cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lymphatic pathways and role of valves in lymph propulsion from small intestine

The pathways through which lymph is propelled from the mucosal, submucosal, and muscle layer lymphatics of the small intestine, the interconnections between these layers, and the location of lymphatic valves within these layers were studied. Injections of fluid into a single lacteal or submucosal lymphatic of rats, rabbits, dogs, and cats spread in all directions through the submucosal lymphatics and into laceteals but did not enter the lymphatics of the muscle layer. Injections into muscle layer lymphatics also spread in all directions but in no case entered the submucosal lymphatics. The submucosal and muscle layer lymphatics join within the bowel wall near the mesenteric border to form collecting lymphatics characterized by valves and spontaneous contractions. These data indicate that lymphatics of the mucosa and submucosa form a syncytium independent of the muscle layer lymphatics and that few if any valves exist within these lymphatic networks. Cycling lacteal pressures were measured when intestinal motility was present but not when motility was abolished, suggesting that intestinal motility might have a role in lymph propulsion.
Tensorial Nature of Damage Measuring Internal Variables

A theoretical framework is developed which can be used to describe the constitutive equations of creeping materials which also suffer internal damage. Within this framework, specialized constitutive equations are derived for a nickel alloy which has been subjected to non-proportional histories of stress.
Adaptive training of local reduced bases for unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes flows

Summary This report presents a numerical study of reduced-order representations for simulating incompressible Navier–Stokes flows over a range of physical parameters. The reduced-order representations combine ideas of approximation for nonlinear terms, of local bases, and of least-squares residual minimization. To construct the local bases, temporal snapshots for different physical configurations are collected automatically until an error indicator is reduced below a user-specified tolerance. An adaptive time-integration scheme is also employed to accelerate the generation of snapshots as well as the simulations with the reduced-order representations. The accuracy and efficiency of the different representations is compared with examples with parameter sweeps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SU-FF-T-395: System Accuracy Of Leksell Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Objective: The manufacturer specified mechanical or beam delivery accuracy of the Leksell Gamma Knife (LGK) is 0.3 mm. This study intends to determine the system accuracy, or total clinical relevant accuracy, of LGK system. Materials and Methods: The system accuracy of LGK mainly depends on the accuracies of beam delivery, target localization, and treatment plan systems. An Accuray anthropomorphic head phantom was used in this study. The mechanical accuracy was measured based on a simple and accurate technique developed by one of the authors. The phantom contains a ball‐cube that holds a spherical target and 2 pieces of GafChromic film, precisely cut to a 63mm by 63mm square. The ball‐cube is made of four identically shaped plastic rectangles. Two films are perpendicular to each other and have a known spatial relationship to the anterior, left and superior edges of the ball‐cube. The target was identified within the respective CTimages (1.5mm thickness, 512×512 resolution and 250mm × 250mm field of view) and three treatment plans with a single isocenter of 18 mm collimator were designed such that the isodoselines were symmetric around the target. The phantom was then treated to 40Gy with a model C of LGK. The system accuracy is the offset between the delivered dose centroid and the center of the targeting sphere. Results: Target localization error was estimated to be 0.25mm in the axial plane and 0.75mm in the coronal or sagittal plane, resulting in a combined error of 0.83 mm. The mean mechanical accuracy measured in the annual QA with the 4mm collimator was 0.14 mm±0.05mm over the last seven years. The system accuracy, or total clinical relevant accuracy, was 0.66mm±0.06mm. Conclusion: The LGK Model C is capable of over‐all sub‐millimeter accuracy when CT slice thicknesses of 1.5 mm with 512×512 resolution are used.
The use of LiF (TLD-100) as an out-of-field dosimeter

The commonly used thermoluminescent dosimeter TLD-100 (Harshaw Chemical Company, Solon, OH) responds not only to photons and electrons, but also to neutrons that are produced during high-energy therapies. As a result, TLD-100 measurements outside of the treatment field are suspect when high-energy radiation is used. Although alternatives such as TLD-700 do not respond to neutrons, specialty dosimeters of this kind are expensive and are not routinely used in most clinics. In the current study, we examined the accuracy of TLD-100 in measuring the out-of-field photon dose as a function of treatment energy. To determine the accuracy of TLD-100 as compared with TLD-700, TLD-100 was irradiated outside of the treatment field by medical accelerators operated at 6, 10, 15, and 18 MV. In an effort to eliminate the response of TLD-100 to neutrons, TLD capsules were encased in varying thicknesses of cadmium foil (0.25 - 0.75 mm) before being irradiated at 18 MV. The out-of-field TLD-100 was found to be accurate at 6 MV and 10 MV, but to be substantially over-responsive at 15 MV and 18 MV (by up to 1063% relative to TLD-700). By wrapping the TLD-100 in up to 0.75 mm of cadmium, it was possible to drastically reduce (down to 39% on average) the over-response of the TLD-100; however, total removal of the over-responsiveness was not possible. Although TLD-100 is well suited for measuring out-of-field dose at energies as high as 10 MV, at higher energies (15 MV or greater), this dosimeter over-responds substantially and should not be used. Although encasing the TLD in cadmium minimized over-response to a degree, the reduction was not sufficient to make TLD-100 viable for measuring out-of-field dose at high treatment energies.
On cycle permutation graphs

