cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autophagy is essential for cardiac morphogenesis during vertebrate development

Genetic analyses indicate that autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, is essential for eukaryotic differentiation and development. However, little is known about whether autophagy contributes to morphogenesis during embryogenesis. To address this question, we examined the role of autophagy in the early development of zebrafish, a model organism for studying vertebrate tissue and organ morphogenesis. Using zebrafish that transgenically express the fluorescent autophagy reporter protein, GFP-LC3, we found that autophagy is active in multiple tissues, including the heart, during the embryonic period. Inhibition of autophagy by morpholino knockdown of essential autophagy genes (including atg5, atg7, and becn1) resulted in defects in morphogenesis, increased numbers of dead cells, abnormal heart structure, and reduced organismal survival. Further analyses of cardiac development in autophagy-deficient zebrafish revealed defects in cardiac looping, abnormal chamber morphology, aberrant valve development, and ectopic expression of critical transcription factors including foxn4, tbx5, and tbx2. Consistent with these results, Atg5-deficient mice displayed abnormal Tbx2 expression and defects in valve development and chamber septation. Thus, autophagy plays an essential, conserved role in cardiac morphogenesis during vertebrate development.
Dual-Code Solution Strategy for Chemically-Reacting Hypersonic Flows

A new procedure seeks to combine the thin-layer Navier-Stokes solver LAURA with the parabolized Navier-Stokes solver UPS for the aerothermodynamic solution of chemically-reacting air flow fields. The interface protocol is presented and the method is applied to two slender, blunted shapes. Both axisymmetric and three-dimensional solutions are included with surface pressure and heat transfer comparisons between the present method and previously published results. The case of Mach 25 flow over an axisymmetric six degree sphere-cone with a non-catalytic wall is considered to 100 nose radii. A stability bound on the marching step size was observed with this case and is attributed to chemistry effects resulting from the non-catalytic wall boundary condition. A second case with Mach 28 flow over a sphere-cone-cylinder-flare configuration is computed at both two and five degree angles of attack with a fully-catalytic wall. Surface pressures are seen to be within five percent with the present method compared to the baseline LAURA solution and heat transfers are within 10 percent. The effect of grid resolution is investigated in both the radial and streamwise directions. The procedure demonstrates significant, order of magnitude reductions in solution time and required memory for the three-dimensional case in comparison to an all thin-layer Navier-Stokes solution.
The effect of off-the-visual-axis retinoscopy on objective refractive measurement.

Abstract Purpose To determine the effect of off-axis retinoscopy on objective refractive measurement. Design Prospective experimental study. Methods Eight volunteers underwent cycloplegic retinoscopy of their right eye on-the-visual-axis, and 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees off-the-visual-axis in adduction. A single masked examiner performed all retinoscopy with random order of the patient and axis refracted. Results The average spherical retinoscopic value at 0, 5,10,15, and 20 degrees of off-axis alignment was −0.40, −0.90, −1.00, −1.38, and −1.80 diopters, respectively. The average spherical equivalent retinoscopic value obtained for each of the above positions of eye alignment was −0.02, −0.59, −0.45, −0.64, and −0.98 diopters, respectively. The induced cylinder power increased by an average of 3% for each degree of off-axis retinoscopy, though the axis of the cylinder was not predictable. Conclusion Objective refractive measurement by retinoscopy is significantly altered by off-the visual-axis retinoscopy. The induced error may be clinically important even with small degrees of eccentricity.
OC040: Evaluation of the secondary palate by 3-D ultrasonography

Objectives: Diagnosis of cleft lip and palate remain a challenge with 2-D ultrasound particularly when clefting involves only the secondary palate. The utility of 3-D ultrasonography (3DUS) has enhanced our ability to detect clefts of the secondary palate. We report our experience with a modification of the flipped face technique to aid in the diagnosis of clefting of the secondary palate. Methods: Ninety-two volumes of fetal faces were evaluated. Of these, 36 volumes were acquired prospectively. The remaining 52 volumes had previously been acquired and included 8 with clefting of the secondary palate. Volumes were obtained using the Voluson 730 Expert (GE) and the IU22 (Phillips) and reviewed by four blinded readers on personal computer workstations. Volumes were manipulated so that an upright profile was visualized. The palate was then rendered utilizing a thin, curved render box. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test for categorical data. Intraclass correlations were computed to assess inter-rater agreement. Results: The mean gestational age of image acquisition was 22 + 5 weeks. Image quality of the secondary palate was obtained and rated as adequate by at least two reviewers in 34% (31/92) of volumes. The sensitivity of cleft detection ranged from 33–63% and the specificity ranged from 84–95%. The low sensitivity was mainly due to artifact/shadowing. The interrater reliability was 0.62 (95% CI 0.47,0.76). After review of the data, an additional 10 fetuses were studied and the secondary palates successfully visualized. These volumes were acquired slightly obliquely from the inferior aspect of the maxilla, pointing upward. Conclusions: 3DUS can be utilized to diagnose clefts of the secondary palate. However, this evaluation is limited by plane of acquisition and artifacts from shadowing of adjoining structures. Pseudoclefts can be created and optimal imaging cannot be obtained in all fetuses.
Control of vascular smooth muscle function by the endothelial cells

