cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative toxicity, cholinergic effects, and tissue levels of S,S,S,-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) to channel catfish (ictalurus punctatus) and blue crabs (callinectes sapidus)

Abstract The acute neurotoxic effects of S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) on juvenile channel catfish and adult blue crabs was examined using short-term exposures in aerated, static aquaria. The effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in catfish brain and skeletal muscle, and in crab ganglia, was studied. In addition, recovery of AChE activity was followed after transferring the animals to DEF-free water. The results indicate that both species exhibit pronounced anticholinesterase effects due to DEF. Recovery of AChE activity is quite slow in nervous tissues of both animals and catfish skeletal muscle, with effects persisting for several weeks following a single acute exposure. Tissue levels of DEF, as well as its rate of disappearance, were followed in several tissues of each species. The highest levels were detected in fish liver, but high levels were also detected in fish brain. Levels in crab ganglia were an order of magnitude lower than those in fish brain, but the anticholinergic effects were similar in both species. Disappearance was biphasic from tissues in both animals, with relatively long half-lives in target tissues.
How watching the movie Zombieland helps treatment of cancer in teenagers.

The paper describes a challenging clinical encounter with an adolescent undergoing treatment for cancer. Undeniably, oncologists have a very challenging job. It requires more than simply diagnosing and treating cancer by giving chemotherapy and checking blood counts. The challenges they face are increased when caring for a teenager with cancer. Providing opportunities for these young patients to be involved in their own treatment and motivating them in tough times are crucial. Communication is the foremost way to keep all doors open in this unique physician–patient relationship. One such approach is “movie therapy” using characters and actions as metaphors for describing cancer and cancer treatment.
Glucocorticoid receptor mutants that define a small region sufficient for enhancer activation

Transcriptional enhancement is a general mechanism for regulation of gene expression in which particular proteins bound to specific DNA sequences stimulate the efficiency of initiation from linked promoters. One such protein, the glucocorticoid receptor, mediates enhancement in a glucocorticoid hormone-dependent manner. In this study, a region of the 795-amino acid rat glucocorticoid receptor that is active in transcriptional enhancement was identified. The active region was defined by expressing various receptor deletion mutants in stably and transiently transfected cells and examining the regulated transcription of hormone-responsive genes. Mutant receptors lacking as many as 439 amino-terminal amino acids retained activity, as did those with as many as 270 carboxyl-terminal amino acids deleted. This suggests that the 86-amino acid segment between the most extensive terminal deletions, which also includes sequences required for specific DNA binding in vitro, is sufficient for enhancer activation. In fact, a 150-amino acid receptor fragment that encompasses this segment mediates constitutive enhancement.
Novel nanotechnology approaches to diagnosis and therapy of ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies, which is a direct outcome of missing its diagnosis at an early stage. Approximately 75% of ovarian cancer patients are initially diagnosed with disseminated intra-abdominal disease (stages III–IV) when ~30% of patients have a 5-year survival rate. In addition to the challenge of early detection of ovarian cancer, its therapy presents several challenges including the route of therapy, resistance to therapy with recurrence of cancer, and specific targeting of ovarian cancer to reduce cytotoxic side effects. Methods We reviewed recent literature employing nanotechnology approaches to diagnosis and therapy of ovarian cancer. Results Recent innovations in nanotechnology with applications in cancer diagnostics and therapy help circumvent many pre-existing problems with conventional chemotherapy and present new ways of diagnosis and therapy. Conclusions Nanotechnology has promising potential in enhancing early detection of ovarian cancer and treatment of recurrent disease.
Sperm immobilization by sera from unimmunized guinea pigs: requirements for immunoglobulin and complement

Abstract The components in serum from non-immunized guinea pigs responsible for the immunological immobilization of human spermatozoa have been elucidated. Heating the serum at 56°C for 30 min, pretreatng the serum with purified cobra venom factor or the inclusion aggregated human IgG in the immobilization test all eliminated its immobilizing capacity, suggesting the involvement of complement in this process. Using purified guinea pigs components, it was established that complement components C1-9 as well as guinea pig IgG were required for immobilization. Rabbit IgG, but not human IgG, could be substituted for guinea pig IgG without affecting the degree of immobilization. Absorption of guinea pig IgG with human spermatoza to its addition to C1-9 and motile spermatoza led to the loss of all immobilizing activity. Thus, it appears that ‘natural’ antibody to spermatoza plus all nine complements are required for sperm immobilization.
Technology readiness levels for randomized bin picking

A proposal for the utilization of Technology Readiness Levels to the application of unstructured bin picking is discussed. A special session was held during the 2012 Performance Metrics for Intelligent Systems workshop to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the bin picking problem, and to identify the potentials for applying an industry-wide standardized assessment and reporting framework such as Technology Readiness Levels to bin picking. Representative experts from government, academia, and industry were assembled to form a special panel to share their insights into the challenge.
Primary closure of the carotid artery is associated with poorer outcomes during carotid endarterectomy.

