cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work-in-progress — Who's driving? Structured pairs in an introductory electronics laboratory

Pair programming, a method of structuring student groups in computer science courses, has been found to increase student confidence, satisfaction, and retention in the computer science major. We developed a similar method of structuring student groups in an engineering laboratory, called “structured pairing.” We implemented structured pairing in an introductory electronics laboratory. We compared structured pairing with traditional student groups, using an end-of-semester survey, focus group interviews, student laboratory reports, and final examination scores. We will also compare retention data.
Rate of combustion from free surfaces of liquid hydrocarbons

Abstract The burning velocity of n-hexane and cyclohexane as related to the area of the burning fuel surface was studied using 10 open pans ranging from 0·22 to 11·94 in. in diameter. On the four larger pans fuel temperatures were also measured during the burning period at two depths below the surface. For small pans less than 5 in. in diameter burning velocity decreased with increasing pan size. For pans greater than 5 in. in diameter burning velocity increased with increasing pan size. Thus, there appear to be two burning regimes in the range of pan diameters tested, a laminar flow regime on small pans, and a transition flow regime on larger pans. This observation is in agreement with the experimental results reported by others for equivalent pan sizes burning less volatile hydrocarbon fuels.
Measurements of dose distributions in various materials irradiated by 10-MeV electrons

Abstract Calibrated radiochromic dye films were used to measure depth-dose profiles and lateral absorbed dose distributions in several irridiated media. Measurements were made in carbon, aluminum, polystyrene, and beef muscle irradiated by incident electrons of about 10 MeV. The dye-film dosimeters were placed within the media in several geometrical configurations. In one arrangement, the dosimeters were used to integrate the dose distribution within the volume of irradiated beef packages. These measurements show a significant variation on dose near the lateral edges of the medium. The experimental depth-dose distributions are compared with Monte Carlo calculations and with reported experimental measurements. These data are of interest in radiation effects studies, radiation processing, and diagnostic and therapeutic radiology.
The peripheral neuropathy of canine globoid-cell leukodystrophy (krabbe-type).

A variety of peripheral nerves were studied by light microscopy from 7 young Cairn Terrier dogs which were necropsied and histologically diagnosed as having canine globoid-cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's type). All nerves examined had severe degenerative changes in axons and myelin sheaths, similar to lesions in human cases of Krabbe's disease. Endoneurial fibrosis was not prominent but many PAS positive macrophages and a mode-rate number of mast cells were in the endoneurium. However, the dorsal root ganglia had no detectable changes in neurons nor proliferation of capsule cells or interstitial cells. Myopathy in the form of muscle atrophy and degeneration of muscle nuclei was seen in two dogs. Thus, in canine globoid-cell leukodystrophy, lesions occur widespread in the peripheral as well as in the central nervous system.
Contact stress transients during functional loading of ankle stepoff incongruities

Cartilage deformation demonstrates viscoelastic behavior due to its unique structure. However, nearly all contact studies investigating incongruity-associated changes in cartilage surface stresses have been static tests. These tests have consistently measured only modest increases in contact stresses, even with large incongruities. In this study, an experimental approach measuring real-time contact stresses in human cadaveric ankles during quasi-physiologic motion and loading was used to determine how stepoff incongruities of the distal tibia affected contact stresses and contact stress gradients. Peak instantaneous contact stresses, in ankles with stepoffs between 1.0 and 4.0mm of the anterolateral articular surface, increased by between 2.3 x and 3.0 x compared to the corresponding intact ankle values. Peak instantaneous contact stress gradients in stepoff configurations increased by between 1.9 x and 2.6 x the corresponding intact configuration values. Anatomic reduction of the displaced fragment restored intact contact stresses and contact stress gradients. Intact and anatomic configurations demonstrated a heterogeneous population of low-magnitude, randomly oriented contact stress gradient vectors in contrast to high-magnitude, preferentially oriented gradients in stepoff configurations. Peak instantaneous contact stresses may be important pathomechanical determinants of post-traumatic arthritis. Abnormal contact stress gradients could cause regional pathological disturbances in cartilage stress and interstitial fluid distribution. Measuring contact stresses and contact stress gradients during motion allowed potential incongruity-associated pathologic changes in loading that occur over the complete motion cycle to be investigated.
Resident commensals shaping immunity

All animals coexist with myriad commensal microorganisms in a symbiotic relationship that plays a key role in health and disease. Continuous commensal-host interactions profoundly affect the development and regulation of the host's immune system. The complex interaction of the commensal microbiota with the immune system is a topic of substantial interest. An understanding of these interactions and the mechanisms through which commensal microbes actively shape host immunity may yield new insights into the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated diseases and lead to new prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. This review examines recent advances in this field and their potential implications not just for the colonized tissues but also for the entire immune system.
THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE THYROID GLAND IN THE PRODUCTION OF GROSS BODY ACTIVITY

