cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CORRELATES OF LEAF OPTICAL PROPERTIES IN TROPICAL FOREST SUN AND EXTREME-SHADE PLANTS

The purpose of the present study was to determine which leaf structures best correlate with previously published optical properties of 13 extreme-shade adapted understory species and 12 sun-tolerating tropical forest species. Additional measurements of these taxa have made it possible to determine if: 1) chlorophyll content is an important determinant of absorptance; 2) chloroplast distribution has a significant effect; 3) whether the effect is through flattening or path-lenthening, and; 4) whether other variables, as thickness, palisade parenchyma, cell dimensions, the extent of air spaces, and epidermal cell curvature, affect leaf absorptance
Overview of microelectromechanical systems and design processes

New design tools and automation strategies are neededto create robust, cost-effective, and manufacturable micro-machineddevices and systems. Some of the design automationissues include mixed-technology simulation, materialproperty prediction in the micron-size regime, self-consistencyin coupled electromechanical devices, integratedmodeling environment, micro-fluid modeling, and synthesisof device geometries and process flows. Advancement inthese areas will path the way to full-scale maturity of theMEMS field.
Nucleotide Modification In Vitro of the Precursor of Transfer RNATyr of Escherichia coli

Abstract Certain nucleotides in precursor RNA of tRNATyr of Escherichia coli were modified in vitro with a preparation of partially purified E. coli enzyme containing ribothymidine- and pseudouridine-forming activity. The only nucleotides modified in vitro are the same as those found modified in mature tRNA. The best substrate for these modifying enzymes is the RNase P cleavage product of the precursor RNA, which contains the mature tRNA sequence. Of the two pseudouridines found in mature tRNA, one (in the TΨC sequence) can be formed in intact precursor RNA. The other (in the anticodon stem) can only be formed in the cleaved precursor RNA. The presence of modified nucleotides in the precursor RNA does not enhance its rate of cleavage by RNase P.
Gis‐based niche models reveal unifying climatic mechanisms that maintain the location of avian hybrid zones in a North American suture zone

The existence of suture zones in North America has recently been verified, yet the environmental factors responsible for the maintenance of their structure and position have remained undetermined. The Great Plains suture zone in the US is perhaps the most significant and broadly studied in North America. Numerous avian hybrid zones that cluster in this region have been extensively studied over the last half-century. A primary result of this work is that exogenous factors present in this region have promoted and maintained avian species divergence. Yet, to date the variables most important in the generation and the clustered positioning of these hybrid zones in relation to one another have not been determined. The present study aims to advance our understanding of this North American suture zone by using niche modelling to quantify which environmental variables are most important in its formation and maintenance. Through the generation of fundamental niches for four hybrids and their parental species, similarities linking the hybrid zones were uncovered. The results show that temperature holds this suture zone in position and also suggest that temperature played a primary role in promoting niche differentiation among these sister species pairs during Pleistocene glacial cycles.
ADVANCES IN SEMICONDUCTOR SUPERLATTICES, QUANTUM WELLS AND HETEROSTRUCTURES

In 1969, research on synthesized semiconductor superlattices was initiated with a proposal for a one-dimensional periodic structure consisting of alternating ultra-thin layers by Esaki and Tsu.1,2 Two types of superlattices: doping and compositional, were envisioned. The idea of the superlattice occurred to us while investigating the possible observation of resonant tunneling through double and multiple potential-barriers.3 In general, if characteristic dimensions such as superlattice periods and widths of potential wells in semiconductor nanostructures are reduced to less than the electron mean free path, the entire electron system will enter a quantum regime of reduced dimensionality with the presence of nearly-ideal hetero-interfaces. Our effort for the semiconductor superlattice4 is viewed as a search for novel phenomena in such a regime with engineered structures.
Avatars of Whiteness: Racial Expression in Video Game Characters

Video games are an enormous segment of popular media today, comparable to television and movies. Moreover, video games represent a new form of media distinguished from previous forms due to the interactive element, where game players have the ability to change and influence the game world. This paper contributes to the study of race and popular media by examining how race is presented in role-playing video games through the feature of avatar creation. Capabilities for avatar creation are analyzed in over sixty massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) in service as of early 2010 and twenty offline role-playing games (RPGs) published over the past 10 years. The analysis shows that the vast majority of games, both online and offline, do not allow for the creation of avatars with a non-white racial appearance. Forcing an Anglo appearance on avatars that purport to represent the player has the potential to reinforce a sense of normative whiteness as well as shape the social composition of online worlds into all-white virtual spaces, contributing to the creation of a virtual “white habitus.”
Matrix spectroscopy: Computation of interior eigenstates of large matrices using layered iteration