Abstract Permutation graphs were first introduced by Chartrand and Harary in 1967 [5]. The purpose of this paper is to study some properties of cycle permutation graphs. A determination of some of their crossing numbers, in keeping with the topological nature of the Chartrand and Harary paper is followed by the determination of all permutations yielding certain isomorphic permutation graphs, extending the algebraic results for planar graphs obtained by those authors.
Thyroxine Secretion Rate and Growth In the White Pekin Duck

Abstract THE phenomenally rapid rate of growth of the White Pekin duck is well known. Reported average weights at nine weeks of age are 4.85 and 5.77 pounds (Horton, 1928; Elford, 1925, 1927) as compared to 2.00 and 2.60 pounds (Hoffmann, 1946; Klein, 1949) for relatively rapid growing chickens. The marked difference in growth rate between the species is also reflected in the maximum size attained. A White Pekin drake attained the remarkable weight of 10.5 pounds at 68 days of age (Hunter and Scholes, 1943), as compared to a New Hampshire cockerel that weighed 5.12 pounds at 77 days (Jull, 1949). Recent work with chickens has established a relationship between rate of growth and thyroxine secretion. Fast growing strains have an inherently higher thyroxine secretion rate than slower growing strains (Glazener and Shaffner, 1949). The question naturally arises whether differences in growth rate between species can also be partially accounted . . .
Lentivirus-mediated Genetic Manipulation and Visualization of Olfactory Sensory Neurons in vivo

Development of a precise olfactory circuit relies on accurate projection of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axons to their synaptic targets in the olfactory bulb (OB). The molecular mechanisms of OSN axon growth and targeting are not well understood. Manipulating gene expression and subsequent visualizing of single OSN axons and their terminal arbor morphology have thus far been challenging. To study gene function at the single cell level within a specified time frame, we developed a lentiviral based technique to manipulate gene expression in OSNs in vivo. Lentiviral particles are delivered to OSNs by microinjection into the olfactory epithelium (OE). Expression cassettes are then permanently integrated into the genome of transduced OSNs. Green fluorescent protein expression identifies infected OSNs and outlines their entire morphology, including the axon terminal arbor. Due to the short turnaround time between microinjection and reporter detection, gene function studies can be focused within a very narrow period of development. With this method, we have detected GFP expression within as few as three days and as long as three months following injection. We have achieved both over-expression and shRNA mediated knock-down by lentiviral microinjection. This method provides detailed morphologies of OSN cell bodies and axons at the single cell level in vivo, and thus allows characterization of candidate gene function during olfactory development.
The use of monoclonal antibodies for the identification and classification of acute myeloid leukemias.

Abstract We reviewed a library of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) detecting antigens on myelomonocytic cells and analysed their reactivity patterns as reported in the literature. On the basis of the frequency of positivity with the myelocytic variants (FAB M1-3) or monocytic variants (FAB M4/5) of acute myeloid leukemias, the MoAbs were assigned to one of four groups. MoAbs of Group I identified most cases of both the myelocytic and the monocytic cell lineages (‘panmyelomonocytic’ reactivity) and can be used to identify acute myeloid leukemias regardless of the subtype. Group II comprised MoAbs which reacted with the majority of FAB M1-3 cases, but showed a preference in reactivity with AMMoL/AMoL cases (reactivity: myelocytic partly, monocytic predominantly). MoAbs of Group III stained most cases with monocytic phenotypes, but labelled only a small percentage of non-monocytic cases. These MoAbs are valuable tools for the detection of cases with monocytic features. Group IV MoAbs reacted with a small to intermediate percentage of myelocytic and/or monocytic cases. Besides their diagnostic application MoAbs might be used in new therapeutic approaches such as in-vivo serotherapy with MoAbs and purging of autologous bone marrow for transplantation. None of the described MoAbs appear to be leukemia-specific. Many MoAbs have been produced against non-myelomonocytic cells and were reactive with cells outside the myelomonocytic cell lineages and the hematopoietic system. Other MoAbs with apparent cell lineage-restricted reactivity regarding normal cells stained leukemic cells of other cell lineages. This phenomenon of translineage reactivity of leukemic cells with mutually exclusive markers indicating a biphenotypic marker profile might be the result of abnormal, disregulated gene expression. New classification systems of acute myeloid leukemias based on immunological marker profiles have been proposed. The analysis of reactivity of normal and malignant myelomonocytic cells with MoAbs has led to refined differentiation schemes of the normal hematopoiesis.
Analogs of Tetrahydrofolic Acid XXV: 2,4-Diamino-6-phenethylpteridine, an Inhibitor of Dihydrofolic Reductase