Abstract In isolated arteries, acetylcholine can initiate relaxation of the smooth muscle cells of the media by generating an inhibitory signal from the endothelial cells. This property is shared by other humoral substances including arachidonic acid, ADP, ATP, bradykinin, and thrombin. The functional coupling between endothelial cells and the arterial media involves at least three different pathways, two of which depend on the metabolism of arachidonic acid.
Untethered robotic play for repetitive physical tasks

Personal robots are an increasingly promising new platform for human entertainment. In particular, socially interactive game playing can be used as a mechanism for imparting knowledge and skills to both the robot and the human player. Simultaneous advances in untethered sensing of human activity has widened the scope for inclusion of natural physical movement in these games. In particular, this places certain human health applications within the purview of entertainment robots. Socially responsive automata equipped with the ability to physically monitor unencumbered humans can help to motivate them to perform suitable repetitions of exercise and physical therapy tasks. We demonstrate this concept with two untethered playful interactions: arm exercise mediated by play with a physical robot, and facial exercise mediated by expression-based operation of a popular video game console.
From concrete to abstract: the power of generalization

We describe an assignment for students in a software engineering class or advanced programming class with emphasis on design. In the assignment students are given a program that solves a maze, with a display that shows the steps toward the solution. The given program has three variations of an iterative search (implemented using the strategy pattern), depth-first search, breadth-first search, best-first search (the latter using a priority queue). The students are asked to disentangle the problem-specific aspects of this code from the search strategy so as to define an abstract problem solver that can be applied to any problem fitting the model of step-by-step searching of a solution space. This requires three steps: defining appropriate interfaces that specify the information about the problem needed by the abstract solver, defining the abstract solver to find a solution using these interfaces, and defining the maze problem so as to implement these interfaces. With the abstract solver created, students should also be able to implement other problems fitting this model, such as the word-ladder game or a search in a graph for a Hamiltonian circuit, so that the abstract solver can be applied to them. The assignment demonstrates the power of generalization using abstract classes and interfaces as a bridge between concrete problems and the solution algorithm. This assignment is intended for a course in software engineering or an advanced programming course with emphasis on design. Students should already be familiar with object-oriented programming, inheritance, abstract classes and interfaces.
Primary Cardiac Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting with Abdominal Pain

We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman with primary Burkitt lymphoma of the heart who presented with abdominal bloating and epigastric discomfort secondary to tamponade physiology caused by a large pericardial effusion. The pericardial fluid contained a large number of highly atypical lymphocytes with moderate basophilic cytoplasm, rare punched-out vacuoles, a vesicular nuclear chromatin, large nucleolus, and marginated chromatin that by FISH were positive for the 8;14 translocation. She had no other sites of disease. She was treated with four alternating cycles of modified CODOX-M and IVAC in combination with rituximab and remains in remission more than 5 years since diagnosis.
Analytical Curves in Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

The shapes of theoretical growth curves in atomic fluorescence spectrometry are calculated for several possible atomizer cell geometries, for several geometries of illumination measurement, for both line and continuum sources of excitation, and for several a parameter values. Factors relating the shapes of theoretical growth curves to experimental growth curves (analytical curves) are also discussed. Theoretical atomic fluorescence growth curves for hypothetical atoms having a parameters of 5, 2, 1, 0.4, and 0.1; for three different limiting cases characterizing the geometry of illumination measurement; and for both line and continuum sources are given.
Artificial Neurol Networks in Policy Research: A Current Assessment

Recent advances in neuroscience, computer science, psychology, and other fields have led to the development of computer programs that are modeled, in principle, on idealizations of organic neural structures. These artificial neural networks (ANNs) exhibit important properties that promise great usefulness for policy researchers. Most important among these are ANNs’ability to learn to identify complex patterns of information and to associate them with other patterns. Furthermore, like their biological predecessors, ANNs can recognize and recall these patterns and associations in spite of noisy, incomplete, or otherwise defective information inputs. ANNs can also generalize information learned about one or more patterns to other related patterns. As a result, ANNs have already found extensive use in areas once reserved for multivariate statistical programs such as regression and multiple classification analysis, and are developing an extensive community of advocates for processing text and other qualitative information.
Nonradioactive assay for cellular dimethylallyl diphosphate.