The computation of a small group of interior eigenstates of a large matrix H is an important problem in chemical physics. This general problem is approached in this study through the application of a two-layer iteration scheme. The design of the outer loop is based upon the strategy developed by Ericsson and Ruhe [Math. Comput. 35, 1251 (1980)]. Starting with a variable input energy E, this loop uses the Lanczos algorithm (with no reorthogonalization) to develop a reduced tridiagonal representation of the total Green function G(E). Diagonalization of this small matrix (denoted T) yields, through a simple mapping, excellent approximations to the eigenvalues of H that lie near energy E. The inner iteration loop of the algorithm computes the matrix-vector product G(E)${\mathbf{Q}}_{\mathit{j}}$, where ${\mathbf{Q}}_{\mathit{j}}$ is one of the Lanczos vectors. Both direct and indirect methods may be used for this operation. The direct method uses a perturbative expansion of the Green function, while the indirect method is based upon the iterative solution of a linear algebraic system. The indirect method yields a parametrized polynomial representation of the Green function, with the coefficients chosen variationally. The method is adaptive in the sense that these coefficients change during the course of the Lanczos iteration. Convergence of these iterative methods is improved significantly by developing the Green function in the partial adiabatic representation. Conversion to this representation involves diagonalization of the diagonal block of H involving those states whose zeroth-order energies surround the energy of interest. The two-layer scheme is applied to a model Hamiltonian matrix that has a variable coupling strength within and between a number of dense bands of states. With this scheme it is possible to accurately compute a group of eigenstates near energy E in just a few Lanczos iteration steps (10).
The relationships between steroid molecular structure and cell growth.

Abstract The growth rate of the chlorotic, free-living flagellate Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris (streptomycin-bleached) is accelerated by androgenic, estrogenic, and adrenal steroid hormones at concentrations as low as 10−4 mg. steroid/l. of culture medium. Progesterone, pregnanediol, and cholesterol did not affect the growth rate of Euglena cells at any concentration used. The structural features necessary for the action of the steroid appear to be either a ketone or hydroxyl grouping at carbons 3 and/or 17 of the nucleus and an over-all planar configuration of the molecule. The data infer that in this growth-accelerating action any role other than that of a catalyst is unlikely for the steroid molecule.
Context Sensitive Interaction Interoperability for Serious Virtual Worlds

Serious virtual worlds provide more than just entertainment, they are used perform various tasks. With this in mind, we should revisit the user interactions and related devices and techniques in order to achieve the best performance possible. Therefore, we should offer some affordances to take advantages of these new developments. We consider context and context awareness to help modify applications interface and interactions in order to match the tasks users are currently performing. We explore how to adapt to the context by switching input device and interaction technique. We present the framework developed to realize these affordances and discuss the addressed challenges.
The effect of lift teams on kinematics and muscle activity of the upper extremity and trunk in bricklayers

Study Design Workplace-simulation study using a crossover design. Objectives To evaluate the effect of lift teams on trunk and upper extremity kinematics and muscle activity among bricklayers. Background Healthcare practitioners often instruct individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in proper lifting techniques. Bricklayers are especially affected by lifting-related musculoskeletal disorders. Lift teams are a possible intervention for reducing exposure to heavy lifting. Methods Eighteen apprentice bricklayers constructed walls with concrete blocks alone (1 person) and in 2-person lift teams. Peak shoulder and trunk kinematics and normalized mean surface electromyography of the upper trapezius, lumbar paraspinals, and flexor forearm muscles were collected bilaterally. Differences between construction methods and rows 1, 3, and 6 of the wall were calculated with repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results Working in lift teams required less trunk flexion (P = .008) at row 1 but more side...
A Structured Programming Experiment

Though there is little agreement on the definition of structured programming, almost all writers suggest that at a minimum, it involves avoiding the use of unconditional transfer of control statements (GO TO's) from programs (Knuth, 1974; Mills, 1971; Dijkstra, 1968b). However, structured programming is more than programming without GO TO's; it is an approach to solving problems using a top-down, hierarchical method (Dahl, et al., 1972; Dijkstra, 1968a). Unrestricted GO TO statements are replaced in their various contexts by language structures such as iterations, conditionals, and procedure calls. The basic objective is to formulate programs so that they are easily understood (Knuth, 1974). Structured programming produces a better documented program with greater readability. A programmer can read a program segment from top to bottom without having to follow through a number of transfers of control. Structured programs should be easier to debug and understand at some later date. It should also be easier to modify a program, especially when the changes are made by someone other than the original programmer. Modifications can be made to isolated blocks of code without affecting other major segments of the program. Based on these advantages claimed for structured programming, the basic contention of this study is that programmers will perform better and have more favourable attitudes when writing structured code than when writing unrestricted programs.
Synthesis of a C(22)a˚C(34) halichondrin precursor via a double dioxanone-to-dihydropyran rearrangement