Introduction Arterial endarterectomy and reconstruction during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can be performed in a variety of ways, including standard endarterectomy with primary closure, standard endarterectomy with patch angioplasty, and eversion endarterectomy. The optimal method of arterial reconstruction remains a matter of controversy. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the method of arterial reconstruction during CEA on perioperative outcome. Methods A retrospective cohort study of consecutive CEAs performed by 81 surgeons during 1997 and 1998 in six regional hospitals was performed. Detailed clinical data regarding each case and all deaths and nonfatal strokes within 30 days of surgery were ascertained by an independent review of the inpatient chart, outpatient surgeon record, and the hospitals' administrative databases. Two physician investigators—one neurologist and one internist—confirmed each adverse event by independently reviewing patients' medical records. Results A total of 1972 CEAs were performed. The mean age of the patients was 72.3 years, and 57.2% were male. Preoperative neurologic symptoms occurred in 28.7% of cases (n = 566), and the remaining 71.3% were asymptomatic before surgery (n = 1406). The method of arterial reconstruction was chosen by the surgeon. Primary closure was performed in 11.8% (n = 233), patch angioplasty in 69.8% (n = 1377), and eversion endarterectomy in 18.4% (n = 362). There was no significant difference in the preoperative symptom status of patients who underwent primary closure compared with the other methods of reconstruction (72.5% asymptomatic vs 71.1%, p = NS). Primary closure cases were significantly more likely to experience perioperative stroke compared with the other closure techniques (5.6% vs 2.2%, P = .006). Primary closure cases also had a higher incidence of perioperative stroke or death compared with the other closure techniques (6.0% vs 2.5%, P = .006). There were no significant differences with regard to either perioperative stroke, or perioperative stroke/death noted when comparing patch angioplasty with eversion endarterectomy: stroke, 2.2% vs 2.5% ( P = NS) and stroke/death, 2.5% vs 2.5% ( P = NS) respectively. Conclusion It appears that primary closure is associated with significantly worse perioperative outcomes compared with endarterectomy with patch angioplasty and eversion endarterectomy, even when the preoperative symptom status of the patient cohorts is equivalent. Although some of its advocates have reported that they can properly select appropriate patients for primary closure based on the size of the artery and other factors, the data demonstrate that these patients have poorer outcomes nonetheless. Primary closure during carotid endarterectomy should predominantly be abandoned in favor of either standard endarterectomy with patch angioplasty or eversion endarterectomy.
Celiac sprue diagnosed by wireless capsule endoscopy

Introduction: The wireless capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the study of the small bowel. It enables clinicians to diagnose and to localize all types of gastrointestinal pathologies, including obscure gastrointestinal bleeds, tumors, and inflammatory diseases. When a patient presents with lymphadenopathy it often suggest malignancy. However, there are cases of benign lymphadenopathy, seen in patients with celiac sprue.
Prediction of surface parameters in magnetic media

Abstract It is difficult to measure surface parameters of tribological importance such as peak height, peak curvature and peak density. Current theories predict these parameters from easily measured surface parameters such as r.m.s. values and the autocorrelation function. The validity of these theories for magnetic media is tested in this paper.
Predicting survival after pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer: previous liver metastases matter

Few patients with lung metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) are candidates for surgical therapy with a curative intent, and it is currently impossible to identify those who may benefit the most from thoracotomy. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of various parameters on survival after pulmonary metastasectomy for CRC. We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive patients (median age 63.5 [range 33-82] years) who underwent resection of pulmonary metastases from CRC in our institution from 1996 to 2009. Median follow-up was 33 (range 4-139) months. Twenty-four (60%) patients did not have previous liver metastases before undergoing lung surgery. Median disease-free interval between primary colorectal tumor and development of lung metastases was 32.5 months. 3- and 5-year overall survival after thoracotomy was 70.1% and 43.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the following parameters were correlated with tumor recurrence after thoracotomy; a history of previous liver metastases (HR = 3.8, 95%CI 1.4-9.8); and lung surgery other than wedge resection (HR = 3.0, 95%CI 1.1-7.8). Prior resection of liver metastases was also correlated with an increased risk of death (HR = 5.1, 95% CI 1.1-24.8, p = 0.04). Median survival after thoracotomy was 87 (range 34-139) months in the group of patients without liver metastases versus 40 (range 28-51) months in patients who had undergone prior hepatectomy (p = 0.09). The main parameter associated with poor outcome after lung resection of CRC metastases is a history of liver metastases.
Finite element analysis of the initial stages of hypervelocity impact