The function of the thyroid gland has been widely investigated with regard to its effect on the basal metabolic rate of the animal body, but little attention has been given, experimentally, to its influence on the total activity of the organism as represented by work and play. Clinically it has appeared that hyperactivity of the thyroid is associated with an increase of spontaneous action, and hypoactivity, with sluggishness. However, our inability to estimate gross body activity in man in any quantitative sense has made it impossible to test the correctness of these clinical impressions. Several attempts have been made to reproduce the behavior picture of hyperthyroidism in animals whose activity can be measured, but hitherto all such attempts have brought contrary results. Hoskins (1927), working on rats, found that removal of the thyroid did not decrease their spontaneous activity, as measured by the distance run daily in a revolving drum, and Wang and Richter have obtained the same result (unpublished...
Bubble control in gas-fluidized beds with applied electric fields

Abstract In some gas-fluidized bed applications the presence of bubbles and channeling is undesirable due to gas bypassing. The partial or total dissipation of such bubbles will contribute to improved fluidized bed performance in applications, such as combustion and catalytic reactors, where intimate gas—particle contact is important. Preliminary studies in this laboratory over the past two years demonstrate that, in laboratory size gas-fluidized beds, bubbles can be controlled in size and intensity by the application of suitably applied electric fields. The electric fields are shown to be effective at a gas—solid particulate interface and therefore “seek out” any existing bubbles within the bed. The required electric fields are of the order kV/cm in strength and are found to be influential on a variety of particulate materials including both good conductors (e.g. copper) and semi-insulators (e.g. coal, glass, limestone). Both a.c. and d.c. electric fields, applied with and without electrode—particle contact, are discussed on two bed geometries: rectangular and cylindrical. Data are presented for the case of a.c. electric fields with the electrodes placed externally to the bed. In a separate experiment, data collected on various kinds of particles by “gravity lifting tests” suggest that larger particles (and beds) than those fluidized here (29 – 390 μm) can also be so controlled.
Reduction of intraocular pressure by domperidone.

ABSTRACT Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist was found to delay the intraocular pressure (IOP) recovery in rabbit eyes after infusion with hypertonic saline and to lower the IOP of normal cat eyes, ...
What is a national health policy

Unfortunately, most nation states have taken "health policy" to mean "medical care policy." Medical care, however, is only one variable in a nation's health equation. The article describes what the main components of a national health policy should be, including (1) the political, economic, social, and cultural determinants of health, the most important determinants of health in any country; (2) the lifestyle determinants, which have been the most visible types of public interventions; and (3) the socializing and empowering determinants, which link the first and second components of a national health policy: the individual interventions and the collective interventions. The author discusses the indicators that should be used for each component and for each intervention. The feasibility of this approach depends to a large degree on the political will of the national authorities and the broad understanding of the actual determinants of health. A good first step is the National Health Policy plan developed by the Swedish social democratic government. This article builds on and expands on that model.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide and copper(II) on reduced and oxidized diphosphopyridine nucleotide

Abstract Alkaline hydrogen peroxide in the presence of copper(II) ions has a multiple effect upon reduced and oxidized diphosphopyridine nucleotide: (a) reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide is oxidized to diphosphopyridine nucleotide, (b) diphosphopyridine nucleotide is split at the nicotinamide ribose bond, and (c) nicotinamide is oxidized to give a blue fluorescent product. Neither N-methylpyridine nor N1-methylnicotinamide salts are split by hydrogen peroxide. Both free nicotinamide and pyridine are oxidized to fluorescent products.
α-Ecdysone induced DNA synthesis in cultured wing disks of Galleria mellonella: Inhibition by 20-hydroxyecdysone and 22-isoecdysone

Both 20-hydroxyecdysone and an inactive analogue, 22-isoecdysone, inhibited α-ecdysone induced DNA synthesis in wing disks cultured in vitro. These observations provide further evidence that 20-hydroxyecdysone and α-ecdysone may have distinct functions in vivo. It is proposed that α-ecdysone initiates metamorphosis including DNA synthesis, and that the subsequent conversion of this hormone to 20-hydroxyecdysone turns off DNA synthesis without interfering with continued morphogenesis.
Microbial analysis of a fish waste dump site in Alaska

The bacteriological impact of fish waste dumping in the ocean was evaluated by comparing heterotropic bacterial counts for seawater and sediment at the dump site with those from a control site. Prior to dumping, fish waste contained 3·0 × 107 bacteria g−1. Seawater near the ocean floor (bottom water) and sediment from the dump site contained 4·0 × 102 bacteria ml−1 and 2·2 × 106 bacteria g−1, respectively. Bottom water and sediment samples from the control site contained significantly lower bacterial counts (<102 bacteria g−1 and 6·1 × 104 bacteria g−1, respectively) than the dump site samples. For the five aerobic media tested, significant differences in bacterial counts occurred only for the fish waste samples. Anaerobic bacterial counts, for all samples except fish waste, were slightly less than the aerobic bacterial counts.
Newly identified helper bacteria stimulate ectomycorrhizal formation in Populus

Mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB) are known to increase host root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi but the molecular mechanisms and potential tripartite interactions are poorly understood. Through an effort to study Populus microbiome, we isolated 21 Pseudomonas strains from native Populus deltoides roots. These bacterial isolates were characterized and screened for MHB effectiveness on the Populus-Laccaria system. Two additional Pseudomonas strains (i.e., Pf-5 and BBc6R8) from existing collections were included for comparative purposes. We analyzed the effect of co-cultivation of these 23 individual Pseudomonas strains on Laccaria bicolor ‘S238N’ growth rate, mycelial architecture and transcriptional changes. Nineteen of the 23 Pseudomonas strains tested had positive effects on L. bicolor S238N growth, as well as on mycelial architecture, with strains GM41 and GM18 having the most significant effect. Four of seven L. bicolor reporter genes, Tra1, Tectonin2, Gcn5 and Cipc1, thought to be regulated during the interaction with MHB strain BBc6R8, were induced or repressed, while interacting with Pseudomonas strains GM17, GM33, GM41, GM48, Pf-5 and BBc6R8. Strain GM41 promoted the highest roots colonization across three Populus species but most notably in P. deltoides, which is otherwise poorly colonized by L. bicolor. Here we report novel MHB strains isolated from native Populus that improve L. bicolor root colonization on Populus. This tripartite relationship could be exploited for Populus species/genotypes nursery production as a means of improving establishment and survival in marginal lands.
Neural networks for simultaneous classification and parameter estimation in musical instrument control

In this report we present our tools for prototyping adaptive user interfaces in the context of real-time musical instrument control. Characteristic of most human communication is the simultaneous use of classified events and estimated parameters. We have integrated a neural network object into the MAX language to explore adaptive user interfaces that considers these facets of human communication. By placing the neural processing in the context of a flexible real-time musical programming environment, we can rapidly prototype experiments on applications of adaptive interfaces and learning systems to musical problems. We have trained networks to recognize gestures from a Mathews radio baton, Nintendo Power GloveTM, and MIDI keyboard gestural input devices. In one experiment, a network successfully extracted classification and attribute data from gestural contours transduced by a continuous space controller, suggesting their application in the interpretation of conducting gestures and musical instrument control. We discuss network architectures, low-level features extracted for the networks to operate on, training methods, and musical applications of adaptive techniques.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sizing and Design of Compressors for Large Scale LDPE Plants

For the production of low density polyethylene, ethylene has to be compressed up to 3,500 bar. To manage these pressures appropriate compressor designs are selected. In recent years, the size of these plants has increased up to 400 kt/a. The increased mass flow results in increased dimensions required for all compressor parts. This paper discusses the challenges of the sizing and design of the compressors for such large-scale plants.© 2014 ASME
Role of transverse bands in maintaining paranodal structure and axolemmal domain organization in myelinated nerve fibers: effect on longevity in dysmyelinated mutant mice

The consequences of dysmyelination are poorly understood and vary widely in severity. The shaking mouse, a quaking allele, is characterized by severe central nervous system (CNS) dysmyelination and demyelination, a conspicuous action tremor, and seizures in � 25% of animals, but with normal muscle strength and a normal lifespan. In this study we compare this mutant with other dysmyelinated mutants including the ceramide sulfotransferase deficient (CST2/2) mouse, which are more severely affected behaviorally, to determine what might underlie the differences between them with respect to behavior and longevity. Examination of the paranodal junctional region of CNS myelinated fibers shows that ‘‘transverse bands,’’ a component of the junction, are present in nearly all shaking paranodes but in only a minority of CST2/2 paranodes. The number of terminal loops that have transverse bands within a paranode and the number of transverse bands per unit length are only moderately reduced in the shaking mutant, compared with controls, but markedly reduced in CST2/2 mice. Immunofluorescence studies also show that although the nodes of the shaking mutant are somewhat longer than normal, Na 1 and K 1 channels remain separated, distinguishing this mutant from CST2/2 mice and others that lack transverse bands. We conclude that the essential difference between the shaking mutant and others more severely affected is the presence of transverse bands, which serve to stabilize paranodal structure over time as well as the organization of the axolemmal domains, and that differences in the prevalence of transverse bands underlie the marked differences in progressive neurological impairment and longevity among dysmyelinated mouse mutants. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2841–2853, 2010.
Simulation of plant temperature and water loss by the desert succulent, Agave deserti