Abstract An enantioselective synthesis of the C(22)a˚C(34) halichondrin segment1 in nine steps from mesocyclopenten-1,4-diol (5) is described. Asymmetric bis(epoxidation) of meso bis(allylic alcohol)8 and two concurrent [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangements of bis(dioxanone)2 are featured.
Cerebral embolism—First manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Four of five patients with asymptomatic small or moderate-size pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) presented with a paradoxical embolus and stroke. In these patients chest radiographic findings were subtle and arterial hypoxemia provided the real clue to diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) and cerebral arteriography confirmed embolic occlusion in four of five patients. Careful family screening including posteroanterior (PA) and lateral chest radiographs and arterial oxygen determinations in siting or standing positions are recommended for early detection of asymptomatic patients with PAVM. Early therapeutic intervention (with balloon embolotherapy) is recommended to avoid paradoxical embolization.
Spotlight on Educating Our Future Professionals: What Human Factors and Ergonomics Means to Students

One of the primary goals for members of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society should be to increase student awareness of the opportunities found in the field of human factors/engineering psychology. By increasing awareness of our discipline, we can improve our chances of attracting bright, talented, and energetic students to the various undergraduate and graduate programs around the country, which can only serve to enrich our profession and benefit society. Toward this end, we asked students at different levels of education what human factors and ergonomics meant to them. First, we assessed the awareness of the concept ergonomics in college-bound high school seniors. Second, we surveyed undergraduate students about their awareness of human factors/engineering psychology as a viable major. Third, current human factors/engineering psychology undergraduate and graduate students were asked why they chose to pursue this field of study. Implications for promoting the discipline of human factors/engineering p...
Use of neutrino reactions on nuclei to investigate the kaon dispersion relation in nuclear matter.

Theories that predict kaon condensation in neutron star matter at high densities also make predictions of the form of the density dependent dispersion relation for a [ital K] meson moving through nuclear matter. The dispersion relation for the [ital K][sup [minus]] in matter at the density of ordinary nuclei then has the property that for sufficiently large momentum [ital k] the energy-momentum becomes spacelike, [omega][lt][ital k]. The reactions [bar [nu]][sub [ital e]][r arrow][ital K][sup [minus]]+[ital e][sup +] and [bar [nu]][sub [mu]][r arrow][ital K][sup [minus]]+[mu][sup +] become kinematically allowed inside the nucleus, and can be used to gain information on the dispersion relation and on the underlying theory.
Electronic control of hydrogen debonding from phosphorus in silicon - is there an acceptor state of interstitial hydrogen?

Abstract Schottky diodes fabricated from phosphorus doped silicon have been ion beam hydrogenated and annealed under various bias conditions both in the dark and under illumination. Minority carriers created by illumination or forward bias injection accelerate the hydrogen debonding process by enhancing the dissociation rate of hydrogen phosphorus pairs. Reverse bias annealing data show enhanced debonding inside the diode depletion region and the appearance of bonded hydrogen deeper in the sample. Evidence is also presented for a positive charge state of the P·H pair, created in reverse bias but metastable in equilibrium. We argue that the H redistribution seen in reverse bias anneals is not a definitive proof of the existence of H-, but could equally well be explained by debonding of hydrogen inside the depletion region and diffusion and bonding at greater depths where the debonding rate is suppressed by the lower hole/electron ratio.
Contrast-detail curves in chest radiography

We investigated how size and lesion location affect detection of simulated mass lesions in chest radiography. Simulated lesions were added to the center of 10 cm x 10 cm regions of digital chest radiographs, and used in 4-Alternative Forced-Choice (4-AFC) experiments. We determined the lesion contrast required to achieve a 92% correct detection rate I(92%). The mass size was manipulated to range from 1 to 10 mm, and we investigated lesion detection in the lung apex, hilar region, and in the sub-diaphragmatic region. In these experiments, the observer obtained I(92%) from randomized repeats obtained at each of seven lesion sizes, with the results plotted as I(92%) versus lesion size. In addition we investigated the effect of using the same background in the four 4-AFC experiments (twinned) and random backgrounds from the same anatomical region taken from 20 different radiographs. In all three anatomical regions investigated, the slopes of the contrast detail curve for the random background experiments were negative for lesion sizes less than 2.5, 3.5, and 5.5 mm in the hilar (slope of -0.26), apex (slope of -0.54), and sub-diaphragmatic (slope of -0.53) regions, respectively. For lesion sizes greater than these, the slopes were 0.34, 0.23, and 0.40 in the hilar, apex, and sub-diaphragmatic regions, respectively. The positive slopes for portions of the contrast-detail curves in chest radiography are a result of the anatomical background, and show that larger lesions require more contrast for visualization.
Anaplastic seminoma of the testis: ultrastructural analysis of three cases.