Abstract This paper is concerned with the finite element analysis of the initial stages of hypervelocity impact of solids. Under the assumption that the pressures generated are very high, the target and projectile materials are treated as compressible fluids, neglecting the strength effects. Los Alamos and Tillotson's equations of state are employed in the calculations. The results obtained herein are more accurate than those obtained by finite difference methods.
A phagosome-to-cytosol pathway for exogenous antigens presented on MHC class I molecules

Peptides from endogenous proteins are presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, but antigens (Ags) in the extracellular fluids are generally not. However, pathogens or particulate Ags that are internalized into phagosomes of macrophages (M phi s) stimulate CD8 T cells. The presentation of these Ags is resistant to chloroquine but is blocked by inhibitors of the proteasome, a mutation in the TAP1-TAP2 transporter, and brefeldin A. Moreover, phagocytosis of a ribosomal-inactivating protein inhibited M phi protein synthesis. These results demonstrate that M phi s transfer Ags from phagosomes into the cytosol and that endogenous and exogenous Ags use a final common pathway for class I presentation.
Algebraic Factorization of Scattering Amplitudes at Physical Landau Singularities

The behavior of the scattering amplitude in the vicinity of a physical Landau singularity is considered. It is shown that its singular part may be written as an algebraic product of the scattering amplitudes for each vertex of the corresponding Landau graph times a certain explicitly determined singularity factor which depends only on the type of singularity (triangle graph, square graph, etc.) and on the masses and spins of the internal particles. Thus the well-known result for single-particle-exchange poles is generalized to arbitrary physical Landau singularities. Also, it is shown that for any Landau singularity there exists a finite polynomial in the scalar products of the external four-momenta whose vanishing gives the Landau singularity curve. A general, purely algebraic, method is given for constructing this polynomial.
Spatial and temporal effects of pre-seeding plates with invasive ascidians: Growth, recruitment and community composition

Many shallow water subtidal habitats in Massachusetts, USA have recently been invaded by five non-indigenous ascidian species: Ascidiella aspersa, Botrylloides violaceus, Didemnum sp., Diplosoma listerianum and Styela clava. This study examined the effects of seawater temperature, as a proxy for climate change, on B. violaceus and D. listerianum and the impact these ascidians have on native sessile fouling communities. Field experiments were conducted over a four month period at two locations (Lynn and Woods Hole, MA) to examine growth dynamics over regional thermal and geographic ranges. Invasive ascidians occupied as much as 80% of the primary substratum and accounted for the majority of species richness. B. violaceus and D. listerianum growth were similar at both study sites, but initial colony growth of D. listerianum was positively affected by temperature. B. violaceus and D. listerianum exhibited rapid two-week growth rates during the summer months with more rapid growth at the warmer Woods Hole site. Competition for space between B. violaceus and D. listerianum typically resulted in neutral borders between colonies. Overgrowth occurred if the colony of one species was disproportionably larger than the colony of the other species. Recruitment and growth of native species influenced the long-term composition of experimental communities more than the pre-seeding with B. violaceus or D. listerianum colonies. Elevated temperatures, however, increased initial growth of B. violaceus and D. listerianum and may have facilitated the species success to invade the communities during crucial periods of introduction. With projected global climate change, a rise in sea surface temperatures may exacerbate the cumulative impacts of invasions on benthic communities and facilitate the invasion of other non-native ascidian species.
An anomalous ultraviolet extinction curve in the Taurus dark cloud

Data from IUE have been used to derive an ultraviolet extinction curve for HD 29647, a B star embedded in the Taurus dark cloud complex. The curve appears normal, except that the 2200 A extinction bump is absent. Arguments are developed to show that this is most likely due to a modification of the grain optical properties through the accretion of mantles in this dense cloud. If this conclusion is correct, it will have some impact on models for the formation of the 2200 A bump.
Response to critics

I’d like to thank my critics for their thoughtful and challenging commentary. I appreciate the time and consideration they have given to my book, and I hope I can do justice to their objections in return. This project started off in my mind as a way of solving a problem for reliabilist theories of justification, namely, their unacceptably lax treatment of doxastic, or inferential, justification. Clairvoyance cases are just the tip of an iceberg: it seems undeniable to me that some beliefs require argument, that they require inferential, or doxastic support, if they are to be justified. ‘‘Simple reliabilism’’ holds that reliability is sufficient for prima facie justification, thus, in essence, denying that any belief requires inferential support. But take any hard-won item of science or philosophy: the belief that reliabilism is true, that bats are more closely related to primates than to rodents, that the moon is 2178 miles in diameter, and so on. There are many more: my belief that it’s likely to rain today, that Christmas is going to be on a Thursday this year, etc. These are beliefs that—for us, at least—require inferential support. Any theory of justification that doesn’t explicitly single out a class of beliefs as requiring doxastic/inferential justification is in danger of refutation from such examples. Coherentists won’t have any trouble here, for they standardly take all beliefs to require support from other beliefs. But this goes too far in the other direction—surely it’s okay to claim that some beliefs are basic, so long as we don’t claim that all are? Reliability seems sufficient for the justification of those beliefs that result from perception, memory, introspection, and perhaps some other sources, as even BonJour (1985, p. 49) admits.
Numerical Solutions to Free Boundary Problems

