4x.
Impact of machining parameters on machine reliability and system productivity

This paper analyzes the impact of machining parameter selection on machining system productivity. The method involves prediction of machine tool reliability from mechanical failure based on process choices and production rate, The machine reliability is then input to a machining system production configuration to estimate productivity. Through a simple turning model example, it is demonstrated that an optimal production rate for maximum productivity exists. The best system configuration for maximum productivity is shown to be affected by the level of machine reliability and the choice of process parameters.
Influence of microencapsulation on the stability and reactivity of 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)gallate as a cationic photoinitiator

2,4,6-Triphenylpyrylium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)gallate (TPPGa) was synthesized and studied as a visible light cationic photoinitiator. TPPGa was encapsulated in polystyrene to increase thermal stability, and the microparticles obtained were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The properties of the microencapsulated initiator were investigated.
Structure and kinetics of CH4/N2O flames

Laminar, premixed flat flames of CH4 with N2O have been stabilized and studied at 50 torr. This study represents the first nearly complete study of the structure and kinetics of CH4—N2O flames including stable and unstable species measurements and detailed chemical kinetic modeling. Three flames were investigated, with slightly fuel rich, near stoichiometric and lean mixtures. Stable species concentration profiles were measured using probe sampling with gas chromatographic sample analysis. Laser-Induced Fluorescence was used to measure the composition of the intermediate species CH, CN, NH, NH2, and OH. Temperature was measured with coated, radiation corrected thermocouples and by the LIF rotational temperature of CN. The CH4—N2O flames have high N2 and H2O and low NO concentration in the products. The CO is oxidized to CO2 through its reaction with OH. These flames were characterized by strong radical emission spectra, but no NH2 fluorescence signal was observed. A reaction mechanism was developed for the CH4−N2O flames and results are presented comparing the calculated and experimental profiles of species concentration for the flame with equivalence ratio 1.13. Comparison of the stable species profiles is very good; comparison of the unstable species profiles is qualitatively correct with some displacement of the concentration maxima calculated compared to the data. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the effects of changing rate constants in the mechanism on the species concentration profiles. The flame modeling and sensitivity analysis suggest the major reaction paths responsible for the conversion of reactants to products and the formation and consumption of the intermediates.
The Phase Behavior of Supported Lipid Bilayer Mixtures and Cell Membranes Imaged By Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Supported lipid bilayers have been used as a tool to study the biophysical properties of model membranes with defined compositions. Special attention has been given to the role of cholesterol on the phase behavior of lipid membranes, in particular, to the formation of lipid rafts and complexes. Common techniques used to elucidate the phase behavior of binary and ternary lipid bilayers (i.e. fluorescence and atomic force microscopy) have been limited by their inability to provide direct information on the spatial composition of membranes. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) has proved to be a powerful tool for imaging the lateral organization of lipid bilayers with a spatial resolution in the order of tens of nanometers. In this study, a NanoSIMS is used to image lipid bilayers containing isotopically-labeled cholesterol. Additionally, human cell membranes are also imaged.
Quantification of the success of phylogenetic inference in simulations

For phylogenetic simulation studies, the accuracy of topological reconstruction obtained from different data matrices or different methods of phylogenetic inference generally needs to be quantified. Two components of performance within this context are: (1) how the inferred tree topology matches or conflicts with the correct tree topology, and (2) the branch support assigned to both correctly and incorrectly resolved clades. We present a method (averaged overall success of resolution) that incorporates both of these components. Branch support is incorporated in the averaged overall success of resolution by linearly scaling the observed support relative to that conferred by uncontradicted synapomorphies. We believe that this method represents an improvement relative to the commonly used approaches of quantifying the percentage of clades that are correctly resolved in the inferred trees or presenting the Robinson–Foulds distance between the inferred trees and the correct tree. In contrast to Bremer support, the averaged overall success of resolution may be applied equally well to distance, likelihood and parsimony analyses. © The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
Improved protection of mice against lethal respiratory infection with Coccidioides posadasii using two recombinant antigens expressed as a single protein.