Abstract A sensitive, nonradioactive method was developed to measure cellular levels of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), a central intermediate of isoprenoid metabolism in nature. The assay is based on the hydrolysis of DMAPP in acid to the volatile hydrocarbon isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), with subsequent analysis of isoprene by headspace gas chromatography with reduction gas detection. In the assay, cell samples are directly acidified with 4 M H 2 SO 4 in sealed reaction vials. Therefore, there is no need to extract metabolites, purify them, and keep them stable prior to analysis, and degradative enzymatic activities are destroyed. DMAPP levels of 23 ± 4 nmol (g fresh weight) −1 [ca. 85 nmol (g dry weight) −1 ] and 80 ± 14 nmol (g fresh weight) −1 [ca. 296 nmol (g dry weight) −1 ] were measured in dark- and light-adapted leaves of Populus deltoides (Eastern cottonwood), respectively. Evidence is presented to show that DMAPP is the major leaf metabolite giving rise to isoprene following acid hydrolysis. DMAPP levels in Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were determined to be 40.8 ± 16.7 pmol (OD 600 ) −1 [ca. 638 pmol (mg dry weight) −1 ] and 6.3 ± 3.7 pmol (OD 600 ) −1 [ca. 139 pmol (mg dry weight) −1 ], respectively. The method should be suitable for any cell or tissue type and isolated cellular organelles.
Religious extremism: Origins and consequences

Economic perspectives enhance our understanding of religious beliefs, activities, and institutions. This essay outlines an economic theory of supernaturalism that accounts for the failure of secularization theories, the contrasting character of religion and magic, and the continued vitality of extremely demanding religious groups. Drawing upon insights that date back to Adam Smith, the theory also explains why extremism and state support often combine to produce religious militancy.
PAINT CHIP POISONING OF LAYSAN ALBATROSS AT MIDWAY ATOLL

Epizootic mortality occurred in Laysan albatross (Diomedea immutabilis) fledgings at Midway Atoll in 1983. Heavy metal toxicity from ingestion of weathered paint chips was one of the causes. Sick albatrosses were unable to retract their wings, causing a “droop-wing” appearance. Five normal and 12 droop-winged fledglings were captured, killed, and examined. Paint chips found in the proventriculus of the affected fledglings contained up to 144,000 ppm lead. Blood, liver, and kidney concentrations of lead in affected birds were higher than in normal fledglings, and acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in the kidneys. Degenerative lesions were present in the myelin of some brachial nerves. Weathered paint samples collected from 12 buildings contained up to 247,250 ppm lead and 101 ppm mercury. Lead poisoning was diagnosed in 10 of the droop-winged albatrosses and was one of the causes of morbidity. Mercury toxicosis and plastic impaction were other possible causes.
Comparative DNA cross-linking by activated pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Abstract The toxicity and bioactivity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), common constituents of hundreds of plant species, and in herbal remedies and folk medicines prepared thereof, are probably due to their ability to form DNA cross-linking. We investigated DNA cross-linking activity by chemically-activated PAs from four different structural classes in Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells and in pBR322 DNA. In cell culture, α,β-unsaturated macrocyclic diester pyrroles dehydrosenecionine (DHSN), dehydroriddelliine (DHRD) and the saturated macrocyclic diester pyrrole dehydromonocrotaline (DHMO) were significantly more potent cross-linkers than the simple necine base (retronecine) and an N-oxide (indicine N-oxide; INO) as determined by alkaline elution. The proportion of total DNA cross-links that were proteinase K-resistant (DNA–DNA cross-links) induced by the various pyrroles ranged from 0.08 (DHRN) to 0.67 (DHSN). Those pyrroles that were potent cross-linkers of cellular DNA also cross-linked, in a dose-dependent manner, Bam H1-digested pBR322 DNA as assessed by a gel retardation assay. The possible functional relevance of pyrrole–DNA cross-links was determined by their ability to interrupt PCR amplification of a 1.129 kb segment of pBR322. Dehydrosenecionine completely inhibited amplification, while DHMO was of intermediate potency, while DHRN and INO had no effect. Taken together, these studies suggest that structural features, most notably the presence of a macrocyclic diester, confer potent cross-link activity to PAs. In any event, DNA–DNA cross-linking is probably biologically relevant as indicated by their interference with DNA replication.
Multiples Used to Estimate Corporate Value

We evaluated various multiples practitioners use to estimate company value. We found, first, that the asset multiple (market value to book value of assets) generally generates more precise and less...
A single-blind placebo run-in study of venlafaxine XR for activity-limiting osteoarthritis pain.