Many physically interesting problems involve propagation of free surfaces. Vortex-sheet roll-up in hydrodynamic instability, wave interactions on the ocean's free surface, the solidification problem for crystal growth and Hele-Shaw cells for pattern formation are some of the significant examples. These problems present a great challenge to physicists and applied mathematicians because the underlying problem is very singular. The physical solution is sensitive to small perturbations. Naive discretisations may lead to numerical instabilities. Other numerical difficulties include singularity formation and possible change of topology in the moving free surfaces, and the severe time-stepping stability constraint due to the stiffness of high-order regularisation effects, such as surface tension.This paper reviews some of the recent advances in developing stable and efficient numerical algorithms for solving free boundary-value problems arising from fluid dynamics and materials science. In particular, we will consider boundary integral methods and the level-set approach for water waves, general multi-fluid interfaces, Hele–Shaw cells, crystal growth and solidification. We will also consider the stabilising effect of surface tension and curvature regularisation. The issue of numerical stability and convergence will be discussed, and the related theoretical results for the continuum equations will be addressed. This paper is not intended to be a detailed survey and the discussion is limited by both the taste and expertise of the author.
Collagen gel analysis of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the embryo heart: An in vitro model system for the analysis of tissue interaction, signal transduction, and environmental effects

The cellular process of epithelial-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) is a critical event in development that is reiterated in adult pathologies of metastasis and organ fibrosis. An initial understanding of the cellular and molecular events of this process emerged from an in vitro examination of heart valve development. Explants of the chick atrioventricular valve-forming region were placed on collagen gels and removed to show that EMT was regulated by a tissue interaction. Subsequent studies showed that specific TGFβ isoforms and receptors were required and steps of activation and invasion could be distinguished. The assay was modified for mouse hearts and has been used to explore signal transduction and gene expression in both species. The principle advantages of the system are a defined temporal window, when EMT takes place and the ability to isolate cells at various stages of the EMT process. These advantages are largely unavailable in other developmental or adult models. As the mesenchymal cells produced by EMT in the heart are involved in defects found in congenital heart disease, there is also a direct relevance of cardiac EMT to human birth defects. This relationship has been explored in relation to environmental exposures and in a number of genetic models. This review provides both an overview of the findings developed from the assay and protocols to enable the use of the assay by other laboratories. The assay provides a versatile platform to explore roles of specific gene products, drugs, and environmental agents on a critical cellular process.
Hispid Pocket Mice in Tallgrass Prairie: Abundance, Seasonal Activity, Habitat Association, and Individual Attributes

ABSTRACT. Hispid pocket mice (Chaetodipus hispidus) are found from the grasslands of the Great Plains to the deserts of the southwestern United States, but the natural history and ecology of this species have not been described in native tallgrass prairie at the eastern edge of its range. We initiated an ongoing long-term study of small mammals on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas (a Long-Term Ecological Research [LTER] site), in autumn 1981. Our sampling scheme for 14 LTER sites was a 20-station trapline; small mammals were sampled in autumn and spring for 30 years and in summer for a shorter period. We combined data for these sites with those from shorter studies on Konza Prairie that used traplines and trapping grids. We recorded only 96 hispid pocket mice over the 30 years of study (>300,000 trap-nights overall). Pocket mice were more likely to be captured in autumn and summer than in spring. The earliest annual capture was on 20 March and the latest on 7 December; males emerged from torpor in ...
Qualitative diagnosis of condition systems for multiple subsystem failures

Condition systems are a form of Petri nets that interact with each other and the external environment through condition signals. Some of these condition signals may be unobservable. In previous work, fault diagnosis was defined in terms of observed behavior versus expected behavior of subsystem models under a single fault assumption, where the expected behavior is defined through condition system models, and approximate methods were presented for detection and diagnosis. In this paper, we present an exact diagnosis method for a system that may experience multiple subsystem faults.
Structural and Kinetic Basis of Steroid 17α,20-Lyase Activity in Teleost Fish Cytochrome P450 17A1 and Its Absence in Cytochrome P450 17A2