Two recombinant antigens which individually protect mice from lethal intranasal infection were studied in combination, either as a mixture of two separately expressed proteins or as a single chimeric expression product. Mice vaccinated with either combination survived longer than mice given single antigens. Immunized mice also exhibited specific IgG immunoglobulins and yielded splenocytes which produced interferon-γ in response to either antigen. The chimeric antigen has the practical advantage of offering enhanced protection from multiple components without increasing production costs.
Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation study of heat transport in hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX)

Abstract The direct estimation of thermal conductivity in solids using the constant flux non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation method has proven to be difficult with significant differences still existing for various, even simple, systems. The application of NEMD to study the thermal transport in molecular solids was rarely attempted. We report the first application of NEMD based on the Ikeshoji and Hafskjold (NEMD-IH) scheme to study the thermal conductivity of crystalline hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX), an important energetic material, at temperatures T = 230, 275, and 300 K for different sample sizes and different crystallographic directions. We found that the size effects arising from a finite distance between sources of heat in the NEMD-IH simulation show a well-defined linear dependence on the inverse of the sample length within the errors of simulation. The thermal conductivity exhibits anisotropy with the largest value found along the [0 0 1] crystallographic direction and the smallest value along the [0 1 0] direction. The extrapolated value of the directionally averaged thermal conductivity coefficient κ ¯ to the sample of infinite length (e.g. 0.355 W/Km at T = 300 K ) is higher, but still in reasonable agreement with existing experimental data for powdered samples. The NEMD-IH heat transport properties were reproduced in a broad range of values of heat flux and sizes of heat source regions. Surprisingly, the thermal conductivity coefficient at T = 275 K is found to be higher by about 13% than at T = 300 K and 230 K, which may suggest a location of the temperature maximum above 230 K. A similar location of the low temperature peak was reported from experiments on powdered samples of RDX. Through the use of additional calculations based on the Green–Kubo approach, we discuss the possible origins of such a behavior in the NEMD-IH approach.
Improved Al–Y–Fe glass formation by microalloying with Ti

We demonstrate that the sequence of phases formed upon annealing rapidly quenched Al88Y7Fe5 alloys is a sensitive function of the sample preparation conditions. Materials that show X-ray diffraction patterns typical of amorphous metallic alloys are actually partially nanocrystalline in some cases. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of alloys with glass-like X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate that an exothermic peak observed in non-isothermal DSC scans typically associated with glass crystallization is actually due to coarsening of nano-sized grains of α-Al. However, alloys prepared with small additions of Ti (Al88- x Y7Fe5Ti x with x = 0.5, 1 or 2) are amorphous. The crystallization temperature increases with increasing concentrations of Ti. Experimental data indicate that Ti is not simply a scavenger of internal O but may enhance local ordering in the undercooled alloy, stabilizing the liquid against the nucleation of the α-Al phase.
Calving of large tabular icebergs from ice shelf rift systems

[1] We used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar to study the detachment process that allowed two large icebergs to calve from the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. Time series of rift geometries indicate that rift widths increased steadily, whereas rift lengths increased episodically through several discrete rift-tip propagation events. We also conducted modeling experiments constrained by the observed rift geometry. Both the observations and model suggest that rift opening, and, thus, tabular-iceberg calving, are largely driven by “glaciological” stresses—stress introduced by the effect of gravity on the ice shelf—rather than by stress introduced by the ocean and atmosphere, e.g., tides and storms. This style of rift propagation is expected to determine the steady, background calving rate of ice shelves and, thus, differs significantly from styles that led to the recent disintegration of ice shelves in response to climate warming, e.g., the Larsen B Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Electrohydrostatic adhesion of rigid-planar electrodes

Abstract The electrohydrostatic adhesive force of a poorly conducting fluid filling the gap between two electrodes is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A vertical load electrode of mass m is grounded and the other load-bearing electrode is held at a constant potential. The conditions for which the vertical force F = mg , where g is the gravitational acceleration constant, may be supported by electrohydrostatic adhesion is determined by considering electrical and hydrostatic stress contributions to an overall force balance along the air–liquid interface. The results are compared with experiments performed using castor and silicone oils with gap spacing on the order of 100 – 500 μ m , at electric potentials on the order of 1 kV, currents on the order of 10 μ A and vertical forces on the order of 0.01–0.1 N. The experiments and theory show good agreement.
Hepatic Remnant Lipoprotein Clearance by Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptors Depend on Dietary Conditions in Mice