Objective. Osteoarthritis pain is a significant problem for our aging population. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids are effective treatments, but have significant adverse effects, so there is a need for alternative treatments. Selective norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may provide a new treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. Methods. We performed a single-blind placebo run-in trial of 150–225 mg of venlafaxine in 18 subjects with activity-limiting osteoarthritis pain. Each subject received 2 weeks of placebo followed by 10 weeks of venlafaxine. The primary outcome was reduction in average pain intensity between 2 and 12 weeks. For subjects not completing the trial, their last observation was carried forward as an imputed outcome. Results. Average pain on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was 4.7 at baseline, 4.4 after the 2-week placebo run-in, and 3.3 at 12 weeks (25% decrease, P = 0.03). Nine subjects (50%) reported at least 30% pain reduction between weeks 2 and 12. The Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score at baseline was 2.0, 1.8 after 2 weeks, and 1.7 after 12 weeks. This represented a 6% decrease in pain between weeks 2 and 12 (P = 0.42), with two subjects (11%) reported at least 30% pain relief between weeks 2 and 12 on the WOMAC. Effects on self-reported physical and role function and depression were marginal or non-significant, and observed physical function did not improve. Conclusion. Venlafaxine significantly reduced pain intensity on the BPI and marginally improved self-reported function. Venlafaxine should be investigated further in a larger randomized trial for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain.
Bilirubin induced apoptosis in vitro: insights for kernicterus: commentary on the article by Hankø et al. on page 179.

Bilirubin Induced Apoptosis In Vitro : Insights for Kernicterus: Commentary on the article by Hanko et al. on page 179
The “wordloosed soundscript”: Performing James Joyce's Finnegans Wake

This study asserts that traditional literary analysis is not sufficient for gaining the full impact of Finnegans Wake because James Joyce has constructed his final opus upon “polyhedronic” prose, an innovation in language that is unprecedented in its aurality and therefore requires performance for its realization. Solo and ensemble performance provides the missing critical tool organically suited for elucidating this highly experimental text. Specifically, the study posits that performance‐centered analysis restores two crucial dimensions of meaning to Finnegans Wake: first, its vocal dimension (i.e., one significant level of meaning emerges only when uttered or communicated by the spoken word) second, its theatrical dimension (Finnegans Wake must be viewed as a script to be performed on stage). Furthermore, the study provides guidelines for formatting Finnegans Wake into a stage script.
Suppressive rod–cone interactions: evidence for separate retinal (temporal) and extraretinal (spatial) mechanisms in achromatic vision

We investigated the influence of selective rod light and dark adaptation on cone-mediated sensitivity to monocular displays modulated sinusoidally in both spatial and temporal domains. Rod light adaptation (1) increased sensitivity to high spatial frequencies [≥8 cycles per degree (cpd)] flickered slowly (≤2 Hz), an effect that we refer to as grating suppressive rod–cone interaction (gSRCI); (2) increased sensitivity to low spatial frequencies (≤2 cpd) flickered rapidly (≥8 Hz), an effect that we refer to as flicker suppressive rod–cone interaction (fSRCI); and (3) had relatively little influence on intermediate temporal–spatial-frequency combinations. The magnitudes of both gSRCI and fSRCI increased as the retinal position of the test display was increasingly displaced parafoveally. In parafoveal retina, both forms of suppressive rod–cone interaction increased as the overall dimension of the test stimulus decreased. However, sensitivity to high spatial frequencies is equally well influenced by adaptation of the viewing and the contralateral eye, while the adapted state of the nonviewing eye negligibly influences sensitivity to rapid flicker. Moreover, gSRCI cannot be observed with a small (30-arcmin) grating restricted to the fovea, while fSRCI is a prominent effect with small foveal test stimuli. Collectively, these results and neurobiological evidence suggest that fSRCI reflects a mechanism restricted to distal retinal, while gSRCI involves extraretinal neural circuitry.
Computational organizational science and organizational engineering

Abstract The past decade has witnessed the emergence of a new scientific discipline––computational social and organizational science. Within organization science in particular, and social science more generally, scientists and practitioners are turning to computational analysis to address fundamental socio-technical problems that are so complex and dynamic that they cannot be fully addressed by traditional techniques. Consequently, there is an explosion of computational models, computationally generated findings, interest in doing simulation, and a dearth of support for this enterprise. This paper contains discussions of the underlying fundamental perspective, the relation of models to empirical data and characteristics of necessary infrastructure.
Axial vector coupling of the quark

An estimate is made of the corrections of order 1/${\mathit{N}}_{\mathit{c}}$ (where ${\mathit{N}}_{\mathit{c}}$ is the number of colors in quantum chromodynamics) to the axial vector coupling of the quark.
Spectral response from perpendicular media with gapped head and underlayer

A general spectral formulation is presented, in the spirit of the Karlquist approximation, for the field from a gapped head with a permeable underlayer. For an infinite permeability underlayer, of particular interest in perpendicular recording, the fields and readback response are derived for sine-wave and square-wave magnetization, as well as for an isolated transition. The sine-wave response is given in a simple form, allowing interpretation in terms of a reduced pole density from the medium at the underlayer. The square-wave response is given as a Fourier series of sine-wave amplitudes. Approximate analytical functions are constructed for the response to an isolated transition.
Magnetic flux expulsion as an acceleration mechanism for stellar winds