A simulation model has been developed to describe the thermal relations of individuals of an important group of desert succulents, the agaves, similar to previous modeling efforts on cacti. The model utilizes an energy budget approach to evaluate the effect of various morphological and microclimatic parameters on plant temperature and water loss. For an Agave deserti 0.5 m tall with a basal rosette of 60 leaves, the predicted surface temperatures differed by an average of only about 1°C from those measured in the field in the western Sonoran Desert. Stimulations indicated that leaf and stem temperatures as well as plant water loss were especially sensitive to changes in air temperature. Nocturnal stomatal opening reduced leaf surface temperatures by only 1.4°C. Increasing the shortwave absorptance from the measured value of 0.45 to 0.80 caused the maximum leaf surface temperature to increase 8°C. Stimulated increases in plant size markedly reduced the diurnal range of stem tissue temperatures, and simulated decreases in size reduced the diurnal range in leaf surface temperatures. The small stature of A. utahensis would result in higher minimum leaf temperature and may account for its survival at a cold site in Nevada. Water loss per plant varied approximately as the square of the linear dimensions, which may help explain the decreasing height of agave species with increasing aridity from central Mexico northward. Thermal buffering of the meristematic region in the stem apex by the surrounding massive leaves may also be quite important for the growth and distribution of agaves.
THERMAL AND PHOTOCHEMICAL SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS OF CPRE(PPH3)2H2 AND CPRE(PPH3)H4. CATALYTIC INSERTION OF ETHYLENE INTO THE C-H BOND OF BENZENE

Abstract The thermal and photochemical reactions of CpRe(PPh3)2H4 and CpRe(PPh3)H4 (Cp = η5-C5H5) with PMe3, P(p-tolyl)3, PMe2Ph, DMPE, DPPE, DPPM, CO, 2,6-xylylisocyanide and ethylene have been examined. While CpRe(PPh3)2H2 is thermally inert, it will undergo photochemical substitution of one or two PPh3 ligands. With ethylene, substitution is followed by insertion of the olefin into the C-H bond of benzene, giving ethylbenzene. CpRe(PPh3)H4 undergoes thermal loss of PPh3, which leads to substituted products of the type CpRe(L) H4. Photochemically, reductive elimination of dihydrogen occurs preferentially. The complex trans-CpRe(DMPE)H2 was structurally characterized, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P21/n (No. 14) with a = 6.249(6), b = 16.671(8), c = 13.867(7) A, β = 92.11(6)°, V = 1443.7(2.9) A and Z = 4. The complex trans-CpRe(PMe2Ph)2H2 was structurally characterized, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group P21/n (No. 14) with a = 7.467(3), b = 23.874(14), c = 11.798(6) A, β = 100.16(4)°, V = 2070.2(3.4) A3 and Z = 4.
A Survey of Architectural Techniques For Improving Cache Power Efficiency

Modern processors are using increasingly larger sized on-chip caches. Also, with each CMOS technology generation, there has been a significant increase in their leakage energy consumption. For this reason, cache power management has become a crucial research issue in modern processor design. To address this challenge and also meet the goals of sustainable computing, researchers have proposed several techniques for improving energy efficiency of cache architectures. This paper surveys recent architectural techniques for improving cache power efficiency and also presents a classification of these techniques based on their characteristics. For providing an application perspective, this paper also reviews several real-world processor chips that employ cache energy saving techniques. The aim of this survey is to enable engineers and researchers to get insights into the techniques for improving cache power efficiency and motivate them to invent novel solutions for enabling low-power operation of caches.
Immunobiology of Sensitization in Transplant Recipients

Abstract Mononuclear/endothelial cell activation, cytokine expression, antibody-mediated damage of vascular endothelium, complement, coagulation, and phagocytic cells, all contribute to cellularlhumoral mechanisms of allograft rejection in recipients sensitized to major histocompatibility complex.
Decomposition of Seasonal Time Series: A Model for the Census X-11 Program

Abstract This paper shows that the linear filter version of the Census X-11 program for time-series decomposition can be approximately justified in terms of an additive model with stochastic trend, seasonal and noise components. Optimal estimates of the trend and seasonal components are obtained from the model and found to be in close agreement with the corresponding estimates for the Census procedure. This approach makes it possible to assess the appropriateness of the Census method. Two examples are given, one showing that the use of the X-11 procedure is largely appropriate and the other much less so.
A Procedure for Testing an American Test in an Indonesian Context

The subject's perception of self in relation to test-item content affects test performance in ways that are not being measured directly by current testing procedures. In this study, 92 Indonesian students volunteered to evaluate each of the 552 items on the multi-scaled Lutheran Youth Research Inventory according to seven negative and one positive criteria. A review of the literature identified sensitive content areas likely to arouse negative feelings in self-disclosure. The Indonesian student responses are analysed to determine (1) the nature of the most objectionable items, and (2) the rates at which evaluation criteria were being used across all scales. Both procedure of 'testing the test' and the interpretation of Indonesian students' evaluations of test items are discussed as they relate to the accurate interpretation of test data from populations that are not testwise.
Usher syndrome clinical types I and II: could ocular symptoms and signs differentiate between the two types?