Objective— Chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein remnants are cleared from the circulation in the liver by heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptors (syndecan-1), the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and LDLR-related protein-1 (LRP1), but the relative contribution of each class of receptors under different dietary conditions remains unclear. Approach and Results— Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance was measured in AlbCre + Ndst1 f/f , Ldlr −/− , and AlbCre + Lrp1 f/f mice and mice containing combinations of these mutations. Triglyceride measurements in single and double mutant mice showed that HSPGs and LDLR dominate clearance under fasting conditions and postprandial conditions, but LRP1 contributes significantly when LDLR is absent. Mice lacking hepatic expression of all 3 receptors ( AlbCre + Ndst1 f/f Lrp1 f/f Ldlr −/− ) displayed dramatic hyperlipidemia (870±270 mg triglyceride/dL; 1300±350 mg of total cholesterol/dL) and exhibited persistent elevated postprandial triglyceride levels because of reduced hepatic clearance. Analysis of the particles accumulating in mutants showed that HSPGs preferentially clear a subset of small triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (≈20–40 nm diameter), whereas LDLR and LRP1 clear larger particles (≈40–60 nm diameter). Finally, we show that HSPGs play a major role in clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in mice fed normal chow or under postprandial conditions but seem to play a less significant role on a high-fat diet. Conclusions— These data show that HSPGs, LDLR, and LRP1 clear distinct subsets of particles, that HSPGs work independently of LDLR and LRP1, and that HSPGs, LDLR, and LRP1 are the 3 major hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance receptors in mice.
La idea de una razón pública

El presente articulo asume que la pluralidad de razonables doctrinas religiosas, filosoficas y morales propias de las sociedades democraticas es un rasgo permanente de la cultura publica y no una mera condicion historica que pasara pronto. Supuesto esto, se pregunta: ?cuando pueden los ciudadanos, por su voto, ejercer propiamente su poder politico coercitivo unos respecto de otros cuando las cuestiones fundamentales estan en juego? A esta cuestion responde el liberalismo politico asi: nuestro ejercicio del poder politico es propia y consiguientemente justificable solo si se realiza de acuerdo con una constitucion, la aceptacion de cuyas esencias pueda razonablemente presumirse de todos los ciudadanos a la luz de principios e ideales admisibles por ellos como razonables y racionales. Este es el principio liberal de legitimidad.
Orthogonal Vectorcardiogram in Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic Significance and Correlation with Pulmonary Function Tests; a Four Year Follow-up

A correlative quantitative study of the Frank vectorcardiogram (VCG) with pulmonary function data in 101 previously virtually untreated children with cystic fibrosis has previously been reported. This report is a follow-up of 70 of the original 101 children after four years of intensive therapy. The major conclusions were: 42 of the 70 alive and restudied had normal VCG's compared with 35 of 101; the prediction of normal vs abnormal pulmonary function tests using the VCG was good; the prediction as to type of abnormal pulmonary function test was not as good after treatment; an improved or worsened VCG indicated an improved or worsened pulmonary function test; RVH is diagnosed mainly by a large terminal QRS force to the right frequently with an initial force to the left; obstructive emphysema is manifested by decreased anterior and leftward forces and an increased posterior vector; the standard electrocardiogram is not as accurate as the Frank VCG.
Slow-onset inhibition of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase by phosphinate mimics of the tetrahedral intermediate: kinetics, crystal structure and pharmacokinetics

FAH (fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase) catalyses the final step of tyrosine catabolism to produce fumarate and acetoacetate. HT1 (hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1) results from deficiency of this enzyme. Previously, we prepared a partial mimic of the putative tetrahedral intermediate in the reaction catalysed by FAH co-crystallized with the enzyme to reveal details of the mechanism [Bateman, Bhanumoorthy, Witte, McClard, Grompe and Timm (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 15284–15291]. We have now successfully synthesized complete mimics CEHPOBA {4-[(2-carboxyethyl)-hydroxyphosphinyl]-3-oxobutyrate} and COPHPAA {3-[(3-carboxy-2-oxopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]acrylate}, which inhibit FAH in slow-onset tight-binding mode with Ki values of 41 and 12 nM respectively. A high-resolution (1.35 A; 1 A=0.1 nm) crystal structure of the FAH·CEHPOBA complex was solved to reveal the affinity determinants for these compounds and to provide further insight into the mechanism of FAH catalysis. These compounds are active in vivo, and CEHPOBA demonstrated a notable dose-dependent increase in SA (succinylacetone; a metabolite seen in patients with HT1) in mouse serum after repeated injections, and, following a single injection (1 μmol/g; intraperitoneal), only a modest regain of FAH enzyme activity was detected in liver protein isolates after 24 h. These potent inhibitors provide a means to chemically phenocopy the metabolic defects of either HT1 or FAH knockout mice and promise future pharmacological utility for hepatocyte transplantation.
261 FOALS PRODUCED AFTER ICSI USING FROZEN, SEX-SORTED, REFROZEN SPERM