Abstract Observations of the Sun show that magnetic flux is emerging through the surface in small scales in rather copious amounts. In order to maintain a steady state field strength, this flux must either be locally dissipated or explelled or both. We believe that magnetic reconnection and subsequent flux explusion is the most effective manner in which to achieve this. If new flux emerges into an already preexisting coronal magnetic field, the ambient field must be pushed aside to allow room for the new flux. If the ambient field strength decreases outward with radial distance as is expected for all stars, it may pinch off the emerging flux through magnetic reconnection and expell it outward. The net force on an isolated diamagnetic plasmoid produced by this process is shown to assume a particularly simple form, depending only on the plasmoid's mass, its temperature, and the radial gradient of the logarithm of the undisturbed magnetic pressure. If a sufficient number of these magnetic elements are produced per unit time, this process translates to a net outward magnetic force on the coronal plasma which can be greater that the gas pressure force. Thus, a stellar wind can be produced by magnetic forces alone without the need for a high coronal gas pressure — a mechanism which could be effective in explaining why stars, such as the late-type giants, which possess cool coronae nevertheless exhibit vigorous coronal expansions.
Scale models for laminated cylindrical shells subjected to axial compression

Abstract This study investigates problems associated with the design of scaled down models. Such study is important since it provides the necessary scaling laws, and the factors which affect the accuracy of the scale models. For better understanding the applicability of scaled down models in designing laminated composite structures, an analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the feasibility of their use. Employment of similitude theory to establish similarity among structural systems can save considerable expense and time, provided that the proper scaling laws are found and validated. In this study the limitation and acceptable interval of all parameters and corresponding scale factors are investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of buckling of cross-ply cylindrical shells under uniaxial compressive loads. Both complete and partial similarity are discussed. This analytical study indicates that distorted models with a different number of layers and geometries than those of the prototype can predict the behavior of the prototype with good accuracy. However, it is shown that a scaled down model with different material properties than those of the prototype is incapable of predicting the response of the prototype.
Epidemiologists social scientists and the structure of medical research on AIDS in Africa.

The development of medical research on AIDS in Africa resembles earlier efforts to understand the epidemiology of TB and syphilis in Africa. In all three cases early research focused on why these diseases exhibited different epidemiological patterns in Africa than in the west. Early explanations of these differences focused on the peculiarities of African behavior, while largely excluding from vision a range of environmental factors. These parallels provide a framework for examining how western ideas about AIDS in Africa developed, the role of social scientists in the formation of these ideas, and how these initial perceptions shaped the subsequent development of AIDS research, encouraging a premature narrowing of research questions. The paper warns that, as in the histories of TB and syphilis research, this early closure may generate inadequate and inappropriate responses to the African AIDS epidemic and limit our understanding of the disease.
A Beautiful Grave: Innocent Objects, Museums, and the Modern Self in Driss Chraïbi's La Civilisation, ma Mère!... and the Ben M'Sik Community Museum

Two-thirds through Driss Chraibi’s 1972 novel La Civilisation, ma Mere!... ‘Mother Comes of Age’ about an unnamed Moroccan woman and her path to modernity, the Mother makes a powerful statement that innocent objects from her past deserve a beautiful tomb and preservation from ridicule. In this article, I discuss the idea of innocent objects – innocent in terms of unknowing, and innocent in juridical terms as absolved from guilt in a crime and undeserving of punishment – in relationship to the Mother’s tomb and the 2006 Casablanca Ben M’Sik Community Museum (BMCM). Both the novel and the museum house seemingly worthless objects – from combs to old teapots – that nonetheless testify to the creation of the modern self. In the case of the BMCM, a museum whose role is to document oral history in Casablanca’s formerly largest bidonville ‘shantytown,’ inhabitants have been stepping forward, uninvited, and bringing objects to the museum. Much like Chraibi’s Mother, these inhabitants are eager to preserve the innocence of their past in the face of modernity – for them, a modern urbanism that is destroying their neighborhood to produce new public housing, and an on-going state discourse that has labeled them as dissidents, criminals and even terrorists.
A practice pathway for the management of gliomas of the anterior visual pathway: An update and an evidence-based approach

Purpose: To propose a practice pathway based upon the available medical literature for the management of optic pathway gliomas. Methods: A computerized Medline search of the English language literature on optic pathway gliomas from 1966 to 1998 was made. A practice pathway for the management of these tumors was developed based upon the available evidence. Results: The results of the practice pathway are summarized in an easy-to-follow, user-friendly treatment algorithm. Conclusion: The treatment of optic pathway gliomas is controversial. The use of an evidence-based practice pathway may assist the clinician in the management of these difficult cases.
Global warming and the growth of ice sheets