Condensation of 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine with phenylethylglyoxal acetal (IX) gave 2,4-diamino-6-phenethylpteridine (VI); 2-amino-6-phenethyl-4-pteridinol (VII) was also synthesized from IX by condensation with 2,5,6-triamino-4-pyrimidinol. For comparative inhibition of dihydrofolic reductase, 2,4-diamino-6-methyl-5-(4-phenylbutyl)pyrimidine (XIII) was synthesized from the previously described 2-amino-6-methyl-5-(4-phenylbutyl)-4-pyrimidinol (I). As an inhibitor of dihydrofolic reductase, XIII was 150-fold more effective than the pteridine (VI). The greater effectiveness of XIII was traced to a large hydrophobic contribution of the n -butyl group of XIII to binding to dihydrofolic reductase. In fact, XIII was an excellent inhibitor of dihydrofolic reductase, being only thirtyfold less effective than aminopterin.
A Bayesian method for analyzing dependencies in precursor data

Abstract Past Bayesian methods for analyzing accident precursor data have rested on unreasonable simplifying assumptions; in particular, the assumption that successive stages of each accident sequence (e.g. successive system failures) are independent. However, obtaining information on intersystem dependencies is one of the greatest benefits of precursor analysis. With such dependencies, each system may have not one but several conditional failure probabilities; for example, one under normal or test conditions, and another during accident conditions (e.g. after other systems have already failed). These probabilities, while not identical, may be correlated, since the system will contain the same components (with the same inherent reliability levels) regardless of whether other systems have already failed. In this paper, extended natural conjugate distributions are used in a Bayesian method to analyze pairs of correlated probabilities. While motivated by applications to precursor analysis, the method is in fact quite general.
Creating data resources for designing usercentric frontends for query-by-humming systems

Advances in music retrieval research greatly depend on appropriate database resources and their meaningful organization. In this paper we describe data collection efforts related to the design of query-by-humming (QBH) systems. We also provide a statistical analysis for categorizing the collected data, especially focusing on intersubject variability issues. In total, 100 people participated in our experiment, resulting in around 2000 humming samples drawn from a predefined melody list consisting of 22 different well-known music pieces and over 500 samples of melodies that were chosen spontaneously by our subjects. These data are being made available to the research community. The data from each subject were compared to the expected melody features, and an objective measure was derived to quantify the statistical deviation from the baseline. The results showed that the uncertainty in human humming varies depending on the musical structure of the melodies and the musical background of the subjects. Such details are important for designing robust QBH systems.
Changes in perlecan during chondrocyte differentiation in the fetal bovine rib growth plate.

Perlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan present in the growth plate and essential for endochondral ossification. We evaluated the synthesis and structure of perlecan in the different zones of the growth plate. The growth plates from fetal bovine ribs were isolated and sequentially sliced into 1-mm sections containing the hypertrophic zone, lower proliferative zone, upper proliferative zone, intermediate zone, and resting zone, respectively. The slices were then either incubated in culture medium with 35SO4 to measure total sulfated proteoglycan synthesis and perlecan synthesis, extracted for perlecan core protein analysis by Western blot, or extracted for perlecan isolation and subsequent characterization of glycosaminoglycan size and disaccharide composition. 35SO4 incorporation into perlecan was three–fourfold higher in the proliferating/hypertrophic zone than the resting zone. Western blot showed perlecan content was greatest in the lower and upper proliferating zones and that a perlecan fragment lacking portions of the N- and C-terminal domains containing heparan sulfate was also present in all zones. Purified perlecan from the hypertrophic/lower proliferative zone had larger chondroitin sulfate chains and a different composition of CS and HS disaccharides than the perlecan isolated from the resting zone. These results indicate perlecan deposition is increased and is turned over during proliferation to be replaced by a perlecan with a different sulfation pattern. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1317–1326, 2006
A pilot study: Coordination of precision grip in children and adolescents with high functioning autism

Purpose:This pilot study compared temporal coordination during a precision grip task between 13 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who were high functioning and 13 peers with typical development.Methods:Temporal coordination between grip and load forces was measured using
Engaging Latino/a Communities in National Park Programs: Building Trust and Providing Opportunities for Voice

This article examines the relationship between National Park Programs and Latino/a Communities. We argue that what is missing in traditional approaches are authentic efforts that invite, involve and include in ways that develop genuine confianza (trust) and respeto (respect). Using Senecah’s “Trinity of Voice” as an analytical guide and organizing framework, this article draws from literature in fields such as Ethnic Studies, Latino/a Studies, Environmental Communication, Environmental Studies, and Natural Resource Management to provide new perspectives and best practices associated with engaging Latino/a communities with nature in general and National Parks. In particular, we suggest engaging techniques such as the use of non-traditional media, partnerships, staff recruitment, and the creation of a community advisory board.
Hamiltonian Description of Composite Fermions: Aftermath