Obtaining adequate numbers of sex-selected sperm for uterine inseminations can be difficult, especially if fresh semen is not available or sperm numbers are limited. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) requires minimal sperm numbers and can be used for the assisted fertilization of oocytes. The objectives of this study were to: (1) thaw, sex-sort, and refreeze semen, and (2) determine if cleavage rates of oocytes were similar after ICSI using frozen v. frozen, thawed, sex-sorted, and refrozen sperm. The final aim was to produce foals by ICSI using sex-sorted sperm. Light-horse mares between 3 and 15 years were used as oocyte donors. When a follicle 30 to 35 mm and endometrial edema was imaged using ultrasound, deslorelin (1.5 mg, i.m., Franck’s Pharmacy, Ocala, FL, USA) was administered to induce follicular maturation. Between 20 and 24 h after deslorelin, oocytes from preovulatory follicles were collected by transvaginal, ultrasound-guided follicular aspirations. Oocytes were cultured for 16 to 18 h in TCM 199 with 10% FCS, 0.2 mm pyruvate at 38.5°C and in an atmosphere of 6% CO2. Semen from a single ejaculate of two stallions was frozen for the experiment. Some of the frozen semen (control) was thawed and used for ICSI. Sperm from other straws were thawed, sex-sorted by flow cytometry, treated with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin, and refrozen in a skim milk-egg yolk diluent containing 0.52 m dimethyl formamide before thawing for ICSI. Sperm were thawed by cutting a thin section of a straw under liquid nitrogen; the straw section was dropped directly into medium at 38.5°C. Sperm were incubated for 10 min, before 1 μL of supernatant was removed and placed into a 5 μL drop of medium with 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone. From the droplet, sperm with progressive motility and normal morphology by visual inspection were selected for ICSI. Injected oocytes were placed in DMEM/F12 with 10% FCS for 48 h (±2 h) before assessment of cleavage. Numbers of cleaved per injected oocytes were compared by Fisher’s Exact Test and were lower (P < 0.001) for sex-sorted, refrozen sperm than for frozen control sperm (6/20, 30% and 15/18, 83%, respectively). At the completion of the project, three additional oocytes were injected with X-bearing sperm. The injected oocytes cleaved and developed into embryos under culture conditions [DMEM/F12 (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) with 10% FCS at 38.5°C and an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2]. The resulting morula, blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst were transferred nonsurgically into recipients’ uteri. Pregnancies were established in recipients receiving the morula and expanded blastocyst, and two fillies were born in July 2008. Both foals appeared normal at birth; however, one foal became septic and was euthanized before 2 weeks of age. In this study, frozen, thawed, sex-sorted, and refrozen sperm were successfully incorporated into an ICSI program to produce early-stage embryos and sex-selected foals.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DIATHERMY : II. THE CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LOCAL HEAT IN THE LUNGS.

1. Prevention of the access of air to one lung, while its circulation is intact, results in little, if any, change in the rate of heating of the lung by the diathermy current. 2. Occlusion of a main branch of the pulmonary artery during the flow of the current results in a sudden rise in temperature in the lung whose artery has been occluded, with subsequent heating, however, at the original rate. Under these circumstances death of the animal is accompanied by a precipitous rise in the temperature of both lungs. 3. When the pulmonary veins as well as the artery to one lung are ligated the circulation through the bronchial vessels is also stopped. Diathermy then results in a local rise in temperature in the lung equivalent to that seen in the other lung after death.
Constrained intervals and interval spaces

Constrained intervals, intervals as a mapping from [0, 1] to polynomials of degree one (linear functions) with non-negative slopes, and arithmetic on constrained intervals generate a space that turns out to be a cancellative abelian monoid albeit with a richer set of properties than the usual (standard) space of interval arithmetic. This means that not only do we have the classical embedding as developed by H. Radstrom, S. Markov, and the extension of E. Kaucher but the properties of these polynomials. We study the geometry of the embedding of intervals into a quasilinear space and some of the properties of the mapping of constrained intervals into a space of polynomials. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic notions of interval arithmetic and interval analysis.
Analysis of Stress Distribution in Piezoelectric MEMS Energy Harvester Using Shaped Cantilever Structure