Three anaplastic seminomas of the testis were examined by transmission electron microscopy, and the ultrastructural features are described for comparison with those reported in other seminomas and related neoplasms. It is concluded that anaplastic seminomas are similar ultrastructurally to classic testicular seminomas, extragonadal seminomas, and ovarian dysgerminomas, all of which are less differentiated than spermatocytic seminomas.
An Electron Microscopic Histochemical Study of the Histogenesis of Major Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma

Six pleomorphic adenomas were studied histochemically by electron microscopy after staining with ruthenium red, high iron diamine-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (HID-TCH-SP), and tannic acidferric chloride (TA-FeCI3); the latter two are quite specific for sulfated glycoconjugates. With ruthenium red staining, the proteoglycans of the myxochondroid stroma could be visualized as numerous extracellular 25 to 50-nm polygonal matrix granules with fine projecting filaments. Similar positive ruthenium red-stained intracellular granules were observed within the Golgi-derived vacuoles of the modified “myoepithelial” cells in the myxochondroid region. Secretion of these granules by exocytosis was occasionally observed. The modified myoepithelial cell in the myxoid region exhibited strong HID-TCH-SP- and TA-FeCI3-reactive sites within the Golgi-derived vacuoles. The intercellular space or microcyst of the cellular clusters and the extracellular matrix granules stained strongly positive with both HID-TCH-SP and...
Diffusion and Permeation of Gases in Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Abstract The presence of filler in a matrix phase greatly alters and also complicates the diffusion process, making experimental data very difficult to handle analytically. In this study both diffusion and permeability data were obtained in unfilled cellulose acetate films and cellulose acetate films filled with cheese cloth. Cheese cloth being highly permeable, the permeabilities and diffusivities of gases in the filled films are greater than in unfilled films due to reduced effective film thickness for molecular diffusion. A mathematical model has been developed which considers molecular diffusion to occur in that part of the film having no filler, while diffusion through the low-resistance cheese cloth is approximated by convective flow controlled only by the pressure gradient across the thickness of the cheese cloth yarn. The mathematical model predicts permeability values somewhat lower than experiment at low flow rates, but agrees well with experimental permeabilities at higher rates. The poor agree...
Individual differences in the response to forgone payoffs: an examination of high functioning drug abusers

This study evaluates the effect of forgone payoffs in decision-making tasks used for studying individual differences. We investigate whether the disclosure of forgone payoffs (defined as payoffs associated with un-chosen alternatives) has selective effects for drug abusers. Evidence suggests that drug abusers are hypersensitive to signals of positive reward. Accordingly, because the forgone payoffs of risky high-variability options include rewarding outcomes, this may create a distraction and lead drug abusers to make more risky choices. In a controlled experiment, we examined the behavior of high-functioning drug abusers and healthy controls using the Iowa gambling task. The results showed that in a forgone payoff condition, drug abusers made more risky choices. The results demonstrate that adding information about forgone payoffs can be useful for studying individual differences, and that studying individual differences can be valuable in evaluating the effects of forgone payoffs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute stress potentiates brain response to milkshake as a function of body weight and chronic stress.

Acute stress potentiates brain response to milkshake as a function of body weight and chronic stress
Stacked Integral Image

Filtering in digital images via Integral Image yields fast computation times for uniform filtering. The extension by Heckbert [1] to perform filtering via repeated integration provides a way for non-uniform filtering, but has its own limitations. A recent method by Hussein et al. [2] provides non-uniform filtering by Euler expansion of filtering kernels, and is called kernel integral method. We propose a simplification for non-uniform filtering by stacking of box filters from a single integral image.1 Results show speedups of as much as 40∶1, similar to run time performance gains in kernel integral method, when comparing to naive nonuniform filtering, while at the same time reducing the setup time drastically.
Geochemistry of eolian dust in Pacific pelagic sediments: Implications for paleoclimatic interpretations

Geochemical data (REEs, Th, Sc) were determined for the operationally defined eolian dust (ODED) fraction (<63 μm) of Late Quaternary sediment samples (n = 57) from the north and equatorial Pacific Ocean. Paleoclimate studies commonly have assumed that this sediment fraction represents eolian materials from continental source regions. This study shows, on the basis of geochemical data, published mineralogical data, and mixing models, that the ODED fraction actually is a mixture of materials from two endmember sources: the continental crust (eolian-transported weathering products) and the oceanic crust (primarily volcanogenic material). Mixing model results show that the average ash content is significant in the ODED fraction (equatorial Pacific = 43%; north Pacific = 24%). We have used this information to reconsider and refine the results of previous paleoclimate studies. In the northwest Pacific the flux of the eolian fraction is greater during glacial stages and shows a latitudinal maximum between 35°N and 42 °N. Eolian fluxes are greatest during interglacial periods in the equatorial Pacific. These results are consistent with previous interpretations. In contrast to previous assumptions, eolian mass accumulation rates may not be a valid indicator of paleo-aridity because they are correlated with grain size. Furthermore, the relative abundance of the two endmembers is correlated with the average grain size of the dust fraction (the continental crust component is associated with larger grains). This compositional effect should be considered in future studies which commonly utilize grain size as a proxy indicator of paleo-wind intensity.
Circadian Rhythm in Circulating Concentration of Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid in Normal Women