. Purpose: Usher syndrome types I and II are clinical syndromes with substantial genetic and clinical heterogeneity. We undertook the current study in order to identify ocular symptoms and signs that could differentiate between the two types. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with Usher syndrome were evaluated. Based on audiologic and vestibular findings, patients were classified as either Usher type I or II. The severity of the ocular signs and symptoms present in each type were compared. Results: Visual acuity, visual field area, electroretinographic amplitude, incidence of cataract and macular lesions were not significantly different between Usher types I and II. However, the ages when night blindness was perceived and retinitis pigmentosa was diagnosed differed significantly between the two types. Conclusions: There seems to be some overlap between types I and II of Usher syndrome in regard to the ophthalmologic findings. However, night blindness appears earlier in Usher type I (although the difference in age of appearance appears to be less dramatic than previously assumed). Molecular elucidation of Usher syndrome may serve as a key to understanding these differences and, perhaps, provide a better tool for use in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and genetic counseling.
Simultaneous micro steam distillation/solvent extraction for the isolation of semivolatile flavor compounds from cinnamon and their separation by series coupled-column gas chromatography

Abstract Simultaneous micro steam distillation/solvent extraction is an efficient method of extracting semivolatile flavor and fragrance compounds from cinnamon for subsequent separation by series coupled-column gas chromatography. With pentane as the extraction solvent and an extraction time of 1.5 h clean extracts requiring no further sample preparation prior to gas Chromatographic analysis are obtained. It is shown that adulteration of cinnamon inner bark oil with leaf oil can be recognized by an elevated concentration of eugenol with respect to the concentration of trans-cinnamaldehyde and the presence of eugenol acetate and safrole in amounts exceeding trace quantities. The principal Cinnamomum species of commerce can be identified in powdered samples based on differences in their characteristic Chromatographic profiles. True cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees) can be distinguished from cassia by the presence of eugenol and benzyl benzoate, and the absence of coumarin and δ-cadinene, all minor components, referenced to the extracted amount of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Multivariate analysis of 16 semivolatile compounds commonly found in powdered cinnamon samples is used to classify samples of cinnamon purchased in seven countries.
Observation of Vapor Generation Preceding the Ignition of Liquid n-Decane and 1-Decene by CO2 Laser Radiation†

Abstract As an aid to understanding the ignition mechanism of liquid fuels under high intensity radiation, the time sequence of behavior of a liquid fuel and of the fuel vapor near the liquid surface was observed by high speed schlieren and direct photography. A CW CO2 laser with fluxes up to 1000 W/cm2 was used with beam incident angles of 30 and 90 degrees with respect to the liquid surface. Both n-decane and 1-decene were used as the liquid fuel. The pictures reveal, in time sequence, the formation of a radial wave, a central surface depression, bubble nucleation/growth/ bursting followed by complex surface motion and further bubbling. Effects of laser flux level, incident laser angle and absorption coefficient of the liquid (16 cm−1 and 507thinsp;cm−1) on the formation of bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the frequency of bubble formation and the vaporization process were studied. A simple order of magnitude analysis is applied to ascertain the dominant process that underlies these phenomena.
The simultaneous visualization of microspheres and blood flow in the microvascular bed of the hamster cheek pouch.

Abstract The accuracy of radioactive, carbonized microspheres for determining blood flow to small tissue regions has not been validated because direct flow measurement techniques have not been applicable to small tissue regions. This paper introduces methodology which allows simultaneous, direct visualization of red blood cell and microsphere flow behavior in vivo in the microvascular bed of the hamster cheek pouch by using vital microscopy and diverting cardiac output into the brachiocephalic artery. This technique demonstrates that 15-μm microspheres may form chains in vivo. The chain represents a collection of individual microspheres lodged one immediately behind each other in an arterial vessel whose diameter is larger than any of the individual microspheres. The cause of the chain is that, even though a 15-μm microsphere lodges in and partially occludes an arterial lumen, it may not obstruct red blood cell flow and more microsphere-rich blood flows into the artery and additional microspheres collect behind the original microsphere forming the chain. This investigation demonstrates that 15 ± SD 2.2-μm microspheres do not always distribute uniformly with red blood cells in microvascular beds.
A phase I trial of irinotecan alternating with epirubicin in patients with advanced malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: This phase I study was conducted to evaluate the combination of irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, with epirubicin, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, when administered sequentially on a once-every-three week basis. METHODS: Irinotecan was administered at doses ranging from 100 to 150 mg/m(2) intravenously over 90 minutes, 24 hours before epirubicin, in doses from 30 to 60 mg/m(2), every 3 weeks. Toxicity assessments were performed weekly. Tumor evaluation by radiographic and physical examination was performed after every 3 cycles using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with metastatic solid tumors were enrolled in this study. The maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose was irinotecan 150 mg/m(2) and epirubicin 30 mg/m(2). Dose-limiting toxicities were primarily neutropenia. Other toxicities at this dose level were mild. Three patients with colon cancer, 1 patient with renal cell cancer and 1 patient with adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the ethmoid sinus had stable disease. No objective responses were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose for irinotecan and epirubicin administered 24 hours apart every 3 weeks was 150 mg/m(2) and 30 mg/m(2), respectively. Higher doses were limited by significant hematologic toxicity and fatigue.
A STUDY OF NEURAL AND EXTRANEURAL FINDINGS IN A LARGE FAMILY WITH FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA.