Much interest in energy harvesters has been focused on maintaining their conversion efficiency during scaling down via the micromachining process. The piezoelectric PZT-based MEMS energy harvester was designed and fabricated to increase the fraction of the material strained during deflection since the geometric change of the cantilever shape can change the strain distribution on the beam and improve the output power. The generated power during beam deflection was separately collected from individual electrodes located at different positions of the cantilever, and they had good agreement with the strain estimation from finite element analysis. The trapezoidal shape showed 39% higher power than that of rectangular one.
Fiction, Fashion, and Function Finale: An Introduction and Conclusion to the Special Issue on Gendered Body Image, Part III

Culture specifies standards for women' sa nd men's body appearance and display. In Western cultures, these standards are both concentrated and ubiquitous in the media, represented as gendered body ideals for citizens to aspire toward. Because gendered body ideals are revered, individuals try to construct and portray their body consis- tently with these ideals. Furthermore, because gendered body ideals are narrowly defined and restrictive, individuals constrict their behavior, relationships, and perceptions of themselves and others to fall within the parameters of these ideals. The third and final issue of this series showcases innovative studies within two streams. The first stream investigates the many ways individuals invest effort into constructing and/or portraying their body to fit the gendered body ideal. The second stream addresses the diverse ways internalization of these ideals constrict individuals' relation- ships, freedoms, and perceptions of others' bodies and lifestyles. We discuss the empirical articles alongside points raised in films by Jhally (2009) and Clark (2009) that emphasize how media portrayals of gendered body ideals foster body-related constructions and constrictions in view- ers. We emphasize intersectionality when presenting the articles, recognizing that gender combines with multiple identities (e.g., sexual orientation, race, political affiliation, and age) as well as individual difference variables to mold the degree to which individuals construct and constrict themselves and others to fit gendered body ideals. We end with a discussion of how these articles can be used to generate social change by deconstructing and delegitimiz- ing gendered body ideals.
UNCOMMON ATRIAL FLUTTER : CHARACTERISTICS, MECHANISMS, AND RESULTS OF ABLATIVE THERAPY

Thirty-seven patients with atrial flutter were studied with catheter mapping and radiofrequency ablation. Uncommon atrial flutter occurred in 20 out of 37 (54%) patients. Atrial endocardial mapping showed two types of uncommon atrial flutter. In 15 patients (group I) it was characterized by a single clockwise circuit whereas in 5 patients (Group II) it was characterized by the presence of more than one circuit and/or localized atrial fibrillation. RFA ablation was acutely successful in 14 out of 15 patients (93%) in Group I and in 2 out of 5 (40%) patients in Group II. On long-term follow-up a significantly larger number of patients in Group I versus Group II (86% vs 20%) remained free of atrial flutter recurrence. We conclude that uncommon atrial flutter is a heterogeneous entity involving one or more reentrant circuits. Uncommon atrial flutter with multiple circuits may not be suitable for RFA.
SOME FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PREHEATING OF GLASS POTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MOISTURE CONTROL1

The moisture content of the atmosphere of a pot arch preheating covered pots is a very important factor. Heating in a humid atmosphere tends to equalize the rate of removal of moisture from the inside and the outside surface of the pot at temperatures above 212°, decreasing mechanical strains set up in this process.
Petrochemistry and genesis of olivine basalts from small monogenetic parasitic cones of Bazman stratovolcano, Makran arc, southeastern Iran