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 17A enzymes play a critical role in the oxidation of the steroids progesterone (Prog) and pregnenolone (Preg) to glucocorticoids and androgens. In mammals, a single enzyme, P450 17A1, catalyzes both 17α-hydroxylation and a subsequent 17α,20-lyase reaction with both Prog and Preg. Teleost fish contain two 17A P450s; zebrafish P450 17A1 catalyzes both 17α-hydroxylation and lyase reactions with Prog and Preg, and P450 17A2 is more efficient in pregnenolone 17α-hydroxylation but does not catalyze the lyase reaction, even in the presence of cytochrome b5. P450 17A2 binds all substrates and products, although more loosely than P450 17A1. Pulse-chase and kinetic spectral experiments and modeling established that the two-step P450 17A1 Prog oxidation is more distributive than the Preg reaction, i.e. 17α-OH product dissociates more prior to the lyase step. The drug orteronel selectively blocked the lyase reaction of P450 17A1 but only in the case of Prog. X-ray crystal structures of zebrafish P450 17A1 and 17A2 were obtained with the ligand abiraterone and with Prog for P450 17A2. Comparison of the two fish P450 17A-abiraterone structures with human P450 17A1 (DeVore, N. M., and Scott, E. E. (2013) Nature 482, 116–119) showed only a few differences near the active site, despite only ∼50% identity among the three proteins. The P450 17A2 structure differed in four residues near the heme periphery. These residues may allow the proposed alternative ferric peroxide mechanism for the lyase reaction, or residues removed from the active site may allow conformations that lead to the lyase activity. Background: Fish (and human) P450 17A1 catalyze both steroid 17α-hydroxylation and 17α,20-lyase reactions. A second fish P450, 17A2 (51% identical), catalyzes only 17α-hydroxylation. Results: Crystal structures of zebrafish P450 17A1 and 17A2 and human P450 17A1 are very similar. Conclusion: In kinetic analysis, the two-step oxidation of progesterone is more distributive than for pregnenolone. Significance: Small structural differences are associated with activities of the two fish P450s.
Niche segregation and sugar transport capacity of the tegument in digenean flukes

Digenean flukes can be broadly classified into three basic groups according to their location within the host: (1) the lumen of the alimentary canal or associated organ, (2) body cavity or tissue and (3) external surfaces. We selected three species of Proterometra that represent these basic groups and tested their capacities for cutaneous transport of glucose. Facilitated diffusion is the type of transport system in the tegument of P. edneyi, which lives in the gut of its host. An activetransport system is present in P. dickermani, the tissue-dwelling species. No cutaneous system for transporting glucose is present in the ectoparasitic P. macrostoma. The known capacities for tegumental sugar transport in other digeneans are correlated with similar habitats. Such associations involving unrelated as well as closely related species suggest that the niche biology of digeneans involves evolutionary specializations of the tegument for absorbing sugar.
Comparison of the Pro-Oxidative and Proinflammatory Effects of Organic Diesel Exhaust Particle Chemicals in Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Macrophages

Inhaled diesel exhaust particles (DEP) exert proinflammatory effects in the respiratory tract. This effect is related to the particle content of redox cycling chemicals and is involved in the adjuvant effects of DEP in atopic sensitization. We demonstrate that organic chemicals extracted from DEP induce oxidative stress in normal and transformed bronchial epithelial cells, leading to the expression of heme oxygenase 1, activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase cascade, IL-8 production, as well as induction of cytotoxicity. Among these effects, heme oxygenase 1 expression is the most sensitive marker for oxidative stress, while c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and induction of apoptosis-necrosis require incremental amounts of the organic chemicals and increased levels of oxidative stress. While a macrophage cell line (THP-1) responded in similar fashion, epithelial cells produced more superoxide radicals and were more susceptible to cytotoxic effects than macrophages. Cytotoxicity is the result of mitochondrial damage, which manifests as ultramicroscopic changes in organelle morphology, a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, superoxide production, and ATP depletion. Epithelial cells also differ from macrophages in not being protected by a thiol antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, which effectively protects macrophages against cytotoxic DEP chemicals. These findings show that epithelial cells exhibit a hierarchical oxidative stress response that differs from that of macrophages by more rapid transition from cytoprotective to cytotoxic responses. Moreover, epithelial cells are not able to convert N-acetylcysteine to cytoprotective glutathione.
Prospective Randomized Evaluation of a Collagen/Thrombin and Autologous Platelet Hemostatic Agent During Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a collagen/thrombin and autologous platelet hemostatic agent in preventing blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized study was designed to enroll a total of 100 patients. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either the treatment arm (standard hemostasis plus study product) or the control arm (standard hemostasis alone). Transfusion requirements, as determined by a blinded investigator using standardized criteria, were significantly lower in the treatment group (no blood transfusions) compared with the control group (5 transfusions; P = .007). These data support the addition of the study product to prevent blood transfusions after primary total knee arthroplasty.
Effects of computer mouse design and task on carpal tunnel pressure