Abstract From a review of the literature and a consideration of the findings in this study, the following conclusions appear to be justified. 1. (1) Neurological findings in Friedreich's ataxia are of 3 general types: those found fairly constantly and in earlier stages of the disease; those found less frequently and usually later in the course of the illness; those tending to occur within given pedigrees and reflecting a hereditary predisposition in the family to degeneration of specific parts of the nervous system involved. 2. (2) Commonest findings among members of the family studies were: scoliosis, nystagmus, dysdiadochokinesia, mirror motion, fanning of toes with neutral response of the great toe, reduced reflexes, high arches and extraocular palsies. Those findings which correlate best with numbers of other findings were: reduced reflexes, hypermetria, intention tremor, sensory changes, nystagmus and extensor plantar responses. 3. (3) Neurological and musculo-skeletal defects are evaluated by a system of weighted criteria based on the literature. The incidence of significant numbers of these stigmata among persons qualifying for evaluation was 28 in 112 or 25%, with an equal distribution between sexes. Presence of significant numbers of stigmata in these persons is interpreted as a genetic potentiality for development of heredo-degenerative disease. In some cases, findings may represent a single dose effect of a lone recessive gene. 4. (4) Exogenous factors, representing physiological stresses, exert a phenotypic influence and are often found to precipitate onset of Friedreich's ataxia. 5. (5) It is suggested that variations among findings in Friedreich's ataxia result from the effect of differences in the fundamental constitutions of the individuals involved. These separately inherited genes, acting as genetic modifiers on the gene(s) primarily responsible for the clinical disease, may produce their own manifestations which, when present, not only constitute a part of the clinicopathologic state, but also reflect in part the genetic milieu wherein the ataxia-bearing gene(s) work their effect.
Practical management of combined methylmalonicaciduria and homocystinuria

Combined methylmalonicaciduria and homocystinuria is a disorder of intracellular cobalamin metabolism that remains a challenge to the physician unfamiliar with the diagnosis. We have followed six patients with combined methylmalonicaciduria and homocystinuria (four males, two females, age 4.2-24 years) for a median of 6.5 years (range 4-9 years). Age at diagnosis was between 18 days and 14 months in early-onset cases (n = 4) and 15 and 19 years in late-onset cases. Predominant clinical features include microcephaly, hydrocephalus, seizures, and white-matter changes on magnetic resonance imaging in early-onset cases. The white-matter changes may be secondary to impaired methylation owing to a lack of readily available methyl groups. Spastic quadriparesis and diplegia are long-term sequelae in late-onset cases. Management consists of hydroxycobalamin intramuscular injections, oral folate, betaine, and carnitine supplementation. Dietary protein restriction may be necessary when metabolic control remains difficult. The implementation of an emergency regimen should alleviate episodes of metabolic decompensation and reduce the rate of hospital admissions.
The role of Pax2 in mouse inner ear development

The paired box transcription factor, Pax2, is important for cochlear development in the mouse inner ear. Two mutant alleles of Pax2, a knockout and a frameshift mutation (Pax21Neu), show either agenesis or severe malformation of the cochlea, respectively. In humans, mutations in the PAX2 gene cause renal coloboma syndrome that is characterized by kidney abnormalities, optic nerve colobomas and mild sensorineural deafness. To better understand the role of Pax2 in inner ear development, we examined the inner ear phenotype in the Pax2 knockout mice using paint-fill and gene expression analyses. We show that Pax2-/- ears often lack a distinct saccule, and the endolymphatic duct and common crus are invariably fused. However, a rudimentary cochlea is always present in all Pax2 knockout inner ears. Cochlear outgrowth in the mutants is arrested at an early stage due to apoptosis of cells that normally express Pax2 in the cochlear anlage. Lack of Pax2 affects tissue specification within the cochlear duct, particularly regions between the sensory tissue and the stria vascularis. Because the cochlear phenotypes observed in Pax2 mutants are more severe than those observed in mice lacking Otx1 and Otx2, we postulate that Pax2 plays a key role in regulating the differential growth within the cochlear duct and thus, its proper outgrowth and coiling.
Anti-tumor activity of an anti-endoglin monoclonal antibody is enhanced in immunocompetent mice.