The lowest Landau level long distance theory of composite fermions (CF) developed by Murthy and me is minimally extended to all distances, guided by very general principles. The resulting theory is mathematically consistent, and physically appealing: we clearly see the electron and the vortices binding to form the CF. The meaning of the constraints, their role in ensuring compressibility of dipolar objects at $\ensuremath{\nu}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}1/2$, and the observability of dipoles are clarified.
Development of a shock-fitting field-panel method for 3D transonic flows

The paper presents the development of a shock-fitting field-panel method for three-dimension (3D) transonic flows. In this method, the full-potential equation, written in the form of the Poisson's equation, is solved by integral equation field-panel method. The solution consists of a wing surface source panel integral term, a field-volume panel integral term of compressibility over a small limited domain, and a shock panel integral term. Due to the non-linearity of flows, solutions are obtained through an iterative procedure. Instead of using a field-panel refinement procedure, a shock-fitting technique is used to fit the shock. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the accuracy of the method.
Direct approach to operator conformal constructions: From fermions to primary fields

Abstract I discuss the direct solution of Sugawara and coset constructions, including a path to construction of the primary fields. The basic tools are (1) a construction of affine-conformal highest-weight states, pretensors and tensors from quantum-irreducible representations of the currents of affine g, and (2) construction of primary fields by factorization and boosting of the pretensors. Large classes of pretensors are easily obtained in fermionic constructions, and guesswork is minimized with factorization of bosonized fermionic pretensors: The simplest case constructs conformal-weights h g = mN(n − N) 2n of SUm(n) and h K = mN(n − N) n of SU m (n) ⊗ SU m (n) SU 2m (n) and extension to simply-laced g is clear. More general cases are left for future study.
Identification of unstable angina patients who have favorable outcome with medical or surgical therapy (eight-year follow-up of the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study)

Abstract To identify patients with unstable angina (UA) who have favorable outcomes with medical therapy or surgery, 468 patients who had been randomized in the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study of UA were risk-stratified based on angiographic criteria of the number of coronary arteries diseased and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients at high risk for UA were defined as those with 3-vessel disease or LVEF of ≤58%, and patients at low risk were those with 1- or 2-vessel disease and LVEF of >58%. Of the 468 UA patients randomized, 287 patients belonged to the high-risk and 181 to the low-risk category. In the low-risk group, cumulative mortality after 8 years of follow-up was significantly lower in the medically treated patients (16.8%) than in the surgically treated patients (32.2%) (p = 0.022); in the high-risk group, cumulative mortality was significantly lower in the surgically treated patients (24.1%) than in the medically treated patients (35.3%) (p = 0.03). The relative risk of surgery (the ratio of surgical to medical risk) in the low-isk patients was 1.67, indicating a significant survival advantage with medical treatment (p = 0.05), whereas the relative risk of surgery for the high-risk group was 0.71, indicating a significant survival benefit with surgical treatment (p -0.05). Thus, medical therapy appears to be the preferred therapy for UA patients with only 1- or 2- vessel disease and normal LVEF, and surgery is preferred for UA patients with 3-vessel disease or LVEF in the lowest tercile.
Supercharged Pedicled Jejunal Interposition for Esophageal Replacement: A 10-Year Experience

Background Esophageal continuity after esophagectomy can be established without a viable stomach conduit by using the colon or jejunum. The current study evaluated the technical outcomes of the long-segment supercharged jejunal (SPJ) interposition. Methods A database was developed to capture patient characteristics, operative technique, and outcomes for patients with an SPJ interposition at 2 institutions from 2000 to 2010. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of leak and graft loss. A selective prospective manometric analysis was performed to describe peristalsis of the SPJ. Results Of the 60 patients undergoing SPJ reconstruction, 44 (73%) were men, and the median age was 57 years (range, 28 to 76 years). The operation in 23 patients (38%) was performed to reverse esophageal discontinuity, and 57 (95%) patients underwent reconstruction for cancer. Early complications included 18 instances (30%) of pneumonia, 19 anastomotic leaks (32%), and 5 instances of graft loss with diversion (8%). Three patients (5%) died in the hospital or within 30 days. After jejunal reconstruction, 50 patients (83%) were able to return to a regular diet. The 90-day mortality rate was 10% (n = 6). Characteristic postoperative manometric findings included segmental peristalsis, as is typical for in situ jejunum. Median survival was 28 months and the 5-year survival rate was 30%. Conclusions An SPJ conduit can reestablish or maintain gastrointestinal continuity in high-risk patients when the stomach is unavailable. This is our preferred conduit for reconstruction of the esophagus over the colon.
Collaborative Writing in Composition: Enabling Revision and Interaction Through Online Technologies