Computer mouse use has become an integral part of office work in the past decade. Intensive mouse use has been associated with increased risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Sustained, elevated fluid pressure in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 14 healthy individuals while they performed tasks using three different computer mice. Participants performed a multidirectional dragging ('drag and drop') task starting with the hand resting (static posture) on the mouse. With one mouse, an additional pointing ('point-and-click') task was performed. All mice were associated with similar wrist extension postures (p = 0.41) and carpal tunnel pressures (p = 0.48). Pressures were significantly greater during dragging and pointing tasks than when resting the hand (static posture) on the mouse (p = 0.003). The mean pressures during the dragging tasks were 28.8-33.1 mmHg, approximately 12 mmHg greater than the static postures. Pressures during the dragging task were higher than the pointing task (33.1 versus 28.0 mmHg), although the difference was borderline non-significant (p = 0.06). In many participants the carpal tunnel pressures measured during mouse use were greater than pressures known to alter nerve function and structure, indicating that jobs with long periods of intensive mouse use may be at an increased risk of median mononeuropathy. A recommendation is made to minimize wrist extension, minimize prolonged dragging tasks and frequently perform other tasks with the mousing hand.
Through-wafer electrical interconnects by sidewall photolithographic patterning

This paper describes a new photolithography technique for patterning vertical surfaces using 45-degree reflective mirrors. The resolution is limited by diffraction and by surface scattering. Using this techniques, novel through-wafer interconnects have been demonstrated with high wiring density. At 320 nm wavelength, 50 /spl mu/m-wide vertical lines have been fabricated with 25 /spl mu/m line-width loss.
Evaluation of an efficient control-oriented coverage metric

Dynamic verification, the use of simulation to determine design correctness, is widely used due to its tractability for large designs. A serious limitation of dynamic techniques is the difficulty in determining whether or not a test sequence is sufficient to detect all likely design errors. Coverage metrics are used to address this problem by providing a set of goals to be achieved during the simulation process; if all coverage goals are satisfied then the test sequence is assumed to be complete. Many coverage metrics have been proposed but no effort has been made to identify a correlation between existing metrics and design quality. In this paper we present a technique to evaluate a coverage metric by examining its ability to ensure the detection of real design errors. We apply our evaluation technique to our control-oriented coverage metric to verify its ability to reveal design errors.
Is the leak point pressure alone an accurate indicator of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of women who meet the criteria for intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) on maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) but not on leak point pressure (LPP) measurement. We performed a cross-sectional chart review of every patient who underwent multichannel, microtransducer urodynamic testing in our center between 1994 and 1996 (n=423). From this population we culled a sub-population of women who fit into one of the following two groups: women with no evidence of ISD on MUCP or LPP and women with evidence of ISD on MUCP only. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of group membership. Increasing age (>60.5 years) and a positive supine empty stress test were the only independent predictors of membership in the group of women with ISD on MUCP only. Knowledge of these risk factors may help clinicians in choosing appropriate pre-operative testing.
Double‐couple earthquake focal mechanism: random rotation and display

SUMMARY This paper addresses two problems: the random rotation of double-couple (DC) earthquake sources and the display of earthquake focal mechanisms. We consider several equivalent representations for DC sources and their properties and provide mathematical expressions for their mutual transformation. Obviously, a 3-D rotation of any object is more intricate than a 2-D rotation. Any rotation of a DC source is further complicated by its symmetry properties. Applying statistical tests to a DC distribution often requires one to compare it to a completely (or uniform) random DC pattern. We review several methods for obtaining random distribution of DC orientation; some of these seemingly natural techniques yield an incorrect result. The DC random rotation problem is closely connected to displays of focal mechanisms. In such displays, a strike or an azimuth of a focal mechanism can be neglected; hence, we are confronted with mapping a 2-D distribution onto a flat surface. We review different methods for such displays and discuss more specifically how to project a random focal mechanism distribution on a flat 2-D display with uniform probability density. Such displays can be used to analyse earthquake patterns statistically in various tectonic regions.
A GRAPHICAL APPLICATION OF' SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR GAS UPTAKE EXPERIMENTS USING CHLOROFORM AS AN EXAMPLE

The accurate quantification of metabolism is essential for performing dosimetry of volatile organic compounds because metabolism is typically required for toxicity. One approach available to measure metabolism is gas uptake analysis, which combines experimental data with physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling in order to obtain metabolic parameters. One of the primary concerns when using modeling to infer parameter values arises from the uncertainty involved in this process. In this article, we illustrate the use of sensitivity analysis, a numerical technique, typically used to identify optimal exposure times aimed at improving future experiments. This particular analysis was performed using a previously published PBPK model for chloroform, which was chosen as a model volatile compound. In order to illustrate the interpretation of sensitivity coefficients, three different time-course plots are generated for liver concentration by varying the metabolism parameter Vmax plus or minus 10%. We t...
Using gain to tune the dispersion relation of coupled-resonator optical waveguides