In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which anti-endoglin (EDG; CD105) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth. Antihuman EDG mAb SN6j specifically bound to murine endothelial cells and was internalized into the cells in vitro. SN6j effectively suppressed angiogenesis in mice in the Matrigel plug assay. We found that SN6j is more effective for tumor suppression in immunocompetent mice than in SCID mice. We hypothesized that T cell immunity is important for effective antitumor efficacy of SN6j in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we investigated effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and depletion of CD4+ T cells and/or CD8+ T cells on antitumor efficacy of SN6j in mice. Systemic (i.v.) administration of a relatively small dose (0.6 μg/g body weight/dose) of SN6j suppressed growth of established s.c. tumors of colon-26 in BALB/c mice and improved survival of the tumor-bearing mice. Addition of CpG ODN to SN6j synergistically enhanced antitumor efficacy of SN6j. In contrast, such enhancing effects of CpG ODN were not detected in SCID mice. Antitumor efficacy of SN6j in BALB/c mice was abrogated when CD4+ T cells and/or CD8+ T cells were depleted; effect of CD8+ T cell depletion was stronger. Interestingly, CD4-depletion decreased tumor growth while CD8-depletion enhanced tumor growth in the absence of SN6j. SN6j induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner which indicates an additional mechanism of antiangiogenesis by SN6j. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Culture of the terminally differentiated adult cardiac muscle cell: a light and scanning electron microscope study.

Cardiac muscle cells were isolated from adult rat heart by retrograde perfusion via the aorta with medium containing 1 mg/ml of collagenase; following perfusion the cells were completely dissociated by mincing the ventricular muscle and incubating the fragments in medium containing collagenase. Isolated myocytes when placed in culture were observed to undergo a process which can be analogized to a metamorphosis. Freshly isolated cells are striated and cylinder-shaped, typical of intact ventricular cardiac muscle. These cells then shorten, round up, and lose their cross striations. They then attach to the surface of the culture flask and extend pseudopod-like processes. With increased time in culture the cells spread out and become entirely flattened and organized bands of myofibrils reappear. These cells are somewhat similar morphologically to cardiac muscle cells isolated from neonatal rats and grown in culture, however, they are much larger and also contain multiple nuclei. Most myocytes continue to contract spontaneously during most stages of this “metamorphosis” and nearly all of the flattened, spread-out cells are contracting. Some of these cells appear to be in the process of dividing and on rare occasions some are associated with what appear to be neurons. These studies show that adult ventricular cardiac muscle cells when placed in culture dedifferentiate and lose their highly organized morphology and then redifferentiate into spontaneously contracting myocytes with reorganized myofibrils.
Adolescent Social Attitudes in South Africa and Swaziland

A content analysis was undertaken of stories written by adolescents in urban townships in South Africa and in an urban setting in Swaziland. The findings concerning the nature of the actors and the relationships between actors in the stories suggest that though South Africans in their early years encounter more elements of modernity than do the Swazis, in their present situation they view the world as having less rational elements, fewer psychological satisfactions, and more threats to their physical welfare than do the Swazis.
Examining Identity Consolidation Processes Among Ethnic Minority Gay Men and Lesbians

Past scholarship has demonstrated shortcomings in developmental theories for both sexual and ethnic identity. Furthermore, identity development may be especially challenging for members of multiple minority groups facing significant social stressors. The primary goal of this study was to explore identity consolidation processes among individuals with intersecting minority identities. Using in-depth, personal interviews and self-report measures, data were collected from 16 ethnic minority gay men and lesbians. Themes such as acceptance, invisibility, and fear confirm the influence of social context on identity integration. Findings revealed differing magnitudes of consolidation. Greater social support and educational endeavors were critical factors in distinguishing participants’ extent of integration. Implications for practice and research are presented.
Flow visualization study of inverted annular flow of post dryout heat transfer region

Abstract The inverted annular flow is important in the area of LWR accident analysis in terms of the maximum cladding temperature and effectiveness of the emergency core cooling. However, the inverted annular flow thermal-hydraulics is not well understood due to its special heat transfer condition of film boiling. In view of this, the inverted flow is studied in detail experimentally. A new experimental apparatus has been constructed in which film boiling heat transfer can be established in a transparent test section. Data on liquid core stability, core break-up mechanism, and dispersed-core liquid slug and droplet sizes are obtained using F 113 as a test fluid. Both high speed movies and flash photographs are used. The inlet section consists of specially designed coaxial nozzles for gas and liquid such that the ideal inverted annular flow can be generated. The roll wave formation, droplet entrainment from wave crests, agitated sections with large interfacial areas, classical sinuous jet instability, jet break-up into multiple liquid ligaments and drop formation from liquid ligaments have been observed in detail.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia after cardiac operations.

Abstract Background . As many as 15% of hospitalized patients have oropharyngeal dysphagia. The incidence and causes of postoperative oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in patients having cardiac operations are poorly documented and the best treatment is uncertain. We undertook a study to evaluate OD in patients having cardiac operations. Methods . As part of a quality improvement project, all patients operated on in 1998 and 1999 were monitored for the signs or symptoms of OD. Patients with OD had diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to limit adverse outcomes. At the end of the 2-year evaluation period, patient risk factors, diagnoses, results of interventions, and outcomes were measured. Results . Thirty-one out of 1,042, patients (3%) had OD. OD is more common in older patients ( p p = 0.02), renal insufficiency ( p = 0.012), hyperlipidemia ( p = 0.046), and preoperative congestive heart failure ( p p p Conclusions . OD is associated with increased cost and morbidity. Older patients with diabetes, preoperative heart failure, and renal insufficiency are at increased risk for OD. Early recognition and intervention is likely to result in satisfactory outcome but may be associated with a protracted postoperative course.
Transport of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate by rat renal cortical slices