The 24-h patterns of plasma concentration change in dopamine (DA) and its immediate deaminated metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were determined in 6 normal women (16 studies) by a modified radioenzymatic assay. Changes in DOPAC levels exhibited a marked circadian rhythm, with peak during the day and a nadir at night. At 1200 h, the DOPAC concentration increased significantly (P less than 10(-4)) to a peak value 62.9 +/- 8.4 ng/ml) 117% higher than the 24-h mean. At 2200 h, plasma DOPAC decreased (P less than 10(-4)) to a nadir concentration (10.0 +/- 3.3 ng/ml) 66% lower than the 24-h mean. The circadian rhythm of DOPAC could be reproducibly demonstrated over at least 4 successive days in individual subjects. There were no well defined circadian variations in plasma concentrations of DA. Since the plasma DOPAC concentration appears to reflect central nervous system dopaminergic neuronal activity, the present demonstration of a circadian rhythm of plasma DOPAC suggests that the activity of central nervous system DA-containing cells is higher during the day than at night.
Children's Literature: Ideology and Response

My article, "The Black Experience in Children's Fiction," argued that the criticism and evaluation of children's literature must attend not only to the aesthetic qualities of literary works, but to their sociohistorical, and cultural values as well. My central thesis held that "demands for realistic, nonstereotypical characters, and for historical and cultural accuracy and authenticity in writing about the Black experience for children need not conflict with the demand for literary excellence" (Taxel 1986, p. 249). This thesis was made with support from those (MacCann and Woodard 1972; Sims 1982; Thompson and Woodard 1972) who are directly concerned with the ways that Black Americans have been presented in children's literature, from recent research in the sociology of school knowledge, and from an analysis of three award winning novels for young people about Black experience. The first novel, Mildred Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1976), was selected for discussion because it has been lauded for its literary values as well as its perspective on the Black experience. Ouida Sebestyen's Words By Heart (1979) and Paula Fox's The Slave Dancer (1973) were examined because of the controversy they have engendered. That is, although they received prestigious literary awards, these novels were the subject of harsh criticism for their alleged racism and stereotyping. My analysis of Roll of Thunder led me to conclude that it was indeed deserving of the coveted Newbery Medal. The novel is successful "both in terms of its literary values and in its historical, cultural perspective on the events it describes" (Taxel 1986, p. 260). My reading of Words by Heart led me to concur with those, like Rudine
Effect of KRAS mutational status in advanced colorectal cancer on the outcomes of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Emerging data suggest that somatic KRAS mutation in advanced colorectal cancer is a strong predictor of non-response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody (anti-EGFR) therapy. Patients and Methods: A comprehensive search through March 2010 identified randomized controlled trials in metastatic colorectal cancer that evaluated chemotherapy regimens or best supportive care, with and without anti-EGFR therapy. Outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), and predictive test performance. Results: In pooled data from 8 trials with 5325 patients, the addition of anti-EGFR to standard chemotherapy resulted in improved PFS (HR 0.66 [95% CI, 0.53-0.82]) in patients with wild-type KRAS in the tumor tissue, but not in patients with KRAS mutation (HR 1.07 [95% CI, 0.91-1.27]). Anti-EGFR treatment in the wild-type group did not significantly improve median OS. As a predictive biomarker, KRAS mutation had a positive likelihood ratio of 2.0 (95% CI, 1.45-2.76) in predicting nonresponse to anti-EGFR treatment. Conclusion: In patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the addition of anti-EGFR treatment to standard chemotherapy improves PFS for those with wild-type, but not mutant KRAS status. KRAS gene mutation testing provides a fair biomarker in predicting non-response to anti-EGFR treatment.
Sulfatides partition disabled-2 in response to platelet activation.

Background Platelets contact each other at the site of vascular injury to stop bleeding. One negative regulator of platelet aggregation is Disabled-2 (Dab2), which is released to the extracellular surface upon platelet activation. Dab2 inhibits platelet aggregation through its phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain by competing with fibrinogen for αIIbβ3 integrin receptor binding by an unknown mechanism.
Initial approaches for extending sketch recognition to beyond-surface environments

Sketch recognition researchers have long concentrated their energies on investigating issues related to computer systems' difficulties in recognizing hand-drawn diagrams, but the focus has largely been on recognizing sketches on physical surfaces. While beyond-surface sketching actively takes place in diverse forms and in various activities, directly applying existing on-surface sketch recognition techniques beyond physical surfaces is far from trivial. In this paper, we investigate initial approaches for locating corners and extracting primitive geometric shapes in beyond-surface sketches, which are important ingredients of subsequent higher-level interpretations for building richer sketching interfaces. Moreover, we investigate preliminary challenges of sketch recognition in beyond-surface environments and discuss possible solutions for achieving successful next-step extensions of this work.
The allylic alcohol function in alkyltin (IV)-mediated carbocyclization. Regiospecific octalin and hydrindene synthesis.