Realistic coupled-resonator optical waveguides need gain to compensate for the absorption and scattering losses. Varying the gain and the loss are shown to be a simple way to tune the dispersion relationship. For coupled microrings, the difference between putting the gain in the coupler and putting the gain in the ring are explained. Applications include modulation of light, and tuning waveguides into and out of regions of slow light
Soft computing for intelligence analysis and security decisions: multi-source fusion

Considerable concern has arisen regarding the information used in intelligence analysis. One problem that made this analysis difficult was the uncertainty in much of the information available to the intelligence analysts. In this work we consider the problem of multisource data. We make considerable use of technologies based on fuzzy sets and related disciplines such as approximate reasoning.
Laboratory and Field Evaluations of Transgenic Soybean Exhibiting High-Dose Expression of a Synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A Gene for Control of Lepidoptera

Transgenic lines of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, expressing a synthetic cry1A gene (tic107) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), were evaluated in screenhouse and conventional field trials for efficacy against lepidopteran pests. In screenhouse trials, Bt soybean and negative checks (isogenic segregants and parental lines) were evaluated against Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner and Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) in the United States and against A. gemmatalis, Epinotia aporema (Walsingham), Rachiplusia nu (Guenee), and Spilosoma virginica (F.) in Argentina. Bt soybean exhibited virtually complete efficacy against each of these pests, whereas negative checks suffered significant damage. Bt soybean and negative checks also were evaluated in conventional trials against native populations of A. gemmatalis and P. includens in the southeastern United States. Each of these insects caused significant damage to negative checks in one or more locations, whereas Bt soybean exhibited virtually complete efficacy against these pests. In the laboratory, lyophilized leaf tissues from Bt soybean incorporated in artificial diet at a concentration representing a 25-fold dilution of fresh tissue caused complete mortality of A. gemmatalis and near complete mortality of P. includens neonates after 11 d, whereas mortality on negative checks did not exceed 10% for either insect. Average TIC107 expression approached or exceeded 50 microg/g fresh weight at V3 stage of growth and 200 microg/g by R6 stage of growth. These results demonstrate that expression of TIC107 in soybean can not only achieve highly efficacious control of several lepidopterans under field conditions but also provide a high dose for effective insect resistance management.
Body composition of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the Greek experience.

Greece ranks among the first countries suffering from the obesity epidemic globally. The aim of the study was to evaluate body composition in Greek patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We hypothesized that able-bodied patients would not differ from controls, in terms of adiposity, based on clinical observations during everyday practice. Study design: Cross-sectional study of steroid-dependent DMD subjects, who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and laboratory metabolic bone profile evaluation. Forty-two patients and thirty-one controls were studied. Overall, DMD subjects were shorter (height Z-score = −1.4, p = 0.01). Their bone mineral density (BMD) was low (lumbar spine BMD Z-score = −1.2, p < 0.01, subcranial total body BMD Z-score = −1.8, p < 0.01). Lean tissue mass (LTM) was also decreased (LTM Z-score = −2.2, p < 0.01). The above findings were more pronounced in adolescence. Regarding adiposity, increased fat mass (FM) was found only in pubertal DMD patients (FM Z-score = 1.4, p < 0.01), whereas prepubertal, able-bodied patients did not differ from controls, thus confirming the initial hypothesis. Finally, 65 % of DMD subjects had increased bone resorption markers and 57 % had suboptimal vitamin D levels. The importance of using native population as controls for body composition analysis is highlighted. In Greece, abnormal body composition in DMD patients is more striking when loss of ambulation occurs and not during the prepubertal period, due to the concurrent presence of obesity in the pediatric population. Thus, adolescents with this neuromuscular disorder should be targeted toward prompt lifestyle interventions.
A quinoidal bis-phenalenyl-fused porphyrin with supramolecular organization and broad near-infrared absorption.

A bis-phenalenyl-fused porphyrin has been synthesized by thermal dehydro-aromatization reaction regioselectively as a single syn-isomer. X-ray crystal structure revealed that both phenalenyl units of this porphyrin have close π–π contacts forming continuous network of interacting porphyrin rings. A broad and intense NIR absorption can be attributed to quinoidal character of bis-phenalenyl-fused porphyrin.
Resuscitating Deference to Lower Federal Court Judges' Interpretations of State Law

This Article examines the propriety of having federal courts afford deference to state law interpretations reached by lower federal court judges. Two Supreme Court decisions from the 1990s seemed substantially to circumscribe such deference. But in fact subsequent Court cases continue to afford deference. Moreover, such deference can be normatively valuable. This Article argues in favor of the use of deference in appropriate circumstances, including situations where district court and court of appeals agree on the proper interpretation of state law, and where answers to state law questions are obtained through an intrafederal certification regime.
Role of Lysosomes and Cathepsin Inhibitor in Plasma during Pneumococcal Infection