As online education grows in popularity, the literature on such courses has expanded as dramatically. However, discussion of online tools specifically for composition instruction has received far less attention than general course-management systems and online discussion forums. The composition process has changed with the advent of computer processing, yet composition research rarely focuses on the advantages of the digital composition process. That process could change again with recent developments in social systems and networked, cloud-based applications. This article highlights the way online composition platforms can meet the needs of writing courses. New tools can provide new opportunities for student collaboration, teacher involvement, and writing-process research. This article uses Sally J. McMillan's model of Cyber-Interactivity and Robert R. Johnson's model of User-Centered Design as frameworks in which to view collaborative writing, arguing that students in online composition courses need collaborative tools that allow a single document to be created by a student, edited by others, and commented on by all. The ill-fated Google Wave platform is evaluated through this perspective. Practical benefits of the platform and implications for writing instruction are included. Collaborative online composition, using systems with features like Google Wave, is presented as essential in modern composition courses.
Using the Coefficient of Variation to Detect Sincerity of Effort of Grip Strength: A Literature Review

Many clinicians use the coefficient of variation (CV) to assess sincerity of effort, without understanding the premise on which it is based or its physiological and mathematical bases. Clinicians who use computerized evaluation systems that calculate the CV may not even be aware of the formula used to derive it. The wide use of the CV in detecting sincerity of effort of grip strength is puzzling, since it lacks empirical support in the literature. This paper examines the physiological rationale for using measures of variability to detect sincerity of effort, the mathematical basis on which the CV is founded, and the reliability and validity of the CV. The conclusions based on this literature review are that the CV is not an appropriate method for determining whether an effort is sincere and that CV values may be inflated in injured patients with compromised hand strength.
SU-E-J-95: Predicting Treatment Outcomes for Prostate Cancer: Irradiation Responses of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells

Purpose: Most prostate cancers are slow-growing diseases but normally require much higher doses (80Gy) with conventional fractionation radiotherapy, comparing to other more aggressive cancers. This study is to disclose the radiobiological basis of this discrepancy by proposing the concept of prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs) and examining their specific irradiation responses. Methods: There are overwhelming evidences that CSC may keep their stemness, e.g. the competency of cell differentiation, in hypoxic microenvironments and hence become radiation resistive, though the probability is tiny for aggressiveness cancers. Tumor hypoxia used to be considered as an independent reason for poor treatment outcomes, and recent evidences showed that even prostate cancers were also hypoxic though they are very slow-growing. In addition, to achieve comparable outcomes to other much more aggressive cancers, much higher doses (rather than lower doses) are always needed for prostate cancers, regardless of its non-aggressiveness. All these abnormal facts can only be possibly interpreted by the irradiation responses characteristics of prostate CSCs. Results: Both normal cancer cells (NCCs) and CSCs exiting in tumors, in which NCCs are mainly for symptoms whereas killing all CSCs achieves disease-free. Since prostate cancers are slow-growing, the hypoxia in prostate cancers cannot possibly from NCCs, thus it is caused by hypoxic CSCs. However, single hypoxic cell cannot be imaged due to limitation of imaging techniques, unless a large group of hypoxic cells exist together, thus most of CSCs in prostate cancers are virtually hypoxic, i.e. not in working mode because CSCs in proliferating mode have to be normoxic, and this explains why prostate cancers are unaggressive. Conclusion: The fractional dose in conventional radiotherapy (∼2Gy) could only kill NCCs and CSCs in proliferating modes, whereas most CSCs survived fractional treatments since they were hypoxic, thus to eliminate all CSCs and achieve disease-free, much more fractionations are needed.
Molecular evidence for the presence of chlamydia in the synovium of patients with Reiter's syndrome.

Objective. There is much evidence indicating that chlamydial antigens in the synovium may be critical in the pathogenesis of Reiter's syndrome (RS), but it is not known whether intact organisms are present in that tissue in any stage of the disease. The present study was undertaken to begin to address this question. Methods. We used a highly specific and sensitive molecular hybridization screening system which detects chlamydial RNA, to examine synovial biopsy samples from 22 patients with various arthropathies, including 9 with RS. Results. Seven of the 9 RS patients were positive for chlamydial RNA, while 3 of the 13 non-RS patients were also positive; positive results in the non-RS patients probably indicate the actual presence of the organism, since these patients had arthritis that was otherwise incompletely explained. Conclusion. The detection of chlamydial RNA, in combination with previous findings of chlamydia-like particles and/or chlamydial antigens in the synovium of RS patients, suggests that whole bacterial cells are present in that tissue.
In vitro incubation of golden (Syrian) hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm with a human oviduct specific glycoprotein.