Small monogenetic Quaternary parasitic cones around Bazman stratovolcano, located at the western edge of the Makran arc, southeastern Iran, erupted low-Ti subalkaline olivine basalts with MgO (3.8–8.6 wt.%) and Al2O3 (16.5–18.6 wt.%). Positive correlation of decreasing MgO, Ni and Cr indicates that formation of low MgO basalts involved limited crystal–liquid fractionation of olivine and clinopyroxene, the common phenocrysts. The basalts have variable 87Sr/86Sr (0.704177–0.705139) and 143Nd/144Nd (0.512689–0.512830) ratios, within the range of OIB-like intra-plate alkaline basalts erupted in eastern Iran north of the Makran arc. This, and the lack of correlation between Sr content and Sr–isotopic ratio, suggest that upper crustal contamination was not significant in their formation, consistent with the relatively thin crust (≤ 40 km) in the area. Enrichment of large-ion-lithophile elements (LILE) relative to light rare-earth-elements (LREE; Ba/La = 9–25), and depletions in Nb relatively to LILE (Ba/Nb = 12–35; La/Nb = 0.8–2.1), are similar in most cases to other convergent plate boundary arc basalts, suggesting that the Bazman basalts formed by melting of subcontinental mantle modified by dehydration of subducted Oman Sea oceanic lithosphere. Pb isotopic ratios of the basalts define a linear trend above the Northern Hemisphere Line, consistent with their derivation from mantle contaminated by Pb derived from subducted sediment. Trace element contents and ratios (LaN = 10–25; YbN = 3–6; (La/Yb)N = 3–8) suggest that these basalts formed as a result of low (~ 10%) degrees of partial melting of subarc mantle modified only moderately by subducted components. Relatively low Ba/Nb < 15, La/Nb < 1.5 and Ba/La < 15 ratios for some basalts confirm only limited contamination of the source of these samples, consistent with observations in other arcs that parasitic cones tap sources less affected by slab-derived fluids than the larger stratovolcanoes they surround. Comparison with Taftan volcano in southeastern Iran and Koh-e-Sultan in Pakistan, both further to the east along the Makran arc, indicate regional west-to-east geochemical variations, including increasing K2O, LILE, LREE, La/Yb, Ba/La and 87Sr/86Sr. These changes result from an along-strike increase in both input of slab-derived fluids relative to the volume of mantle below the arc and decreasing degree of subarc mantle melting to the east. This is due to a reduction in the volume of subarc mantle below the eastern part of the Makran arc resulting from a combination of both increasing crustal thickness and decreasing angle of subduction to the east.
Microbiologic characterization of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in the microswine model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiologic changes associated with induction of peri-implantitis in the microswine. A split-mouth design was utilized. Three implants were placed in the edentulous mandibular bicuspid region of 2 microswine yielding 12 implants for evaluation. The experimental implant abutments were ligated with 4-0 silk suture material to induce peri-implantitis for a period of 45 days. The control implant abutments were not ligated. The control implants were scaled and cleaned at each time interval using plastic scalers. The attachment level (AL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were measured at day 0 (baseline) and days 14 and 45. Microbiologic samples were taken from the “sulcus” with paper points at each interval and were dispersed in prereduced media; plated on selective and nonselective media; and grown under aerobic, anaerobic, and capnophilic atmospheres. A greater AL, increased PD, and higher GI and PI scores were noted among the exp...
Virus–receptor interactions of human parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2 and 3

Human parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2 and 3 (HPF 1, 2 and 3) are important pathogens in children. While these viruses share common structures and replication strategies, they target different parts of the respiratory tract; the most common outcomes of infection with HPF3 are bronchiolitis and pneumonia, while HPF 1 and 2 are associated with croup. While the HPF3 fusion protein (F) is critical for membrane fusion, our previous work revealed that the receptor binding hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) is also essential to the fusion process; interaction between HN and its sialic acid-containing receptor on cell surfaces is required for HPF3 mediated cell fusion. Using our understanding of HPF3 HN's functions in the cell-binding and viral entry process, we are investigating the ways in which these processes differ in HPF 1 and 2, in part by manipulating receptor availability. Three experimental treatments were used to compare the HN-receptor interaction of HPF 1, 2 and 3: infection at high multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.); bacterial neuraminidase treatment of cells infected at low m.o.i.; and viral neuraminidase treatment of cells infected at low m.o.i. (using Newcastle disease virus [NDV] neuraminidase or UV irradiated HPF3 as sources of neuraminidase). In cells infected with HPF3, we have shown that infection with high m.o.i. blocks fusion, by removing sialic acid receptors for the viral HN. However, in cells infected with HPF 1 and 2, infection with high m.o.i. did not block fusion; the fusion increases with increasing m.o.i. In cells infected with HPF 1 and 2, neither bacterial nor NDV neuraminidase blocked cell fusion, using amounts of neuraminidase that completely block fusion of HPF3 infected cells. However, when inactivated HPF3 was used as a source of viral neuraminidase, the treatment inhibited fusion of cells infected with HPF 1 and 2 as well as 3. The differences found between these viruses in terms of their interaction with the cell, ability to modulate cell-cell fusion and response to exogenous neuraminidases of various specificities, may reflect salient differences in biological properties of the three viruses.
An Efficient Algorithm for Finding an Irredundant Set Cover