Recent research has suggested that warmer conditions, that may result from increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, may induce the growth of the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets (Miller and de Vernal 1992) through the impact of warmer temperature on the water carrying capacity of the atmosphere and thus on precipitation. In this study we examine this possibility by using a coupled energy balance climate-thermo-dynamic sea ice model. Results indicate that if summer ice albedo is high enough, and there is some mechanism for initially maintaining ice through the summer season, then it may be possible to have ice sheet growth under the conditions of CO2 induced warming.
Cyclopia: An anatomic and histologic study of two specimens

The craniofacial complex of two neonatal, human, cyclopic specimens was studied in detail. Both specimens exhibited a single ocular opening and one had a prominent proboscis positioned in the midline directly superior to the ocular aperture. No external nasal development was noted in the other specimen. The most remarkable finding was the lack of development of all skeletal derivatives of the ethmoidal cartilage (cribriform plate, perpendicular plate, superior and middle nasal conchae, medial orbital walls, and nasal septal cartilage) in both specimens. Since these bones normally form the medial, lateral, and superior walls of the nasal passage, this cavity was also absent. The two posterior halves of the maxillae were directed superiorly, medially, and with the vomer merged in the midline as a thick mass of bone. As a result the right and left alveolar portions of the maxillae were joined superiorly in the midline. With the absence of the nasal cavity, the right and left medial pterygoid plates merged medially with the palatal and pyramidal processes of the palatine bone to obstruct the junction between the oropharynx and nasopharynx (choanal atresia). The role of the skeletal parts of the ethmoid during maxillofacial growth and development is discussed.
Estrogen receptor β activation is antinociceptive in a model of visceral pain in the rat.

Abstract The mechanism underlying estrogen modulation of visceral pain remains unclear. Our previous studies indicate that activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) enhances visceral pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) activation in spinal processing of visceral stimuli. The effects of selective ERβ agonists on the visceromotor response (VMR) and dorsal horn neuronal responses to colorectal distention (CRD) were tested in ovariectomized and intact female rats. The magnitude of the VMR to CRD was significantly attenuated by ERβ agonists diarylpropionitrile (DPN) and WAY-200070 4 hours after subcutaneous injection. Pretreatment with the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 obscured the DPN-evoked attenuation. There was no effect of DPN on the VMR at earlier time points. Subcutaneous and spinal administration of DPN attenuated the response of visceroceptive dorsal horn neurons with a comparable time course. DPN attenuated the VMR in intact rats regardless of estrous cycle stage. The time course of effect of ERβ activation on the visceromotor response and neuronal activity is consistent with transcriptional or translational modulation of neuronal activity. Perspective Activation of ERβ is antinociceptive in the colorectal distention model of visceral pain, which may provide a therapeutic target to manage irritable bowel syndrome in the clinic.
Regiospecific catalytic hydrogenation of polynuclear hydrocarbons

Durch katalytische Hydrierung von Benz(a)anthracen (II) mit Wasserstoff an Pd/Cunter milden Bedingungen entsteht in 97%iger Ausbeute regiospezifisch das 5,6-Dihydroderivat (I), wahrend die Hydrierung mit Wasserstoff an Pt in 95%iger Ausbeute zum 8,9,10,l 1- Tetrahydroderivat (III) sowie in 5%iger Ausbeute zum 7,12-Dihydroderivat (IV) fuhrt.
Potential pitfall of the EndoButton