The objective of this study was to determine if human oviduct specific glycoprotein (huOGP) would associate with hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm during in vitro incubation. The huOGP used in these studies was partially purified from human hydrosalpinx fluid. Hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm samples were incubated in culture medium with and without huOGP. Association of huOGP was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence assay using a polyclonal antibody prepared against huOGP. Intense fluorescence of the zona pellucida, and bright but uneven fluorescence of the perivitelline space, were observed in hamster ovarian oocytes following incubation in the presence of huOGP. A similar but more uniform pattern of fluorescence was observed when hamster oviductal oocytes (positive controls) were incubated in culture medium alone. Fluorescence was absent when oocytes were assayed with preimmune serum. The association of huOGP with the zona pellucida and perivitelline space appeared to be specific since thyroglobulin, a large molecular weight glycoprotein, and human serum albumin, the major protein in oviduct fluid, did not associate with the hamster oocytes nor inhibit huOGP association when included in the culture medium. Fluorescence was absent when human sperm incubated with huOGP were assayed with antiserum to huOGP. However, human sperm fluoresced when incubated with a uterine glycoprotein, CUPED, which had previously been shown to bind to cat sperm during in vitro incubation. Sperm also fluoresced brightly when human sperm antibody was used as a positive control. Solubilization of sperm membrane proteins postincubation and analysis of these proteins by 1-D SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting also failed to show an association of huOGP with human sperm. Electron microscopy of sperm both pre- and postsolubilization confirmed that the sperm membranes were removed by this process. In conclusion, the association of huOGP with hamster oocytes in vitro suggests that huOGP may associate with human oocytes in vivo, whereas that may not be true for human sperm in vivo. The association of huOGP with oocytes may serve to facilitate the process of fertilization and early embryonic development within the oviduct. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microscopic mechanics of hairpin DNA translocation through synthetic nanopores

Nanoscale pores have proved useful as a means to assay DNA and are actively being developed as the basis of genome sequencing methods. Hairpin DNA (hpDNA), having both double-helical and overhanging coil portions, can be trapped in a nanopore, giving ample time to execute a sequence measurement. In this article, we provide a detailed account of hpDNA interaction with a synthetic nanopore obtained through extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. For synthetic pores with minimum diameters from 1.3 to 2.2 nm, we find that hpDNA can translocate by three modes: unzipping of the double helix and—in two distinct orientations—stretching/distortion of the double helix. Furthermore, each of these modes can be selected by an appropriate choice of the pore size and voltage applied transverse to the membrane. We demonstrate that the presence of hpDNA can dramatically alter the distribution of ions within the pore, substantially affecting the ionic current through it. In exper- iments and simulations, the ionic current relative to that in the absence of DNA can drop below 10% and rise beyond 200%. Simulations associate the former with the double helix occupying the constriction and the latter with accumulation of DNA that has passed through the constriction.
Glutamic acid decar☐ylase and enkephalin immunoreactive axon terminals in the rat neostriatum synapse with striatonigral neurons

Abstract Synaptic interactions between striatal projection neurons and axon terminals containing immunoreactive glutamic acid decar☐ylase (GAD) or Leu-enkephalin were examined in the rat neostriatum using a combined method of horseradish peroxidase retrograde transport from the substantia nigra and immunohistochemistry at the electron microscopic level. Results showed that numerous immunoreactive GAD and enkephalin boutons formed synapses with the cell bodies and dendrites of medium-sized striatonigral neurons. These findings demonstrate that within the neostriatum GABA and enkephalin directly influence caudate output pathways.
Effects of Helium on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Niobium

Mechanical property specimens of niobium (Cb) were doped with helium by the tritium trick to concentrations as high as 500 appm. The tritium decays by the reaction3H →3He +β − at a rate that produces about 7 appm per day in the host microstructure. Tensile properties were measured from room temperature to 800°C, and creep properties from 700 to 1000°C at stresses from 45 to 75 MPa. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure of the helium doped specimens, and the observations were correlated with the mechanical property results. The results of this investigation showed that niobium has a high tolerance to helium trapped in the microstructure. The tensile and creep strengths of niobium increased as helium concentration increased. The ductility decreased significantly as the helium concentration increased, but niobium retained substantial ductility even at a high helium concentration of 500 appm. This amount of helium would be generated by (n,α) reactions in the microstructure of a niobium first wall after a 20 y exposure in a D-T fusion reactor. Thus, niobium and niobium alloys are potential candidates for high temperature structural materials in D-T fusion reactors.
Nationalism, Internationalization and the Dawn of the New University of The Bahamas: Looking Ahead

An increasingly complex and diverse global context provides small nation states with multiple challenges. Tertiary institutions in such contexts grapple with fulfilling missions and mandates, not always of their own making, especially if they are publicly funded. This commentary poses several considerations with which the to-be-launched University of The Bahamas must contend – managing the intersection between education, societies and politics; quality assurance in higher education; knowledge production; brain drain and brain circulation; and the institution’s evolving place in the higher education landscape – as it affirms its role in the rapidly internationalizing higher education landscape. I posit that the challenge will be to (re-)align the institution’s internationalization strategies, and limited resources, with its academic mission and values, ensuring that mechanisms are established, avoiding pitfalls in what is an increasingly competitive global environment.
A new device for percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in acute limb ischemia

Acute limb ischemia caused by thromboembolism is an emergent and life-threatening disease. Rapid revascularization is inevitable to prevent major amputation. So far, thrombectomy by Fogarty balloon catheter has been a standard procedure for this emergent setting, though it is sometimes difficult to accomplish complete removal of thrombus within peripheral arteries. Herein, we report a case with acute limb ischemia which was successfully treated by a new mechanical thrombectomy device. This home-made device split thrombus into small pieces within arteries, and accelerated the efficiency of thrombus removal by an aspiration catheter thereafter.
Best bounds for order statistics and their expectations in range and mean units with applications

Best bounds for the order statistics are obtained in terras of the sample range and, for non-negative samples, in terms of the sample mean. Best bounds for the differences of two order statistics are found in this case also. Corresponding bounds on the expectation of order statistics and their differences are also found. Several applications of these bounds are considered
Sharpness discrimination for foveal targets.