The set covering problem is considered and an efficient procedure for finding an irredundant cover is presented. For an m × n cover table, the execution time of the procedure is, in the worst case, proportional to mn. Methods are suggested for obtaining alternate irredundant covers based on an initially obtained irredundant cover. The basic cost-independent algorithm is heuristically extended to consider costs so that a reduced-cost irredundant cover can be obtained. A summary of some computational experience is presented, which indicates that the procedure is fast and applicable to large problems.
Fractionation of mixed particulate solids according to compressibility using ultrasonic standing wave fields

Abstract A continuous fractionation method for mixed particulate solids has been developed. When applied to suspensions of solids having substantially equal densities, the separation method distinguishes the particulates on the basis of their compressibility. The technique can be applied to solids ranging from micron to millimeter scale with overlapping or distinct particle size distributions. The method involves suspension of the solids into an appropriate processing medium, the application of a standing acoustic wave field to sort the particles across a separator channel, and the use of laminar flow fields along the channel to accomplish the ultimate separation. An analytical model of the separation process, based on particle trajectories through the separator chamber, is presented to show the sensitivity of the method to system properties and to illustrate its selectivity. Results of prototypical experiments with polymer particles further demonstrate the method.
Timing of Estrogen Replacement Therapy Following Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy for Endometriosis

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the immediate initiation of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the postoperative period increases the incidence of symptom recurrence following total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) for the treatment of endometriosis. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 95 women who underwent TAH with BSO for endometriosis at the Johns Hopkins Hospital during 1979–1991 and who subsequently received ERT were identified by computer search. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records, outpatient charts, and telephone surveys. Pain recurrence in patients who started ERT within 6 weeks after surgery and in those who delayed ERT for more than 6 weeks was compared and adjusted for length of patient follow-up and other covariates. Results: Sixty women began ERT within the immediate postoperative period, and four (7%) of them had recurrent pain; 35 women began ERT more than 6 weeks after surgery, and seven (20%) of them had recurrent pain. The mean length of follow-up was 57 months. The difference in the crude rate of symptom recurrence following early and delayed initiation of ERT after TAH with BSO was not statistically significant (P = .09). Controlling for length of patient follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Adjusting for covariates of stage, age, and postoperative adjunct medroxyprogesterone therapy, those who started ERT more than 6 weeks after surgery had a relative risk of 5.7 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 25.2) for pain recurrence. Conclusion: Although the number of patients in the study was too small to reach statistical significance in all analyses, these findings suggest that patients who begin ERT immediately after TAH with BSO are at no greater risk of recurrent pain than those who delay ERT for more than 6 weeks.
Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanowires synthesized by cyclic electrodeposition/ stripping coupled with step edge decoration

Polycrystalline bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanowires have been prepared by the step edge selective electrodeposition of Bi2Te3 on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces. Bi2Te3 nanowire...
Nanoscale tribophysics and tribomechanics

Atomic force microscopy/friction force microscopy (AFM/FFM) techniques are increasingly used for tribological studies of engineering surfaces at scales ranging from atomic and molecular to microscales. These techniques have been used to study surface roughness, adhesion, friction, scratching/wear, indentation, detection of material transfer, and boundary lubrication and for nanofabrication/nanomachining purposes. This invited keynote paper presents a state of the art of nanoscale tribophysics and tribomechanics.
Yielding of polycarbonate and polysulfone in creep and stress‐strain

A modified Eyring rate expression based on an asymmetrical potential energy barrier is used to predict the onset of plastic yield in glassy polymers. Equations for the prediction of plastic yield delay times in creep and yield stresses in constant rate of strain testing are developed and compared to experimental data for samples of polycarbonate and polysulfone with various thermal histories. The two equations accurately fit the experimental results for a suitable choice of parameters. Parameters from the creep data can be used to predict yield stress values in constant rate of strain testing. Variation in simple thermal history changes the model parameters in a way that is qualitatively accounted for from a physical interpretation of the constants.
Forecast sensitivity to the observation error covariance in variational data assimilation

The development of the adjoint of the forecast model and of the adjoint of the data assimilation system (adjointDAS) make feasible the evaluation of the derivative-based forecast sensitivity to DAS input parameters in numerical weather prediction (NWP). The adjoint estimation of the forecast sensitivity to the observation error covariance in the DAS is considered as a practical approach to provide all-at-once first order estimates to the forecast impact as a result of variations in the specification of the observation error statistics and guidance for tuning of error covariance parameters. The proposed methodology extends the capabilities of the adjoint modeling tools currently in place at major NWP centers for observation sensitivity and observation impact analysis. Illustrative numerical results are presented with the fifth-generation NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) atmospheric DAS and its adjoint.
Quantitative Determination of Crystalline Phases in Nuclear Waste Glasses