Infecting microorganisms may directly affect metabolic processes by competition for substrate or they may release toxins which may affect specific metabolic pathways. Alternatively, substances causing an adverse effect upon biochemical mechanisms may be released by the host in response to infection. Since DeDuve and his associates described lysosomes [1], many workers have attributed a major role to acid hydrolases in inflammatory and toxic phenomena. It has been postulated that bacterial lipopolysaccharides, acidosis of tissues, and hypoxia disrupt lysosomes; the ensuing release of acid hydrolases then alters cellular metabolism and causes cellular death [2-4]. However, the role of lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes in the pathogenesis of infection is unknown. The following studies were designed to determine the role of lysosomes and their enzymes in the pathogenesis of lethal pneumococcal infection.
Genetic Determinants of Renal Disease in Neonates

Because of the complexity of its form and function, the kidney plays a significant role in metabolic diseases, especially those of transport abnormalities. As with malformations of any kind, the renal malformation must first be identified as either isolated or part of a syndrome. If the malformation is isolated, the geneticist attempts to determine if it is sporadic or inherited. The underlying cause of renal malformations that are part of a syndrome could be a chromosomal aberration, single gene mutation, teratogenic effect, or sporadic factors.
Important Aspects Concerning Evaluation of Renal Function and Blood Pressure: Kinins, Prostaglandins, Lead

The kallikrein-kinin and prostaglandin-thromboxane-leukotriene systems and the body lead burden all influence renal function and systemic blood pressure to some extent. Because these systems may become generally accepted as more important in assessing renal function and blood pressure in the future, a brief overview of each has been given.
Technologies for Microturbomachinery

This paper describes the technologies that the MIT Microengine program has developed to realize compact turbomachinery for a wide class of Power MEMS devices. The core technologies involve extensive use of two-sided Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE), via the so-called ‘Bosch process’, as well as aligned bonding of multiple silicon wafers (upwards of 6–7 wafers). Technology considerations placed several important design constraints on the project, most notably the requirement to focus on designs that are comprised of extruded two-dimensional shapes wherein 3-D complexity is achieved through laminations of wafers.
Dislocations and donor centres in silver halide emulsion grains

AbstractThe involvement of dislocations and donor centres in the technology of high- performance, negative surface-imaging emulsions with monodisperse, regular hexagonal, thin tabular grains is discussed. In core/shell and core/annularzone/shell structures, narrow prismatic edge dislocation half-loops, extending through the annular zone and outer shell from the interfaces to the lateral edges, are introduced to partially relax lattice strains resulting from halide ion concentration gradients. The sites of termination of these dislocations provide local areas of enhanced surface reactivity or dislocation sensitivity centres. Sensitizing Ag2,Ag20 and Ag2S donor centres are introduced within the grains and on the outer surface. Sensitizing (Ag,Au)S donor centres are confined to the outer surface and preferentially formed at the sensitivity centres where they are associated with Ag2 donor molecules also functioning as latent image growth nucleus precursors. The formation of such Ag2 molecules along internal d...
Achieving Democratic Equality: Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Reparations

This paper provides an account of reparationsin general and then presents briefly oneexplanation of why many present day AfricanAmericans believe they are entitled toreparations from the U.S. Government.This explanation should not be seen as a finaljustification, but only as an indication whythe demand for reparations for AfricanAmericans might be seen a plausible. Next, ifit is reasonable to assume that reparations toAfrican Americans are plausible, I then go onto explain why reparations might be necessaryto fill the breech that is perceived to existbetween many African Americans and theirgovernment. This explanation will involve anexamination of the relationship between threeconcepts: forgiveness, reconciliation, andreparations. Then I explore why an apology orreparations for slavery and Jim Crow might benecessary for reconciliation between manyAfrican Americans and their government.Finally, I examine the contention that thelegislative process can be used to obtain anapology or reparations from the government.
Health Belief Model and Healthy Consumption: Toward an Integrated Model

ABSTRACTConsumers have evolved from scavengers of necessity to scavengers of excess. Citizens of industrialized countries have little survival motivation to forage for food, yet a dominance of food cues in the environment exacerbates eating control. As a result, behavioral strategies are needed to mediate these negative effects. However, healthful consumption likelihood has been an extremely elusive measure to predict. Most studies are able to show only an incremental amount of variance explained in consumers’ behavioral intentions. Moreover, generalizability is often limited to college student data. In response, the present research uses structural equation modeling methods to investigate the complexity of this domain. The results from a representative panel of U.S. adult consumers show that motivation, social support, and food features all have significant effects on healthful consumption likelihood. Finally, several of these effects are mediated by the importance of healthy eating and convenience barri...
Trade Associations Matter as Units of Selection, as Actors Within Comparative and Historical Institutional Frameworks, and as Potential Impediments to Societal Wide Collective Action:

The papers in this special section highlight three important questions in organization and management theory. First, evolutionary theorists studying organizations have an opportunity to address iss...