A briefly flashed pattern never appears quite sharp, and visual acuity is reduced with short exposures. These observations led to an examination of the effect of exposure duration on sharpness discrimination. A foveally seen edge appears just-discriminably blurred when its edge light distribution is changed from being sharp to conforming to a ramp whose width (increasing from 0% to 100% of maximal luminance) is ~1 arcmin. When the exposure duration is reduced, the ramp width for minimal blur increases, rising by factors of 2–4 for exposures as short as 30 msec. This change is not due to a shortage of light. Threshold blur discrimination is not affected by retinal image motions of up to 1 deg/sec. Temporal combinations of sharp and blurred borders always worsen performance, and multiple brief presentations do not give so good a threshold as a single longer one.
A model of dendritic cell therapy for melanoma.

Dendritic cells are a promising immunotherapy tool for boosting an individual's antigen specific immune response to cancer. We develop a mathematical model using differential and delay-differential equations to describe the interactions between dendritic cells, effector-immune cells and tumor cells. We account for the trafficking of immune cells between lymph, blood, and tumor compartments. Our model reflects experimental results both for dendritic-cell trafficking and for immune suppression of tumor growth in mice. In addition, in silico experiments suggest more effective immunotherapy treatment protocols can be achieved by modifying dose location and schedule. A sensitivity analysis of the model reveals which patient-specific parameters have the greatest impact on treatment efficacy.
Evaluating the Future: A Preliminary Study of the Process of How Undergraduate Students Evaluate Web Sources

In this article, Scholz‐Crane examines current practices among students in an entry‐level composition class. Students used in this study were divided into two groups. Each group was asked to read two separate Web documents. One group was asked to evaluate each site based on criteria supplied by Scholz‐Crane and then to comment on their overall conclusions about the validity of each site. The second group were asked to write essays detailing the criteria they would use to evaluate each Web site and then to draw conclusions about the validity of each site. The purpose of this preliminary study was to gain insight into how these students evaluate Web information and what implications this might have for teaching students to enhance their existing evaluation skills.
CIGARETTE SMOKE-INDUCED HYPERCAPNIC EMPHYSEMA IN C3H MICE IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASES OF MACROPHAGE METALLOELASTASE AND SUBSTANCE P IN THE LUNGS

The authors tested whether macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) and substance P (SP) were increased in the cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed female C3H/HeN mice with hypercapnic emphysema. The authors found that as compared to control (filtered air), 16 weeks of CS exposure significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of MMP-12, the ratio of MMP-12/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, and SP/preprotachykinin-A (a precursor to SP) in the lungs. Importantly, a significant correlation was found between MMP-12 and SP, and between MMP-12/SP and the degrees of hypoxemia/hypercapnia denoted in CS-exposed mice. These data suggest a possible involvement of SP and MMP-12 in the pathogenesis of severe COPD.
Detection of Geothermal Phosphite Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Little is known about the pre-biotic mechanisms that initiated the bioavailability of phosphorus, an element essential to life. A better understanding of phosphorus speciation in modern earth environments representative of early earth, may help to elucidate the origins of bioavailable phosphorus. This paper presents the first quantitative measurements of phosphite in a pristine geothermal pool representative of early earth. Phosphite and phosphate were initially identified and quantified in geothermal pool and stream samples at Hot Creek Gorge near Mammoth Lakes, California using suppressed conductivity ion chromatography. Results confirmed the presence of 0.06 ± 0.02 μM of phosphite and 0.05 ± 0.01 μM of phosphate in a geothermal pool. In the stream, phosphite concentrations were below detection limit (0.04 μM) and phosphate was measured at 1.06 ± 0.36 μM. The presence of phosphite in the geothermal pool was confirmed using both chemical oxidation and ion chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Aphid transmissibility of some purified viruses and viral RNA's.