Abstract The employment of the allylic alcohol function in the initiation of tetraalkylstannane-mediated carbocyclization and the application of this methodology to the regiospecific synthesis of Δ 1,2 -octalins and Δ 4,5 -hydrindene ring systems is described.
Generation of amyloidogenic C-terminal fragments during rapid axonal transport in vivo of beta-amyloid precursor protein in the optic nerve.

The amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is a major component of extracellular deposits that are characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ is derived from the large transmembrane β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP). In the rabbit optic nerve/optic tract (ON), βAPP is synthesized in vivo in retinal ganglion cell perikarya, rapidly transported into the ON axons in small transport vesicles and is subsequently transferred to the axonal plasma membrane as well as to the presynaptic nerve terminals (Morin, P. J., Abraham, C. R., Amaratunga, A., Johnson, R. J., Huber, G., Sandell, J. H., and Fine, R. E.(1993) J. Neurochem. 61, 464-473). Present results indicate that there is rapid processing of βAPP in the ON to generate a 14-kDa C-terminal membrane-associated fragment that contains the Aβ sequence. By using equilibrium sucrose density gradient fractionation, this fragment, as well as non-amyloidogenic C-terminal fragments and intact βAPP, are detected in at least two classes of transport vesicles destined for the plasma membrane and the presynaptic nerve terminal. The two classes of transported vesicles are distinguished by labeling kinetics as well as by density. In contrast to the ON, only non-amyloidogenic C-terminal fragments are generated in the retina, which contains the perikarya of retinal ganglion cells and glial (Muller) cells which also produce βAPP.
Expression of transforming growth factor-β and extracellular matrix by human peritoneal mesothelial cells and by fibroblasts from normal peritoneum and adhesions : Effect of Tisseel

We have previously shown that fibroblasts obtained from adhesions produce greater amounts of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules than normal fibroblasts isolated from normal peritoneum. The purpose of the current studies was to examine the effect of Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Glendale, CA), a fibrin sealant containing fibrinogen, aprotinin (a protease inhibitor), thrombin, and CaC1(2), on TGF-beta1 and ECM production by human peritoneal mesothelial cells, normal peritoneal fibroblasts, and adhesion fibroblasts. Multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using beta-actin as a housekeeping gene was used to determine mRNA levels of TGF-beta1 and ECM in these cells at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours under normoxic conditions in the following treatment groups : fibrin sealant (Tisseel) alone; fibrin sealant with the two components diluted 1 : 2; fibrin sealant with the sealer protein component reconstituted without aprotinin (a protease inhibitor); fibrin sealant with the sealer protein component reconstituted without aprotinin (and both components diluted 1 : 2); fibrin sealant components diluted to physiologic concentrations; and control (culture media). The test compositions had little effect on TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in mesothelial cells and normal peritoneal fibroblasts, but resulted in a marked reduction of TGF-beta1 from adhesion fibroblasts. Expression of type I collagen by human peritoneal mesothelial cells was not detected; the compositions reduced type I collagen mRNA expression by both types of fibroblasts. Type III collagen was detected at six hours, and increased approximately 50 percent by culturing for 48 hours. Tisseel at full strength and with both components diluted 1 : 2 initially increased type III collagen mRNA levels; in contrast, type III collagen mRNA levels were reduced in mesothelial cells by the fibrin sealant without aprotinin at both concentrations and at physiologic concentrations. In both types of fibroblasts, the Tisseel compositions reduced type III collagen mRNA expression. Fibronectin mRNA were transiently reduced at six hours by approximately 50 percent in the presence of the Tisseel components, but then returned to control levels. Fibronectin mRNA levels were not altered in normal peritoneal fibroblasts, but were reduced by all but the physiologic concentration in adhesion fibroblasts. Tisseel may modulate human peritoneal mesothelial cell, normal peritoneal fibroblast, and adhesion fibroblast function. These results suggest that fibrin sealant prepared from the Tisseel kit without aprotinin has the ability to reduce ECM and TGF-beta1 mRNA levels, especially from adhesion fibroblasts, which may indicate a role in reduction of postoperative adhesion development.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE OVINE-LENS PLASMA-MEMBRANE PROTEIN-KINASE SUBSTRATES