Abstract The herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D), has been shown previously to be accumulated by renal cortical slices in a manner similar to p -aminohippurate (PAH). To characterize further the mechanism of 2,4-D transport, the efflux of 2,4-D from preloaded renal slices was studied. The efflux curve for 2,4-D has a fast ( k = 0.254 min −1 ) and a slow ( k = 0.016 min −1 ) component. Both rate constants are increased by certain competitive inhibitors and metabolic inhibitors (probenecid, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and iodoacetamide). Unlike PAH efflux, no biphasic response was noted with increasing concentrations of probenecid. SITS, another competitive inhibitor, increased only the slow efflux component. The efflux of 2,4-D into a Ca 2+ -free medium was unaltered; however, when a K + -free medium was used, the slow component was increased. As with PAH efflux, the slow component of 2,4-D efflux was decreased in the presence of lactate, but this effect was not noted for the fast phase which was increased. The slow component was unaltered when the temperature was decreased from 25 to 15°C, although the rate was increased when the temperature was changed from 25 to 35°C. The rate of the fast component was moderately greater at 15 and 35°C than that at 25°C. The rate of initial influx of 2,4-D when compared to 2,4-D efflux was rapid enough to account for the fact that this compound, at low media concentrations, continues to be concentrated within the tissue and does not exhibit a steady state level of transport. Moreover, this herbicide is an extremely potent inhibitor of the organic anion system since a concentration of approximately 20 μ m 2,4-D produced a 50% inhibition of PAH transport. These results give a further indication that the renal transport of 2,4-D has characteristics different from PAH. Such differences appear to be consistent with the in vivo excretion pattern of this herbicide.
Rayleigh-Brillouin spectra in molecular nitrogen

Rayleigh-Brillouin spectra of gaseous ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ is measured for light scattered at 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} over a pressure range from 1 to 661 Torr. Spectral profiles are analyzed by means of an appropriate kinetic model. A least-${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}$ method determines the optimum values of the theory parameters: total collision frequency and rotational relaxation number. These parameters are compared with values obtained by other methods. Information provided by light-scattering measurements concerning rotational relaxation in dilute systems is discussed.
Group patterns of cell organelles.

Abstract Group associations of a high degree of geometric order among originally free intracellular organelles are described for larger and smaller organelles in cultured cells. The former are exemplified by spherical bodies (
Reduction of perchlorate on rhodium and its specificity to surface crystallographic orientation

Catalytic properties of Rh(100), Rh(111) and polycrystalline rhodium electrodes in the process of perchlorate reduction in aqueous media have been studied. The reduction rates obtained under various conditions, as well as results of ultra-high vacuum (LEED, Auger) surface analyses of emersed Rh(100) surfaces, have provided evidence that surface chloride is the main reduction product. A temperature dependent chloride desorption has also been found via measurements of steady-state reduction currents and through chemical analysis of the electrolytic perchlorate solutions. The data demonstrate that under transient conditions, that is, when surface chloride formation determines the reaction rates, the reduction current decreases in the order: Rh(100) > Rh(poly) > Rh(111). Under steady-state conditions the rate order is: Rh(100) ≈ Rh(poly) > Rh(111). The reduction process is pH dependent and, as a prerequisite, requires a contact adsorption of perchlorate on the metal sites. Prospects for using rhodium as a catalyst or catalytic additive in electrocatalysis of inorganic species are discussed.
Feature accessibility in conceptual combination: effects of context-induced relevance.

In conceptual combinations such aspeeled apples, two kinds of features are potentially accessible: phrase features and noun features. Phrase features are true only of the phrase (e.g., “white”), whereas noun features are true of both the phrase and the head noun (e.g., “round”). When people comprehend such combinations, phrase features are verified more quickly and more accurately than noun features. We examine relevance as an explanation for this phrase feature superiority. If relevance is the critical factor, then contexts that explicitly make noun features relevant and phrase features irrelevant should reverse the phrase feature superiority (i.e., they should make noun features easier to verify than phrase features). Consistent with the relevance hypothesis, brief contexts that made noun features relevant also made those noun features more accessible than phrase features, and vice versa. We conclude that the phrase feature superiority effect is attributable to the discourse strategy of assigning relevance to modifiers in combinations, unless a context indicates otherwise.
Collisional relaxation of highly excited vibrational levels of I2(X)

The relaxation dynamics of vibrationally excited levels of I 2 (X) are of relevance to the chemical oxygen iodine laser. We have investigated relaxation of I 2 (v″>20) by pulsed laser techniques. Individual ro-vibrational levels were populated by stimulated emission pumping. Collisionally populated levels were monitored via laser excitation of the D-X transition. Preliminary rate constants for vibrational relaxation of I 2 (v″>20) by Ar and H 2 O are reported. Improved spectroscopic constants for the D state are also presented