Abstract Myzus persicae acquired purified cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) or alfalfa mosaic virus through a parafilm membrane in as little as 20 seconds. Suspending media with pH values which gave the most lesions in mechanical inoculations were best suited for use in aphid transmission studies. Aphid transmissibility of virus preparations generally decreased with a decrease in their titer. Preparations of low titer, which produced a few local lesions by mechanical inoculation, were not transmitted by aphids. Addition of sap extracts of infected plants to purified CMV preparations usually prevented their aphid transmissibility, but caused little decrease in lesions produced by mechanical inoculation. Purified preparations of cauliflower mosaic virus and turnip mosaic virus were not transmitted by aphids, although the ability of aphids to transmit these viruses from plants was not reduced by acquisition through parafilm. CMV-RNA was not transmitted by aphids, although intact virus of similar or lower titer (based on local lesion data) was transmitted. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and TMV-RNA preparations of high titer were not transmitted by aphids.
The Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) RNA Links Conformational Changes in the SRP to Protein Targeting

The RNA component of the signal recognition particle (SRP) is universally required for cotranslational protein targeting. Biochemical studies have shown that SRP RNA participates in the central step of protein targeting by catalyzing the interaction of the SRP with the SRP receptor (SR). SRP RNA also accelerates GTP hydrolysis in the SRP·SR complex once formed. Using a reverse-genetic and biochemical analysis, we identified mutations in the E. coli SRP protein, Ffh, that abrogate the activity of the SRP RNA and cause corresponding targeting defects in vivo. The mutations in Ffh that disrupt SRP RNA activity map to regions that undergo dramatic conformational changes during the targeting reaction, suggesting that the activity of the SRP RNA is linked to the major conformational changes in the signal sequence-binding subunit of the SRP. In this way, the SRP RNA may coordinate the interaction of the SRP and the SR with ribosome recruitment and transfer to the translocon, explaining why the SRP RNA is an indispensable component of the protein targeting machinery.
Publication Bias in Strategic Management Research

Publication bias is the systematic suppression of research findings due to small magnitude, statistical insignificance, or contradiction of prior findings or theory. We review possible reasons why publication bias may exist in strategy research and examine empirical evidence regarding the influence of publication bias in the field. Overall, we conclude that publication bias affects many, but not all, topics in strategic management research. Correlation inflation due to publication bias ranged in magnitude from .00, indicating no bias, to .19, representing considerable bias. These results suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting scientific conclusions regarding certain determinants of firm performance, while greater confidence may be expressed in others. We discuss how publication bias can be addressed both philosophically and empirically in the domain of strategy.
Evidence that NiNi acetyl-CoA synthase is active and that the CuNi enzyme is not.

The bifunctional CO dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase (CODH/ACS) plays a central role in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway of autotrophic CO2 fixation. One structure of the Moorella thermoacetica enzyme revealed that the active site of ACS (the A-cluster) consists of a (4Fe-4S) cluster bridged to a binuclear CuNi center with Cu at the proximal metal site (Mp) and Ni at the distal metal site (Md). In another structure of the same enzyme, Ni or Zn was present at Mp. On the basis of a positive correlation between ACS activity and Cu content, we had proposed that the Cu-containing enzyme is active (Seravalli, J., et al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100 , 3689-3694). Here we have reexamined this proposal. Enzyme preparations with a wider range of Ni (1.6-2.8) and Cu (0.2-1.1) stoichiometries per dimer were studied to reexamine the correlation, if any, between the Ni and Cu content and ACS activity. In addition, the effects of o-phenanthroline (which removes Ni but not Cu) and neocuproine (which removes Cu but not Ni) on ACS activity were determined. EXAFS results indicate that these chelators selectively remove Mp. Multifrequency EPR spectra (3-130 GHz) of the paramagnetic NiFeC state of the A-cluster were examined to investigate the electronic state of this proposed intermediate in the ACS reaction mechanism. The combined results strongly indicate that the CuNi enzyme is inactive, that the NiNi enzyme is active, and that the NiNi enzyme is responsible for the NiFeC EPR signal. The results also support an electronic structure of the NiFeC-eliciting species as a (4Fe-4S) 2+ (net S ) 0) cluster bridged to a Ni 1+ (S ) 1 /2 )a t M p that is bridged to planar four-coordinate Ni 2+ (S ) 0) at Md, with the spin predominantly on the Ni 1+ . Furthermore, these studies suggest that Mp is inserted during cell growth. The apparent vulnerability of the proximal metal site in the A-cluster to substitution with different metals appears to underlie the heterogeneity observed in samples that has confounded studies of CODH/ACS for many years. On the basis of this principle, a protocol to generate nearly homogeneous preparations of the active NiNi form of ACS was achieved with NiFeC signals of 0.8 spin/mol.
Formation of silicon carbide cluster cations and their reaction with acetylene. Unusual behavior of the disilicon carbide ions

Abstract Formation of silicon carbide cation clusters (SiC+y, y = 0–12 and Si2C+y, y = 0–11) by direct laser vaporization is reported. The reactions with acetylene were studied in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, and product branching ratios and rate constants are tabulated. Monosilicon carbide cations react similarly to pure carbon clusters to add C2H at a rate approximately half Langevin. These results are interpreted as favoring a linear SiC+y structure possessing a reactive carbene site. Disilicon carbide cations exhibit unusual non-linear kinetics: at first reacting slowly to add CH2, followed by an increase in reactivity and adduct formation. Carbon-13 labeling studies reveal that the Si2C+y (y > 1) reactant ions undergo carbon exchange with acetylene, catalyzing cleavage of the carbon-carbon triple bond!