The cAMP-dependent protein-kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of the two major intrinsic lens fiber cell plasma membrane proteins, MP20 and MP26, is likely restricted to the inner cortical and nuclear regions of the lens in vivo. The ovine-lens-specific connexin, MP70, that has been identified as Cx50 in mice and Cx45.6 in the chick, is also a protein kinase substrate although it does not appear to be phosphorylated by a number of protein kinases including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C. Rather, an extrinsic lens membrane fraction was isolated which contained protein kinase activity that catalyzed the phosphorylation of MP70; this protein kinase activity was cAMP-independent, Ca(2+)-independent, Mg(2+)-dependent, phosphorylated MP70 on a serine residue(s) and migrated with a molecular mass of 35 kDa on a gel filtration column. Both MP70 phosphorylation and the endogenous protein kinase activity were restricted to the lens outer cortical region. This membrane-associated protein kinase activity represents the first reported partial characterization of an endogenous lens fiber cell protein kinase activity that catalyzes the phosphorylation of a lens connexin protein. The phosphatase-induced shift in the electrophoretic mobility of MP70 is not reversed by this protein kinase, indicating that MP70 is likely phosphorylated on different residues by two or more protein kinases.
Selection of Reference Genes for Normalizing Gene Expression During Seed Priming and Germination Using qPCR in Zea mays and Spinacia oleracea

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) has been widely used to investigate gene expression during seed germination, a process involving seed transition from dry/physiologically inactive to hydrated/active state. This transition may result in altered expression of many housekeeping genes (HKGs), conventionally used as internal controls, thereby posing a challenge about selection of HKGs in such scenarios. The objectives of this study included identifying valid reference genes for seed priming and germination studies, both of which involve the transition of seed hydration status, and assessing whether or not findings derived from the “seed model” used in this study would also be applicable to other plant species. Eight commonly used HKGs were evaluated in maize seeds during hydropriming and germination. Using Bestkeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder, we provided a rank of stability for these HKGs. Actdf, UBQ, βtub, 18S, Act, and GAPDH were adjudged as valid internal controls by geNorm and NormFinder. Under the second objective, we conducted a case study with spinach seeds collected during osmopriming and germination. Our results indicate that the conclusions derived from maize were applicable to spinach as well, in that 18S exhibited greater expression stability than GAPDH in osmoprimed and germinated seeds; this held true even under stress conditions. While both of these genes were rejected by BestKeeper, we found that 18S exhibited stable expression when “dry” and “hydrated” seeds were analyzed as separate data sets. Although this approach precludes the comparison between “hydrated” and “dry” seeds, it still provides effective comparison among samples of same hydration status.
Naltrexone Antagonism of Exploration in the Rat

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with low doses of the narcotic antagonist Naltrexone or vehicle and tested for motor activity upon an automated platform. A single exposure of four consecutive ten minute periods was employed. The drug caused dose-related declines in activity which could be dissociated from ataxia related nonspecific side effects. Endogenous opiates may be involved in exploration.
The Concept of Representation in American Political Development: Lessons of the Massachusetts Bay Puritans

The Puritan experience during the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony provides crucial insight into the concept of representation. Close attention to Puritan political thought and activity reveals that substantive ideas about human nature, community, and government purpose helped shape the concept of representation. This study suggests that a historical and regime-bound understanding of representation—one that gives due weight to political struggles and competing understandings of human nature, community, and government purpose—offers a useful way to understand the concept’s development in the United States.
Towards a Fail-Safe Approach to Secure Databases

In this paper we consider some problems related to database security. We first generalize the definition of compromise to the discovery of the value of some (generally complex) property about a class of individuals. For a given query we define implied queries and impose tests for safe response on both the query and implied queries. It is shown how this approach relates to the "tracker" concept. It is further shown how this approach mitigates to some extent the security problems related to history keeping and to user preknowledge of the database.
An innovative decision support system for solving the renovation and expansion problems in operational infrastructure systems

The expansion and renovation projects of the nation's large infrastructure systems such as highways, airports, and nuclear power plants can be characterised by their complexity and high cost, especially when they interfere with a facility's ongoing operations. Generally, major infrastructure systems are required to remain fully operational and minimally disturbed while expansion and renovation projects are taking place. This paper discusses the concept of disturbance, and addresses how to minimise the disturbance of construction and to reduce their impacts on ongoing operations. A disturbance model was adopted through the integration of stochastic simulation and project management packages. The model was validated in a major infrastructure case study. This research showed that substantial savings in infrastructure operations and construction cost could be achieved by the implementation of the developed model. It has been proved that modern information technology can be used effectively to deal with real and complex issues concerning our infrastructure. However, barriers to the transfer of the presented technology still exist. An overview of these barriers as well as the critical success factors that would make this technology applicable to airport organisations, are also discussed.
Academic Proficiency in Children After Early Congenital Heart Disease Surgery