It could be shown that it is possible to determine the weight fractions of crystalline substances dispersed in a glass matrix. The error is about 10% of the actual content for weight fractions between 4 and 10 wt%. It is about 20 % for weight fractions between 1 and 4 wt% and up to 100 % for weight-fractions less than 1 wt%. Stable phases like ruthenium, were in fact determined with the expected weight fractions. Chemical reactions which may occur during sintering can be followed quantitatively. This method appears to be well suited for determining the recrystallization behaviour of nuclear waste glasses. We learned during the conference that a similar procedure is applied by the CEA to characterize French HLW-glasses /8/.
Current status of immunological therapies for prostate cancer

Purpose of reviewConsiderable progress has been made in prostate cancer immunotherapy over the last year, and two agents have completed phase III testing. This review will discuss the most promising immune-directed strategies in development for prostate cancer, outlining interventions that mitigate
1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy—determined cerebral lactate and poor neurological outcomes in children with central nervous system disease

By using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS), cerebral lactate has been shown to be elevated in a wide variety of pediatric and adult neurological diseases. In this study we compared 36 newborns, infants, and children with elevated lactate peaks on 1 H-MRS with 61 patients without an identifiable lactate signal. 1 H-MRS was acquired from the occipital gray and parietal white matter (8 cm 3 volume, STEAM sequence with echo time = 20 msec, repetition time = 3.0 seconds) and data were expressed as ratios of different metabolite peak areas (N-acetylaspartate [NA]/creatine [Cr], NA/choline [Ch], and Ch/Cr) and the presence of a characteristic lactate doublet peak at 1.3 ppm. Outcomes (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale score; PCPCS) were assigned 6 to 12 months after injury. Patients with lactate peaks were more likely to have suffered a cardiac arrest, were more often hyperglycemic, and had lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores on admission. They were also more likely to have abnormal metabolite ratios when compared with age-matched controls or with patients without detectable lactate. Of prognostic importance, patients with increased lactate were more likely to be severely disabled (39% vs 10%), survive in a persistent vegetative state (13% vs 2%), or have died (39% vs 7%). In contrast, patients with similar conditions without increased lactate were more likely to have had a good outcome (23% vs 3%) or recovered to a mild (38% vs 6%) or moderate disability (20% vs 0%). Our data suggest that 'H-MRS is useful in the prediction of long-term outcomes in children with neurological disorders. Patients with elevated cerebral lactate are more likely to die acutely or are at greater risk for serious long-term disability.
Some thoughts on the Jacobian Conjecture, Part II

In Abhyankar's Purdue Lectures of 1971, the bivariate Jacobian Conjecture was settled for the case of two plus epsilon characteristic pairs. In the published version, the epsilon part got left out. Now we take care of the omission by preparing for a sharper result with full proof in Part III. The Jacobian Method is applied to giving a new simple proof of Jung's Automorphism Theorem. A detailed description of the Degreewise Newton Polygon is given. Some thoughts on the multivariate Jacobian Conjecture are included.
Technical complexity and consumer knowledge as moderators of service quality evaluation in the automobile service industry

Abstract The relationship between a customer's assessment of the service quality of an automobile service/repair facility and five factors—(1) perceived fairness of the facility and its personnel, (2) empathy, (3) responsiveness, (4) reliability, and (5) convenience—was examined. Perceived fairness was found to be an important determinant of service quality evaluation and its importance depended on the complexity of the task involved and the customer's knowledge of automobile repairs. In particular, when the task was complex and the customer did not feel knowledgeable, perceived fairness was found to be significantly more important than any of the other four factors.
Polymer Nomenclature and Structure: A Comparison of Systems Used by CAS, IUPAC, MDL, and DuPont. 4. Stereochemistry, Inorganic, Coordination, Double-Strand, Polysiloxanes, Oligomers, Telomers

Polymer nomenclature styles and structure representation systems described, recommended, or used by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), MDL Information Systems, Inc. (MDL), and DuPont are compared and contrasted. Structure-based versus source-based nomenclature and structural representations are discussed. The topics covered in this paper (part 4 of 4) are stereochemistry in polymers, regular and quasi-single-strand inorganic and coordination polymers, regular double-strand (ladder and spiro) organic polymers, polysiloxanes, and oligomers and telomers.