A clinical and cadaveric example show the EndoButton (Acufex Microsurgical Inc, Mansfield, MA), used for anterior cruciate ligament endoscopic fixation, flipping outside the extensor mechanism or vastus lateralis rather than flipping directly outside the lateral femoral cortex. This pitfall was caused by overdrilling the femoral socket beyond the recommended 6 mm and overadvancing the EndoButton beyond the required depth to flip the EndoButton. Overdrilling the femoral socket to a depth of 10 mm still allows the EndoButton to rest properly on the cortex without soft tissue interposition. Increasing angles of knee flexion at the time of Endobutton placement decrease the safe distance beyond the lateral femoral cortex for flipping without soft tissue interposition. There is also potential to flip the EndoButton within the substance of the vastus lateralis, but the flipping action is blunted and not discrete.
Tracheal gas insufflation-augmented continuous positive airway pressure in a spontaneously breathing model of neonatal respiratory distress.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates is characterized by labored breathing and poor gas exchange, often requiring ventilatory support. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a preferred intervention to support spontaneous ventilatory efforts by sustaining lung volume recruitment, while it prevents derecruitment during exhalation by maintaining end-expiratory pressure. However, CO2 retention during CPAP often results in the need for mechanical ventilation. Since tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) promotes CO2 elimination by reducing prosthetic dead space, we hypothesized that TGI used with CPAP may reduce the need for more invasive therapies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiologic effect of TGI with CPAP in a spontaneously breathing model of acute lung injury with respect to gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics. Nineteen spontaneously breathing neonatal pigs (2.4 ± 0.4 kg) were anesthetized, sedated, instrumented, and placed on CPAP at 5 cmH2O. All piglets were injured with intravenous oleic acid (0.08 ml/kg), and then randomized to receive CPAP with TGI (TGI; n = 9) or CPAP alone (control; n = 10). FiO2 was titrated at 0.05 every 15 min during the protocol to maintain SaO2 > 93%. Vital signs, arterial blood gases, pulmonary mechanics, and thoracoabdominal motion (TAM) were evaluated 30 min after injury and at 1-hr intervals for 4 hr. Following the 4-hr measurement, the piglets were sacrificed and the lungs were grossly examined. After initiation of treatment, we found that the PaCO2 was lower (33.1 ± 5.0 vs. 47.0 ± 10.3 mmHg; P < 0.01), while the oxygenation indices were greater (PaO2, SaO2, a/A ratio; P < 0.01) in the TGI group than with control animals. Subsequently, the pH was greater (7.45 ± 0.08 vs. 7.36 ± 0.08; P < 0.01) and closer to baseline values with TGI. By 4 hr, the FiO2 was titrated lower (0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.49 ± 0.15; P < 0.05) and ventilation was accomplished with a lower minute ventilation (MV) in the TGI group than in the control group (445 ± 113 vs. 581 ± 223 ml/kg/min; P < 0.01). Respiratory compliance was greater with TGI than control (0.76 ± 0.13 vs. 0.63 ± 0.11 ml/cmH2O/kg; P < 0.01), whereas resistance and TAM were similar between groups. We conclude that the use of TGI with CPAP in the treatment of RDS results in improved gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics. As such, TGI-augmented CPAP may prevent infants from requiring more invasive ventilation by reducing CO2 retention. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular Oxygen Dependent Steps in Fatty Acid Oxidation by Cyclooxygenase-1†

The mechanism by which cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), a heme- and tyrosyl radical-containing enzyme, catalyzes the regio- and stereospecific oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids to prostaglandin or hydroperoxide products has not been understood. Steady-state kinetic studies conducted with the native substrate arachidonic acid and the slower substrate linoleic acid are described here. Second-order rate constants, kcat/KM for fatty acid and O2, are found to depend upon the concentration of the other cosubstrate. Competitive oxygen kinetic isotope effects (18O KIEs) kcat/KM(16,16O2)/kcat/KM(18,16O2) reveal that a peroxyl radical is formed in or before the first kinetically irreversible step. Together, the results indicate that the oxygenase reaction occurs by a sequential mechanism which most likely involves reversible abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the fatty acid prior to the trapping of the delocalized substrate radical by O2. The identity of the first kinetically irreversible step, subsequent to forming the peroxyl radical, is also discussed in the context of the magnitude of the oxygen kinetic isotope effects as well as the behavior of kcat/KM(O2) in response to changing solvent pH, pD, and viscosity.
Further Experimentation with A New Differential Staining Method for Connective Tissue Combined with the Ordinary Hematoxylin-Eosin Stain

There appeared recently in the University of Oklahoma Bulletin an article by Jos. M. Thuringer1 describing a new differential staining method for connective tissue. Dr. W. J. Baumgartner suggested to the writer that she undertake to stain a series of sections using the method described by Mr. Thuringer. We wished especially to test this method in order to determine if it could be introduced into the course in technic as one of the routine stains for connective tissue.
Implementation model for end hosts to achieve power-efficient data transmission

With the wide proliferation of high-performance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, power consumption in the networking field has become a paramount issue. This paper focuses on data transmission between two end hosts and proposes a novel implementation model from the viewpoint of power efficiency during data transmission. Through inter-component coordination and traffic-driven control of power-efficient components, significant power saving is anticipated without any influence on the data transmission throughput. Experimental results verify the feasibility of the implementation model, and show that by using this implementation model, more power can be saved than in traditional approaches, which are based solely on individual components.
Rigid vibrations of a photonic crystal and induced interband transitions

We investigate the behavior of electromagnetic states associated with photonic crystals, which are undergoing rigid time-dependent translations in position space. It is shown, quite generally, that the Bloch wave vector q remains a conserved quantity and that an analogue of Bloch’s theorem for a time-dependent solution of the states can be formulated. Special attention is focussed on time-dependent translations involving harmonic rigid vibrations of the photonic crystal. Under these conditions it is shown how, and to what extent, inter-band transitions can be induced between the various bands in a photonic crystal in a microwave regime. In particular, a characteristic resonance transition time can be derived, which scales inversely with the amplitude of vibration and interband frequency. Finally, it is argued that given all parameters other than Bloch wave vector fixed, an interband transition time is minimized if the transition is made at a Bragg plane.
A Heuristic for Minimizing the Number of Tool Switches on a Flexible Machine