Children with early surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) are known to have impaired neurodevelopment; their performance on school-age achievement tests and their need for special education remains largely unexplored. The study aimed to determine predictors of academic achievement at school age and placement in special education services among early CHD surgery survivors. Children with CHD surgery at <1 year of age from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2003, at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital were identified. Out-of-state births and infants with known genetic and/or neurologic conditions were excluded. Infants were matched to an Arkansas Department of Education database containing standardized assessments at early school age and special-education codes. Predictors for achieving proficiency in literacy and mathematics and the receipt of special education were determined. Two hundred fifty-six children who attended Arkansas public schools and who had surgery as infants were included; 77.7 % had either school-age achievement-test scores or special-education codes of mental retardation or multiple disabilities. Scores on achievement tests for these children were 7–13 % lower than those of Arkansas students (p < 0.01). They had an eightfold increase in receipt of special education due to multiple disabilities [odds ratio (OR) 10.66, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.23–22.35] or mental retardation (OR 4.96, 95 % CI 2.6–8.64). Surgery after the neonatal period was associated with decreased literacy proficiency, and cardiopulmonary bypass during the first surgery was associated with decreased mathematics proficiency. Children who had early CHD surgery were less proficient on standardized school assessments, and many received special education. This is concerning because achievement-test scores at school age are “real-world” predictors of long-term outcomes.
Calculations of the Einstein A Coefficient for the 18 cm Transition of OH

LIDE1 has pointed out that my calculation2 of the Einstein A coefficient for the 18 cm transition of OH is twice the correct value. This calculation referred to a representation in which hyperfine splitting is not included. I agree with Lide, who notes that the dipole factor |µΛ|2 was correctly calculated in ref. 2, but that the statistical weight was too small by a factor of two.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of desmoplastic malignant melanoma metastatic to the parotid gland: Case report and review of the literature

We report a case of desmoplastic malignant melanoma metastatic to the parotid gland initially evaluated by fine-needle aspiration. The cytologic findings consisted of scattered spindle cells in a background of heterogeneous lymphoid cells. The spindle cells were scant and displayed mild cytologic atypia. In addition, rare stromal fragments were also present. Cytoplasmic pigment and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions were not seen. The initial impression was that of a reactive lymph node with fibrosis. In retrospect, rare spindle cells displayed moderate atypia. In addition, the stromal fragments were cellular and contained spindle cells with mild atypia. These cytologic findings along with a known history of malignant melanoma should provide clues to the correct diagnosis of desmoplastic malignant melanoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:97–100. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Processes underlying unintentional finger-force changes in the absence of visual feedback

Previous reports show that the forces produced by the fingers of one hand drop exponentially over time in the absence of visual feedback on the forces. We study the force production by the index fingers of both hands with no visual feedback. Subjects produced a specified total force with a specific contribution from each finger by pressing on force sensors. We observed that in the absence of visual feedback: (1) The finger forces dropped with time by an amount proportional to the magnitude of the initial force. For low initial force values (<7 % of MVC of individual finger force), the finger forces showed an increase; (2) the total force (sum of finger forces) evolution showed similar features; (3) finger forces changed in a way that facilitated more equitable force production by the two fingers; (4) all the force-time changes resemble exponential functions with similar time constants (~15 s). We propose that two processes interact to produce these patterns. (1) RC back-coupling: The central nervous system defines referent coordinates (RCs) for the digit tips, and the difference between the referent and actual coordinates leads to force production. If actual coordinates are not allowed to move to referent ones, referent coordinates show a slow drift toward the actual ones, leading to a force drop. (2) Sensory adaptation: This process, possibly related to sensory receptor characteristics, leads to an increase in finger force. RC back-coupling provides a common account of this and other reported phenomena of hand force or position changes across transient, external perturbations.
Using Optical Coherence Tomography for IOL Power Calculations in Eyes with Prior Ablative Corneal Surgery

While corneal refractive surgery produces excellent visual outcomes, the changes it produces in anterior corneal curvature make it more difficult to accurately calculate corneal refractive power for intraocular lens (IOL) calculations. The development by Hill, Wang, and Koch of the ASCRS online calculator in 2007 facilitated more accurate IOL power calculations in eyes that have undergone corneal refractive surgery. Since then, novel techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been utilized to further improve IOL power calculation accuracy.
A graphical model to determine the subcellular protein location in artificial tissues

Location proteomics is concerned with the systematic analysis of the subcellular location of proteins. In order to perform comprehensive analysis of all protein location patterns, automated methods are needed. With the goal of extending automated subcellular location pattern analysis methods to high resolution images of tissues, 3D confocal microscope images of polarized CaCo 2 cells immunostained for various proteins were collected. A three-color staining protocol was developed that permits parallel imaging of proteins of interest as well as DNA and the actin cytoskeleton. The collection is composed of 11 to 21 images for each of the 9 proteins that depict major subcellular patterns. A classifier was trained to recognize the subcellular location pattern of segmented cells with an accuracy of 89.2%. Using the Prior Updating method allowed improvement of this accuracy to 99.6%. This study demonstrates the benefit of using a graphical model approach for improving the pattern classification in tissue images.