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of scheduling N jobs on a single machine equipped with an automatic tool interchange mechanism. We consider the case where the total number of tools required to process all N jobs is greater than the capacity of the tool magazine, and where processing times and switching times are independent. The underlying problem is to find the job sequence and tool replacement policy that minimizes the total number of switches. This is equivalent to minimizing the makespan. Two industrial applications of the model are cited. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear integer program and solved with a dual-based relaxation heuristic designed to quickly find good local solutions. An example is given to highlight the computations and a series of test cases is examined to gauge the performance of the proposed methodology. The results demonstrate that in almost all cases global optimality is obtained, but in notably less time than current techniques admit. This points up the practica...
An unusual blue mesogleal protein from the mangrove jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana

The jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana often contains a blue pigment diffused within the acellular portion of its masoglea. In the bell, both the pigment and endosymbiotic zooxanthellae are concentrated immediately beneath the ex-and subumbrellar epithelia. Chromatographic and polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic techniques demonstrate that the pigment is a highly polymeric glycoprotein (mol. wt>106 daltons) comprised of two subunits with molecular weights of 34 500 and 30 300 daltons and characterized by multiple charged species. The blue native protein exhibits light absorption maxima at 620, 587, 555 and 415 nm, while SDS denatured protein is pink with a single absorption maximum at 507 nm. No prosthetic chromophore or heavy metal component was detected. The pigment is proposed to act as a light attenuator protecting the jellyfish from injurious solar irradiation while allowing photosynthetically active wavelengths to reach the zooxanthellae.
Relative ion permeabilities in the crayfish giant axon determined from rapid external ion changes.

The changes in membrane potential of isolated, single crayfish giant axons following rapid shifts in external ion concentrations have been studied. At normal resting potential the immediate change in membrane potential after a variation in external potassium concentration is quite marked compared to the effect of an equivalent chloride change. If the membrane is depolarized by a maintained potassium elevation, the immediate potential change due to a chloride variation becomes comparable to that of an equivalent potassium change. There is no appreciable effect on membrane potential when external sodium is varied, at normal or at a depolarized membrane potential. Starting from the constant field equation, expressions for the permeability ratios PCl/PK, PNa/PK, and for intracellular potassium and chloride concentrations are derived. At normal resting membrane potential, PCl/PK is 0.13 but at a membrane potential of -53 mv (external potassium level increased about five times) it is 0.85. The intracellular concentrations of potassium and chloride are estimated to be 233 and 34 mM, respectively, and it is pointed out that this is not compatible with ions distributed in a Nernst equilibrium across the membrane. It is also stressed that the information given by a plot of membrane potential vs. the logarithm of external potassium concentrations is very limited and rests upon several important assumptions.
Social support and change in health-related quality of life 6 months after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective We determined whether perceived social support predicted change in health-related quality of life, operationalized as change in mental health and physical functioning, 6 months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods A prospective cohort of 1164 patients undergoing first CABG was interviewed prior to hospital discharge and 6 months later. Perceived instrumental and emotional support were assessed predischarge. Change in mental health and physical functioning was calculated as the difference between 6-month and predischarge SF-36 subscale scores. Stepwise linear regression analyses controlling for prior health-related quality of life, demographics, and clinical presentation were conducted. Results A total of 1072 (1072/1164=92%) participants completed the 6-month interview; mean age 65.7 (±11.1) years. Frequent instrumental support predicted positive change in mental health (β=3.27, P=.02); change scores were higher when participants had low pre-CABG mental health. Neither social support variable predicted change in physical functioning. Conclusions Assessing perceived instrumental support may help clinicians predict post-CABG mental health. More research regarding this relationship is needed before recommending intervention efforts.
Immunoglobulin Classes and Biological Functions of Campylobacter (Vibrio) fetus Antibodies in Serum and Cervicovaginal Mucus

Serum and cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) antibodies from heifers after genital infection or systemic immunization with Campylobacter (Vibrio) fetus were classified according to their immunoglobulin class, antigenic specificities, and biological functions. Only immunoglobulin (Ig) A antibodies, specific both for O and superficial, heat-labile, whole-cell (W) antigens, were detected in CVM of convalescent animals. After systemic immunization, antibodies in serum were directed principally to W antigens and were located in IgG1, IgG2, and IgM classes; CVM antibodies of the same specificity were detected only in the IgG subclasses. Functional tests revealed that antibodies of W specificity, whether of the IgA or IgG class, were capable of immobilizing the organism. However, IgG antibodies immobilized with clumping, whereas IgA antibodies immobilized single organisms within the 3-min period. None of the antibody preparations was bactericidal in the presence of homologous complement when the infecting strain was used as the target organism, but a bactericidal effect was observed when the target strain was rough and non-encapsulated. Both serum and CVM from systemically immunized animals opsonized C. fetus organisms, but CVM from locally immunized animals containing IgA antibodies was not opsonic. It is hypothesized that functions of immobilization for IgA and IgG and of opsonization for IgG are important features of protective immunity in venereal vibriosis.